Technical Pub (TP0358) - Gentex Corporation

When you replace components or install additional components onGentex products, always use genuine factory-new Gentex parts. Thiswill ensure a correct fit and maintain the safety of the product. Useof non-Gentex parts (salvage, refurbished, etc.) for replacementor additional installation will void any product warranty and maycompromise the safety of the user.

X-Retention Upgrade Kit with Adjustable Nape PadDescriptionThe universal-size X-Retention Upgrade Kit (Figure 1) enhances the stabilityof the U.S. Army ACH-style helmets. The user can position the adjustable napepad to minimize forward helmet rotation, especially with night vision goggles(NVGs). Dual chin strap adjustments allow proper chin strap positioning. Slideadjustments on the front and rear straps provide for ease of adjustment andproper tensioning.The kit is designed to fit the U.S. Army TBH II, MICH, and ACH helmets, theGentex TBH II HC and TBH II HST helmets, the U.S. Marine Corps LightweightHelmet, and lightweight police and PASGT helmets. Available attaching hardwareincludes truss-head screws with A-nuts or shoulder screws with conical nuts,depending on helmet type. See Page 4 for details.Retention assemblyAdjustable nape padHardware optionsTruss-head screwsShoulder screwsA-nutsConical nutsFigure 1. X-Retention Upgrade Kit with Adjustable Nape Pad1

Ensure that all helmet adjustment mechanisms are properly adjustedfor a snug, secure fit at all times when the helmet is worn. Failure todo so can result in an unstable helmet that will not protect the wearer.5. Referring to Figure 4, adjust the retention as follows:a. Have the wearer don the helmet and buckle the chin strap.b. Adjust the nape pad for a snug, secure, comfortable fit at the nape bymoving the two rear slide adjustments.c. Tighten the chin strap by pulling on the ends until the fit is snug, secure,and comfortable. Reattach the ends to the pile fastener when the desiredfit is attained.d. If the front retention straps seem too long or too short, move the two frontslide adjustments up or down.e. If necessary, reposition the nape pad by sliding it up or down the straps.6. Check the helmet stability by attempting to rock the helmet back and forth onthe head. If the helmet rocks back and forth, it is not stable. Adjust the napepad further until the helmet is stable.7. Repeat Steps 5 through 6 as necessary. Recheck helmet stability; no strapsshould be loose.8. Release the chin strap buckle to remove the helmet.Front slide adjustment (both sides)NapepadPile fastenerBuckleRear slide adjustment(both sides)End of chin strap (both sides)Figure 4. Retention Adjustment PointsRepositioningnape pad(rear view)3

Part NumbersBelow are the part numbers for the X-Retention Upgrade Kit with AdjustableNape Pad. For more information, contact Gentex Corporation, P. O. Box 315,Carbondale, PA 18407; phone (570)282-3550; fax (570)282-8555. Visit ourwebsite at www.gentexcorp.com.NOTE: The retention kit cannot be used with the X-Small sizes of the PASGT orUSMC Lightweight Helmets.Description (retention assembly only, no hardware)Part NumberX-Retention, Camouflage Green A13229-1X-Retention, Foliage Green A13229-2X-Retention, Black A13229-3X-Retention, Coyote Brown A13229-4Description (retention assembly with hardware)X-Retention Upgrade Kit, Camouflage GreenX-Retention Upgrade Kit, Foliage GreenX-Retention Upgrade Kit, BlackX-Retention Upgrade Kit, Coyote BrownPart NumberA13229-5*A13229-6*A13229-7*A13229-8** Hardware Options (for part numbers A13229-5 through A13229-8):Add a space and the suffix A, B, or C after each part number to indicate the typeof attaching hardware to be included with the kit as follows:ABCHardware for ACH, MICH, and TBH II-series helmets• 4 shoulder screws (B12190-1)• 4 conical nuts (B11815-1)Hardware for USMC Lightweight and police PASGT helmets• 4 shoulder screws (B11816-2)• 4 conical nuts (B11815-1)Hardware for U.S. Army PASGT helmets• 4 truss-head screws (80A5049-3)• 4 A-nuts (80A5050)Example: A13229-6 A(Indicates X-Retention Upgrade Kit, Foliage Green,with hardware for ACH, MICH, and TBH II-series helmets)4

TP0358 REV. 2 FEBRUARY 2012