I agree with the Team Wendy helmet. I started with a cheap Chinese knock off and the Team Wendy is far superior. To start go with a Gen 3 PVS-14, j-arm and rhino mount and a counter balance. I have mine balanced so that I don't have a need for the chin strap. I use mine to drive and stalk and feel it is an important part of the way I hunt. When I get to a shooting position I remove the helmet and using the chin strap I hang it at my side on my extra rifle mag.

I agree it adds weight to you melon but I have gotten used to it and can wear all night long. The reason I like stalking with helmet mounted NV is I always have eyes on the target as I make my approach. There are many times a pig will think something is there and look right at me. I stop and wait for it to go back to eating. I can then move closer. Also I use an IR laser and in the event they alert and run I can immediately put rounds down range with the IR. I have seen many times when people make a stalk and as they get close the pigs will alert and move on because the hunters kept walking. You can do the same with a hand held thermal but then you are tying up a hand.