CARBONDALE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 19, 2026--
Gentex Corporation announced the launch of the newly re-designed Ops-Core FAST XP Helmet System, a ballistic helmet solution purpose built and priced for law enforcement. Designed to meet the real-world needs of specialized units, tactical teams, and patrol officers, the FAST XP Helmet System delivers uncompromising protection, comfort, and stability for missions that require extended use and absolute reliability.
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Building on the proven performance of its predecessor, the new FAST XP helmet system introduces a fully NIJ lllA (sometimes referred to as NIJ 3A) and HG2-certified ballistic shell, available in both high-cut and mid-cut geometries, along with new advancements in fit, comfort, and system integration tailored specifically for law-enforcement operations.
“This launch marks a major milestone for our company and an ongoing commitment to law enforcement professionals who keep our communities safe,” said Fred Grimm, VP of Commercial Sales Americas at Gentex Corporation. “The FAST XP Helmet System is built on decades of military pedigree but engineered specifically for the realities of the badge. It delivers the protection, stability, and all-day comfort officers need, backed by the quality and reliability they expect from Gentex.”
Purpose-Built Protection for the Law Enforcement Mission
The new FAST XP Helmet System introduces multiple enhancements that establish a new performance baseline for law enforcement ballistic helmets:
Headquartered in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, Gentex Corporation draws on a 130-year legacy of delivering high-performance protective equipment to those who serve, at home and around the world.
This launch is the first in a series of law enforcement focused product releases planned for 2026, as Gentex advances its commitment to supporting agencies with integrated, modern, and mission-ready headborne solutions. Discover the new FAST XP Helmet System here.
About Gentex Corporation
Part of Gentex Corporation’s portfolio for defense, emergency response, and security forces, the focus, and dedication of the company’s Ops-Core brand remains the same – protecting elite forces. The modular, scalable, open-architecture design of Ops-Core products allows for seamless integration and true system level performance.
Designed to meet the real-world needs of specialized units, tactical teams, and patrol officers, the FAST XP Helmet System delivers uncompromising protection, comfort, and stability for missions that require extended use and absolute reliability.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 Conference is ditching its slippery new glass floor for a hardwood court for the final two days of the tournament.
“After consultation with the coaches of our four semifinal teams, I have decided that in order to provide our student-athletes with the greatest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will transition to a hardwood court for the remainder of the tournament," Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement Thursday night. "We look forward to a great semifinals and championship game.”
There were numerous instances where players appeared to slip, even slightly, when trying to plant. On Thursday, Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson strained a muscle slipping in the No. 16 Red Raiders' 75-63 loss to No. 7 Iowa State.
The Big 12 announced last month that it would play the men’s and women’s tournaments on the surface, which is produced by ASB GlassFloor and has been used at the NBA All-Star Game and in Europe but never before during an official competition in the United States.
“I personally didn’t have any involvement (in the decision to go to hardwood),” Kansas coach Bill Self after his No. 14 Jayhawks beat TCU 78-73 on Thursday night in the last game played on the glass floor. “If the other coaches are doing it, (they) have juice and they got more than I got. Because I didn’t have any any involvement with that at all.”
Then he added, “I think it’s the right thing to do.”
Rather than traditional wood, the floor has an aluminum and steel spring-action design that is supposed to mimic the flexibility of hardwood. The LED panels, which allow the league to display everything from data-driven graphics to advertising, have ceramic coating and little dots etched into the glass that are supposed to create grip that is consistent with traditional surfaces.
The ball seems to bounce like usual, though with a different “thudding” sound. There are a whole lot more squeaks from sneakers than usual. But the biggest difference has been the traction: Numerous players have slipped when they might not otherwise.
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TCU guard Jayden Pierre (1) shoots under pressure from Kansas guards Jamari McDowell (11) and Tre White (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
FILE - Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark addresses the media during the NCAA college Big 12 women's basketball media day, Oct. 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
