Today we are getting a closer look at an impressive night vision system capability from FirstSpear. Based off the popular FS Helmet Cover the Vision Augmentation System Soft Harness was designed to function as an extremely low profile and discreet method of wearing night vision goggle systems without the use of a traditional ballistic helmet or bump lid.
Fully Adjustable 4 point adjustment matched with the Boa® Fit System, the end user can find a perfect fit based off the equipment weight and profile they are using. Loop fields can be used to attach counter balance or batteries as well as strobes or FS Cell Tags. Available in Black, Coyote, and Multicam. 100% Made in the USA. Shroud included.
Features:
• Attaches to single or multi-tube systems
• Fully adjustable soft harness with shroud
• Comfortable fit
• Adjustable chin strap with positive lock hardware
• Boa® Fit System
• Easy cable management
• Attachment fields for IFF and the FirstSpear Battery Pack
www.first-spear.com/vas-vision-augmentation-system-soft-harness
So I guess the exclusive deal that Wilcox had on this partnered product ran out? I have one of the Wilcox Skull Lock soft harnesses and it was pretty lousy for the price. It looks like FirstSpear might be fixing a few of the problem areas (by making a few extra adjustable points, etc.).
At that price point, it would make more sense to go ahead and buy a bump helmet!
The padded shroud mount point makes a very noticeable pressure spot when a NVG (PVS14) + Wilcox mount is attached. The discomfort can be mitigated through wearing a counter weight. Given the level of discomfort, I wouldn’t use anything more than a PVS14 with it.
All in all, while there are situations where it makes more sense than a bump helmet, a hard helmet is still more comfortable for NVG use