Night Vision Helmets! Helmets everywhere! Which is best for NODs?

[stefan73]

My Norottos AKA2 mount fits in their tightly. No wiggle.

There are adapters as stated above (also in previous posts on page 3 or 4), and some people have filed down the rails slightly to get their ARC stuff to fit.

I couldn't tell you about comfort as opposed to TM Wendy. I can tell you it is very comfortable.

 

[Tchitcherine]

On the hunt for a legit ARC rail replacement for the PGD helmet. I have a few sets of OC AMPs with mounts. The PGD rail will NOT accept the AMP rail arms without modification. I’m sure I could start hacking away at the rail, because it doesn’t look too far off from working, but I’d rather have an organic solution.

Did anyone ever actually find and install a "legit ARC rail replacement" for the (stupid) PGD rails? If so can you please identify the product and source?

Let's assume "legit" means ARC compatible, and actually fits the helmet.

Since PGD reportedly did supply ARC compatible rails with some helmets, I wonder if those are obtainable for customers whose ARCH delivery did not include them.

 

[WALLYBOB]

Since PGD reportedly did supply ARC compatible rails with some helmets, I wonder if those are obtainable for customers whose ARCH delivery did not include them.

Good question.

 

[Keel Haul]

Either tonight or tomorrow I’ll test the comfort factor and take a nap with it on and see if I can call it the “Denmark pillow” afterwards.

 

[stefan73]

Anybody have any tricks to mounting this surfire to an Arc rail?

 

[Boon20]

Anybody have any tricks to mounting this surfire to an Arc rail? View attachment 7567103

 

[stefan73]

View attachment 7567319

I was hoping for something better since I have two of them.

 

[Keel Haul]

Anybody have any tricks to mounting this surfire to an Arc rail? View attachment 7567103

Pic rail compatible or no?

 

[stefan73]

Nope

They tension against the lip of the ACH helmets.

 

[Steve_In_29]

FedEx dropped the helmet off at 19:21 last night. Like others have noted, there was no extra set of rails in the box.

Pretty comfortable though a bit tight despite getting an XL. My head is long front to back, so even though my measurement put me just into the XL range the helmet isn't as roomy for me as a person with a more rounded grape would find it.

I had forgotten all about that as it has been well over a decade since I bought a motorcycle helmet and had to deal with fitment issues.

These fancy helmets are new to me so I have a question. What are the removeable tabs on each of the ARC rails for?

 

[Tchitcherine]

Nope

They tension against the lip of the ACH helmets.

Adapt and overcome:

ADPT-HL1-OC | HL1 HelmetLight Adapter for Interface with Ops Core Helmets | SureFire

The ADPT-HL1-OC adapter is a rotating mount that is designed specifically for Ops Core helmets or helmets using the Ops Core rail system.

www.surefire.com

Obviously there is limited real estate on the helmet rail, so choose rail mounted gizmos carefully.

 

[stefan73]

Adapt and overcome:

ADPT-HL1-OC | HL1 HelmetLight Adapter for Interface with Ops Core Helmets | SureFire

The ADPT-HL1-OC adapter is a rotating mount that is designed specifically for Ops Core helmets or helmets using the Ops Core rail system.

www.surefire.com

Obviously there is limited real estate on the helmet rail, so choose rail mounted gizmos carefully.

That's what I was looking for! Thank you.

 

[Snapper314]

Does anyone have input on the Hard Head Veterans Ballistic Helmet ATE?

HHV Ballistic Helmet ATE

 

[HiDesertELR]

What are the removeable tabs on each of the ARC rails for?

Yeah... I tried clipping the mouth ball for my wife on her's, but I don't think that's what they're there for. She didn't laugh either.

 

[stefan73]

Does anyone have input on the Hard Head Veterans Ballistic Helmet ATE?

HHV Ballistic Helmet ATE

Not a bad helmet. I have an older one. You will want to buy their comfort pads with it! I did not like the stock pads, at all.

 

[Keel Haul]

So I took about a 90 minute nap in this bucket and while not ideal, obviously, it went just fine. Good to know I can nap in it if I get too tired to even take it off.

 

[Keel Haul]

Also if I remember correctly, those tabs in the corners are if you’re running a mask for say, halo jumps or the like.

 

[Steve_In_29]

Forgot to note that my Wilcox G11 mount locks up nice and tight in the shroud.

Also want to give kudos to N-Vision Optics. Now that I have a helmet and mount I just discovered the J-arm that came with my PVS14 was defective. It won't tighten enough to keep the weight of the 14 from making it droop. They are sending me a replacement.

 

[Steve_In_29]

Yeah... I tried clipping the mouth ball for my wife on her's, but I don't think that's what they're there for. She didn't laugh either.

Well how could she laugh with the mouth ball in?

 

[Steve_In_29]

1- I haven’t had mine on all day yet but considering I got through a MICH all day, I believe this Denmark beauty will be so much better to wear all day just from the two hours I spent in it so far. Can’t compare to the TW since I don’t have one, sorry.

2- I have set of peltor arc rail adapters on backorder so I can’t comment on folding them away just yet but from what I understand there is an adapter in the plastic bag that came with it for mounting the arc rail ear pro adapters.

3- Assuming you mean the shroud interface, my rhino 2 locks up solid as a rock. Zero movement. Your mount may vary.

As I posted earlier in the thread, ArmsUnlimited has these in stock...$50.

 

[EricRF]

For the discounted price is there any reason to go with an Opscore, or stick with the PGD? Just starting to plan a NV build for the first time.

https://www.optactical.com/optabahemico.html

 

[Triton225]

Well, I pulled the trigger on one.

 

[Triton225]

Maybe this should be a separate thread. But a quick question, is thier armor plates good?

 

[TheHorta]

For the discounted price is there any reason to go with an Opscore, or stick with the PGD? Just starting to plan a NV build for the first time.

https://www.optactical.com/optabahemico.html

That’s a compelling price/link. Depends upon wait time.

With the OC, you get a metal shroud and legit ARC rail. You’ll spend another $100 getting a set of 4D Deluxe Pads, but then you have a legit OC lid — for twice the price of the PGD.

If the extra $400 ain’t no big deal to you, it’s solid deal. I’d probably take two PGDs over a single OC for the same price, or save the $400, but just by a hair.

The PGD is just so comfortable, the weight difference is not even noticeable, for me. But I do have a 21” neck.

 

[Drago6]

I think I'm going to go with the Legacy Fast since i wont have to mess with modifying the rails and it comes with a legit shroud. I'll definitely add in the 4D pads, I had them in my last Ops-Core and they are excellent.

 

[Jim Out]

— for twice the price of the PGD.

If the extra $400 ain’t no big deal to you, it’s solid deal.

When will PGD have the heavy spec x39 7.62 helmets?

 

[Twistid]

Can anyone report how ComTacs seal using the official Peltor arc rail adapters and the PGD Jerry rig adapters? Does it work well?

Unfortunately doesn't work well at all with Safariland Liberators

 

[cr445671]

Tried out a One Tigris helmet cover( $16/$23+ w/ship & tax....what the heck...). Was supposed to fit air soft l/xl or Opscore Fast ballistic L. My PGD is a large and as you can see it is sloppy big. It may fit an XL better. As per a suggestion on ARFCOM, I'm going to try the FirstSpear hybrid OpsCore cover next. Will pass on findings.

forewarning on the first spear covers, I bought an l/xl to go with my xl pgd and it is about as stupid big as that one tigris you have pictured, prob want to size down

edit: how did you go about getting your wilcox to fit? mulling over how to get mine on at the moment.

also how tight are rail attachments supposed to be? I've got the unity mark adapters and I suppose if i got a hammer and a punch I could get the dovetail in there but no way is it happening by hand, i can get 'em about 3/4" in but absolutely no further.

 

[WALLYBOB]

forewarning on the first spear covers, I bought an xl to go with my xl pgd and it is about as stupid big as that one tigris you have pictured, prob want to size down

Oops.... ordered med/large for large pgd. Going to look up their return policy....

 

[stefan73]

My Agilite should be here on the 4th. I'll see how I like it.

 

[Keel Haul]

My Agilite should be here on the 4th. I'll see how I like it.

Please let us know, I’ve been leaning towards one of their covers.

 

[WALLYBOB]

First Spear lead time on multicam covers is 14 weeks...FYI

 

[WALLYBOB]

Deleted

 

[Anb618]

Anyone who’s interested in a black PGD (Size L) and skipping the extended shipping wait-times, let me know and I’ll pass mine along for what I have invested+shipping (helmet is as-new, only set up and worn for test fitting).

I received mine and it’s very nice. However, my head is apparently very tall. The PGD just sits too high on my head and didn’t feel right for that reason. I ended up purchasing an HHV ATE G2. I received it today and, after some fit testing and comparison, I’m going to go with the ATE G2 instead. The PGD definitely came with much more comfortable pads and I still prefer the PGD’s BOA system, but the ATE2 sits lower on my head (protecting more of my noggin), lighter, and has a narrower profile. I’m not using NV, and am only using this for ballistic purposes, so my priorities are different than many others here I’m sure. Shoot me a PM if interested.

*Mods- I understand there is a dedicated BuySellTrade section. I have access, and plan to post this there, but wanted to pass along the opportunity to anyone already considering this helmet option before offering the helmet to the site-wide audience. If I’m out of line, I’ll edit/remove and just post to the PX.

 

[pmclaine]

Anyone who’s interested in a black PGD (Size L) and skipping the extended shipping wait-times, let me know and I’ll pass mine along for what I have invested+shipping (helmet is as-new, only set up and worn for test fitting).

I received mine and it’s very nice. However, my head is apparently very tall. The PGD just sits too high on my head and didn’t feel right for that reason. I ended up purchasing an HHV ATE G2. I received it today and, after some fit testing and comparison, I’m going to go with the ATE G2 instead. The PGD definitely came with much more comfortable pads and I still prefer the PGD’s BOA system, but the ATE2 sits lower on my head (protecting more of my noggin), lighter, and has a narrower profile. I’m not using NV, and am only using this for ballistic purposes, so my priorities are different than many others here I’m sure. Shoot me a PM if interested.

*Mods- I understand there is a dedicated BuySellTrade section. I have access, and plan to post this there, but wanted to pass along the opportunity to anyone already considering this helmet option before offering the helmet to the site-wide audience. If I’m out of line, I’ll edit/remove and just post to the PX.

A picture of this head please.....

I need to erase this image from my mind...

 

[Anb618]

A picture of this head please.....

I need to erase this image from my mind...


View attachment 7571749

Quiet, earthling.

 

[Keel Haul]

Waiting for a few more items to slap on this piece of kit, but yeah, I’m definitely pleased.

 

[cr445671]

@Anb618 , would you say you have a long head front to back? I'm having the same issue of not going down far enough and after playing with the pads I've kinda given up. Only way it goes down far enough is if I take out all but two smalls in front and brow in back with the back pad up top, and that one's far to the front basically ontop of the hairline; it feels like an insufficient padding set up, but I guess I don't know. Trying to figure out if a different shape would be better for me as well, I keep wondering if it's just that flair around the pgd's edge that keeps it from staying down. For reference my circumference is 24" but in terms of shape I'm a long oval for sure.

@TheHorta , you seem to have alot of helmets, how much space do you need between head and shell to allow for bfd? I'm crushing the 4d pads all the way down to the denser bottom foam, and prob a little bit into that as well, def not getting anything that makes me think comfort from it, there's prob less than a half inch between me and it at the closest points.

The alternative i was looking at is the viper a3 high cut, do you know of any rails that'll fit it?

Sorry for the bombardment y'all.

Edit: forgot to add that I did get the PGD in xl.

 

[TheHorta]

The PGD pads aren’t quite as thick and are of softer, more malleable material than the 4D pads. In my subjective opinion, the PGD pads are more comfortable than the 4D pads, and they heat-up faster and form-fit to your head better. The 4D pads were a great breakthrough in making helmets more comfortable, but I’ve found that they make my helmets sit much higher than I like and they don’t compress well.

 

[cr445671]

The PGD pads aren’t quite as thick and are of softer, more malleable material than the 4D pads. In my subjective opinion, the PGD pads are more comfortable than the 4D pads, and they heat-up faster and form-fit to your head better. The 4D pads were a great breakthrough in making helmets more comfortable, but I’ve found that they make my helmets sit much higher than I like and they don’t compress well.

Is there a point at which there isn't enough space between my head and the helmet for effective protection?

 

[stefan73]

Is there a point at which there isn't enough space between my head and the helmet for effective protection?

Depends on backspace deformation. If there is enough gap and pad to account for backspace deformation you should be ok, if not you risk substantial injuries should someone shoot your helmet while you are wearing it.

Short answer is, yes.

 

[Jim Out]

View attachment 7571953
Waiting for a few more items to slap on this piece of kit, but yeah, I’m definitely pleased.

Is this the actual PGD helmet cover?

 

[Keel Haul]

Also wanna thank @TheHorta for the tip on this bucket. Even the missus thinks it’s comfortable and she’s not big on head gear to begin with. It just gets more comfortable with each wearing. I do notice the PDG pads have beat out anything I’ve used, which is surprising.

 

[Keel Haul]

Is this the actual PGD helmet cover?

That’s the helmet itself. No cover added. Only thing not PDG is the rhino 2, the mod armory bridge and the 14’s.

 

[Anb618]

@Anb618 , would you say you have a long head front to back? I'm having the same issue of not going down far enough and after playing with the pads I've kinda given up. Only way it goes down far enough is if I take out all but two smalls in front and brow in back with the back pad up top, and that one's far to the front basically ontop of the hairline; it feels like an insufficient padding set up, but I guess I don't know. Trying to figure out if a different shape would be better for me as well, I keep wondering if it's just that flair around the pgd's edge that keeps it from staying down. For reference my circumference is 24" but in terms of shape I'm a long oval for sure.

Prior to this, I never really paid attention to my head shape. I’m now spending a lot of time trying to figure out what the hell happened to my poor misshapen head.

Yes, I would say my head is oval shaped, being much longer front-back than side-side.

I hesitate to wonder how ridiculous I would look if I still had hair too...

 

[TheHorta]

Prior to this, I never really paid attention to my head shape. I’m now spending a lot of time trying to figure out what the hell happened to my poor misshapen head.

Yes, I would say my head is oval shaped, being much longer front-back than side-side.

I hesitate to wonder how ridiculous I would look if I still had hair too...

I was a C-section baby. I have a gorgeous, perfectly-formed head.

You vaginal canal birthers are all messed up.

 

[WALLYBOB]

Really.... I hate those forcep indents .....

 

[stefan73]

Please let us know, I’ve been leaning towards one of their covers.

Looks like my cover is going to arrive late (not sure when at the moment). The post here in rural LA has been having some issues, like I tracked a package to my town that then went to VA and then came back here or is at least on its way back here.

 

[cr445671]

The PGD pads aren’t quite as thick and are of softer, more malleable material than the 4D pads. In my subjective opinion, the PGD pads are more comfortable than the 4D pads, and they heat-up faster and form-fit to your head better. The 4D pads were a great breakthrough in making helmets more comfortable, but I’ve found that they make my helmets sit much higher than I like and they don’t compress well.

Wow, you weren't kidding. I went straight for the 4d's and i guess that was a mistake, with the pgd pads in the thing fits exactly like I want it to.

@Anb618 , if you didn't try this be sure to before you send the pgd back, the amount of difference doesn't seem like it should be possible, apparently it is though. Since you're just wanting ballistic protection it's unquestionably a better choice than the chinese made HHV. If it's still a no go maybe look at a Galvion Viper a3 high cut, one of those caught a .223 for a cop in the orlando night club shooting (don't buy expecting that obviously, way beyond rating).

Depends on backspace deformation. If there is enough gap and pad to account for backspace deformation you should be ok, if not you risk substantial injuries should someone shoot your helmet while you are wearing it.

Short answer is, yes.

I meant is there like a rule of thumb in terms of actual measurement, i.e. if you've got 1/2" of space you're good, but if that comes down to 1/4" then even though you can get the helmet on your head comfortably it is now considered too small.

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Since apparently I should ask before spending my money on upgrades, seeing as I now have a set of 4d deluxe pads to sell, do y'all think an ops-core h-nape would be worth while? The boa seems to do a good job but feels a bit bulky, and the strap->chin pocket design looks like it'd do a better job on the OC.

@WALLYBOB , did you ever get the fit sorted out on the wilcox shroud? how?

 

[WALLYBOB]

did you ever get the fit sorted out on the wilcox shroud? how?

If by fit you mean getting the shroud hole to accept the PGD screws, I took a small rat tail file and with just a bit of filing got it screwed in. My original shroud was a bit sloppy but w/the Wilcox is good and tight. See post 272. Hope this helps.