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Posted: 7/11/2010 7:45:38 PM EDT
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I've come to realize that I would like a little more adjustment in my PVS-14 helmet setup. Currently I'm running the USGI mount and J-arm, and I just can't get the adjustability I want out of it so I'm shopping around for something a little better. Currently my sights are set on a Notoros INVG, I like that when stowed it won't throw my PVS 3 feet above my head, and it seems like it's a little easier to fine tune the adjustments. I'm also considering the Wilcox L4 G24. I already have a VAS shroud and I like the low profile so whatever I choose has to work with it.
So, those things in mind, what is your favorite setup and why do you like it? Bonus points for pictures! |
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I just use the plain 'ol shroud/rhino/j-arm system. I don't have any problem adjusting it into a comfortable position. I have a different binocular system (about the same weight as my PVS-14) on a skull-crusher that allows the binocs to pivot straight-up 90 degrees, and find that very uncomfortable. I'd rather have the weight on top of my head than hanging straight-out in front of my forehead when folded up, but that's me.
Plus, I just can't (won't) justify $600-$700 bucks for a mount. For that kind of money, it'd better light-up, buzz, honk, dance, sing or shoot something (IMHO, of course). |
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Both of your choices can't be beat. I love both mounts for their design, build quality and feature set. for work, I run the G24 out of a VAS Shroud. It is one of the best systems I have ever used. Lightweight, intuitive, and practically bomb-proof. I work with a lot of different shroud/ mount options. Here is my take on the two you mentioned:
Norotos INVG This is one of the most stable platforms for NVGs. The build quality is unsurpassed and it is designed to take abuse. The tri-lobe rail is one of the most sturdy systems because it uses a single large rail for cantilevering the goggles. It is less likely to break or incur damage from a collision or impact. The controls are dirt simple: the knob on top allows for a lot of height adjustment, the paddle on the side gives you tilt, and the lever on the interface provides fore/aft adjustment. One of the main things I like about the INVG is the "force-to-overcome" method of flipping the goggles up. In the middle of a drama, it is a lot easier/quicker to simply push the system up into a stowed position than to find a release button that needs to be pressed first. As you said, the INVG places the goggles in front of your head instead above, lowering your profile. My main complaint on this system is the locking lever. Norotos designed and manufactures the USGI Rhino Mount for the DoD. The INVG uses the same mechanism for securing the mount into the shroud. I'm not a fan of this system because I always seem to catch or bump the lever, dumping my NODs in the process. 550 cord is your best friend. Wilcox Industries G24 As I said earlier, this is the one I use for work. Wilcox is the skunk works for the SOF community and designs their mounts using direct feedback from Tier1 units. I've used their mounts for years now, and this is my favorite to date. It features the same adjustments as the INVG, but is lower profile and lighter weight. The build quality is excellent and every bit as tough as the INVG, plus you get a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. The G24 has the added feature of a breakaway. This feature was retained from their previous designs and allows you to set the mount to either break away or stay locked under impact. There are a lot of broken NVGs and neck injuries induced by helmet mounts staying solid in their shrouds when an operator catches it on a surface. A shuttle switch allows you to set it to pop out of the mount after 100 ft/lbs. This leads us to the mounting mechanism. While, essentially, this is the same type as the Norotos offering, the locking mechanism means that it will not pop out unless you deliberately remove the mount from the shroud. I was skeptical at first, but it works. Period. With either mount, you will need to change your PVS-14 J-Arm. Both of these mounts utilize the dovetail interface instead of the bayonet, so the USGI J-Arm will not work. Norotos makes the Dual Dovetail, a very robust interface arm. Actually, this is the strongest PVS14 interface arm available. But, you do sacrifice some adjustment tweaks for being able to position it left/right. However, this has been somewhat remedied in their newest version that includes this adjustment. Wilcox makes the PVS14 Conversion Arm. This works like a classic J-Arm and allows for the same swinging motion for left/right eye placement as the USGI. Both use the standard dovetail interface and are interchangeable with each other's mounts. The only thing I wish was included in these mounts was a built in retention system like Wilcox's older mounts (retractable lanyard). Otherwise, it's 550 cord. Hope this helps! 
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