Features

The Devtac Ronin Level IIIA Mask Is Now Being Tested By The SAS

OptimusPrime

Ever since Wesley Shibata of Devtac contacted Popular Airsoft in 2012 about his creation, the Devtac Ronin Kevlar Mask that he initially designed for airsoft use, his product has gone a long way from its original airsoft use to an actual tactical product that has ballistic protection properties.

Wesley has been on that since the beginning when he explained to us he has a product roadmap, starting with an ultralight fibre mesh but with plans to incorporate Kevlar. Though at that time, whilst it is ready to take up to 10 layers of Kevlar, he did not claim it can provide ballistic protection yet but it was the plan in the future. We do like his candor but his vision to take his product to achieve Level IIIA which is the highest level in soft body armour was done according to plan. Another level that he may achieve soon is the trust that operators of special forces may give to it as they are now testing it.

With the SAS now testing it, the Devtac Ronin Mask may just be an essential equipment by  Tier 1 operators if the troops from one of the world’s most elite special units will accept it and use it future deployments. According to the Daily Mail, in a story shared by Wesley on the Devtac Japan Facebook page, which is also covered by other UK newspapers and tabloids, the SAS are testing a “Star Wars” helmet to fight terror.  It is a bit lazy for the reporters to call it a “Star Wars” helmet as it is actually based on the Army of Two mask design that many airsofters and video gamers are familiar with.

When it achieved a Level IIIA in ballistic protection, it means the Devtac Ronin Mask can stop .44 Magnum and AK-47 rounds (Devtac reminded us the Level IIIA does not stop rifle rounds). What we know about the Devtac Ronin Mask is that it also has anti-fog features, but in the news reports on the version of the mask being tested by the SAS, it has GPS tracking so that the operator can locate troop positions, air conditioning to protect against heat and gases, heat seeking technology (thermal viewer?) and dig this --- a “friend or foe” feature to pick up signals from other wearers of the mask. We do not know which company Devtac joined forces with for the additional features as before they teamed up with Armour Wear to enhance its ballistic protection capabilities. Additional protection it provides is from shrapnel, blasts, and fire.

Apart from the SAS, U.S. special operations units such as the Delta Force and Navy SEALs have used the helmet. But so far, we have not heard if these are already in the official kit list of these operators or perhaps used for certain missions.

We wonder if there is still a Devtac mask being made for airsoft though there is a replica that was made under the “Wosport” brand. But we can understand if the company is busy working on their mask that is designed to protect the troops and pushing the technology even further.

The Latest News

Feature Story

Airsoft Guns and Gear Reviews