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Posted: 12/5/2007 7:40:00 AM EDT
| I read a review of the new CSM helmet light mount in SWAT the other day and thought it would be a good mount for Da Torch. I have in the past used a plastic Picatinny rail section mounted to my protec, but this looks like a much more solid mount. CSM Helmet Mount |
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I received my CSM mount in the mail today, and it is indeed a very nice piece of gear. Enclosed in the package were the helmet mount itself, a VLTOR 1" flashlight rail mount, and two sets of replacement screws [for MICH or PASGT]. All of the parts are nicely anodized aluminum, except the fasteners, which are steel of course.  Elevation can be adjusted by slotted holes on the rail attachment points. The fasteners have captured Ny-lok nuts.  Mounting is as easy as it can get; simply remove the two original chinstrap fasteners, and replace with the slightly longer ones. The fit is superb.  Here are a couple of pics with an M1-IR on an ARMS #22L mount.   And a few with Da Torch.   My particular rig needed a small amount of elevation adjustment, but the windage was perfect. If one were to need to adjust the windage, some washers could be inserted as required. Da Torch also has integral W&E adjustments in it's mount. I haven't had the chance to go banging around with the rig yet, but the mount is very solid, and I do not expect the "POI" to shift. |
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Vic, I would have to agree with eodinert; I can't see rationalizing a $100+ mount on a $20 helmet. Here is the setup on my skateboard rig; the cost was less than $5.  It took a little experimenting to get dialed in [notice the second set of holes], but it was what proved to me the usefulness of a helmet mounted illuminator. What you can't see is that one of the holes is sloted to provide elevation adjustment, or the washer under the back screw to provide the proper windage alignment. The Weaver slot also had to be opened up just a bit to accomodate the width of the Picatinney recoil lug on the ARMS mount. Lastly, I had to grind the corner off the removable rail of Da Torch to provide adequate clearance with the chinstrap screw. The MICH is indeed quite nice; thank you again for hooking me up with it, as well as the contact at Oregon Aero for the split crown pad to accommodate the MSA's. Coincidentally, the full crown pad that was removed now lives in the top of the skateboard helmet. |
Roger that, did not know this goody was 100 bones. |
I like that helmet setup, and I have a few questions. I currently run a Protec helmet and find that sometimes after a few hours of use, I get a hell of a headache (prone to migranes anyhow), but how is that helmet compared to a Protec as far as comfort. I realize that helmet will be heavier, but if it helps distribust the weigh more evenly due to a better suspension/padding, I'd be all over it. I have put counter weights on the back of my helmet to offset the PVS 14, but still have a pressure spot on my forehead, right above my hairline. I was thinking something like that helmet with a Oregon Aero suspension. Would this be a more comfortable setup? |
This is a bit off topic, but you did start this thread after all. BTW, thanks for the link to the CSM illuminator mount; if you can't already tell, I am really liking it.  I am not able to comment specifically on the Pro-Tec, as I haven't tried one. I am also not able to comment on the PASGT. I don't remember the brand of my skateboard helmet, but it isn't one that you commonly hear of; I simply went shopping at local bicycle stores, and picked the one that seemed to fit best. I can offer these general opinions on my two rigs: COST - The MICH/ACH is a whole lot more expensive; this could be mitigated if you find a used one that you like. WEIGHT - The MICH/ACH is a fair bit heavier. Fully dressed out with a PVS-14, M1-IR, and Guardian beacon, the MICH/ACH is right at 5#, whereas the skateboard rig is 3#7oz. I am not running any counterweights on the skateboard rig. CHINSTRAP - Both of my rigs have 4-point adjustable MICH style chinstraps with a nape pad. To me this is a huge improvement over any standard skateboard style, and I consider it a mandatory modification for same. SUSPENSION - The pad suspension system of the MICH/ACH is pretty tough to beat. One can move the pads around, or use different thicknesses to customize the fit. If you are having pressure point issues, this feature can't help but improve things IMO. Doesn't Oregon Aero also offer pad kits specifically for some styles of Pro-Tec's? If not, it would seem like you could adapt something that they do offer. STABILITY/BALANCE - Even with the chinstrap modification to the skateboard rig, I find the MICH/ACH to be more stable and balanced, with one small caveat. As I don't have any pads placed directly in the sides of the MICH/ACH so as to provide clearance for the electronic muffs, there is very slight lateral instability when I am not wearing the MSA's. OVERALL COMFORT - I find the MICH/ACH to be more comfortable overall, but of course this is highly subjective. The increased weight is offset by the improved stability/balance and the customization of the suspension fit. One thing I also find helpful in this regard is wearing a "do rag" on my melon. Not only does this help absorb sweat, but also reduces abrasion with my very short hair. BONUSES - The MICH/ACH provides ballistic protection, as well as allowing muffs/comms to be worn [with the optional split crown pad]. As you can tell from the additional modifications such as the dummy cords and one-eyed safety glasses, I have put a fair amount of thought, effort, and $$$ into these rigs. Recently, I have been using the MICH/ACH about 90% of the time; now that I have a rail on it, I suspect that the only time the skateboard rig will be used is by my shooting partner during night drills. Hope this helps. |
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I'll have to add that I am very pleased with this helmet light mount. I was surprised by the fact that the windage is perfect, and the elevation is easily adjusted. In no way does the Surefire M1 replace the Surefire Helmet light which is very useful with it's 3 levels, IR flasher, and more diffusion, especially indoors in no light. But, having the M1 mounted so that it points where ever you look is very nice. Also, the tape switch idea between the teeth (!!) for activating the Surefire M1 IR is really very effective when matched with the IR laser on the carbine! 
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Nice set-up, Edwin. It is a good sign of the product's quality that the windage was dead on for both of us, left and right side mounts, MICH and PASGT. Does the mount use the more forward hole for the rear screw when mounted on a PASGT? Do you by chance have any way to get a reasonably accurate weight of your rig dressed out? |
It does use the more forward of the rear holes for mounting. Don't have an accurate scale, but the difference on the bathroom scales is about 4.5LB with me holding or not holding the helmet. EDIT: Measured it again a couple of times and got 5 to 5.5LB. |
| I use one of these Berkley Fish Scales to weigh things in excess of 610 grams. It is surprisingly accurate when compared to my Ohaus triple beam balance. It also works quite well for measuring trigger pull. |
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