Trying to decide which one of these to get (I'm running mod 3s.) They basically look the same but the wilcox is like $300 more than the crye. The wilcox does come with a built in shroud, but $100 for the crye (plus shroud) vs $400 for the wilcox!? What am I missing? The two contenders:

https://tnvc.com/shop/crye-precision-nightcap™-nvg-platform/

And

https://tnvc.com/shop/wilcox-l4-nvg-skull-lock-lite-head-mount/

i have MOD3's as well.  i have a couple of nightcaps, but i prefer my TW helmet when using the binos.  for $410, you could have a nightcap and a nice bump helmet.

I've got a team wendy and an ops core bump that I'll be selling now that I almost exclusively reach for the ops core skull mount (which let's my head breath and is just as stable as the bump helmets. I just want a more packable option, hence the nightcap vs wilcox.

You also get a battery pouch built in on the Wilcox.

Goddamn that Wilcox is expensive.  Interested to see what TNVC or someone who has run them both has to say.  I sure love my Nightcap.

Yo TNVC, you wany to weigh in?

@TNVC
@TNVC_Sam
@TNVC_Clasky

I find Crye perfect for monos, but even then if you have a higher weight mono and/or mounting system it will get more tiring than a bump helmet. Haven't used the Wilcox one but it looks well designed and looks like it might distribute the weight more evenly and not press against your forehead like Crye does. There's quite a difference on the retention system it would seem, especially at the back where Wilcox has the retention points much lower than in Crye. Also the counterweight placement is lower in Wilcox - it's way too high in Crye in my opinion for optimum balance. I find Crye to be usable with binos for a short period, but gets uncomfortable and definitely does not allow running etc.

I haven't tried the Wilcox, but just looking at them, the Wilcox mount has the Boa-dial suspension system and side straps, whereas the Nightcap is a basic 4-point harness design with a nape.

Hypothetically, this would make the Wilcox system more stable, since the sides length could be adjusted, and the whole system can be tightened under the back of your head. With a non-rigid system, a good suspension system like the Boa-dial could make a lot of difference, though again, I'm speaking only in hypotheticals here, I haven't tried the Wilcox system, though being made by Wilcox, I have no doubt it's an excellent system--this doesn't necessarily address the question of whether or not the cost premium is worth it.

FWIW, as you mentioned, the Wilcox does come with a shroud, and dial retention/suspension systems are typically more expensive than simple "H-nape" style harnesses. Beyond that, the Wilcox gives you more Velcro for the attachment of IFF devices and counterweights, which may or may not be important to you--but if it is, you would need to find a way to attach them to the Nightcap after the fact.

Were cost no object, I would probably go with the Wilcox for duals, but I would echo that unless you have a need for having a "low pro" suspension, I would almost always prefer to use a helmet rather than one of these caps, especially for duals.

~Augee

@TNVC_Sam

excuse me , how about the First spear VAS system ?
Can you share your experience ?