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When setting up your helmet for NV, it's important to consider the need and plan for a counterweight set up.
There will be a few "it depends on" criteria here-
1. Is your helmet ballistic or bump? Bump helmet being lighter you will 99% of the time likely need one.
2. Weight of your NOD.
3. Adjustment of the helmet, etc.
In general you will need a counterweight set up.
Often this is as simple as a small counterweight pouch attached to the velcro on the back of the helmet with some extra batteries in it. You will likely have to experiment with the amount of weight you put in there to get it just right FOR YOU.
A simple add on pouch allows YOU to control what type of "weight" goes in there- useful weight or useless weight like lead fishing weights.
For me, I get just right balance on BNVDs and Katanas with a Glock 19 magazine and a couple extra batteries in the pouch. Contrary to the ridiculous just carry lead weights non sense- these items are USEFUL in the field. Lead weights are only useful if I'm fishing...
Yet you will see some places VEHEMENTLY defend the lead sheets as part of counterweights. Why? Because they have their own little systems for this and therefore have a financial interest in people spending money on those, versus carrying something useful.
Carrying something that has DUAL USE in the field has always been the go to "norm." When you see people opposing common sense like that, you have to ask why.
Several other things to consider as well-
* Make sure your helmet is adjusted properly. You should be able to wear your helmet for at least several hours without any discomfort. If you find you are getting headaches, pressure in certain spots, etc. Check your adjustments and move pads around as necessary.
* Toughen TF up! Seriously. Unless you have some underlying major neck/spine injury you should be able to comfortably wear a ballistic helmet with NODs all night. If not I submit to you hit the gym! Perhaps some grappling training will help and you get the added benefit of learning some combatives. PS- if my wife (who doesn't grapple) can wear a ballistic helmet and NODs most of the night, you have no excuse ;)
There will be a few "it depends on" criteria here-
1. Is your helmet ballistic or bump? Bump helmet being lighter you will 99% of the time likely need one.
2. Weight of your NOD.
3. Adjustment of the helmet, etc.
In general you will need a counterweight set up.
Often this is as simple as a small counterweight pouch attached to the velcro on the back of the helmet with some extra batteries in it. You will likely have to experiment with the amount of weight you put in there to get it just right FOR YOU.
A simple add on pouch allows YOU to control what type of "weight" goes in there- useful weight or useless weight like lead fishing weights.
For me, I get just right balance on BNVDs and Katanas with a Glock 19 magazine and a couple extra batteries in the pouch. Contrary to the ridiculous just carry lead weights non sense- these items are USEFUL in the field. Lead weights are only useful if I'm fishing...
Yet you will see some places VEHEMENTLY defend the lead sheets as part of counterweights. Why? Because they have their own little systems for this and therefore have a financial interest in people spending money on those, versus carrying something useful.
Carrying something that has DUAL USE in the field has always been the go to "norm." When you see people opposing common sense like that, you have to ask why.
Several other things to consider as well-
* Make sure your helmet is adjusted properly. You should be able to wear your helmet for at least several hours without any discomfort. If you find you are getting headaches, pressure in certain spots, etc. Check your adjustments and move pads around as necessary.
* Toughen TF up! Seriously. Unless you have some underlying major neck/spine injury you should be able to comfortably wear a ballistic helmet with NODs all night. If not I submit to you hit the gym! Perhaps some grappling training will help and you get the added benefit of learning some combatives. PS- if my wife (who doesn't grapple) can wear a ballistic helmet and NODs most of the night, you have no excuse ;)
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