I'm constantly exploring new night vision accessories in search or better or less expensive options. The latest accessory that I have been testing the last few months is the Cadex 643-PL night vision mount. It's design borrows heavily from other mounts on the market, but does have some unique features. Before I really get in to it, the topic of night vision mounts is pretty subjective. For instance, some people love the INVG, but even for a single 14, the TATM is still my personal favorite. Not for any technical reason, but probably because that is what I was issued, therefor, it is muscle memory to manipulate the TATM in the dark. There are better mounts out there, but I like that one.
This mount was issued in small numbers to the brown water navy. I haven't spoken with any RIVRON guys that were issued them to see if they liked them or not, but I have my guesses. I can see where it would be nice to have polymer gear in a high moisture environment.
Probably the best thing this mount has going for it is it's relatively light weight and its versatility. The most advantageous feature is that you can use either interface, dovetail or bayonet, with this mount. It comes with both adapters, and both can be left on the mount at all times so you don't lose the one not in use, if you choose.
Here is a picture of both adapters on the mount.
Another positive is that it comes with a dovetail J-arm similar to Wilcox's. The bonus? You can find the mount, both adapters, and a dovetail J-arm for under $50 on ebay. That means you are getting a dovetail J-Arm for a little more than free. I used the included J-arm with a Wilcox G24, TATM, AKA2, Rhino II, and the Cadex. It worked equally well on each mount. So, I am happy with what I paid for the mount, even if all I got was the dovetail J-arm.
The dovetail J-arm by itself...
I have never like force-to-overcome mounts as much as the alternative. However, this mount could be the exception. It is a force-to-overcome mount (meaning there are not buttons to be pushed to go from the active position, to the stowed position, and vice versa) but, it is adjustable so that the user can manipulate the mount so that it requires a specific amount of force to raise or lower the mount. I do like that feature, though the knob used to adjust said tension (pictured below) is a little bulky.
Pitch control is located on the left side and works pretty much like any other pitch control lever.
In both pictures above you can see the vertical adjustment knob at the top of the mount, which works identically to several Norotos offerings, but is not quite as smooth.
Overall, I can see a market for this mount, with some caveat's.
1) It is far superior to the legacy rhino mount in every aspect accept one...it is bulkier (as seen below).
2) Number 1 is only true if you pay used price ($150 or less would be my comfort zone). Retail is something like $435. There is absolutely no way I would pay the same price for this as I would a new G24.
Pro's:
It is relatively cheap when purchased used.
Relatively light.
Huge bonus: Can utilize either dovetail or bayonet interface.
Adjustable tension for raise/lower.
Everything locks up solid...much more so than the traditional J-arm in a legacy rhino mount.
Corrosion resistance.
It has a HUGE amount of vertical adjustment.
Con's:
Retail price is insane.
It is bulky when compared to other common mounts on the market.
It has a little flex when used with heavier systems like dual 14's, PVS-21's, or PVS-15's.
Durability is undetermined at this point. In the last few months I have actually not been clotheslined or fallen on my face while wearing nod's. This is extremely rare for me to go more than a week without one or the other (usually both) happening. So, unfortunately I didn't get any durability testing in. I will say though, I would be pretty confident that it would hold up well considering the amount of material present.
This mount was issued in small numbers to the brown water navy. I haven't spoken with any RIVRON guys that were issued them to see if they liked them or not, but I have my guesses. I can see where it would be nice to have polymer gear in a high moisture environment.
Probably the best thing this mount has going for it is it's relatively light weight and its versatility. The most advantageous feature is that you can use either interface, dovetail or bayonet, with this mount. It comes with both adapters, and both can be left on the mount at all times so you don't lose the one not in use, if you choose.
Here is a picture of both adapters on the mount.
Another positive is that it comes with a dovetail J-arm similar to Wilcox's. The bonus? You can find the mount, both adapters, and a dovetail J-arm for under $50 on ebay. That means you are getting a dovetail J-Arm for a little more than free. I used the included J-arm with a Wilcox G24, TATM, AKA2, Rhino II, and the Cadex. It worked equally well on each mount. So, I am happy with what I paid for the mount, even if all I got was the dovetail J-arm.
The dovetail J-arm by itself...
I have never like force-to-overcome mounts as much as the alternative. However, this mount could be the exception. It is a force-to-overcome mount (meaning there are not buttons to be pushed to go from the active position, to the stowed position, and vice versa) but, it is adjustable so that the user can manipulate the mount so that it requires a specific amount of force to raise or lower the mount. I do like that feature, though the knob used to adjust said tension (pictured below) is a little bulky.
Pitch control is located on the left side and works pretty much like any other pitch control lever.
In both pictures above you can see the vertical adjustment knob at the top of the mount, which works identically to several Norotos offerings, but is not quite as smooth.
Overall, I can see a market for this mount, with some caveat's.
1) It is far superior to the legacy rhino mount in every aspect accept one...it is bulkier (as seen below).
2) Number 1 is only true if you pay used price ($150 or less would be my comfort zone). Retail is something like $435. There is absolutely no way I would pay the same price for this as I would a new G24.
Pro's:
It is relatively cheap when purchased used.
Relatively light.
Huge bonus: Can utilize either dovetail or bayonet interface.
Adjustable tension for raise/lower.
Everything locks up solid...much more so than the traditional J-arm in a legacy rhino mount.
Corrosion resistance.
It has a HUGE amount of vertical adjustment.
Con's:
Retail price is insane.
It is bulky when compared to other common mounts on the market.
It has a little flex when used with heavier systems like dual 14's, PVS-21's, or PVS-15's.
Durability is undetermined at this point. In the last few months I have actually not been clotheslined or fallen on my face while wearing nod's. This is extremely rare for me to go more than a week without one or the other (usually both) happening. So, unfortunately I didn't get any durability testing in. I will say though, I would be pretty confident that it would hold up well considering the amount of material present.
