On Monday, April 27, 2026, the U.S. company Team Wendy of Cleveland, Ohio, part of Avon Technologies PLC, announced the market launch of a new protective helmet called the RECON Tactical, designed for the military, security forces, training units, and search-and-rescue (SAR) responders.
Firefighter wearing a RECON Tactical helmet during the evacuation of casualties from a vehicle / Photos: Team Wendy
RECON Tactical combines a streamlined profile, protection, a secure fit, and broad accessory compatibility in a single, flexible offering for various environments. Its development was the result of a dedicated research initiative aimed at better understanding how today’s first responders operate, with additional input from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responders, firefighters, the United States Coast Guard, and other highly specialized teams.
Built for Service
In creating RECON Tactical, Team Wendy focused on protection against head impacts and falling objects, accessory compatibility, and a comfortable, long-lasting fit to create a protective helmet that is as versatile as the professionals who rely on it. Features include military interfaces for headsets, lighting, and goggles, including night vision goggles (NVG), with a machined aluminum shroud; bungee cords with hooks to stabilize front-mounted accessories; side rails; and external Velcro hook-and-loop panels.
The low-profile hybrid shell, reinforced with a carbon fiber crown, gives the RECON Tactical helmet a streamlined shape and added strength, while also providing a secure feel on the head:
- The CAM FIT retention system uses cam-lock sliders, allowing simple one-handed adjustment.
- The BOA dial stabilizes the helmet’s weight by distributing light, even pressure across the head, similar to a baseball cap.
- ZORBIUM foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads provide a balance of impact absorption, airflow, and long-term support.
- Customers can also choose a mandible guard or a sport-fit option, depending on their needs and preferences.
“RECON™ Tactical is the most advanced, highest-performing bump helmet in our portfolio,” said Bryan Javorek, Product Category Manager, Team Wendy. “Patent coverage is issued or is pending on several components and systems, which speaks to the engineering behind this helmet and the way it brings protection, stability and utility together.”
“A few things keep coming up in the early feedback from rescue professionals and field evaluators: the light feel, small profile and better airflow, all right out of the box. And from there, they start noticing the details like the carbon fiber crown, mounting options and the overall thoughtfulness behind it. It gives us confidence that the design is resonating the way we hoped it would.”
Launching in M/L and XL sizes in red, yellow, black, white, and brown, the RECON Tactical can be further customized with vent covers and reflective tape kits. A SOLAS kit will be available to meet high-visibility requirements for SAR missions.
The helmet provides impact protection in accordance with EN 12492:2012 for mountaineering helmets, EN 1385:2012 for whitewater helmets, NATO AEP 2902-Method H, and U.S. ACH AR/PD 14-02 for combat helmets – standards that reflect the flexibility of its engineering across different missions.
Team Wendy emphasizes its commitment to protecting people exposed to danger every day and continues to advance head protection through applied research, collaboration with end users, and rigorous design and development aimed at reducing the risk of head injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI).