Mounting a flashlight on my helmet?

[Midget]

Hey, I did a search but couldn't quite find an application for my needs. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a solution?

I have a helmet like this:

That i'd like to mount a flashlight to. Probably a Surefire 6P or Solarforce host. I'd like to stay away from options like velcro straps or the two-fish blocks that are sometimes used to mount lights.

Ideally, it'd be a 1" round clamp that would fit around the flashlight, with a flat, adhesive base that I could use some 3M dbl sided mounting tape to connect to the helmet. Ruggedness is a good thing.

I think some type of convention like this might exist, I just can't seem to find a retailer or anything.



Any ideas would be great, thanks again!

 

[Planterz]

What's wrong with the Twofish? I guess it might not work with your particular helmet, given the slot placements. I don't know of a commercial product that fits what you're looking for, or even one that could be modified (like a Gopro mount or something). Jerry rigging something might be your best bet, like something with hose clamps and the handyman's secret weapon (duck tape). Most high-end bike lights come with or have available helmet mounting kits, but again, I don't know if they'll work with your helmet.

 

[tobii3]

Surefire makes helmet lights

Without "dealspotting", you can find them on Craigslist and fleabay fairly cheap as well.

 

[Midget]

What's wrong with the Twofish? I guess it might not work with your particular helmet, given the slot placements. I don't know of a commercial product that fits what you're looking for, or even one that could be modified (like a Gopro mount or something). Jerry rigging something might be your best bet, like something with hose clamps and the handyman's secret weapon (duck tape). Most high-end bike lights come with or have available helmet mounting kits, but again, I don't know if they'll work with your helmet.

I'm just not a fan of the velcro strapping and all. I'm kind of looking for a more permanent, more rugged solution. There's nothing necessarily wrong with Two-Fish, and I might end up having to go with that -- I'm just trying to explore some other options. And yes, I might have to end up rigging something up. Thanks though.

Surefire makes helmet lights

Without "dealspotting", you can find them on Craigslist and fleabay fairly cheap as well.

I actually have one of those Surefire helmet lights. The mounting clamp is pretty specifically designed to attach to an ACH, which is where mine resides today. It was a good thought, but I've tried this and it doesn't fit.

Thanks, and keep the ideas coming!

 

[Planterz]

I'm just not a fan of the velcro strapping and all. I'm kind of looking for a more permanent, more rugged solution. There's nothing necessarily wrong with Two-Fish, and I might end up having to go with that -- I'm just trying to explore some other options. And yes, I might have to end up rigging something up. Thanks though.

I used a Twofish to mount a AA Fenix on my handlebar for a few years. I can assure you that it's quite secure - at least with a smaller light. The longer/heavier the light, the more it'll wobble around when you hit bumps.

 

[Magnaminous_G]

I'd recommend getting a Petzl adapter system and a good Petzl headlamp. Here's what it looks like (the round adapter is in the middle). You epoxy the round adapter to the front of the helmet. Then you just snap your headlamp on the helmet when you need it. When you don't need it, snap it off. It's as simple a system as you can get, and it's rugged.

 

[foxx]

I have that same helmet! I have not done this, but it's what I would consider. Get a small picatinny rail, used on firearms, and screw it to the helmet. Or use some strong zip ties through two of those holes.
Then get one of the many flashlight holders from a gun shop. I just got one for $20, and it holds my Surefire Fury.

Look at the Wilson Combat/VTAC light holder, the Daniel Defense holder, or similar, heck even a 1" scope mount will hold your light. Find a piece of rubber, innertube, to place between the flashlight and the mount to take up space and make a tight fit.

If you get a quick detach mount, you can take it off the helmet, like during the day.

 

[Midget]

I'd recommend getting a Petzl adapter system and a good Petzl headlamp. Here's what it looks like (the round adapter is in the middle). You epoxy the round adapter to the front of the helmet. Then you just snap your headlamp on the helmet when you need it. When you don't need it, snap it off. It's as simple a system as you can get, and it's rugged.

THANKS! I'll look into this one - this is a closer option to what i've been looking for.

I have that same helmet! I have not done this, but it's what I would consider. Get a small picatinny rail, used on firearms, and screw it to the helmet. Or use some strong zip ties through two of those holes.
Then get one of the many flashlight holders from a gun shop. I just got one for $20, and it holds my Surefire Fury.

Look at the Wilson Combat/VTAC light holder, the Daniel Defense holder, or similar, heck even a 1" scope mount will hold your light. Find a piece of rubber, innertube, to place between the flashlight and the mount to take up space and make a tight fit.

If you get a quick detach mount, you can take it off the helmet, like during the day.

I thought about drilling some holes for attachments, but my main concern is that this ruins the integrity of the helmet.

Another option was for a new helmet like this:

But this does not appear to be rated for cycling, so it might be a moot point. It does have all the convenient attachment points, however. But it also looks too "tacticool."

 

[foxx]

Princton Tech has some great, US made, headlamps. They have some military versions, there is a mount plate they use for military helmets. Maybe you could just glue that plate to your Bern?

 

[peterinct]

Check out biking gear. I have a Nightrider from quite a few years ago that can be helmet or bar mounted. I'm sure they have improved since I bought mine, and mine has been great.

Peter

 

[swonut]

Maybe epoxy (JB Weld Quick) a rail to the helmet. Personally, I'd drill the holes, since breaking modern plastic helmets is pretty hard to do. They bend and absorb the impact energy in a ductile/plastic deformation manner instead of breaking in a brittle fracture.

 

[foxx]

Maybe epoxy (JB Weld Quick) a rail to the helmet. Personally, I'd drill the holes, since breaking modern plastic helmets is pretty hard to do. They bend and absorb the impact energy in a ductile/plastic deformation manner instead of breaking in a brittle fracture.

The Bern helmet in question isn't hard plastic, it's a hard foam, a liquid injection process. The helmet will fracture during an impact, absorb the shock, but crack and be rendered useless. Even though I mentioned drilling holes as well, it's probably not the best for the crash performance of these helmets.

Epoxy is your friend.