Helmet Rail Adapters

A Helmet Rail Adapter allows you to mount a compatible tactical headset directly onto a tactical helmet. This replaces the headset’s traditional headband, creating a comfortable, stable and professional communication set. A helmet-mounted headset offers greater comfort and freedom of movement, particularly during longer skirmishes, milsim events and training sessions.

Go straight to the right information:
• Why choose helmet rail adapters?
• Why mount a headset on your helmet?
• Compatibility is incredibly important
• Professional use
• What should you look out for when buying a helmet rail adapter?
• Frequently asked questions 

In this category, you’ll find helmet rail adaptors from Earmor, FMA and Z-Tactical. The range comprises ARC rail adaptors and EXF rail adaptors, each designed for a specific rail system. It is therefore important to check carefully in advance which adaptor is suitable for your helmet.

Whether you want to upgrade an existing headset or put together a complete helmet setup, with the right rail adaptors you can ensure your tactical headset is fitted securely and comfortably.

Why choose Helm Rail Adapters?

Many players start out with a headset fitted with a headband. However, once a FAST Helmet is added later on, the headband can become less comfortable. A Helmet Rail Adapter offers a practical solution to this problem.

Attaching the headset directly to the helmet creates a more stable and comfortable setup. What’s more, the headset stays in place better whilst moving and there is more space under the helmet.

A Helmet Rail Adapter offers the following benefits, amongst others:

• Greater comfort during long ski trips.
• No more headband under the helmet.
• Secure fastening of the headset.
• Greater freedom of movement.
• Give your loadout a professional look.

Helmet rail adaptors enable compatible tactical headsets to be securely attached to a helmet. Together with a two-way radio and Push-to-Talk (PTT), they form a complete communication solution. Would you like to find out more about the various components? Then take a look at our Tactical Communication & Headsets category.

Why fit a headset to your helmet?

A headset with a headband works very well, but if you regularly wear a tactical helmet, a helmet mount might be more comfortable.

As the headband is no longer needed, there is less pressure on the head and the helmet often fits better. In addition, the headset stays in place more securely whilst you’re moving, and you can easily fold it away when you’re not using it.

For players who regularly take part in woodland skirmishes, milsim events or training sessions whilst wearing a full tactical kit, a helmet-mounted headset is therefore often the most comfortable solution.

Compatibility is incredibly important

When it comes to helmet rail adaptors, compatibility is one of the key considerations. This is because not every adaptor fits every helmet. Although many tactical helmets look similar, there are different rail systems that are not interchangeable.

Our range includes, amongst other things, ARC rail adaptors and EXF rail adaptors.

• ARC Rail Adapters have been developed for helmets that use an ARC Rail system, such as many FAST Helmets.
• EXF Rail Adapters are specially designed for EXF Helmets, which feature a different rail system. These adapters are therefore not interchangeable with standard ARC Rail Adapters.

In addition, the combination of helmet and adapter also plays an important role.

Our practical experience shows that:

• FMA Rail Adapters fit perfectly with FMA FAST Helmets.
• If you’re using an Emerson FAST Helmet, the Z-Tactical Rail Adapters usually provide a better fit.

You should therefore always check both the type of rail system on your helmet and the compatibility of the chosen rail adapter. That way, you can be sure that your headset is securely fitted and stays comfortably in place during every skirmish or training session.

Professional use

Helmet rail adaptors are widely used by military units, the police and security services that use tactical helmets and communications systems. Mounting a headset directly onto the helmet provides a stable and ergonomic solution that can be worn comfortably for long periods.

Helm Rail Adapters are also hugely popular within the airsoft community, particularly during woodland skirmishes and milsim events where players wear a FAST Helmet or similar tactical helmet. As well as offering greater comfort, a helmet-mounted headset creates a sleek, professional and practical loadout.

What should you look out for when buying a helmet rail adapter?

Not every rail adapter fits every helmet or headset. You should therefore always check in advance which model is suitable for your equipment.

Please note, amongst other things:

• Which rail system your helmet uses (ARC or EXF).
• Compatibility with your headset.
• Compatibility with your helmet brand.
• The quality of the fixing points.
• The option to fold the headset up or to the side.
• Comfort during prolonged use.

After fitting, take the time to adjust the position of the headset properly. A correctly adjusted headset fits more snugly against the ears, prevents unnecessary pressure points and is considerably more comfortable to wear during longer skirmishes or training sessions.

Common mistakes

When purchasing a Helm Rail Adapter, people often make the same mistakes.

Common mistakes include:

• Thinking that any rail adapter will fit any tactical helmet.
• Do not distinguish between ARC Rail and EXF rail systems.
• Just look at the headset and not at the helmet’s compatibility.
• Using an FMA adapter on a helmet for which a different adapter provides a better fit.
• Failing to adjust the headset properly after fitting it, meaning it does not fit properly or is uncomfortable to wear.
• I forgot to check whether the adapter is compatible with that particular brand of headset.

Frequently Asked Questions about Helm Rail Adapters

What is a Helm Rail Adapter?
A Helm Rail Adapter enables a compatible tactical headset to be mounted directly onto a tactical helmet. This eliminates the need for the traditional headband, resulting in a more comfortable and stable wearing solution.

Does every Helmet Rail Adapter fit every helmet?
No. Helmets can use different rail systems. You should therefore always check whether your helmet is fitted with an ARC Rail system or an EXF Rail system and choose an adapter designed for that system.

What is the difference between ARC Rail and EXF?
An ARC Rail Adapter is designed for helmets with a standard ARC Rail system, such as many FAST Helmets. EXF Rail Adapters have been specially developed for EXF Helmets, which use a different rail system. These systems are not interchangeable.

Which rail adapter fits my helmet best?
In our experience, FMA Rail Adapters fit FMA FAST Helmets perfectly. If you’re using an Emerson FAST Helmet, the Z-Tactical Rail Adapters generally provide a better fit.

Can I continue to use my existing headset?
That depends on the make and model of the headset. Always check that the rail adapter you’ve chosen is compatible with your headset before purchasing it.

With the right Helmet Rail Adapter from Earmor, FMA or Z-Tactical, you can mount your tactical headset securely and comfortably on your helmet. Discover our range of ARC Rail Adapters and EXF Rail Adapters and choose the model that suits your helmet, headset and tactical equipment.