Ops-Core FAST Carbon setup with Peltor Comtac V Hearing Defenders and Otto Noizebarrier Arms/Gibbous Outfitters Adapters
For context, I have a large head, and I find that with standard FAST cut helmets, conventional Peltor ARC Mounts push the earcups down too far, meaning I either need a Maritime/Super High Cut helmet, or arms that mount along the diagonal ARC rails like this.
Most people tend to go with the Ops-Core AMP Arms with AXL RAC Link Peltor Adapters for this purpose, but I ended up giving the Otto Noizebarrier Arms with Peltor Adapters from Gibbous Outfitters a chance because I liked them more aesthetically, and they have good reviews overall.
Here's what I discovered -
Pros:
- Clears up rail space for helmet lights and other accessories
- Tucks the headset under the edge of the helmet for those of us that normally need a 'maritime cut' shell
- Slimmer and less chunky than AMP Arms
- Arms positively lock in to prevent popping out during strenuous activity
- Doesn't give you 'Dumbo ears' when the arms are in the 'vent'/open position
- Doesn't crush gel cups when the headset is stowed back on the helmet
Cons:
- More expensive than AMP Arms with AXL RAC Links
- The ball joints on the Peltor adapters are fiddly and janky; they require some amount of finagling to get the cups in a comfortable position
- The arms require a fair amount of pressure to lock in; you will likely end up only locking half of each arm down if you're donning it in a hurry
- The wire hooks of the Gibbous Outfitters Comtac Adapters are difficult to install/remove, and I worry they may put too much tension on the headband mounting lugs
Overall, I'm pleased with this setup, but if someone else was considering this option, I'd personally suggest going with the Gen.II AXL RAC Links over the Gibbous Outfitters Comtac Adapters, since AXL makes a version for the Otto Noizebarrier Arms, and the RAC Links seem much easier to install/remove from Comtac headband lugs than the sketchy wire hooks of the Gibbous adapters.