Night Vision Crye Precision Night Cap Now Available at TNVC

[Eric-TNVC]

Solving the problem of wearing NVGs when you don’t need a helmet, the NightCap™ is great for low-vis needs, general recce work, and even hunting. Stuff it in your pocket until needed and then just clip your NVGs in for a lightweight and stable option when a helmet is not needed. Packs down to practically nothing. Feels like wearing a baseball hat. Simple, adjustable, and breathable. The NightCap™ was designed with cooperation from key user groups, and is now available to everyone.

FEATURES:

No helmet needed to use NVGs
Highly adjustable headband and chin strap
Stable and comfortable
Battery pack attachment
Simple low-profile chin strap
Cable routing channels
Padded structural support for NVG mount

The Nightcap™ is an innovative product from Crye Precision. It fills a niche need for a non-helmet NVG platform, but is unlike anything else on the market. While it doesn’t look like much, the Nightcap™ can support the weight of a dual-tube NVG and has pile tape on the back for mounting a remote battery pack or counterweight. The strap system is easy to adjust and the brow pad is comfortable. The Nightcap™ does not come with a shroud or mount. The carbon fiber substrate that provides rigidity to the front of the platform is pre-drilled for both 3 and 4-hole NVG shrouds. The user simply chooses which type of shroud and pokes holes through the front and back fabric pieces in order to attach it with screws.
One size fits all.


Pick up yours today!

 

[pizzamanny]

That is a nice product. Easier than messing with an adapter for a non drilled helmet. Good price also.

 

[Strykervet]

Shit, I wish I'd known about this, I JUST picked up an order two days ago, and I'd have added this to it! And yeah, it IS a nice price.

Definitely get one on the next order. I'd like something that works like a helmet but isn't a helmet and isn't a skull crusher either. Worth a try. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

 

[Strykervet]

Oh, if that carbon fiber substrate you attach the shroud to is anything like the Airframe helmet, you'll seriously wanna consider getting slightly longer screws at ACE Hardware and a suitable, wide washer, as well as one or two rubber fender washers to cut to size. Stack the metal one on first, then the cut rubber one (cut to same size as the metal one) and attach that from the rear. This prevents delamination and buckling of the carbon fiber. Tighten shroud and use a file to take the screw down flush with the shroud nut. Won't alter the performance at all, won't damage the carbon fiber at all either. Win/win.

Crye won't warrant the helmet/item if you damage it installing the shroud yourself. Ask me how I know all of this.

This ain't gonna stop me from getting one, just saying "heads up" because that carbon fiber is easy to damage with small screw heads under torque. The shroud kits don't take carbon fiber into consideration, so a little DIY goes a long way here IME.

 

[Victor-TNVC]

Shit, I wish I'd known about this, I JUST picked up an order two days ago, and I'd have added this to it! And yeah, it IS a nice price.

Definitely get one on the next order. I'd like something that works like a helmet but isn't a helmet and isn't a skull crusher either. Worth a try. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

I agree wholeheartedly on this new product. It's worth it's price in gold for all those users who want comfort from the dreaded "skull crushers!" And the price is also fantastic.


All good...Since you missed this one from a few days ago. Place the order and tell Jaimie we will ship this for free.

P.S. Just got word, we've been selling the you know what out of this...ONE Multicam left and a few black

Vic

 

[shooter6.5]

Looks like a great option. Has any of your staff worn this for about an hour or so with the 14 on it--and if so what was their thoughts after that period of time. Crye makes great gear. I have a lot of thier apparel and thier chest rig and it is all top notch!!

TIA

 

[glock63]

Oh, if that carbon fiber substrate you attach the shroud to is anything like the Airframe helmet, you'll seriously wanna consider getting slightly longer screws at ACE Hardware and a suitable, wide washer, as well as one or two rubber fender washers to cut to size. Stack the metal one on first, then the cut rubber one (cut to same size as the metal one) and attach that from the rear. This prevents delamination and buckling of the carbon fiber. Tighten shroud and use a file to take the screw down flush with the shroud nut. Won't alter the performance at all, won't damage the carbon fiber at all either. Win/win.

Crye won't warrant the helmet/item if you damage it installing the shroud yourself. Ask me how I know all of this.

This ain't gonna stop me from getting one, just saying "heads up" because that carbon fiber is easy to damage with small screw heads under torque. The shroud kits don't take carbon fiber into consideration, so a little DIY goes a long way here IME.

I installed my wilcox shroud on my nightcap last night with no issues. I used short screws with a metal washer on the back. There is nylon on either side of the carbon fiber so unless you severely over torque the screws I do not forsee an issue. I don't have my PVS-14 to say for sure yet, but the night cap looks like a winner so far. It is comfortable, light, and I don't think stability will be an issue.

 

[Delta4-3]

Im waiting for some firsthand feedback after someone spends several consecutive hours in the field with one on. I just cant see it not causing a headache after prolonged use, since it would seem you would have to get it pretty tight for stability. But then again, Crye usually doesn't turn out poorly designed products. So...someone needs to pull an all nighter in one and let us know how it goes!

 

[Victor-TNVC]

Im waiting for some firsthand feedback after someone spends several consecutive hours in the field with one on. I just cant see it not causing a headache after prolonged use, since it would seem you would have to get it pretty tight for stability. But then again, Crye usually doesn't turn out poorly designed products. So...someone needs to pull an all nighter in one and let us know how it goes!

This ain't a Russian piece of kit, and we've spent MANY hours with this unit like we do with all our kit before we offer it. We think this is a FAR cry from the normal "skull crusher", leaps and bounds better. Just because it might say Crye, Ops, Team Wendy, etc. we test all the American made top gear no matter what the manufacturer says before we offer it. Much of the kit we get comes to us long before it even hits the common market.

LDI in particular has some pretty awesome kit you will see at Shot we've been working with...

Vic

 

[Delta4-3]

Obviously its a whole different deal, but how would you compare it to a higher end bump helmet for comfort and stability?

This ain't a Russian piece of kit, and we've spent MANY hours with this unit like we do with all our kit before we offer it. We think this is a FAR cry from the normal "skull crusher", leaps and bounds better. Just because it might say Crye, Ops, Team Wendy, etc. we test all the American made top gear no matter what the manufacturer says before we offer it. Much of the kit we get comes to us long before it even hits the common market.

LDI in particular has some pretty awesome kit you will see at Shot we've been working with...

Vic

 

[clasky]

Obviously its a whole different deal, but how would you compare it to a higher end bump helmet for comfort and stability?

The pad system on the front is the same consistency as standard issue ACH pads. So, it's nice and comfy while adding to the rigidity of the carbon fiber substrate in front of it. The mesh is super breathable, so your head doesn't roast - like wearing a trucker cap without the brim. What I really like is the way they designed the strap system for adjustment. The two crossing velcro straps at the dome really do a great job of pulling the material taut for stabilization. The chin strap is exactly what you would expect from one of the top gear makers in the US. It is awesome and uses proper straight line geometry for added rigidity to the platform.

One thing to keep in mind is that system is literally fabric. The only totally rigid part is the thin carbon fiber substrate up front. This actually helps a great deal in comfort because it places the NVG mount and shroud closer to your forehead than it would be on a helmet. So, the feeling of extra weight that happens because you are cantilevering a goggle further away from your head is reduced a lot. Honestly, the Nightcap is the most comfortable non-helmet mounting platform I have ever used.

It was originally designed with input from JSOC personnel who needed a night vision head mounting platform for use under cover where they couldn't lug around the volume of a helmet. It is so lightweight that you can literally scrunch it up and shove it in a pants pocket.

As far as comparing it to a high end bump helmet, it is right up there in comfort and stability with Team Wendy EXFIL and Ops Core Base Jump Helmets. It's certainly more comfortable than a Bravo Helmet because it is a much closer fit to your head. One thing I noticed is that because it is a fabric "shell" instead of something rigid, the material is much more apt to conform to your head contours than the padding in a helmet. So, it feels a lot closer to you than a helmet would. Don't get me wrong, you will still feel the weight of the goggle. You can't get away from that. But, the overall comfort and stability is tops.

 

[Victor-TNVC]

Large batch of Mulitcam just sold out quick,. Some black left. Will get more MC in the next week.

Vic

 

[Phantom223]

How would this compare to the opscore skull crusher? I have been looking for a quick compact head gear for a pvs14 to drop into my pack just in case a helmet doesn't fit the bill for that.

 

[Delta4-3]

It looks like it would take up a lot less space than the ops-core skull crusher.

 

[charlestondiving]

Is there a mounting option for anvis 9's or would they be too heavy for the nightcap?

 

[CANNONMAN]

Do most of your mounts still work where it is that much closer to your eye? like if i was to get this night cap, vas shroud, and the rhino mount? would that work? I like the idea of this for hunting cause you don't have to stuff a helmet in your pack when it gets light.

 

[SNIPERS4DUMMIES]

that looks practical, tagged for user reviews

 

[clasky]

Do most of your mounts still work where it is that much closer to your eye? like if i was to get this night cap, vas shroud, and the rhino mount? would that work? I like the idea of this for hunting cause you don't have to stuff a helmet in your pack when it gets light.

All of the standard mounts will work perfectly with the Nightcap. It will allow the shorter J-Arms to get a bit closer to the eye since there is less material between the goggle and the face. While it is still closer, remember that there is still a pad there, so there is some material. It's not like you are putting the shroud directly on your forehead.

 

[Delta4-3]

All of the standard mounts will work perfectly with the Nightcap. It will allow the shorter J-Arms to get a bit closer to the eye since there is less material between the goggle and the face. While it is still closer, remember that there is still a pad there, so there is some material. It's not like you are putting the shroud directly on your forehead.

The band inside the cap that goes around the circumference of your nugget; is it like an elastic material, cordura-ish, or something padded?

 

[Strykervet]

Delta4-3, dude, get it. You won't be sorry. It's anything BUT a skullcrusher, WAY more comfortable! Soft pad up front, like a thin ACH insert, you don't feel the shroud or NODs. Band is nylon, no elastic at all, and there are no bands in the mesh cap itself either, just around the head. It tightens up in the back like a baseball cap but with a fastex buckle. The chinstraps and the top strap on the top of the head allow for adjustments and for a stable, tight and snug, yet comfortable fit. No problem with screwing the shroud to the front, the carbon fiber is much thinner vs. their Airframe helmet, and the Wilcox L4 shroud came with washers anyway (a must IMO when screwing shrouds to any carbon fiber). It's super light, almost weightless with just the L4 shroud. Stuffs in a pocket, try that with ANY skullcrusher. I can't vouch for the comfort of the Wilcox or Norotos skullcrushers, I've heard they're very nice, but I can say that from the looks of them I wouldn't use 'em much, and mostly due to bulk. I'll be using this a lot.

I mentioned interest in this here on the 20th and I got it yesterday on the 23rd (FAST! Thanks Vic!). So I haven't worn it for hours in the field, but I've had it on for a while adjusting it and trying it out. I had it on for a couple of hours and really, it's like wearing hardly anything at all. I have the INVG/dual dovetail mount, big but stable. It adjusts very well so I can always get it over my eye no matter what. I think the Wilcox L4 G70 mount would be ideal for this if you could swing it or needed a mount period, and it'd work well on a helmet too. Just my opinion. I'm using the Wilcox L4 shroud for this soft cap, the one shown in the picture, and it's made of plastic (with an aluminum insert) so it's light and inexpensive. Works great with this setup, and I think I'd recommend it over the VAS (which I used on the Airframe helmet, a great shroud but I think the L4 is just better for this cap). But then there's that new skeletonized one, so if it's lighter and you want to spend the extra, go for it.

This thing is ridiculously simple, but inexpensive, comfortable, light and above all, stable, and I'd venture to say it's as good as a helmet mount and easily the best soft mount I've ever used. I was a bit skeptical, but it's exceeded all my expectations. Great product.

 

[Delta4-3]

Fair enough, I'm down. Thanks for the input, that's what Ive been looking for, is some customer feedback.
I was going to wait and get a sample from Crye, as I am meeting with them at SHOT, but I like getting stuff NOW. Ill post back when I get it in.
Thanks again brother.

Delta4-3, dude, get it. You won't be sorry. It's anything BUT a skullcrusher, WAY more comfortable! Soft pad up front, like a thin ACH insert, you don't feel the shroud or NODs. Band is nylon, no elastic at all, and there are no bands in the mesh cap itself either, just around the head. It tightens up in the back like a baseball cap but with a fastex buckle. The chinstraps and the top strap on the top of the head allow for adjustments and for a stable, tight and snug, yet comfortable fit. No problem with screwing the shroud to the front, the carbon fiber is much thinner vs. their Airframe helmet, and the Wilcox L4 shroud came with washers anyway (a must IMO when screwing shrouds to any carbon fiber). It's super light, almost weightless with just the L4 shroud. Stuffs in a pocket, try that with ANY skullcrusher. I can't vouch for the comfort of the Wilcox or Norotos skullcrushers, I've heard they're very nice, but I can say that from the looks of them I wouldn't use 'em much, and mostly due to bulk. I'll be using this a lot.

I mentioned interest in this here on the 20th and I got it yesterday on the 23rd (FAST! Thanks Vic!). So I haven't worn it for hours in the field, but I've had it on for a while adjusting it and trying it out. I had it on for a couple of hours and really, it's like wearing hardly anything at all. I have the INVG/dual dovetail mount, big but stable. It adjusts very well so I can always get it over my eye no matter what. I think the Wilcox L4 G70 mount would be ideal for this if you could swing it or needed a mount period, and it'd work well on a helmet too. Just my opinion. I'm using the Wilcox L4 shroud for this soft cap, the one shown in the picture, and it's made of plastic (with an aluminum insert) so it's light and inexpensive. Works great with this setup, and I think I'd recommend it over the VAS (which I used on the Airframe helmet, a great shroud but I think the L4 is just better for this cap). But then there's that new skeletonized one, so if it's lighter and you want to spend the extra, go for it.

This thing is ridiculously simple, but inexpensive, comfortable, light and above all, stable, and I'd venture to say it's as good as a helmet mount and easily the best soft mount I've ever used. I was a bit skeptical, but it's exceeded all my expectations. Great product.

 

[Killswitch Engage]

Does this unit come with a shroud on it already to accept the rhino mount or do you need to add your own shroud?

 

[shooter6.5]

Does this unit come with a shroud on it already to accept the rhino mount or do you need to add your own shroud?

The Nightcap™ is an innovative product from Crye Precision. It fills a niche need for a non-helmet NVG platform, but is unlike anything else on the market. While it doesn’t look like much, the Nightcap™ can support the weight of a dual-tube NVG and has pile tape on the back for mounting a remote battery pack or counterweight. The strap system is easy to adjust and the brow pad is comfortable. The Nightcap™ does not come with a shroud or mount. The carbon fiber substrate that provides rigidity to the front of the platform is pre-drilled for both 3 and 4-hole NVG shrouds. The user simply chooses which type of shroud and pokes holes through the front and back fabric pieces in order to attach it with screws.
One size fits all.

 

[Strykervet]

You need a shroud, it has a small, thin piece of carbon fiber up front to attach it to, and I used the Wilcox L4 as that was what was in the picture and it made sense to use it: strong, lightweight plastic with a aluminum insert. VAS is great for my helmet, but I think the L4 is better for this. Both run about $50.

I also use the INVG on my helmet, a rather large mount. But it works great on this thing, perfect adjustment and stable as a rock. So I reckon it'll work with just about any mount or setup.

I love this cap, it's so damn comfortable and nice, yet so damn simple I can't believe someone didn't come out with one earlier. Best piece of gear for the PVS-14 in a LOOONG time.

 

[fusiachi]

So, no need for a counterweight?

 

[glock63]

I have now spent a few hours under my nightcap and haven't felt the need for a counterweight.

 

[Delta4-3]

Did you ever get multicam back in stock? I wouldn't want to be mistaken for a ninja around here.

 

[Strykervet]

So, no need for a counterweight?

You don't NEED it, but it isn't bad either. There's a velcro strap on top that sort of pulls the front back to keep it from rocking forward. What I got was one of those smaller velcro counterweights for my helmet to store extra batteries in. I stuck that on there and it does feel a bit more balanced. But that may be more due to me using that large INVG. I bet if you used the Wilcox G70 you wouldn't have the same issue, I don't know.

I swear, I just gotta say it. This damn thing needs to come with the standard issue shit. I may not even use the helmet anymore! It's that nice. Stays stable when moving too, much more so than PASGT or even this Airframe helmet. I'm thoroughly impressed and satisfied and never would have thought something so simple would work so well after much more complex and thought out designs failed.

Black wouldn't be too bad, particularly if you didn't mind or wanted to paint it. It's a mesh cover, the same stuff they use for their Airframe helmet cover. I could see it taking a coat of the right paint really well. Or just wait for the Multicam.

I'd seriously consider that L70 Wilcox shroud though over the others, unless the Ops Core skeleton is lighter and you don't mind the extra bucks.

 

[glock63]

You don't NEED it, but it isn't bad either. There's a velcro strap on top that sort of pulls the front back to keep it from rocking forward. What I got was one of those smaller velcro counterweights for my helmet to store extra batteries in. I stuck that on there and it does feel a bit more balanced. But that may be more due to me using that large INVG. I bet if you used the Wilcox G70 you wouldn't have the same issue, I don't know.

I swear, I just gotta say it. This damn thing needs to come with the standard issue shit. I may not even use the helmet anymore! It's that nice. Stays stable when moving too, much more so than PASGT or even this Airframe helmet. I'm thoroughly impressed and satisfied and never would have thought something so simple would work so well after much more complex and thought out designs failed.

Black wouldn't be too bad, particularly if you didn't mind or wanted to paint it. It's a mesh cover, the same stuff they use for their Airframe helmet cover. I could see it taking a coat of the right paint really well. Or just wait for the Multicam.

I'd seriously consider that L70 Wilcox shroud though over the others, unless the Ops Core skeleton is lighter and you don't mind the extra bucks.

I'm running the wilcox G70 setup on mine with good results. I may grab a small battery pouch type counterweight like you, but am not particularly concerned about it anytime soon. I agree 100% about the utility and comfort of the Nightcap. I had plans of putting together a helmet setup too, but I might not bother now.

 

[burneyr]

All these posts and not one pic? How about one of you owners take a couple snaps - interested in seeing it especially with an INVG. Looking for the range of motion, how stable, etc.

 

[Strykervet]

Here's a little NODs and gun porn. It's kind of impossible to see how this thing works and fits without actually seeing it on someone's head. The Peltor ear pro goes on like nothing is there, but you have to squeeze the Howard Leights under the helmet and they aren't half as good as these Peltor 7's. I have attachments, but not the ear pro for the helmet (and will likely put that off now that I have the soft cap). How does it feel? A lot like a snug baseball cap w/chin strap with a slightly heavy bill, that's it.

The following pictures show the helmet that I got originally that I'll likely hardly ever use now. I guess it's good to have "just in case". In it's defense, it is the lightest helmet with ballistic protection and is more comfortable and cooler than any issue shit I've ever worn.

The battery pack. Not essential, but I already had it and it's nice, it does help. I don't use the weight, that's useless weight IMO. I stuff it with batteries instead.

The green glasses and beacon --basic safety shit when playing in the dark my man.

The sunglasses? I wear 'em at night so I can, so I can see...

 

[Strykervet]

 

[burneyr]

Thanks for the pics, really worth a thousand words here. I think I'll pick up one of these now.

 

[Strykervet]

Thanks for the pics, really worth a thousand words here. I think I'll pick up one of these now.

Yeah man, I can DEFINITELY say it's worth the $97 (well, $150 with a shroud).

 

[Crang]

Well just pulled the trigger on one with the new skeleton shroud. Hoping it shows on time to wring it out on a big cat hunt in S.Texas this weekend. Will definitely get to put 2 nights in with it on to test out and post my $0.02. I really like that I can put it in a cargo pocket with my PVS14 and switch from day to night while in the field and not have to pack around a helmet all day to do it.

 

[Strykervet]

Well just pulled the trigger on one with the new skeleton shroud. Hoping it shows on time to wring it out on a big cat hunt in S.Texas this weekend. Will definitely get to put 2 nights in with it on to test out and post my $0.02. I really like that I can put it in a cargo pocket with my PVS14 and switch from day to night while in the field and not have to pack around a helmet all day to do it.

Oh yeah, if you're using it to replace a helmet you had to lug around in the field unnecessarily, you're gonna LOVE this thing. It's badass all around, but if you don't need a helmet at all for work, etc., it's even better.

Let me know how that skeleton shroud works out too --I wanted that but I wanted to keep the cost down as well as the weight and went with the Wilcox instead. Works great with the Norotos INVG too.

My only advice on this is to make sure you use washers behind those tiny screws. The headgear doesn't come with washers and to my knowledge, Ops Core doesn't include 'em (didn't with my VAS anyway). Wilcox did so I didn't have to make 'em this time. I had problems screwing a shroud to the Crye helmet last year (it's easy to crush and deform carbon fiber with such tiny screws, even without that much torque). Washers fixed that perfectly though. Also, considering the weight and how much thinner the carbon fiber is on the soft cap, I'd want washers just to make sure the shroud didn't somehow break or pull through the carbon fiber should something happen.

A counterweight isn't necessary at all (with a 14 anyway) but having one does make it even more comfortable. Like I said, I just keep my spare batteries in 'em.

Good luck on your hunt and be safe!

 

[Victor-TNVC]

Latest build with the Crye Cap and some Sentinels! Good lightweight AND stable setup here.

 

[Delta4-3]

There is so much hotness to that. I have some extra children, if you are interested in a trade, just shoot me a PM and we will work out the shipping details.

 

[Strykervet]

Damn Vic that IS nice! Makes my setup look all bulky and heavy (and it's not really)! I bet those go really well with that soft cap --it does look light and balanced with the batteries in the back like that.

Good news is my wife, she values NODs and quality gear, and didn't seem all that adverse to the idea of her having her own set, in particular my 14's! I wonder if she knows what she's getting into...

 

[Victor-TNVC]

The next shipments we're told from Crye is at the end of Feb early March. We sold out very fast.

 

[Crang]

Any update when these will ship? Had mine on backorder for 2-3 months from TNVC. Really hoping to wring it out during an upcoming hunt in 2 weeks......

 

[clasky]

We have a ton of them on order, but like all super popular products, they are on a constant backorder with the manufacturer. We have a partial shipment coming in next week, but it won't satisfy all the orders we have. Crye is shipping them as fast as they can and we are doing the same. If you ordered yours that far back, please call the main office and speak with Jaimie. She will be able to let you know if yours will ship next week.

 

[clasky]

Bump Bump Bump

 

[Killswitch Engage]

How about you bump bump bump when you have them back in stock...lol

 

[cake5150]

I was wondering about these, are they fairly comfortable to wear while shooting prone? I love my helmet setup but it is more than a little restrictive for range of motion when shooting prone... and most of the night shooting I do is prone. They look like they would be less restrictive when trying to look straight ahead in the prone due to less bulk. Also, can these be used w/ the older style plates and rhino arms or are these specifically for the newer mounts?

 

[Strykervet]

I was wondering about these, are they fairly comfortable to wear while shooting prone? I love my helmet setup but it is more than a little restrictive for range of motion when shooting prone... and most of the night shooting I do is prone. They look like they would be less restrictive when trying to look straight ahead in the prone due to less bulk. Also, can these be used w/ the older style plates and rhino arms or are these specifically for the newer mounts?

Read some of my posts regarding this. It's the most comfortable head mount BY FAR that I've ever used. It'll fold up and fit in your pocket, it's lightweight and it's JUST like wearing a baseball cap but with a chinstrap and NODs instead of a bill.

Firing in the prone. Helmets suck for that, but that $900 Crye Airframe helmet I got isn't nearly as bad as the PASGT and ACH helmets, particularly when wearing armor. With armor and PASGT you're luck if you can see through the NODs at all. But the soft cover, it's like wearing nothing at all in that respect. You may have to adj. the attitude on the mount, but big deal. That's what it's there for.

I use the INVG and dual dovetail mount (with the "dual" dovetail component removed for better sight out of the "dark" eye) but I do have all the legacy shit as well, I just don't use it. You can't bungee the soft cover, so it's best to have a mount that's solid. Now I HATED the old army shit, so when I got my own gear I got what *I* wanted. INVG looks big and heavy, and it is big but it's not nearly as heavy as it looks. It's kinda light in fact. I also got this mount for a helmet, the soft cover wasn't out yet, but I won't be buying another mount for it as it works great for both. I reckon the Wilcox mounts would work great with it being smaller and more compact and using dovetail mounts as well, but I can't say from experience. You should call TNVC and talk to those guys, you owe it to yourself. They'll give you good advice without trying to sell you off on shit.

As for the shroud, I used the one they pictured, the plastic Wilcox shroud. It's a great shroud, light and cheap. I use an Ops Core on the Airframe, and they make a skeletonized shroud now for $98 or so, but for $50 you can't beat the plastic Wilcox one. And the part where the NODs clip in, that's metal. You'll need to use a 3 or 4 hole shroud on it, won't accommodate1 hole shrouds. But the cover and shroud is what, $150 total? So it's a great deal, and not only is it better than any of the other skullcrushers, it's cheaper, smaller, folds in a pocket, and well, it's the goddamn shit if you ask me. Haven't used that $900 carbon fiber helmet since I got it, and likely never will unless I need to protect my noggin or someone's trying to kill me.

I seriously lucked out and got the last multicam model, I had no idea they'd take this long to get more. I think they maybe just made a few to see how they'd fly before going into full production, but that's just my guess. I do think they hit on winner with this one though. And not only will it work with 14's, but Vic at TNVC, he uses his with a dual setup (VIS-9's? BNVD's? I forget.) and says it's just as solid as with the 14's.

A couple tips if you get one (and you should, I highly recommend this soft cover) is one of those counterweight pockets. But instead of carrying a bunch of lead around, pack it with the batteries you use in a ziploc so it's not useless weight. You usually don't need a counterweight for 14's on a helmet, but it's nice on this light of a cover. Many of the dual tube setups can have batteries in the back, so do that if possible for those.

But that's about it. Make sure to spend time adjusting it nice and snug and you'll have an awesome NV setup. I love mine, and I think they should scrap that POS skullcrusher in the .mil kit and replace it with this instead. It's MUCH more useful.

Oh, and another plus: you can get high output LED lights that clip into these NV shrouds now. So if you like headlights, it works great with those too without using a headband. Just an awesome piece of gear, period. Can't say enough good about it, only bad thing I can say about it is that it wasn't made sooner.

 

[cake5150]

Read some of my posts regarding this. It's the most comfortable head mount BY FAR that I've ever used. It'll fold up and fit in your pocket, it's lightweight and it's JUST like wearing a baseball cap but with a chinstrap and NODs instead of a bill.

Firing in the prone. Helmets suck for that, but that $900 Crye Airframe helmet I got isn't nearly as bad as the PASGT and ACH helmets, particularly when wearing armor. With armor and PASGT you're luck if you can see through the NODs at all. But the soft cover, it's like wearing nothing at all in that respect. You may have to adj. the attitude on the mount, but big deal. That's what it's there for.

I use the INVG and dual dovetail mount (with the "dual" dovetail component removed for better sight out of the "dark" eye) but I do have all the legacy shit as well, I just don't use it. You can't bungee the soft cover, so it's best to have a mount that's solid. Now I HATED the old army shit, so when I got my own gear I got what *I* wanted. INVG looks big and heavy, and it is big but it's not nearly as heavy as it looks. It's kinda light in fact. I also got this mount for a helmet, the soft cover wasn't out yet, but I won't be buying another mount for it as it works great for both. I reckon the Wilcox mounts would work great with it being smaller and more compact and using dovetail mounts as well, but I can't say from experience. You should call TNVC and talk to those guys, you owe it to yourself. They'll give you good advice without trying to sell you off on shit.

As for the shroud, I used the one they pictured, the plastic Wilcox shroud. It's a great shroud, light and cheap. I use an Ops Core on the Airframe, and they make a skeletonized shroud now for $98 or so, but for $50 you can't beat the plastic Wilcox one. And the part where the NODs clip in, that's metal. You'll need to use a 3 or 4 hole shroud on it, won't accommodate1 hole shrouds. But the cover and shroud is what, $150 total? So it's a great deal, and not only is it better than any of the other skullcrushers, it's cheaper, smaller, folds in a pocket, and well, it's the goddamn shit if you ask me. Haven't used that $900 carbon fiber helmet since I got it, and likely never will unless I need to protect my noggin or someone's trying to kill me.

I seriously lucked out and got the last multicam model, I had no idea they'd take this long to get more. I think they maybe just made a few to see how they'd fly before going into full production, but that's just my guess. I do think they hit on winner with this one though. And not only will it work with 14's, but Vic at TNVC, he uses his with a dual setup (VIS-9's? BNVD's? I forget.) and says it's just as solid as with the 14's.

A couple tips if you get one (and you should, I highly recommend this soft cover) is one of those counterweight pockets. But instead of carrying a bunch of lead around, pack it with the batteries you use in a ziploc so it's not useless weight. You usually don't need a counterweight for 14's on a helmet, but it's nice on this light of a cover. Many of the dual tube setups can have batteries in the back, so do that if possible for those.

But that's about it. Make sure to spend time adjusting it nice and snug and you'll have an awesome NV setup. I love mine, and I think they should scrap that POS skullcrusher in the .mil kit and replace it with this instead. It's MUCH more useful.

Oh, and another plus: you can get high output LED lights that clip into these NV shrouds now. So if you like headlights, it works great with those too without using a headband. Just an awesome piece of gear, period. Can't say enough good about it, only bad thing I can say about it is that it wasn't made sooner.

Unbelievably helpful post, thank you so much for posting that! I'm going to read the rest of this thread (should've to begin with) but it looks like I'll be ordering one of these this weekend. May have to buy a new mount as well, thanks again for the input.

 

[Strykervet]

No problem, I like to help. Call up one of the guys at TNVC and they'll be more than glad to help you out getting just the right setup. As in getting YOU the right shit, not the most expensive shit or the shit THEY need to sell. I'm not "company loyal" and there's few companies I'll go to bat for, but this is one of them. I'd never have known about this mount either had Vic not told me about it and held the last one in multicam because he knew I'd want it. Very thoughtful folks.

As for the mount, just from personal experience, I HATED the damn mil issue stuff!!! With a passion!!! So IMO, anything dovetail and not bayonet mount and anything that has higher tolerances and less movement is a huge step up regardless of what you get. I recommend INVG for ME --it's not for everyone. In fact, many folks don't like or even hate the INVG. It was designed for the PSQ-20, a heavy thermal/NV monocular. So in that respect, it's overbuilt for everything else really. But that's what I wanted, solid. And I've broken enough Rhinos AND J-arms myself, and my Bde. broke so damn many J's they couldn't keep up and so the memory of 14's duct taped around the mount with pieces of coat hanger or whatever, and buddies begging me from Iraq after I got out to send them J-arms (MUCH easier said that done --ended up having to go in unit mail) that sticks with me to this day. Now they have changed the material they make 'em out of, I have an old one and a new one and the new ones are markedly better, but still... If I break one now, it's $80. If I break a dovetail Wilcox model, it's $190. INVG uses no dovetail to break.

If you wanna do away with J-arms totally, the only option I know of is the Norotos dual dovetail. While Wilcox uses dovetail mounts, they use it on a J-arm. The J-arm's design problem, the way I see it, is that it's easy to put under torque and snap, and it can't take too many good hits before that happens. On the other hand, grunts are harder on issue gear than gear you or I have to pay out of pocket for. But if you go with Norotos dual dovetail, a much stronger connector, that limits you greatly to the mounts you can use, as I think it's only compatible with the INVG or the AKA2 (the AKA2 is the better, upgraded version of the old Rhino from the looks of it).

On the other hand, with the new J-arms, maybe they're better now. And if you go Wilcox, you'll be using a J-arm one way or the other. And if you want a small mount, Wilcox, that's who makes 'em. The Norotos stuff isn't as small, if that's a concern. But even when I wore a helmet, I always detached the entire mount from the shroud anyway. For me the mount stays attached to the NODs all the time, so I didn't leave it on 24/7 like some folks did, which was an easy way to break your mount.

Oh, one of the two has the new military contract, Wilcox I think. TNVC sells this and it's not a bad price for what it is. BUT it uses bayonet mount J-arms. Still better than the old Rhino mounts though. BTW, 90% of users use J-arms, so know those are a personal peeve of mine and not everyone hates 'em with the passion I do, so that with a grain of salt.

If you need a good mount anyway, and don't mind the J-arm with a dovetail, the Wilcox L4 G70 is a good, low profile dovetail mount with shroud and tether for $507, but you'll need their J-arm, sold separately for about $190. The Wilcox L4 G30 is similar, but you can't remove the mount. I doubt you want this though, as you won't be able to use it on both helmet and soft cover (otherwise it'd be fine I guess).

The INVG is costly; $519.75 just for the mount, another $50 if you want a tether, $60 for the Wilcox L4 (works best IMO for the soft cover and it's least expensive) or $93 for the skeletonized Ops Core, which is the other good option) and $142 for the dual dovetail.

Note for the shroud, you may have to go to ACE Hardware or somewhere similar and pick up at least one screw to mount the shroud: the L4''s top screw just wasn't long enough, so I had to buy a longer one and then dremel it down a bit once fitted, because you want the screws to go nearly or exactly all the way through. The Wilcox or the soft cover itself comes with washers, whereas I don't think the Ops Core shrouds do. You want small washers around the screw heads.

And there you go, at least that's my opinion. There are a myriad of mounts and options, but that's the gist of it.

 

[Dogtown]

What a nice improvement over the skullcrusher!