Helmet Mount FAQ
What do I need for a helmet-mounted thermal setup?
A basic helmet-mounted thermal setup only needs four main pieces:
- A helmet with a metal front NVG shroud
- A dovetail-style NVG mount
- The correct Forge 301 mount for your thermal
- Your thermal monocular
Helmet → NVG Mount → Forge 301 Mount → Thermal
For most Forge 301 direct-mount setups, that’s it. You do not need a complicated night vision setup just to helmet-mount a thermal.
What helmet do I need?
Use a bump or ballistic-style helmet with a metal front NVG shroud.
The front shroud is the part of the helmet that the NVG mount locks into. We strongly recommend a metal shroud rather than a plastic or molded-in mounting point.
A helmet-mounted thermal puts weight and leverage on the front of the helmet, so starting with a solid metal NVG shroud is important.
Side rails, helmet brand, padding style, and other accessories are mostly personal preference. The important part for our mounts is having a secure metal NVG shroud that accepts a standard NVG mount.
What NVG mount do I need?
Forge 301 mounts use a standard dovetail NVG interface.
Three common options are:
- Nocturn Industries ALPHA
- Wilcox L4 G24
- Cadex Low Profile Flip-Up Mount
All three can work with Forge 301 dovetail helmet mounts. The main differences are weight, adjustment range, lockup style, and overall size.
NVG Mount Comparison
Nocturn Industries ALPHA
- Approximate weight: 3 oz
- Vertical adjustment: about 1.3"
- Fore/aft adjustment: about 1.6"
- Best for: lightweight setups
- Pros: very light, compact, good adjustment range, low-profile design
- Cons: newer design, not as common as the G24
Wilcox L4 G24
- Approximate weight: 6 oz
- Vertical adjustment: about 1"
- Fore/aft adjustment: about 1.15"
- Best for: proven, common setups
- Pros: widely used, proven design, easy to find, strong compatibility
- Cons: heavier than the ALPHA, less fore/aft range than the others
Cadex Low Profile Flip-Up Mount
- Approximate weight: 8 oz
- Vertical adjustment: about 1"
- Fore/aft adjustment: about 1.9"
- Best for: maximum adjustment
- Pros: lots of adjustment, very solid, low-profile when stowed
- Cons: heaviest of the three, larger than the ALPHA
Quick Comparison Summary
- Lightest: Nocturn ALPHA
- Most proven/common: Wilcox G24
- Most adjustment: Cadex
There is no single “best” mount for everyone. Any of the three can work well with Forge 301 dovetail helmet mounts. The best choice depends on what matters most to you: low weight, proven design, or maximum adjustability.
What about clone mounts?
The mount styles above are also commonly available in clone versions.
Clone mounts can be a budget-friendly way to get started, but quality, fit, and lockup can vary more than with original mounts. Some users have good results with clones, while others prefer original mounts for the best consistency and long-term durability.
If you choose a clone mount, make sure it uses the standard dovetail NVG interface and that it locks securely into your helmet shroud.
Is the NVG mount included?
No.
Unless specifically stated on the product listing, the helmet and NVG mount are not included.
Forge 301 manufactures the adapter that connects your specific thermal monocular to the dovetail interface on your NVG mount.
Is the mount left-eye or right-eye specific?
Many Forge 301 mounts can be configured for either the left or right eye.
Some designs may differ depending on the thermal, so check the individual product listing for details.
Does the Forge 301 mount require assembly?
No.
Forge 301 mounts arrive assembled and ready to install unless otherwise stated on the product page.
You will normally only need to attach your thermal, connect the Forge 301 mount to your NVG mount, and adjust the NVG mount until the display sits comfortably in front of your eye.
How do I know which Forge 301 mount fits my thermal?
Each product page lists the exact thermal models that mount is designed to fit.
Make sure you select the mount for your exact thermal model.
If you are unsure, contact us with the make and model of your thermal before ordering and we will help confirm compatibility.
What are Forge 301 helmet mounts made from?
Our thermal mounts are 3D printed from PET-CF, a carbon-fiber reinforced engineering material selected for its strength, rigidity, temperature resistance, and low weight.
They are designed specifically for real-world helmet-mounted thermal use.
Still not sure what you need?
Send us:
- the make and model of your thermal
- a photo of your helmet’s front NVG shroud if you are unsure
We will help make sure you are looking at the correct Forge 301 mount before you order.