REVIEW: FW-SOLUTIONS A14 J-Arm

You need a J-Arm to connect a PVS 14 to your helmet. The standard USGI J-Arm works, but leaves something to be desired, especially when flipping up. From Germany comes a J-Arm that solves this problem solidly.

At first glance, the A14 J-Arm looks a bit bulky, but also stable. The J-Arm weighs only 47g and is lighter than the popular Wilcox J-Arm.

Nylon Pa12 is used as the material here. We are very positively surprised by the stability of the material. No bending or creaking, just stable and light. The dovetail is milled from 7075 aluminum CNC. So, a very stable variant of this metal.

We have tested the A14 J-Arm on a variety of NVG arms and it fit very well on all of them. No wobbling, no need to push firmly, it always clicked in perfectly. The swivel arms in the image from left to right: Norotos AKA2, Wilcox L4G24, and a Norotos TATM.

The A14 J-Arm is connected to the PVS-14 by a black hex screw. It may seem a bit inelegant at first, but it has its advantages in the field. A combination pliers is quickly at hand and probably always with the multitool on the person.

But what makes the A14 J-Arm so special? The ability to rotate the PVS-14 out of the field of view or to flip it up against the helmet. Just like you know it from binoculars like the DTNVG or the PVS-31.

Above all, the ability to bring the center of gravity closer to the helmet is a real advantage.

Unfortunately, you can't switch the PVS-14 from the left to the right eye as quickly as with the classic J-Arm design. You can use the A14 J-Arm on both sides, but you have to unscrew it for that. You adjust the rotation resistance by tightening the screw. The tighter it is, the harder it is to rotate the PVS-14. A simple but very practical solution.

One thing we noticed in use is that you have to almost reach the maximum height adjustment on the NVG arm so that the PVS-14 sits nicely in front of your eye with the A14 J-Arm. But that's not a big deal.

CONCLUSION: We like the A14 J-Arm from FW Solutions because it allows you to enjoy a good feature of binoculars on a monocular. The "side flip" is extremely practical in use and prevents neck pain. The A14 J-Arm is well made and can withstand a lot of stress. If you want to wear your PVS-14 comfortably in front of your face, this is the right choice.

You can get the A14 J-Arm from FW-Solutions directly on their website for 109.99 euros. For both the PVS-14 and the Mini14.

FW-Solutions on the internet

HERE is the direct link to the SPARTANAT Gear Guide PVS-14 Night Vision Device & Accessories