Night Vision Setting up an Ops Core Base Jump Helmet for PVS-14

skeeter355

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Seeing what you would recommend for configuring an Ops Core Base Jump Helmet for a PVS-14. My understanding is there is the Mil spec way and the Wilcox way. The Mil spec seems to be cheaper but would like to price out both to make a decision. Thanks!
 
Re: Setting up an Ops Core Base Jump Helmet for PVS-14

There is yet another option also, the Norotos way. If all your going to run is a PVS 14, the Norotos INVG mount along with the Norotos Dual Dove tail adapter is my personal favorite. The stow feature on the INVG can't be beat. Another thing is the Norotos set up will be about $50.00 cheaper.

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Re: Setting up an Ops Core Base Jump Helmet for PVS-14

Yep the Wilcox is more expensive, actually about twice the cost of the helmet, but it's worth it IMO. I had the USGI Rhino mount, while walking the J-arm would never lock down completely-there was a little side to side sway. This was very annoying to me.

So I called Victor and ordered the Wilcox mount. Not only does it lock up tighter than a safe, the adjustments are smooth and fast.

If your on a really tight budget and your life isn't depending on it, the USGI will probably work fine. If you can swing the cash get the Wilcox, it's a no brainer.
Norotos makes good kit as well, but I'm not as familiar with it.

Chip or Victor can give you the rundown on features between the two. Ultimately it's up to you.
 
Re: Setting up an Ops Core Base Jump Helmet for PVS-14

there is a member here called Huntler who owns mod-armory. I had me complete helmet rig built by him with Wilcox hardware. He suggested used hardware that he had gotten on trade. I agreed. About half price and not one scratch and it is perfect. Works great, no looseness and is ideal for what I want back in the states. Overseas you need Kevlar helmets, but not for pig hunting. He built the helmet and shipped it to me.

VERY pleased
 
Re: Setting up an Ops Core Base Jump Helmet for PVS-14

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeeter355</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Seeing what you would recommend for configuring an Ops Core Base Jump Helmet for a PVS-14. My understanding is there is the Mil spec way and the Wilcox way. The Mil spec seems to be cheaper but would like to price out both to make a decision. Thanks! </div></div>

I wouldn't necessarily call it the "Mil Spec" way but perhaps "Lowest Cost General Issue (LCGI)." The higher quality mounts by Wilcox and Norotos all meet and exceed military requirements and are therefore quite prolific in their procurement and use by the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Wilcox and Norotos mounts have superior build quality which is immediately noticeable in how little wobble exists in the NVD mounted to them; and have superior design ergonomics and flexibility (in use) which is evident in all their dimensions of adjustment.

With LCGI, you have to adjust to fit your equipment. With Wilcox and Norotos, you are empowered to adjust your equipment to fit you. Because these makers' mounts can be adapted to many different makes and models of helmet, you can "buy once, use for many applications."

The Norotos INVG is an ingenious mounting system in achieving the tightest profiles when stowing the NVD, especially when using a monocular system such as the PVS-14. A mod that I make to my INVG mounts is to disassemble and then to apply a custom notch to the plate that controls the rotation of the swing arm. This allows me (and my guys) to swing PVS-14s to align and lock between right eye and left eye in an instant (instead of having to use the dual dovetail).

IR-V

 
Re: Setting up an Ops Core Base Jump Helmet for PVS-14

IR-V

Can you explain the mod you make to the INVG mount in more detail? Also do you still use Norotos Dual Dovetail Adapter to mount a PVS-14?

Thanks, Skeeter
 
Re: Setting up an Ops Core Base Jump Helmet for PVS-14

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeeter355</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IR-V

Can you explain the mod you make to the INVG mount in more detail? Also do you still use Norotos Dual Dovetail Adapter to mount a PVS-14?

Thanks, Skeeter </div></div>

Sure, Skeeter.

If you take apart the base of the swing arm (the rod with the triangle profile), it will be intuitive to you on how it works and the modification needed.

However, be advised of the following:

1. That disassembling or modifying the part will most certainly void your warranty.

2. You only have a one-time shot at making the notch, and it has to align the PVS-14 with your other eye. If you don't get it right and have to fiddle with the sliding dovetail to get a precise alignment, then it defeats the purpose of the modification. Everyone's eye alignment is different, so the position that works for you will likely not work for someone else.

3. The intermediate detent means that when you go to stow your PVS-14 by raising up and folding to the side, you'll have to push through 2 stages to get to the fully "folded" (to the side) position where the PVS-14 touches the side of your helmet.

For this mod, you don't need to have dual dovetail interfaces, you can keep the PVS-14 attached via the one adjustable dovetail, then to get it to the other eye, you simply swing it over until it locks in place over your other eye.

BTW: On the Norotos Dual Dovetail, swapping from the adjustable to the non-adjustable dovetail to change from one eye to the other never really gets the alignment correct for the other eye. You can put two adjustable dovetails on the block that attaches to the PVS-14 to get a tailored alignment on each eye.

IR-V