First Impressions of Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard
The Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard is a seemingly simple piece of kit with a critical mission: ensuring your expensive night vision doesn’t become an expensive lawn dart. Wilcox is a name synonymous with quality in the tactical gear world, so my expectations were high. I was eager to see if this lanyard lived up to the brand’s reputation.
What prompted me to purchase the Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard was a near disaster during a night navigation exercise. My PVS-14 nearly took a tumble when I snagged it on a branch, highlighting a significant vulnerability in my setup. I needed a reliable tether to prevent future mishaps.
Upon unboxing, the Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard felt substantial and well-made. The custom integrated base was machined with precision, and the tether itself felt robust. There were no visible flaws or areas of concern upon initial inspection.
I considered cheaper lanyards on Amazon, but I ultimately chose the Wilcox based on its reputation for durability and the specific integration with my Ops-Core helmet and Wilcox mount. I’d rather spend a bit more for something I trust my expensive NVGs to.
My first impression was one of quiet confidence. This isn’t a flashy piece of gear, but it’s clear that it’s built for a specific purpose and built well. I was excited to get it out in the field and put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard during a low-light training exercise at a local shooting range. The focus was on transitioning between weapons and navigating obstacles while maintaining situational awareness under NODs. It was a controlled environment, but it allowed me to get a feel for the lanyard’s presence and functionality.
The lanyard performed admirably, staying out of the way during weapon manipulations and providing a reassuring tether when I inevitably bumped my helmet against objects. The integrated base felt secure and didn’t loosen or shift during the drills. The overall feeling was more secure and confident.
There were no issues during the first use. The lanyard felt natural and didn’t impede my movement or access to my gear. The system was easy to use and secure from the first deployment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple night hikes, force-on-force training scenarios, and even a nighttime hog hunt, the Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard has proven its worth. It’s become an indispensable part of my night vision setup. The reassurance that I won’t lose the NOD is worth the cost.
The Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard shows no signs of significant wear and tear. The tether remains strong and flexible, and the integrated base is still securely attached to my helmet mount. It proves that this is a high-quality product that can endure harsh use.
Maintenance is minimal. I occasionally wipe down the tether with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris, but that’s about it. Overall, it’s been low-maintenance and highly effective.
Compared to my previous makeshift lanyard system (a length of paracord), the Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard is a night and day difference. It offers superior security, comfort, and peace of mind. The quality of the Wilcox system outperforms the makeshift alternative in every aspect.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard
Specifications
The Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard is designed specifically for use with helmets equipped with Ops-Core VAS or Skeleton Shrouds. It features a custom-integrated base that attaches securely to these mounting systems. The robust tether is designed for long service life and provides a secure attachment point for various NVG devices.
The custom integrated base ensures a snug and reliable connection to the shroud, eliminating the risk of accidental detachment. The high-strength tether is designed to withstand the rigors of field use, preventing loss of expensive night vision devices. The overall design is focused on durability and functionality.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard performs its job flawlessly: preventing the loss of your night vision device. It’s unobtrusive, reliable, and provides a significant boost in confidence when operating in low-light conditions. The lanyard doesn’t impact mobility.
The primary strength of the Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard is its simplicity and reliability. It does one thing, and it does it well. The only potential improvement would be the addition of some adjustability in the tether length.
The product easily meets and exceeds expectations. It is a must-have item for the night vision user.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard is constructed from high-quality materials. These features include durable polymers and a robust tether. It feels solid and well-made without adding unnecessary weight to the helmet.
The design is simple and functional. The installation is straightforward. There is no real learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the materials and construction, the Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard should last for years with proper care. It’s clearly designed to withstand the abuse of tactical environments. The lanyard is a long-term solution for NVG security.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. The high-quality materials resist corrosion and degradation. It’s designed to be a low-maintenance piece of kit.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It’s a self-contained unit designed to work with existing helmet and NVG setups. There are no customization options.
While there aren’t official customization options, some users have experimented with adding quick-release buckles or adjusting the tether length. The lanyard is compatible with most common NVG mounting arms.
Pros and Cons of Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard
Pros
- Peace of mind: Prevents loss of expensive NVGs, providing confidence in the field.
- Durable construction: Made from high-quality materials for long-lasting performance.
- Easy installation: Attaches quickly and securely to Ops-Core VAS or Skeleton Shrouds.
- Unobtrusive design: Stays out of the way during weapon manipulations and movement.
- Reliable security: Provides a strong and dependable tether for NVG devices.
Cons
- Lanyard length is not easily adjustable.
- Relatively expensive compared to generic lanyard options.
Who Should Buy Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard?
The Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard is perfect for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and serious civilian shooters who rely on night vision devices. It is critical for those who operate in demanding environments where the risk of losing their NVGs is high. Any serious user of NVGs should own this product.
Those who should skip this product include casual airsoft players or anyone using inexpensive, easily replaceable night vision devices. Inexpensive solutions are more appropriate for these users. Those on a very tight budget may find cheaper alternatives acceptable, though the risk of equipment loss is obviously greater.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality helmet with a compatible VAS or Skeleton Shroud.
Conclusion on Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard
The Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard is a simple but essential piece of kit for anyone using night vision devices with an Ops-Core VAS or Skeleton Shroud. It provides a level of security and peace of mind that is well worth the investment. The value is easily justified by the cost of replacing the night vision device.
The price may seem high for a simple lanyard, but the quality, durability, and reliability of the Wilcox product justify the cost. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who values their night vision equipment and operates in demanding environments. This product is a must-have to protect your investment.
Don’t risk losing your expensive NVGs. Invest in the Wilcox VAS and Skeleton Shrouds Lanyard and ensure your gear stays where it belongs – on your head. Buy it now!