Ops Core Carbon, a good lightweight and hot weather helmet. I’ll type out more of my thoughts.
A lot of night vision users come into a certain dilemma: what are my options for helmets? Do I choose ballistic or bump? If I choose a bump do I go with ABS plastic bump helmet or the carbon helmet?
In my opinion, it depends on your situation more so than preference:
Are you attending carbine courses where you're required to bring a ballistic helmet as a safety measure? Are you training with preparedness in mind for running heavy and loaded ballistic helmets? Are you a law enforcement officer or military who needs that level IIIA ballistic protection for your duties?
OR
Are you a casual night shooter with friends? Does your carbine or tactical course require you to have a ballistic helmet? Do you just need something basic to stow up your nods for night hunting and what have you?
Simply put, if the situation was that there was no liability or risk of getting your head splattered by 7.62, the obvious preference for most people would be some sort of lightweight bump helmet. However, we do go into two sub-categories of bump helmets: ABS and Carbon Fiber helmet. I prefer the Carbon Fiber helmet for the further weight savings in spite of a higher premium being paid for it.
More specifically, we look at the Ops-Core Carbon helmet, and why you would possibly prefer it over other modern carbon helmets such as Team Wendy.
My preference is Ops Core Carbon due to its traditional Arc Rail layout rather than the Team Wendy rail system. I like the Team Wendy rail system, but the Arc Rail system accessories are less pricey and are more used with greater aftermarket support. I also prefer the profile of the helmet, although I believe Team Wendy helmets have a great profile too. However, the Occ Dial system, in all of its stability is not the most comfortable retention system out there, that would go to the Team Wendy Camfit. It feels overly rigid and forced on your head.
Now, switching from an Airframe ATX to an Ops Core Carbon, there is an immediate difference the user will notice, that is a ridiculous weights savings. The Ops Core Carbon on my head and in hand feels about half the weight of an Airframe ATX. In the wise words of one of the gear dudes I worked with "it doesn't matter which ballistic helmet you use, once you load it up full of stuff, it'll get heavy as fuck". The carbon, with all of the stuff it has on it, still feels extremely lightweight.
The setup I have now with the Ops Core Carbon and Comtac IVs is also deliberate. A hot weather helmet and a hot weather headset in one package in order to save weight and reduce the amount of stress the end user feels on their head. So far, it's an epic win.
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