The Compass Armor FAST3A is a High Cut ballistic helmet built on an Aramid Kevlar shell, rated to NIJ IIIA (tested to NIJ standard 0106.01 for ballistic helmets). Weighing 1.55 kg (3 lbs. 4 oz.) in size L and 1.65 kg (3 lbs. 7 oz.) in size XL, it ships with a VAS aluminum shroud, STANAG-compatible side rails, and an Occ-Dial retention system — giving law enforcement, security professionals, and prepared civilians a ready-to-mount ballistic platform in two sizes: L (54–59 cm / 21–23 in) and XL (59–62 cm / 23–25 in).

Who this is for

• Law enforcement and security personnel who need NIJ IIIA handgun protection with an NVG-ready shroud and side-rail mounting system already installed.
• Prepared civilians and range shooters seeking a tested ballistic helmet with a complete accessory kit — rails, shroud, bungee cords, and Picatinny adapter — at a practical price point.
• Tactical professionals who run night-vision gear and require a VAS shroud plus wing-loc adapter out of the box without sourcing separate hardware.

Threat rating and standard

The FAST3A shell is rated to NIJ IIIA under NIJ standard 0106.01, the dedicated ballistic test standard for helmets. NIJ IIIA covers high-velocity handgun threats including 9mm and .44 Magnum. Like all wearable ballistic helmets, this shell does not provide protection against rifle-caliber threats such as 5.56x45 or 7.62x51 — no production helmet currently achieves that level while remaining wearable.

The ballistic shell covers a protection area of 0.12 sq. m. Each helmet ships with a test report confirming ballistic performance.

Shell material and construction

The shell is constructed from Aramid Kevlar ballistic material. The interior uses heat-sealed memory sponge pads along the crown and back-head positions, supplemented by EPP (expanded polypropylene) inner pads at the sides, top, and back-head. This pad arrangement distributes impact energy across the shell interior and allows the fit to be tuned by adding or removing pad sections.

Suspension and retention

Retention is handled by an Occ-Dial system — a tool-free dial at the rear of the helmet that cinches or releases the internal band against the circumference of the head. Combined with the EPP pad kit, the system accommodates heads from 54 cm to 62 cm across the two available sizes. Two side-fit EPP pads, two top-fit EPP pads, and one back-head EPP pad are included. A bungee cord set and Velcro mounting strips (two top, one back, two top-side) are also included for accessories and covers.

Mount compatibility

The FAST3A ships fully equipped for accessory mounting. The VAS aluminum-alloy shroud at the front brow accepts NVG monoculars and binocular night-vision devices. Two STANAG-compatible side rails, molded from high-strength nylon, run along both sides of the shell and accept standard ARC-pattern accessories including lights, cameras, and communication devices. A Picatinny adapter and a wing-loc adapter are included in the kit, broadening compatibility with aftermarket mounting hardware.

Sizing

The FAST3A is available in two sizes. Size L fits head circumferences of 54–59 cm (21–23 in) and weighs 1.55 kg (3 lbs. 4 oz.). Size XL fits head circumferences of 59–62 cm (23–25 in) and weighs 1.65 kg (3 lbs. 7 oz.). To measure, wrap a soft tape around the widest part of your head — approximately 2.5 cm above the eyebrows and level across the back of the skull. Contact us if you are between sizes or need help selecting.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

Can this helmet be shipped to my state?

It depends on your location. This helmet cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. Additional state or local restrictions may apply — confirm your local regulations before ordering.

What does NIJ IIIA mean for a helmet?

NIJ IIIA is a handgun-threat protection level. For helmets, it is tested under NIJ standard 0106.01 and covers high-velocity handgun rounds including 9mm and .44 Magnum. It does not provide protection against rifle rounds. The FAST3A ships with a test report confirming this rating.

Will this helmet stop rifle rounds?

No. NIJ IIIA ballistic helmets are rated for handgun threats only. No production ballistic helmet currently achieves rifle-round (Level III or IV) protection at a wearable weight. For environments involving rifle threats, additional hard armor protection for the body is the appropriate solution.

How do I know which size to order?

Measure the circumference of your head approximately 2.5 cm above your eyebrows, keeping the tape level around the back of your skull. Size L covers 54–59 cm (21–23 in); size XL covers 59–62 cm (23–25 in). Contact us if your measurement falls at the boundary between sizes.

Does this helmet come with NVG mounts and rails already installed?

Yes. The FAST3A ships with the VAS aluminum-alloy shroud, two STANAG side rails, a Picatinny adapter, and a wing-loc adapter all included in the box. No additional purchase is required to mount standard NVG devices or ARC-compatible accessories.

What is the warranty on the ballistic components?

The ballistic components carry a 5-year warranty from the date of purchase. Contact us with any warranty questions or claims.