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Posted: 10/18/2015 9:02:32 PM EDT
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So I've hit the need to do something with my helmet situation. I don't want this to seem like a lazy request, but there are so many damn options that I just want to hear some no BS options. I've been through the NVG helmet rig thread multiple times
I currently have an ACH and a protec Skate helmet. I have a set of peltors and a few howard leights. 
What I would like is to end up with either a skate helmet or a ballistic helmet capable of housing electric ear pro and some sort of white light on my left side. -I've seen people using Howard Leights with peltor kits. I'd do this for a skate helmet, but for a ballistic helmet I'd rather use my peltors. Commo is an afterthought. -I'm not above using a 1" chicom or streamlight light for the helmet light. I'm used to doing the headlamp stretched around the helmet gig, but I'd rather bolt it on given the opportunity. I'd prefer to not use any of my x300s or spend another $200+ on surefire lights. -I'd rather buy something meant for the purpose and ditch the protec in EE than cut it up. My goal is for this to not turn into a $2500 helmet project. Since I already have the ACH, I'm leaning more toward a skate/bump helmet, but I'll humor the non-gucci high cut ach models within reason. What am I looking at? Thanks in advance. |
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The short answer is that I feel it doesn't get any better then anTeam Wendy Carbon with the accessories that suit your needs.
I have or have had all the others and a TW carbon is my go to Helmet for everything shooting, hiking etc. the LTP is good but the suspension system on the canon makes it for me over everything else. People spend a ton of money on NODs but the helmet is the part that touches your body and determines how comfortable you are and how. Ugh you will enjoy your time. Just my two cents. PM incoming |
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Upgrade your ACH!
First I upgraded to an Ops-Core H-nape chin strap, which made the whole platform much more stable, but the comfort didnt really get any better. Recently I bought the Team Wendy "Epic" helmet pad replacement set; HOLY MOTHER OF GOD does this improve upon the whole ACH comfort experience. You can really customize the fit so it snugly fits your head, but without pressure points, or cranking down on the chin strap. |
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Quoted:
Upgrade your ACH! First I upgraded to an Ops-Core H-nape chin strap, which made the whole platform much more stable, but the comfort didnt really get any better. Recently I bought the Team Wendy "Epic" helmet pad replacement set; HOLY MOTHER OF GOD does this improve upon the whole ACH comfort experience. You can really customize the fit so it snugly fits your head, but without pressure points, or cranking down on the chin strap. I understand the pads and the TW/Ops-core straps.. I like the TW straps, big time. I sold the helmet that had them, unfortunately. I'm comfortable enough with having used the previously-mandatory USGI crap to be able to set it up comfortably with the full ACH, mostly because I ended up with extra chin straps and helmet pads courtesy of uncle sugar. I just don't want to use that anymore, because I want to be able to put the helmet on, move my ear pro into place (Not foam dingleberries tucked into an elastic band) , drop my NVGs down and go. I don't want to fuck around with fitting peltors under an ACH anymore. |
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Quoted:
The important question is what's your budget? The second important question is how much can you add to your budget by selling what you have? Get a damn solid idea of what you are willing to/can spend and we can give a lot better direction from there. I'm not trying to be a cheap ass. If a foam/plastic helmet will do the job, I'd rather buy that than a carbon bleeding edge solution. I'm good for $1k for a solution. My ACH and protec are probably worth $300 max to contribute to the cause. I'd imagine the rails + light + earpro mounts are a fixed cost, I just need to know what a bump vs ballistic helmet setup in my criteria will cost. |
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IMO, going to a single helmet is not the most ideal solution. If I'm not wearing armor for an activity, I use my FAST BASE Jump. If I have my plate carrier on, then I pair it with a ballistic helmet.
How much do you use your ACH? it might not be worth dumping a ton of money into if you use, or would use, your bump helmet 9 times out of 10. Right now, Ops Core FAST Base Jumps are $200 brand new and the Team Wendy Exfil Bumps are $300. If you want to spend an extra $2-300 to upgrade to the Carbon versions, that's on you. But IMO thats money better spent on ACH upgrades. With either of these brands you can get adapters for your peltors or howard leights to mount them directly to the helmet. Right now, the least expensive reputable high-cut helmet is an on-sale unit from Own the Nightfor $400. I'd skip the FAST knock-offs and just get a high-cut ACH, which usually run ~$500 (compared to the $900 for Ops Cores or Team Wendy ballistics). The absolute most practical route to take would be to keep your ACH, find a split crown pad setup and use your ACH with over the head ear-pro. I have a split crown pad in my 2002 mid-cut and it's super comfortable with my Peltors. For a helmet light, you could take the small diameter light of your choice, and velcro it to your ACH as is. TLDR: Buy an Ops Core FAST Bump and a peltor kit for the bump needs, keep the ACH, change the pads and straps for ballistic needs. |
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OP, best price for the Ops Core FAST BASE is $199 from TNVC
It also looks like they offer an ARFCOM discount and Free overnight on the Exfil Bump, just need to PM one of the TNVC guys here. |
So looking at the TW exfil route.. I'm looking at the peltor adapter and it looks like I'll lose the ability to use the rail for a light. Is that why velcro was suggested? I know hook and loop can be strong, but I'd rather not dump a light in the desert if I brush against something wrong.
eta: https://tnvc.com/shop/team-wendy-exfil-peltor-comtac-adapter/ |
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