Night Vision Got the Helmet! PICS UP

[dmuldrew]

I finally got an email saying my new Ops Core helmet. I'm gonna need a new mount for my PVS-14 because the one I have is an older model Wilcox 1 hole mount. What other accessories do I need. Plan on a counterweight and a light, but I'm open to suggenstions on what ones from people who have used em before.
Help me accessorize my new hat

Got the helmet via UPS yesterday. Pretty immpressive piece of gear. The Ops Core Fast helmet, carbon fiber. Packaged well from our friends at TNVC. I opened the box to find the helmet in a oft case of sorts, maybe more of a bag or cover, but it was unexpected. It came with detailed instructions and I tried <span style="text-decoration: line-through">many</span> all of the options till I got it right. The final and perfect adjustment was changing the position of the rear pad. It allowed the helmet to fit correctly on my head with everything in the right place. It is really comforable, and the head loc system keeps it really secure without haing the chin strap restrictive. I could wear it for hours it's so comfortable.

I've got a Wilcox L4 G24 mount and accessories on the way and can't wait to get it all together. I only have one bitch about this helmet and this is it.

The instruction book states that there is a foam insert that goes insie the VAS shroud to help hold the mount secure. It wasn't included in my box of goodies. Not sure if it is even needed, but with all the attention to detail involved in this piece of gear I'm surprised that Ops Core missed this detail.

But overall happy with the helmet, happy with the service from TNVC. Thanks guys.

Pics added. Wilcox mounts, J-arm, amber filter. S&S V-light uptop, EOG Gen 2 counterweight. I have a Princeton Tec light for the left rail but failed to get the proper mounting bracket. It's on the way along with a Wilcox lanyard.

 

[Victor-TNVC]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

What OPS helmet do you have coming? Base Jump or Ballistic?

We like the new Wilcox released mount that rid the J-Arm Wobbles. http://tnvc.com/shop/wilcox-l4-g11-mount/

As for counter weights, the EOG's are stand-outs. http://tnvc.com/shop/category/helmet-accessories/

As for lights on helmets, we really like the Princetec MPLS Line. http://tnvc.com/shop/category/hands-free-lights/ or the standard Surefire M1 http://tnvc.com/shop/surefire-m1-infrared-illuminator/

Many choices, but the ones listed we like very much in the field and happen to be many of our best sellers. We do have a whole bunch of others, so please feel free to contact us with your specific requirements.

Vic

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Vic, the carbon fiber Base Jump...bought it from you

I'll call, still waiting to see if the helmet fits...according to measurements it will, but hell, I got a big head. Ill check out your recommendations. Cost isn't really much of an object at this point, I've got a smal fortune in this already, so I want to do it right.

Is the G11 better han the G 24 mount?, will I need a new J arm as well?

 

[Victor-TNVC]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dennis Muldrew</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Vic, the carbon fiber Base Jump...bought it from you

I'll call, still waiting to see if the helmet fits...according to measurements it will, but hell, I got a big head. Ill check out your recommendations. Cost isn't really much of an object at this point, I've got a smal fortune in this already, so I want to do it right.

Is the G11 better han the G 24 mount?, will I need a new J arm as well? </div></div>

Copy, thanks did not know who you were!

In that case, your Carbon comes with a shroud already. As for what's better? BOTH mounts are built with Wilcox quality with a lifetime warranty and both have their advantages. I like the G24 with the break-away feature but does cost a bit more and you have to replace your J-Arm with their dovetail one.

The G11 is a great cost alternative Force-to-Overcome mechanism for flipping the goggle up but with no break-away feature. You can use it with the standard GI J-arm and it also rids the dreaded wobbles associated with this J-Arm and the issued GI flip up Rhino mount.

Vic

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Hi Dennise
I am a brand new NV rookie,I have 2 balastic helmets with no NV attachments,what do I do to get my helmet retro fitted,or is it better to buy a ops core helment with the attachments? I have no idea where to start and how to fix them to my helmet.I have a pvs -14 on order from tnvc with the full kit which includes helmet and gun attachments.
Please help
Ron g

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Ron, I really don't know the answer to your question. But I do know that the guy who answered my post is more knowledgeable about NV and it's application than I will ever be. PM Victor with your question, or give TNVC a call and I'm sure they will fix you up with what will work, what you'll need, and probably some stuff you could do without, but it will be reall cool! They have every type of mount you would ever need, and I'm sure could recommend something just right for your helmet.

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Vic, thanks again for the reply. Like I said I'll wait to order until I'm sure the hat fits. I have an XL Protec and it fits ok, so I think that this one will too. Can't bear buying a bunch of goodies to go on a helmet and then not having it fit, stairing at those accessories with no where to put them would be incredibly frustrating as well as depressing....patience is not a virtue i do well and waiting for the helmet has been a struggle!

I bought the PVS from you a few years ago, and it was incredible in the nighttime in rural ND. Even broke it out a couple of winter nights when the power was out. I saw things much clearer than the utility guys fixing the lines.

I'll give you a call and spend way more money than I should, but hey, it's for a good cause. Thanks again.

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Thanks Dennis
I will give them a call for the helmet options for my pvs 14.Can you post some pics of your stuff sometime,I am trying to learn as much as possible what to get and not to get.I have learned a lot about NV stuff on this site.
Thanks again Dennis
Ron g

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Sure, waiting on delivery of the helmet, but soon.

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

New info in OP

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Need pics of the new helmet when you can Dennis ,tell me why you purchased the carbon helmet? I am goings be buying a helmet soon and need some help also.
Ron g

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ron1234</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi Dennise
I am a brand new NV rookie,I have 2 balastic helmets with no NV attachments,what do I do to get my helmet retro fitted,or is it better to buy a ops core helment with the attachments? I have no idea where to start and how to fix them to my helmet.I have a pvs -14 on order from tnvc with the full kit which includes helmet and gun attachments.
Please help
Ron g
</div></div>

Ron, which model ballistic helmets do you have and do they have the holes for a nvg mount already? Depending on your helmets, you may be able to simply bolt on the nvg mount to the helmet.Worst case, you have to drill 3 holes in your helmet. while drilling your holes after the fact is discouraged, guys do it all the time with no issues, just use some clear nail polish or similar clear coat to seal the edges of the kevlar fibers that you will be exposing so moisture cannot get in. This will save you a good deal of money using your helmet as unless you want ARC rails all you need is the mount and its like 80-100 bucks.

If you decide to buy a non ballistic version I suggest you go the carbon fiber route. The BASE jump version has a molded in NVG mount and is basically a plastic helmet and it does flex when you squeeze in on the sides,it felt cheap to me compared to the CF model.Another route you can go if the ops core CF model is too expensive is to go with Bonehead composites version which is bare bones meaning you can order it with only the parts you want/need on it. It has the same liner/chin strap as the ops core helmet but starts around $250 with the NVG mount on it, any other features are add ons and the price goes up as expected. You won't find it on their website so call them and ask for it. If you compare the Pro-Tech half shell plastic helmet with the ops core bump you will see that the cut is identical, I am guessing they used it as a template and tweaked it here and there to accommodate the NVG mount. If you held the two side by side you would shake your head they are so similar in shape and cut.

One thing I will mention is that using a good suspension system, like the one in ops core helmets can make wearing your NVG for long periods of time less painful. If your helmets don't have a comfortable pad system in them already I'd recommend you buy the ops core liner upgrade and bolt it into your helmet, your head and neck will thank you.

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

I have two pgast helmets with no night vision holes or brackets,plus the padding is sub poor.i will sell them on eBay and then buy the team Wendy carbon helmet with the built in shroud,do I need to buy a new j-arm also?i like the g-24 system.i have never used a Nv helmet before and not sure how to hook up the pvs-14 to the helmet,are there any instruction guides to the assemble.Still waiting on pvs-14 from tnvc to ship out,it's been 3 weeks plus.
Ron g

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ron1234</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have two pgast helmets with no night vision holes or brackets,plus the padding is sub poor.i will sell them on eBay and then buy the team Wendy carbon helmet with the built in shroud,do I need to buy a new j-arm also?i like the g-24 system.i have never used a Nv helmet before and not sure how to hook up the pvs-14 to the helmet,are there any instruction guides to the assemble.Still waiting on pvs-14 from tnvc to ship out,it's been 3 weeks plus.
Ron g </div></div>

Ron, I don't know if your kit is coming with a J arm or not,if it is,you should be set.Give tnvc a call and ask as they should be able to hook you up from A to Z.

As for hooking it up, it's not too complicated NVG attaches to arm,arm attaches to helmet, helmet attaches to your head. I'd think your kit would come with instructions on how to configure the NVG for head and weapon mounting.

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Pics this weekend. I got Carbon Fiber for a couple of reasons. I had no need for a ballistic helmet, an I figured CF would be as stiff or stiffer than just about any other thing they could make the lid out of. My goals were comfort, and a great platform to mount my NVG on. I got both of those I think. I have never handled any of the other Ops Core helmets, but if this is an example of their product I wouldn't hesitate to jump in feet first.

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Thank you Dennis ,I hope that I can get a helmet soon,would love to have a ballistic but the price is to high for me.
I did order the full kit which has the j arm and all the other Assecsories .
Ron g

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ron1234</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you Dennis ,I hope that I can get a helmet soon,would love to have a ballistic but the price is to high for me.
I did order the full kit which has the j arm and all the other Assecsories .
Ron g </div></div>


Sounds like you are set then, you just need a lid with a NVG mount on it and you're good to hook.

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Where does one buy the Velcro FDE for the helmets to place the EOGs weights for counter balance and patches? Which EOG is the best one to purchase? I have a PVS -14 on order and have a ACH-3 ballistic helmet.
Ron g

 

[Victor-TNVC]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ron1234</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where does one buy the Velcro FDE for the helmets to place the EOGs weights for counter balance and patches? Which EOG is the best one to purchase? I have a PVS -14 on order and have a ACH-3 ballistic helmet.
Ron g </div></div>

Hi Ron, last I got some was at Home Depot that had 3" rolls of Brown and Black.

As for EOG's, there are several choices but the low profile short set is pretty popular for folks with PVS-14's. http://tnvc.com/shop/category/helmet-accessories/

Hope this helps.

Vic

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Thank you Vic on the Velcro idea from Home Depot,I like the Ops-Core FAST Ballistic High Cut Velcro design that is on that helmet,I Guess you don't sell that option? On the EOG what would be the weight needed to balance a PVS-14, it looks like they have adjustable weights in some of the designs..
Thank you Vic
Ron g

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Up to the top for nrw pics.

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Hi Dennis
Is that your new helmet? It looks very nice.Have a question for you ,on your EOG s which one did you buy and wht is the weight that you have in yours? I have a pvs-14 on order and not sure which EOG to purchase .
Ron g

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Yep thats it. I think I got the EOG Gen 2 weight. It's weight is 1 pound. I got this one because it's small and doesn't take up much space. It's very comfortable.

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Thanks Dennis for the info on the gen 2 EOG set,do you have a IR illuminator on your helmet? I saw that you had a visible light and waiting on attachment part.My helmet has no Velcro either,any ideas?
Ron g

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Velcro--you can get it at most hobby stores or hardware stores. I suspect that Ops Core sells their set somewhere too, I have read that Ops Core sells their velcro kit. It's not on the website, but I'd give em a call. I have a Princeton Tec LED light, just waiting for a mount. I may decide on something more powerful, just haven't gotten there yet.

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Thank you Dennis ,I have looked around at several night vision company's and have not seen the Velcro used on that helmet,it looks really nice and custom fit,I am not so good on cutting it myself.I will call them tommorow on your idea.
What are you using for IR illuminator ? Is it on your weapon,hand carried or helmet mount?
Ron g

 

[dmuldrew]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

I only use the IR illuminator on the PVS 14. I have a laser with an IR illuminator mounted on my rifle, It's plenty bright.

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: Advice/recommendations for new helmet

Ok,I don't have a laser yet,I like the LDI laser system.
Ron