User Panel
Posted: 11/18/2021 10:29:26 PM EDT
I spoke with Robert at JRH today, and got a ton of help from him regarding my needs for my first NV device. Ultimately he helped me realize my needs are a PVS14; but that brings me to my next conundrum, how do I look through this thing?
I would like to go with a helmet mounted setup; however - I am unsure whether I should go with a Bump style setup, or with an actual armor solution. To compound this - I have a pretty big head (62cm/24.5"); so I need to find a bucket for my brainpan. What are some suggestions? There's a nice Team Wendy setup; but I have heard less than nice things about them. What would you guys suggest? |
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[#1]
We have team wendy bump helmets and they're fine but if you can find them I'd go with Opscore or something with arc rails. They're kinda the standard and you'll have to get adapters for things like amp arms if you go TW.
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[#2]
Ops-core is the gold standard for helmets. They're stuff just works and is very universal for attachments. The down side to ops-core is the stock padding and generally people add the 4D pads which are awesome apparently.
Team Wendy makes nice helmets politics aside. The downfall i think everyone mentions is their proprietary mounting stuff or how you have to mount stuff isn't as good ops-core or as modular/universal. Even with negatives said from what i understand out the box the Team Wendy is more comfy out the box. You could also go the Surplus route if you're on a budget. |
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[#3]
The new ops core ballistic helmets are awesome. Padding is as good as team wendy epic air, and they feel almost as light as a bump. Highly recommend.
That said, for a civ helmet I’d just get bump to save money. The team wendy is solid, I’d recommend the carbon with a shroud that isn’t moulded into the shell though. |
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[#4]
I was in your shoes a month ago. I bought cheap bump helmet off amazon along with cheap chinese copy mounts. Im surprisingly happy with all of it. I bought a Holosun laser for the rifle for $270. I dont know how much you want to invest in this hobby but it really is a bottomless pit.
You can buy the cheaper stuff and get out there and enjoy the night. You can upgrade in the future too. Loan out the cheaper stuff to a friend who buys their first NODS. I went target shooting in the dark this last weekend for the first time in my life and it was quite fun. I still find it eerie being out alone in the dark. I know i see better than anything else out there but still weird feeling. When i was up shooting i heard a sound that sounded like something moving toward me. About 15min later i realized it was the snow landing on the suppressor boiling off instantly. I had an encounter with a bear this last spring to which i was ill prepared for and luckily we both went our separate ways. Maybe that is the reason for the unease. Could be normal too. Maybe i should make a new thread? |
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[#7]
If you don't need ballistic protection you can always go airsoft or hockey helmet (military ProTech, $70 with rails, base, bungees, chin strap).
It doesn't have to be expensive to correctly mount your device: Attached File |
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[#8]
I know some will poo poo this, but I've actually started really enjoying my HHV bump helmet. At first I didn't like it, but it's grown on me quite a bit. With the additional retention strap it's a pretty solid setup for not a lot of money.
The pads out of the box are very comfy and I found that I can wear the helmet all day without breaking a sweat. |
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[#9]
Quoted: I know some will poo poo this, but I've actually started really enjoying my HHV bump helmet. At first I didn't like it, but it's grown on me quite a bit. With the additional retention strap it's a pretty solid setup for not a lot of money. The pads out of the box are very comfy and I found that I can wear the helmet all day without breaking a sweat. View Quote I've got a Ballistic HHV and love it. Pads *are* super comfy (for at least 8 hours, so far) and the two sets of different thicknesses, allow adjustment for perfect NOD placement. It's all end-user specific - exactly how much can you spend? Does it *have to be* US lab certified? Both of those will dictate your choice. OC and HHV have the L/XL for melons, MTEK has one size that you adjust with pads, Galvion has the most intricate sizing charts you could ask for - so you can really dial those in. I don't know Jack about Team Wendy. |
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[#10]
Here are the units I've been looking at....
A14455-12H19H10 Gentex IIIA-MC TEAM WENDY EXFIL CARBON BUMP HELMET WITH 3.0 RAIL SYSTEM: COYOTE SIZE 2 Carbon Bump Budget is right around $700. Probably gonna need a 2X in any helmet. ETA: Very excited to get my unit from JRH. Confirmed the order with Robert this morning. Got some impressive specs from him; hoping for a big thrill looking through this thing. Never had night vision before! |
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[#11]
Politics aside TW is comfy and made in America.
Ballistic v bump - funny world we live in, funniest it has ever been. Bump helmets are generally lighter, cost a whole lot less, and may even lend themselves to other activities. Rails on helmets - regardless of who makes them, any thing can be mounted to any of them. That said, less is probably more. Sizing - if you're on the bubble get the bigger one and add pads as it increases the protection (non ballistic) Mount - do your homework and buy a good mount. A well fitting helmet and good mount means things don't wiggle and flop with each footfall. |
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[#12]
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[#13]
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[#14]
Quoted: If you don't need ballistic protection you can always go airsoft or hockey helmet (military ProTech, $70 with rails, base, bungees, chin strap). It doesn't have to be expensive to correctly mount your device: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/18978/protech_jpg-2172619.JPG View Quote I need one of these, what vendor? |
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[#15]
If I were to let politics decide what companies I purchased from there would be a handful of parts in the entire industry that would meet those standards...lol
Opscores are tit, I enjoy my TW Carbon as well. |
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[#16]
Quoted: If I were to let politics decide what companies I purchased from there would be a handful of parts in the entire industry that would meet those standards...lol Opscores are tit, I enjoy my TW Carbon as well. View Quote Spoke with Gentex on the phone - neither do they. Any additional suggestions ARF? |
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[#17]
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[#18]
I prefer tw over opscore-simply more comfortable (and cheaper)
When it comes to bump, hhv makes a decent one for cheap. Honestly it's hard to go wrong so get what color you like in the appropriate price range. |
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[#19]
In $300~ bump range you really only have to choices:
Ops-Core FAST Bump High Cut Helmet + Arc Rails - default padding - molded NVG shroud - suspension system Team Wendy EXFIL® LTP Bump + Wilcox aluminum insert in NVG shroud + default padding + suspension system: micro-adjustable BOA fit system - side rails 2.0 or 3.0 are not as good as Ops-Core In this price range I'd say go with Team Wendy and forget about politics and stupid shit like that. |
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[#20]
Quoted: In $300~ bump range you really only have to choices: Ops-Core FAST Bump High Cut Helmet + Arc Rails - default padding - molded NVG shroud - suspension system Team Wendy EXFIL® LTP Bump + Wilcox aluminum insert in NVG shroud + default padding + suspension system: micro-adjustable BOA fit system - side rails 2.0 or 3.0 are not as good as Ops-Core In this price range I'd say go with Team Wendy and forget about politics and stupid shit like that. View Quote Forgetting politics is how we got here. |
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[#21]
Quoted: I need one of these, what vendor? View Quote I ordered this one and its comfortable. Stays on my head even without the chin strap. I bought an aluminum mount to replace the plastic one on the front but it works so well i have the aluminum one still sitting on my desk. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OEJW5OW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details |
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[#22]
Quoted: Forgetting politics is how we got here. View Quote How we got where? Arguing over a helmet company hosting a presidential candidate at their facility while we debate how to mount the image intensifier made by a company that lied to and sent defective product to our troops for years, as we peck about it on devices made in China and Vietnam and Japan? At some point...you just buy the best tool for the job and stop virtue signalling, or buy second rate because of how you feel. For me, I went TW Exfil LTP because BOA, and metal insert. |
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[#23]
Quoted: Here are the units I've been looking at.... A14455-12H19H10 Gentex IIIA-MC TEAM WENDY EXFIL CARBON BUMP HELMET WITH 3.0 RAIL SYSTEM: COYOTE SIZE 2 Carbon Bump Budget is right around $700. Probably gonna need a 2X in any helmet. ETA: Very excited to get my unit from JRH. Confirmed the order with Robert this morning. Got some impressive specs from him; hoping for a big thrill looking through this thing. Never had night vision before! View Quote If you decide to go TW (I did, fuck the haters, it’s comfy, whatevs) go with the 2.0 rails instead of the 3.0 The 3.0 rails are only needed if you plan on running a mandible or face shield. |
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[#24]
Quoted: If I were to let politics decide what companies I purchased from there would be a handful of parts in the entire industry that would meet those standards...lol Opscores are tit, I enjoy my TW Carbon as well. View Quote This. 87% of the people saying “fuck TW” are running Surefire lights. |
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[#25]
Quoted: Forgetting politics is how we got here. View Quote Respectfully, It's not that I want to forget politics. It's that nobody makes a product that fits my ginormous punkin' head. The Team Wendy is the only one that will fit. I spoke at length with someone from Gentex today; and their representative was super nice. They recommended that I don't purchase one of their XL helmets; they run small and aren't big enough in the first place. In the TBH Series, Gentex doesn't make a 2XL. The other option would be to go with Ops-Core (who is made by Gentex) - but they didn't make a 2XL in their FAST ST, according to this representative. I would have to go to the FAST XP, which is a pretty big step up in price. If anyone has a line on a 2XL Fast XP close to my budget; I'd be all ears. |
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[#26]
View Quote Why does the description of these say that they AREN'T Pro-Tec models? |
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[#27]
Quoted: Respectfully, It's not that I want to forget politics. It's that nobody makes a product that fits my ginormous punkin' head. The Team Wendy is the only one that will fit. I spoke at length with someone from Gentex today; and their representative was super nice. They recommended that I don't purchase one of their XL helmets; they run small and aren't big enough in the first place. In the TBH Series, Gentex doesn't make a 2XL. The other option would be to go with Ops-Core (who is made by Gentex) - but they didn't make a 2XL in their FAST ST, according to this representative. I would have to go to the FAST XP, which is a pretty big step up in price. If anyone has a line on a 2XL Fast XP close to my budget; I'd be all ears. View Quote You are in a hard spot for sure with you watermelon head. You do what you got to do to get a usable solution. |
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[#28]
Quoted: How we got where? Arguing over a helmet company hosting a presidential candidate at their facility while we debate how to mount the image intensifier made by a company that lied to and sent defective product to our troops for years, as we peck about it on devices made in China and Vietnam and Japan? At some point...you just buy the best tool for the job and stop virtue signalling, or buy second rate because of how you feel. For me, I went TW Exfil LTP because BOA, and metal insert. View Quote You are absolutely right. At some point you have to buy something because there is no other option. But if there is an option, I try to NOT buy something produced by communists. |
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[#30]
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[#31]
Quoted: I was in your shoes a month ago. I bought cheap bump helmet off amazon along with cheap chinese copy mounts. Im surprisingly happy with all of it. I bought a Holosun laser for the rifle for $270. I dont know how much you want to invest in this hobby but it really is a bottomless pit. You can buy the cheaper stuff and get out there and enjoy the night. You can upgrade in the future too. Loan out the cheaper stuff to a friend who buys their first NODS. I went target shooting in the dark this last weekend for the first time in my life and it was quite fun. I still find it eerie being out alone in the dark. I know i see better than anything else out there but still weird feeling. When i was up shooting i heard a sound that sounded like something moving toward me. About 15min later i realized it was the snow landing on the suppressor boiling off instantly. I had an encounter with a bear this last spring to which i was ill prepared for and luckily we both went our separate ways. Maybe that is the reason for the unease. Could be normal too. Maybe i should make a new thread? View Quote @HYDRASHOKMONTANA Links to the helmet and mount you went with? |
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[#32]
Quoted: Here are the units I've been looking at.... A14455-12H19H10 Gentex IIIA-MC TEAM WENDY EXFIL CARBON BUMP HELMET WITH 3.0 RAIL SYSTEM: COYOTE SIZE 2 Carbon Bump Budget is right around $700. Probably gonna need a 2X in any helmet. ETA: Very excited to get my unit from JRH. Confirmed the order with Robert this morning. Got some impressive specs from him; hoping for a big thrill looking through this thing. Never had night vision before! View Quote |
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[#33]
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[#34]
We just got the regular polymer tw. They're plenty durable unless you're jumping out of helicopters and are 300$.
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[#35]
Quoted: I bought my pvs14 from jrh and got my OPs core from armsunlimited and rhino II from venture surplus https://i.imgur.com/AAdmFQj.jpg its a basic bottom bitch setup I need to start accessorizing View Quote Good setup. Maybe a counterweight and keep it slick. Not everyone wants or needs a bike rack, Reese hitch, tactical cowbell and a IR reflective "Joe's Crab Shack" sign on their helmet :) Simple is often better in my opinion. Now a Viking horn sticking out the front like a rhino horn... I could make room for that LOL. |
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[#36]
Quoted: @HYDRASHOKMONTANA Links to the helmet and mount you went with? View Quote Helmet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OEJW5OW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details Mount:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z374R2R?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details Arm: https://www.ebay.com/itm/303468241888?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 The mount required a little sanding internally on the button faces but now works perfectly and i love how positive it is. The arm did not lock in out of the box. The button is plastic i did not have to sand any aluminum. All were ordered because of shipping time frame. They were all i found that wasn't being shipped in from china and would take a month+ to get here. |
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[#37]
What do you guys think of Hard Head Veterans helmets? I have the bump version HHV and I'm actually pretty happy with it. Rhino II locks up tight and I like the Mlok on the side.
They are also much cheaper than the TW bump offerings. |
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[#38]
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[#39]
Quoted: I got my PVS14 Today. Holy. Fucking. Shit. Holyfuckingshit Hahah!!! I’ve been saying that every weekend for the past year when I put them on. I ended up getting the XLSH WP BVND’s from JRH It never get old looking through them. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/247228/IMG_2758_jpg-2187389.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/247228/IMG_2759_jpg-2187394.JPG View Quote |
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[#41]
Quoted: I got my PVS14 Today. Holy. Fucking. Shit. Holyfuckingshit https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/247228/IMG_2758_jpg-2187389.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/247228/IMG_2759_jpg-2187394.JPG View Quote Hell to the yeah! Thanks again for your business, much appreciated!!! |
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[#42]
Quoted: I got my PVS14 Today. Holy. Fucking. Shit. Holyfuckingshit https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/247228/IMG_2758_jpg-2187389.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/247228/IMG_2759_jpg-2187394.JPG View Quote Congrats man! Friggen magic night vision powers. I remember my first PVS14. :). The addiction will deepen. |
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[#43]
Quoted: What do you guys think of Hard Head Veterans helmets? I have the bump version HHV and I'm actually pretty happy with it. Rhino II locks up tight and I like the Mlok on the side. They are also much cheaper than the TW bump offerings. View Quote I don’t know about the bumps but apparently the ballistic model doesn’t stop bullets. |
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[#44]
Spend money on the helmet. I have changed so many things over the years but my team Wendy has stayed the same. Any quality helmet that fits your head will be good to go. I would go bump for weight but to each their own.
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[#45]
Quoted: I don’t know about the bumps but apparently the ballistic model doesn’t stop bullets. View Quote This has been discussed ad-nauseum. At the time, the only actual "shot with bullets" test - was InRange / P&S - and it did indeed stop bullets with acceptable back face. The video was up, then it was made private, now I think its public again - go check it out (a search should also find the various threads). You could tell the P&S guy was pissed that it did the job, LOL. On the flip side, that was *that* lid; no NIJ = maybe Paper Mache' the next batch. There may be newer test vids, but I haven't seen any. Odds of a head shot with a bullet, in Iraq and A-stan, over 5 years, was a smidge under 5%, IIRC. As a NOD Hanger, anything works - even cloth "Caps" |
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[#46]
For those with TW, when you mounted ear pro to the helmet, did you find the side adjustment straps broke the ear seal or no? Seeing conflicting posts about that
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[#47]
I'll offer my firsthand experience...
I initially went with an OpsCore FAST SF carbon in 499 Tan, Size L What I liked: + Super comfortable right out of the gate from the chin strap to the pads, wearing it just felt GREAT! + No upward or side-to-side movement while using my PVS-14 What I didn't like: + Fit and finish; the placement of my shroud, the air vent holes, and the rails were all out-of-whack; things were not symmetrical; one rail was mounted 3/8" higher on one side vs. the other; things were not straight down the center line of the helmet and this bothered me greatly--especially knowing my NV was mounted slightly off-kilter; additionally the visor/front of helmet was cut wavy; it wasn't straight; ultimately I returned it to OpsCore for a refund + Worm dial and the folded straps; I ended up cutting off the excess strap piece because it dug into my head making it extremely annoying + The tan color sucks; it is a far cry from Coyote and begins to stick out like a sore thumb when you start trying to complement it with MultiCam Arid I ended up buying the Team Wendy Exfil Carbon in Coyote, Size M/L What I like: + Lower price point; I paid like $180 less when it was all said and done (discount code GARANDTHUMB at OpsCore's site and then later using a 10% off coupon code at Optics Planet for the TW) + IMO, the color, as well as the fit and finish are noticeably better + The lines of the helmet make for a better looking helmet + Bungee retention from the side rails is better than coming directly from the shroud itself (OpsCore) What I don't like: + Not as comfortable initially as the OpsCore; the chin strap sucks in comparison + I have side-to-side movement with my NV deployed and if lightly shake my head back and forth; I didn't have this with the OpsCore Would I go back to the OpsCore if everything was better aligned (i.e. symmetrical and straight)? Hell yes. Unfortunately, it didn't play out that way and I'm not going to chance it on another FAST SF Carbon given the price and the long lead time. Hope this helps. |
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[#48]
Quoted: For those with TW, when you mounted ear pro to the helmet, did you find the side adjustment straps broke the ear seal or no? Seeing conflicting posts about that View Quote No. I use Unity Mark with Peltor tac6s and 3m gel cups. It fits great. I finally got my 4D pads arramged well, and this helmet is an ergonomic triumph. |
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[#49]
Quoted: I'll offer my firsthand experience... I initially went with an OpsCore FAST SF carbon in 499 Tan, Size L What I liked: + Super comfortable right out of the gate from the chin strap to the pads, wearing it just felt GREAT! + No upward or side-to-side movement while using my PVS-14 What I didn't like: + Fit and finish; the placement of my shroud, the air vent holes, and the rails were all out-of-whack; things were not symmetrical; one rail was mounted 3/8" higher on one side vs. the other; things were not straight down the center line of the helmet and this bothered me greatly--especially knowing my NV was mounted slightly off-kilter; additionally the visor/front of helmet was cut wavy; it wasn't straight; ultimately I returned it to OpsCore for a refund + Worm dial and the folded straps; I ended up cutting off the excess strap piece because it dug into my head making it extremely annoying + The tan color sucks; it is a far cry from Coyote and begins to stick out like a sore thumb when you start trying to complement it with MultiCam Arid ... Would I go back to the OpsCore if everything was better aligned (i.e. symmetrical and straight)? Hell yes. Unfortunately, it didn't play out that way and I'm not going to chance it on another FAST SF Carbon given the price and the long lead time. Hope this helps. View Quote I am very sorry you had such a bad experience with your Ops-Core helmet, that sounds pretty bad. For what it's worth, this has not been my overall experience with Ops-Core helmets, whether in general, or the FAST SF Carbon specifically--your experience very much sounds like an exception than the norm. The rear straps of the Worm Dial is a relatively common complaint in and that while the vast majority of users do not have an issue with it--however, if they are going to have a complaint about the suspension, it is usually related to the support straps. The OCC Dial suspension does not have the rear straps, so it would most likely be a better fit for you. We have several FAST SF Carbons in both Tan 499 and Multicam in size Large with the OCC Dial inbound, as well as some Foliage Green in stock currently--color/pattern matching with Multicam Arid is going to be a little tough regardless, so a helmet cover or rattle can might be your best bet for that. However, we could theoretically check to make sure it does not have the same kinds of manufacturing defects before shipping if you wanted to try one out again. ~Augee |
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