Inexpensive nv helmet setup?
I have a spare MICH plate and RHINO mount. Will the MICH plate mount to a PT Alpha helmet? I know it isn't as stable as a VAS shroud, but the budget is tight.
Yes, it will. That's how I had mine set up when I used an Alpha.
Originally Posted By ShadowAngel:
Yes, it will. That's how I had mine set up when I used an Alpha.
Thanks
If you are really on a budget, take a look at the Bell Faction or the ProTec Classic helmet. Both are pretty comfortable and can be found for $25 or so shipped on Ebay. Sports Authority stocks the Bell and you can find them on sale time to time. Although they run closer to $40 at the retail store and you might as well pay a little more for the Alpha. There are a couple of down sides I will warn you about. First, they are hot. They use a dual density foam which really holds in heat when it is hot. It isn't too bad when rolling on a bike, but can get hot when standing around. Second, if you have a big chin or beefy head, the strap isn't the best. Is is fairly thin and when you get to the outside adjustment zone, it can come undone as there is nothing to lock the strapon when at it's biggest size. But I am 6'3" and 350#, so sizing is relative to me compared to most. One sized doesn't fit all in my case.
Go as cheap as possible, because you will eventually get a Ops Core Base Jump helmet. The Ops Core helmet is not a night & day difference in comfort compared to the Bell or Protec for me. But it is much, much cooler in the heat (which is big in AZ) and is set up really nicely. The molded in mount is very nice as is the built in bungee cords. I use it as my NV helmet as well as my mountain bike helmet. Lastly, I lucked up and got a lightly used one at a significant discount from a SAR Marine who was told he couldn't use it in place of his combat helmet even during non-combat SAR.
Originally Posted By ihon:
If you are really on a budget, take a look at the Bell Faction or the ProTec Classic helmet. Both are pretty comfortable and can be found for $25 or so shipped on Ebay. Sports Authority stocks the Bell and you can find them on sale time to time. Although they run closer to $40 at the retail store and you might as well pay a little more for the Alpha. There are a couple of down sides I will warn you about. First, they are hot. They use a dual density foam which really holds in heat when it is hot. It isn't too bad when rolling on a bike, but can get hot when standing around. Second, if you have a big chin or beefy head, the strap isn't the best. Is is fairly thin and when you get to the outside adjustment zone, it can come undone as there is nothing to lock the strapon when at it's biggest size. But I am 6'3" and 350#, so sizing is relative to me compared to most. One sized doesn't fit all in my case.
Go as cheap as possible, because you will eventually get a Ops Core Base Jump helmet. The Ops Core helmet is not a night & day difference in comfort compared to the Bell or Protec for me. But it is much, much cooler in the heat (which is big in AZ) and is set up really nicely. The molded in mount is very nice as is the built in bungee cords. I use it as my NV helmet as well as my mountain bike helmet. Lastly, I lucked up and got a lightly used one at a significant discount from a SAR Marine who was told he couldn't use it in place of his combat helmet even during non-combat SAR.
Thanks for the advice. Can the Alpha suspension be replaced with an ACH chinstrap set?
Originally Posted By ThePatriot556:
Originally Posted By ihon:
If you are really on a budget, take a look at the Bell Faction or the ProTec Classic helmet. Both are pretty comfortable and can be found for $25 or so shipped on Ebay. Sports Authority stocks the Bell and you can find them on sale time to time. Although they run closer to $40 at the retail store and you might as well pay a little more for the Alpha. There are a couple of down sides I will warn you about. First, they are hot. They use a dual density foam which really holds in heat when it is hot. It isn't too bad when rolling on a bike, but can get hot when standing around. Second, if you have a big chin or beefy head, the strap isn't the best. Is is fairly thin and when you get to the outside adjustment zone, it can come undone as there is nothing to lock the strapon when at it's biggest size. But I am 6'3" and 350#, so sizing is relative to me compared to most. One sized doesn't fit all in my case.
Go as cheap as possible, because you will eventually get a Ops Core Base Jump helmet. The Ops Core helmet is not a night & day difference in comfort compared to the Bell or Protec for me. But it is much, much cooler in the heat (which is big in AZ) and is set up really nicely. The molded in mount is very nice as is the built in bungee cords. I use it as my NV helmet as well as my mountain bike helmet. Lastly, I lucked up and got a lightly used one at a significant discount from a SAR Marine who was told he couldn't use it in place of his combat helmet even during non-combat SAR.
Thanks for the advice. Can the Alpha suspension be replaced with an ACH chinstrap set?
Yup....and should be....I don't like the straps that come with the halfshell.
A lot of people complain about Botach but I got one from them for $44 shipped and no issues.
Link
Keep an eye out, i picked up a ACH helmet at a gunshow for 100.00, and paid 30.00 for a rhino mount.
Originally Posted By Slimjim:
Keep an eye out, i picked up a ACH helmet at a gunshow for 100.00, and paid 30.00 for a rhino mount.
This
Yeah, I traded into a ACH cheap as well. It actually is pretty comfortable, but gets heavy after a bit. I mainly got it for collecting with a just in case the SHTF back up plan.
I find MICH helmets at the Army Navy store cheap
I clean/paint them and add new pads and sell them for around $100
If you look hard you can get one under $100
Originally Posted By Slimjim:
Keep an eye out, i picked up a ACH helmet at a gunshow for 100.00, and paid 30.00 for a rhino mount.
I have a couple of ACH setups. I'm looking for something lighter, when ballistic protection isn't needed.
Originally Posted By ThePatriot556:
Originally Posted By Slimjim:
Keep an eye out, i picked up a ACH helmet at a gunshow for 100.00, and paid 30.00 for a rhino mount.
I have a couple of ACH setups. I'm looking for something lighter, when ballistic protection isn't needed.
Then go with the protech. It's a nice setup for the cost.
I scored an extra ACH at the local "Farmer's Market" last week. No NV plate, chinstrap or cover and it's missing a few pads....but I got it and an IOTV groin protector and one DAP for $50 bucks, so I'm okay with it.
