Finally got my Ops-Core in. Here's a photo dump and details for anyone else in the market.
I heard stories of some bump helmets having a loose shroud or flexing too much and breaking ear pro seal, so I wanted a ballistic setup for the most stable anchor holding NODs and comms. The kevlar armor part is nice too though I wouldn't necessarily have gotten it without a bunch else to mount on it. Gentex (Ops-Core parent company) said helmets are built to order and projected a 16-week wait. This was a Sep 15 order and Dec 9 delivery, so 85 days or 12.5 weeks.
Came with a nice drawstring cover with an accessory pouch on one end.
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Very clean. This is the "Ops-Core FAST SF Super High Cut Helmet" so it would have max room for ear pro. Also lighter, more comfortable, and more ventilated than lower cut models.
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This is the worm dial model as opposed to the occ dial. Great cushion, very comfortable. Also came with an accessory cushion pack so you can replace some. You can see the green kevlar fibers and epoxy on the underside.
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Ops-Core AMP ear pro. Cushions don't have gel but are just as comfortable as MSA Sordins with gel cups. In addition to color option you can choose what downlead format fits your radio, whether fixed or sold separate/interchangeable downlead, and whether NFMI-enabled. These are ear plugs that magnetically resonate, so you have double ear pro with noise cancelling and ambient sound reproduction by the buds. Just a thin string connecting the buds. Very high-quality memory foam on them. Reminds me of those orange foam ear plugs but they take much longer to expand again. Came with S/M/L buds. The microphone arm is nice and stiff, holds whatever position you flex it to well. Can switch the mic to the opposite side. A screw holds it in place at the base, as with a plug on the opposite side. Came with an extra plug in case you want to run with no mic. Very comfortable headband with a great seal against ears.
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Removing the electronics from the headband and installing on the helmet took less than five minutes with no tools. Very easy to switch back if you want the headband again. Both the headband and helmet rail mount kit have tabs orienting with the ear cup exteriors, so no way to get them backward. The wire secures without any slack lying around when routed through the mounts' backside channels and then through velcro straps on the helmet rear. Takes two AAs, a little disappointing since everything else I run (and NODs on order) uses CR-123s. First world problems. The mount has a double spring, giving perfect pressure against the ears across a very short range of motion in/out but otherwise swivels and rotates freely. Extremely comfortable initially though we'll see how a longer test goes.
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Altogether 3lbs 6.6oz.
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Integrates very well with the Disco-32 PTT adapter. I hadn't thought much about the downlead length and got concerned after ordering that an extension might be needed, but it's perfect. Run it under the inside of the PC shoulder strap and out the side for a good balance of retention and flexibility. Didn't realize how creepy the swirling blur would be on my face.
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Now time to get it all dirty and test out the electronics. Will report back. NODs will still be another 8+ months.
Side note, I placed this order with a made-to-order item and then realized I had forgotten a spare pair of mic port plugs. Placed that second order the same hour on Sep 15 and received them around Oct 15, so currently even simple orders with all items in-stock will potentially take about a month from Gentex.