REVIEW: Ops-Core FAST High Cut (alte Generation)

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Usually we make sure to present you the latest stuff. This time it's different. This is a grandpa - and we don't mean the gentleman wearing the helmet on his head, but the helmet itself. Ops-Core (the company has since been acquired by Gentex) is nowadays standard in many armies, here we see the beginning of the story: an Ops-Core FAST High Cut in a very early production batch, probably 2009/2010, maybe even Generation 1. That's why we want to show you this helmet and its details.

Don't be confused: of course, the special feature of the Ops-Core FAST High Cut is that it has rails. Not here. Note the unsightly, thick edge that runs around and is normally hidden by the rail.

However, you sometimes see pictures of, for example, SEALs who have removed the rails. This is how the helmet looks without the shell.

Ops-Core started its business with harnesses for helmets. Classic Ops-Core straps are installed here.

Other side: You can see from the shadow that a rail used to be here. The helmet light is directly mounted on the FAST with a clip.

The Velcro on the back is cut to fit between the ends of the rails. Here, an MS2000 Strobe is used as a night vision device marker. Looks bulky, larger than other VIP lights, but it works. Note the simple way it is mounted with adhesive Velcro on the MS2000 and the adhesive strip as an additional safety feature.

And of course, there is Velcro on top. In the light, the rough texture of the helmet can also be seen nicely.

And this is the corresponding rail. You can see that it has been through a lot and carries a few layers of paint. Also interesting is that it is a black rail, not Tan.

Experts can tell from the bungees that they are very old. This type of night vision device securing only existed at the very beginning. In the photos below, you can see that it is now a simple hook.

The original VAS shroud from the helmet ...

... was replaced by a Wilcox L2G05 as a night vision device holder. SEAL Style indeed ...

The look inside is surprising, as it looks very different from helmets today. It is white, not black.

The markings: Ops-Core logo on the shell and the size designation M/L. The original markings "Head-Loc" can also be seen on the harness clips.

The helmet is quite worn out and chipped at the front edge. You can see the black carbon layer under at least two layers of paint.

The white K