What works the best with the helmet and OCC dial system as just a stand alone active muff?  What if you want to have some radio connectivity as well?

MsA sordid,  TCI liberators

Here is a link to my current civi comms setup with NV helmet.

It is using an Ops Core fast base jump, but should be analogous to your ballistic rig fitment wise.  There are other options that don't require unlatching the OCC from the helmet and simultaneously donning/doffing the helmet and headset, but this is what I have found to work best for me.  YMMV.  There are also configurations available with either greater or lesser comms sophistication....i.e. encryption, true dual-channel input, etc.

For basic electronic ear pro, MSA/Sordin is tough to beat, and TCI also offers their "digital threat compression" technology which is presumably an electronic enhancement based on the same platform.  My understanding of the theory behind it is that rather than fully clamping the stereophonic input signal at or about 85 db, it attenuates the inputs to an acceptable level.  The bigger brains than me can very likely explain it better, but I just know what works well through use.

Hope this helps.

ETA - SC-Texas types faster than me, and we are both running essentially the same gear with VHF programmed to the same freqs.

ETA2 - If you are in the area, I have two of everything if you'd like to try it out firsthand.

Where in Texas are you?  I'm in the Port Arthur/Beaumont area.  I'd love to try out your setup.

IM sent.

Just out of curiosity.. Do you guys use MURS frequencies or are y'all licensed HAMS and using those bands?

I have a similar setup (sorta ill post pics later) and always looking for ideas

My HTs are programmed for various freqs between 145 and 167.  None of the channels are on the designated MURS freqs, and the ones on NOAA freqs are receive only.