NVG recommendations?

[rero360]

Very true Brando, I should have asked to try a pair of the PGNVG-18s out when I was at TNVC to buy my PVS-14s. I was just throwing those out there even though I know that most don't have access to them, or the coin, I know I don't.

I did get a chance to check out the Vectronix COTI once, can't believe I forgot about it, we didn't have any NVGs handy to try it out legit, but was able to kind of see it work, seemed interesting enough.

[fighter4cage]

I was going to get a PVS 14 package from CS Tactical when they had it plus the head kit for $3,999 I think.... But instead I went for the ATN OTS thermal monocular from the forums here for $3500. So amazing, seriously much better than NV cause you can see what is really alive out there. It's heavy, I need a headset but I love. It's very basic mostly for up close but you can see things off in the distance up to at least 200 yards from what I've tested but anything in the view that is heated will show up. I've crept up on packs of deer (I dont hunt at all), watched people walking down my road until the very end, shows animal prints, it's really fun.

I have used both the above mentioned systems and I agree with you, the
OTS thermal was really fun and there is no hiding from it, it sees everything with a heat signature.
The down side is it blows my eyeballs out! When I take my eyes away from the unit all I see is intense white globs until my normal vision returns.
The other down side is it is too big and bulky.

[NatetheGr8]

They're expensive, but seriously don't waste your time on cheap **** if you want to get any practical use out of them. I suggest starting with a PVS-14 as it's very versatile, can be helmet or used with a spotter and isn't too expensive for most folks. Note: there are weapon mounts for them, but it's generally a bad idea. That'll get your feet wet.

The dual-tube systems are light years better for fire and maneuver, but start around $7800 (vs PVS-14's @ $3k). The main difference is that you get depth perception, which is vital if you're using them to drive offroad. You won't get better clarity but you'll have much better spatial awareness.

So start with the PVS-14, run it on a helmet for a while. If you get a lot of use out of it, then start saving for a dual-tube system. Also, don't be confused by PVS-7B: they're a single tube system but cover both eyes with the same image. The PVS-14 is MUCH better.

Do you run the pvs14 as a monocle on a helmet or with two? I know I'm going to use them would I be better off but two? Also if I were to just use the pvs 14 attach for my rifle in legal config could it handle the recoil of a scar17? I ask because I read that the elcan specter dr had to be beefed up to handle the scar, so I figure it'll be the same for the pvs14.

[NatetheGr8]

Now that you helped me narrow it down to the pvs 14 can I get some recommendations; on applications, your config., how it works for you? And what didn't work for you? Knit/cherry pick away on the pros and cons please and thanks again.

[brando]

Single PVS-14 on a helmet mount - best all around solution. Is much cheaper than a dual-tube system and versatile enough to use handheld or with other optics (ie Spotter). Weapons mounting is a bad idea, even though there are several options available. Unless it's designed to be weapon mounted (ie PVS-24) it's not likely to hold up to recoil impulse over time.

[msternin]

Single PVS-14 on a helmet mount - best all around solution. Is much cheaper than a dual-tube system and versatile enough to use handheld or with other optics (ie Spotter). Weapons mounting is a bad idea, even though there are several options available. Unless it's designed to be weapon mounted (ie PVS-24) it's not likely to hold up to recoil impulse over time.

I couldn't agree with brando more. The AN/PVS-14 is standard issue. I've got years of using this device. It's not the lightest thing you'll put on your helmet, but it's solid and it works.

You may be better served by looking into a AN/PAS-13 thermal rather than a NOD. However, I think 13's run $10-12k

[brando]

Yeah, thermals are kind of a different beast all together. They're great at picking out objects but have their own limitation that image intensification doesn't. That's why the current state of the art is fusion of both types.

The first thermal device I ever came across was on a TOW missile launcher and it required its own external refrigeration. A quick digression: as OPFOR we used to the sound of the refrigeration pump to help guide us towards our target on a moonless night sans NODs. Anyway, now they are uncooled and miniature, but the tech is leaps and bounds better, but comes at a substantial price while image intensification is still about the same as it was 20 years ago. Take for example one of the best thermal sights/clip-ons, the FLIR T75, will set you back about $16,000 while decent dual-tube NODs will go for half that.

Image intensification really requires IR illumination to help with target ID whereas thermal has such high contrast between environment and targets, fusing the two together really gives you the best of both worlds, but because they are the current state of the art, they're only available to MIL/LEO, no matter how wealthy you are.

Either way, it's pretty amazing to see how far things have come. The very first set of NODs I used in the Army were PVS-5s and getting them swapped out with PVS-7s made me feel so privileged at the time. Then I got to use ANVIS-9s and my world was shattered

[rero360]

For those looking to start using NVGs, I'll share with you my configuration to give you an idea of what works:

PVS-14 with a Pinnacle tube. I have a Wolcox amber filter on it and I like it, acts to protect the lens as well. When money isn't so tight I plan on picking up one of the focus enhancement devices that's out there.
Wilcox L4 G11 helmet mount (way better than the army issued rhino mount, more solid and more adjustable, yet not sure expensive like others on the market)
Team Wendy EXFIL LTP bump helmet
EOG gen two counterweight pouch on the back that I have filled with spare batteries and one of those IR strobes that attach to a 9V battery.

What I really like about the helmet is that it is adjustable so you can have a nice snug fit to keep it from shifting around on your head. A cheaper option out there is the Crye Precision nightcap, I've heard nothing but rave reviews from the guys who have them.

Two additional points I'd like to add that I've learned from experience. The Team Wendy helmet and I'm assuming it'd be the same with the other brand's helmets that have the adjustable liners, you can't wear behind the head ear pro with the helmet, I tried with my Liberator III and it just wouldn't work. Also, don't bother buying the kit that mounts your ear pro to the helmet if you have a narrow head, I bought a set of the Team Wendy Peltor adapters for my Comtac III and I couldn't get a complete seal, it would leave a slight gap at the top of my ears.

[NatetheGr8]

For those looking to start using NVGs, I'll share with you my configuration to give you an idea of what works:

PVS-14 with a Pinnacle tube. I have a Wolcox amber filter on it and I like it, acts to protect the lens as well. When money isn't so tight I plan on picking up one of the focus enhancement devices that's out there.
Wilcox L4 G11 helmet mount (way better than the army issued rhino mount, more solid and more adjustable, yet not sure expensive like others on the market)
Team Wendy EXFIL LTP bump helmet
EOG gen two counterweight pouch on the back that I have filled with spare batteries and one of those IR strobes that attach to a 9V battery.

What I really like about the helmet is that it is adjustable so you can have a nice snug fit to keep it from shifting around on your head. A cheaper option out there is the Crye Precision nightcap, I've heard nothing but rave reviews from the guys who have them.

Two additional points I'd like to add that I've learned from experience. The Team Wendy helmet and I'm assuming it'd be the same with the other brand's helmets that have the adjustable liners, you can't wear behind the head ear pro with the helmet, I tried with my Liberator III and it just wouldn't work. Also, don't bother buying the kit that mounts your ear pro to the helmet if you have a narrow head, I bought a set of the Team Wendy Peltor adapters for my Comtac III and I couldn't get a complete seal, it would leave a slight gap at the top of my ears.

Are you running it on your left or right eye? Also are you left handed or right? Are you cross eye dominant or and other variations? I should be making the purchase on the 14 soon so I'm looking at the best set up thank you.

[ceedubG]

I've done a bunch of research on this lately and for me the best price to use ratio was an Armasight Sirius Gen 2+ ID.

For just over $1,000.00 you get a Gen 2+ tube, 47-54 resolution, 40 degree FOV and the ability to attach it to whatever you need. The Armasight N14 is also great as it is more light weight (1 pound vs. .75).

I just couldn't justify the extra $1,200- $3,000 for Gen 3. I mean I'd love to afford Gen 3, but it's not in the cards. I'm jealous of all you other guys

Plus Armasight is a California (San Francisco) company and they have 2 year warranty on their NV's.

One word of caution (the reason I decided to chime in on this thread), Optics Planet will not sell monoculars to California residents. I just went through this with them, and they are under the impression that any monocular that can be attached to a weapon is illegal. Despite trying to point out that they misread the law, their risk management department will not change their minds (unfortunately).

EDIT***

Tim G. from Optics Planet reached out to me regarding the issue I had with ordering a night vision monocular from OP. In very quick order the issue was resolved and Optics Planted could not have handled it better. The end result was that their sales department now knows that it is legal to sell night vision monoculars to us cal-gunners (and the rest of Californians) and they are shipping me my Armasight with a little discount for my trouble.

Thanks Tim, it's so refreshing to know that great companies are still out there and value customer feedback!

-Cee

[rero360]

Are you running it on your left or right eye? Also are you left handed or right? Are you cross eye dominant or and other variations? I should be making the purchase on the 14 soon so I'm looking at the best set up thank you.

I am right handed, right eye dominant, and run my PVS-14 on my left eye. This allows me to use the optic/irons in the instance where I am suddenly lit up without having to remove/raise the NVGs.

[NatetheGr8]

I am right handed, right eye dominant, and run my PVS-14 on my left eye. This allows me to use the optic/irons in the instance where I am suddenly lit up without having to remove/raise the NVGs.

Thank you. So I'm looking everywhere and I'm seeing different pvs14s. Is there any difference in the setups? There's some with pinnacle tubes or L3 tubes which one is the "best" meaning in terms of you're getting the most out of a big purchase like that. I've gone on the TNVC website and it's a lot to take in and harder to find where to start. Thanks again.

[brando]

Call TNVC and talk to them - they'll walk you through pros & cons.

[rero360]

Brando's correct: the folks at TNVC are super friendly and helpful. I forget the exact details between the two Gen 3 tubes they offer, I believe one was more durable to recoil and other physical shocks, whereas the other offered better clarity or picture definition. It's been over a year since I bought mine so I don't remember the details to be honest. Mine has the Pinnacle tube in it, but I couldn't tell you why I picked it over the other choice.

[brando]

Honestly, unless you're running NODs for a living, I don't think you'll notice much of a difference between Pinnacle and ITT tubes.