The U.S.-based head protection specialist Team Wendy from Cleveland, Ohio, which is part of Avon, has begun delivering the EXFIL Endurance to its first customer in the Middle East. The company announced this on October 27, 2026. Team Wendy is a leading provider of head protection systems for law enforcement agencies, the military, and search and rescue services. With the delivery, the company also announces the introduction of the EXFIL Endurance — its latest ballistic helmet system for military and police users. The unnamed first customer in the Middle East will thus equip his ground forces.
The EXFIL Endurance consists of a helmet shell made of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in the characteristic EXFIL geometry. As the newest, ultralight helmet in Team Wendy’s ballistic portfolio (weight: 2.29 pounds / 1.04 kilograms), it offers, according to the manufacturer, exceptional comfort, excellent energy absorption, and protection during long-duration missions.
The EXFIL Endurance is based on Ceradyne Ballistic Technology: It features no through-holes, while rails and NVG mount are mechanically fastened. The patented Seamless Shell construction ensures the continuous fiber structure and thus provides uncompromising ballistic protective performance.
The helmet system is equipped with the EXFIL Endurance Air Fit interior padding system, which is based on Team Wendy’s ZORBIUM foam technology — the result of extensive company research into preventing traumatic brain injuries. This proven technology provides industry-leading impact protection while remaining lightweight. Integrated air channels, optimized heat dissipation, cooling textile materials, and strategically placed cooling pads ensure improved breathability. In addition, the system features the CAM FIT precision mounting system with cable-driven BOA adjustment at the back of the head, delivering high wearing comfort, stability, and a comfortable fit throughout the entire mission day.
Equipped with a flat, reinforced and impact-resistant polycarbonate rail system (with a “Reverse Dovetail” profile) for a variety of accessory options, an NVG mount with improved retention lanyards for greater stability when using night vision devices, as well as Velcro surfaces that enable optimal cable management and integration of communications headsets, the EXFIL Endurance increases the operational effectiveness of tactical users.
The proven Team Wendy technologies offer, according to the company, a market-leading level of protection. The performance standards of the EXFIL Endurance include:
- NIJ III-A / HG2 (per NIJ STD 0106/0108.01)
- 17-grain projectile, V50 ≥ 2400 ft/s (731 m/s) – fragment protection
- 9-mm full metal jacket (FMJ RN) at 1195 ft/s (365 m/s); BFD (Backface Deformation) < 25.4 mm at all test points
- Exceeds the requirements for blunt impact protection according to ACH Standard AR/PD10-02 of December 16, 2013
“Carrying weight on the head for hours has a cumulative effect. It can lead to fatigue and ultimately impair concentration for the task at hand,” explains Daron Shank, Product Category Director at Team Wendy. “Reducing this burden is of real value — but must not come at the expense of ballistic protection.”
“This approach is also reflected in the Endurance’s ‘No-through-hole’ helmet technology: Because the ballistic material is not perforated, the structural integrity of the shell is preserved, while at the same time providing a stable platform for mission-critical equipment.”
In this way, the new model complements the already long-standing Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Helmet with its Rail 3.0. This also uses the hybrid composite helmet shell for increased strength and a unique geometry for optimal fit. The multifunctional EXFIL Rail 3.0 offers mounting options for all common accessories and the integration of EXFIL Ballistic Visor and EXFIL Face Shield. In addition, the helmets feature a Wilcox NVG mount/interface for attaching night vision devices and lamps.
The three-part helmet padding with Zorbium foam impact liner, featuring 16 individual comfort pads in two thicknesses (Berry-compliant), is adjustable, provides state-of-the-art impact protection, and maximum comfort. They exceed ACH requirements for blunt impacts per AR/PD10-02, 16Dec’13 — averaging under 70 g for all impacts and temperatures. The Zorbium foam insert protects against impacts and enables the use of a hearing protection headband. The interchangeable comfort pads allow a personalized fit and come with a water-repellent film and antimicrobial fabric cover.
Other features of both helmets:
- High-cut helmet shell with a unique geometry for optimal fit
- Matte, non-reflective surface with Velcro surfaces
- Wilcox W-Shroud for NVG mounts, compatible with lanyard systems
- Team Wendy EXFIL Rail 3.0 for attaching accessory systems
Author: André Forkert, Defense Correspondent
