OPS helmet cover

The past few years have really seen an upturn in the more realistic side of airsoft, with numerous specialist simulation games being run on military urban training areas by the likes of Stirling Airsoft and Tier 1 Airsoft to name just a couple. These Mil-Sims are usually very specific in their uniform requirements in an effort to make things more immersive with the organisers asking players to ensure that they adhere to them as closely as possible; it’s not at all unusual for this to be broken down into simply ‘tan and green’, with Multicam sliding into the tan camp. This of course has been picked up on by many of the manufacturers providing replica gear and you can now find just about any camo pattern you like!

Due to the nature of the sites that these simulation games usually take place on there has also been a flurry of activity when it comes to protective headwear. In the past to give protection from trips and overhead hazards many players resorted to using lightweight skate-type helmets, taking their cue from special operations forces such as the USN SEALS, but seeing this a potential market, numerous manufacturers started producing well-priced yet accurate replicas of military helmet models such as the IBH, MICH, FAST and Air-Frame.

Although these offer no ballistic protection (I sincerely hope we never need that in airsoft!) they do keep you a little safer if you take a trip onto the hard concrete of an urban site, or crack your head on a window frame whilst entering a building, and though well-priced you’re still going to be looking at laying out £50-60 for a decent, well-made one.

You can buy models in specific camouflage patterns, but until recently you’d need to own a couple to adhere to even simple ‘tan or green’ uniform requirements.

OPS Upside Your Head

Luckily this has all changed! Optimal Performance Systems (OPS) was established in 2005, and have rapidly developed into a well-known tactical gear and clothing brand, working directly with camouflage fabric manufacturers to bring genuine patterns to the airsoft market at reasonable prices. Their gear is made of genuine highquality materials to ensure durability and protection. Their uniform designs are quirky yet very effective, and they’ve been one of the first companies to recognise the helmet trend and react to it with a range of covers in an array of camouflage patterns.

OPS currently have covers for both the FAST and Air-Frame style helmets. For the FAST they offer all three A-TACS variants, AOR 1 and 2, PenCott GreenZone, all of the Kryptek patterns, MARPAT, Multicam and even the new Multicam Black and Tropic. For the Air-Frame they offer AOR 1 and 2, Multicam and Kryptek Mandrake although I’m certain there will be more patterns to follow!

 

Flip Your Lid

The covers are good value at £26.50, as that’s half the price that a spare lid would set you back! They are very well put together using excellent quality materials, and are quick and easy to fit, simply sliding over the helmet shell and being held in place by connecting directly to the Velcro attachment points on the different models. The covers themselves replicate the original Velcro patches so that you can fit any patches or accessories just as you would without them.

I’ve been using a PenCott GreenZone cover on my FAST replica for some time now, and it really does help to complete that overall loadout. Whatever your choice of camouflage pattern may be, OPS Tactical probably have a helmet cover just for you! For more information and to purchase please visit www.hueys.co.uk.