y-Variarc VS NOT PRESS KIT full res 2
A helmet light is an invaluable addition to any helmet. It directs light where you need it in low-light situations allowing you to focus on the job while freeing up the use of both hands for the tasks at hand. A handheld flashlight provides illumination, but it occupies one hand and must be manually aimed. A helmet light naturally follows your view. Placing your flashlight under your arm or between your cheek and shoulder is not an ideal solution.
Although headlamps provide many of the same capabilities as helmet lights and are excellent tools for many low-light scenarios, they are not ideal in every situation. When wearing a helmet or other headgear, you may not have room to wear a headlamp. Wearing a headlamp around your neck is an option, but this is of limited utility and can be uncomfortable. Wrist and clip lights are also options. They can be beneficial but, as with everything, have limitations.
The VariArc helmet mounts feature locking teeth biased to the forward position, keeping your light aligned for the most critical uses, but with a firm twist the VariArc mount unlocks and rotates through 8 additional lower-force index points.
In choosing a helmet light, you need to consider what you will need to illuminate, why it will be illuminated, what its primary use will be, and how you will be using it. Output, beam quality, pattern, lighting modes, color(s), run time, and battery type are all critical considerations.
The VariArc rail mount version is available in Ops-Core, Team Wendy, and M-LOK® versions. All three of these versions attach to make a 3-slot, 4-ridge M1913 (Picatinny) accessory rail.
How and where the light is mounted to the helmet is also essential to consider.
Thyrm VariArc Helmet Light Mounts
I have been running a Thyrm® VariArc® helmet light mount on my helmet. In doing so, I have found the VariArc one of the most versatile helmet light mounts on the market. It is designed to provide a full-featured, universal mounting solution for head-borne illumination.
The VariArc product line was originally conceived by Josh Jackson, a retired law enforcement officer and lead instructor at LMS Defense. Josh was a full-time law enforcement officer for over 20 years. He was most recently assigned as a patrol officer and breacher/ assaulter for a multi-agency regional SWAT team.
The Thyrm VariArc is a 360-degree indexing helmet light mount, allowing you to direct light precisely where you need it, unlike most fixed light mounts. It is available in four versions, each designed for different helmet mounting systems.
The Thyrm VariArc-VS includes both Picatinny rail and Scout light mount attachments that are easily swapped, allowing for maximum compatibility with visible and IR lights.
Three versions of the VariArc are designed for helmet rails. These include one for the Ops-Core®/standard dovetail-style helmet rails. Another for the Team Wendy® side mounts. The third mounts on M-LOK® side mounts. All three versions attach to make a 3-slot, 4-ridge M1913 (Picatinny) accessory rail.
VariArc-VS
New for 2023 is the fourth version, the VariArc-VS, designed for universal mounting. This version benefits from additional input from Jon “Mochabear” Dufresne, US Army Ranger and lead instructor at Kinetic Consulting. Jon’s LOLA mount inspired many of the features found in the VariArc-VS.
Jon Dufresne provided input into the design of the VariArc-VS. His LOLA mount inspired many of the features.
The VariArc-VS has a universal base with a pre-attached hook Velcro® that affixes to loop Velcro on the helmet. No pre-existing rail mounting system is necessary. This leads to more usable real estate on helmets with otherwise crowded mounting systems. It easily mounts above the ear-pro or on the back of the helmet. The VariArc-VS comes with two attachments, allowing the user to set up the mount with either a Scout mount or a Picatinny rail. These attachments can easily be swapped out using the included 9/16″ Allen key. The VariArc-VS has an angled pivot, allowing the user to optimize mounting for a lower profile or a more vertical rotation plane.
The Thyrm VariArc features multi-directional indexing that shines light where you need it. It is built to remain fully functional through extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, sand, water, drops on concrete, and rough handling.
The VariArc is constructed of a lightweight reinforced polymer with stainless steel hardware. It features a low-profile design and a small footprint. It has a full 360-degree rotational indexing light capability to direct light where you need it. It features locking teeth with positive locking in the forward position plus eight additional lower-force angles. All that’s required to adjust the direction is a firm twist. The mount works in vertical positions for umbrella lighting rooms, canopy illumination, and IR strobe signaling and can be used in downward angles for administrative and task lighting. Large openings on both ends of the base allow dummy (retention) cords, including 550 paracords, to secure critical gear.
The VariArc-VS mounting above the ear pro attachments.
The original VariArc models are available in black and flat dark earth. Depending on the version, MSRP is $29.99-$34.99. The VariArc-VS universal helmet mount is available in black, flat dark earth, and ranger green. It has an MSRP of $42.99. All Thyrm products are designed and made in the USA.
Resources:
Thyrm LLC thyrm.com
Government orders email: [email protected].
LMS Defense – lmsdefense.com
Kinetic Consulting – kinetic-consulting.net
