Night vision and what to buy??

[Bigdave0924]

A member here had a pvs7 setup for sale in the classifieds that I really wanted but just couldn’t swing it right at Christmas with my slow time at work coming up. I haven’t really considered the pvs7 before just based on what I’ve read it seems most people always say “just save and get the pvs14”. I can’t stomach the cost of the pvs14 and honestly I don’t know how much I’ll use them.

I’ve been looking at what to buy to put together a helmet with psv7 and this is where I’m getting confused. It seems there’s gen 2 and gen 3 pvs7 as well as a couple other different options. White phosphor, auto gated, white phosphor and auto gated. I don’t know what to be looking for. I’d like to find something used to save a little money but I want to make an informed decision and not end up with a couple thousand dollar paper weight.

Do these things hold up to salt water or are they too fragile for that? The owner of the boat I mate on bought one of the sionyx aurora a few months ago to help with night time navigation but there was too much delay so we stopped using it. It would be nice to be able to use these on the boat but I don’t know if they’re made for that kind of abuse.

 

[steelciocc]

Lots of great questions! My advice would be to figure out the max you’re willing to spend for the whole setup (NV, helmet/headgear, aiming and illumination tools, etc.) first. Making decisions will then be framed by your budgetary constraints.

if you haven’t looked through this thread it might be a good place to start: https://carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?threads/intro-to-night-vision.82051/

 

[Spartan]

There is also digital.
There is also thermal.
There is a thread on here about budget night vision setups.
@tim

 

[Bigdave0924]

Lots of great questions! My advice would be to figure out the max you’re willing to spend for the whole setup (NV, helmet/headgear, aiming and illumination tools, etc.) first. Making decisions will then be framed by your budgetary constraints.

if you haven’t looked through this thread it might be a good place to start: https://carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?threads/intro-to-night-vision.82051/

I just read that thread thank you for pointing it out it answered a lot of my questions. I’m not really sure where I’m at on the budget this is something I’m just now realizing may be feasible for me after seeing the used pvs7 for sale recently. Just thinking out loud through my budget and everything I’ll need. Used pvs7 $1500? Bump helmet $200-$400 mount for helmet $$? I haven’t even started to look at IR lasers or illuminators but I realize they can range from $500 to $3k+ depending on which brand and style you go with.

 

[steelciocc]

Next up @Bigdave0924, can you articulate the way you see yourself using the NV? Things like activities you plan to use it for, terrain you plan to use it on, how much time you’d be using NV at one time, how “tactical” you need to operate, etc.

There are somewhat “economical” options if your personal use scenario(s) aren’t overly demanding. Some of the “airsoft grade” stuff is pretty robust. On the other hand, if you’ll be a power-user you’d be better served by saving a bit to buy the best spec’d equipment you can afford.

There really is no “right” answer but by knowing how you might use NV it’d be easier to make recommendations. Looks like you’re in Wilmington, if you get inland near Pinehurst I’d be glad to let you play with a couple of options from Auroras to BNVDs.

 

[steelciocc]

Just for giggles, I wanted to see what the absolute minimum would be for getting into a basic, new monocular NV setup. Looks like around $1,100 for purchasing new is about as good as I could find.

This is not a door-kicker, do it all, USSOCOM rig - its basic, and would allow you to see relatively good at night. It would allow you to see great at night in a permissive environment where you could use IR illumination.

I have all of this stuff (along with a much pricier gen 3 binocular setup with “real” accessories) and would have no reservation recommending it to someone with a basic need for night vision. For using a couple of hours at night walking around, stargazing, checking out the world after dark it’s a pretty cool setup.

Unfortunately, if you need more than this, the price jump is exponential. New PVS14s start at ~$2,500+ and go up from there. A name brand mount will run you in excess of $400. Real OpsCore helmet...$300. You get the picture...

Just an exercise using what I’ve learned the last year spending way too much on NV. Other opinions will be along soon : )


Aurora Pro - $799
Chinesium G24 Mount - $85
kiloohm Aurora Mount - $95
Chinesium Bump Helmet - $58
Anker Power Cell - $40
Power Cable - $8
Chinesium Mohawk Battery Pouch - $18
Fandyfire IR Flashlight - $19

Holosun LS117IR Aiming Laser

ETA: The one “pro” level accessory I’d recommend with this basic package would be to invest in a set of 4D helmet pads. These are absolutely necessary if you’re going to wear any ”tactical” helmet for more than an hour. They’re expensive but worth every penny.

4D Helmet Pads - $100


Added: Here is an informative thread on the SiOnyx Aurora on arfcom. It’s 115ish pages long but if you start at page 80 or so you’ll get a pretty good idea of the capabilities & limitations from real users... SiOnyx Aurora Thread

 

[Studentofthegun]

I just read that thread thank you for pointing it out it answered a lot of my questions. I’m not really sure where I’m at on the budget this is something I’m just now realizing may be feasible for me after seeing the used pvs7 for sale recently. Just thinking out loud through my budget and everything I’ll need. Used pvs7 $1500? Bump helmet $200-$400 mount for helmet $$? I haven’t even started to look at IR lasers or illuminators but I realize they can range from $500 to $3k+ depending on which brand and style you go with.

There are some gen 3 and gen 2+ units that can be had for right at $2300 right now. I know that is not in line with the PVS-7, however you're talking about something that is much more usable for many applications. A monocle is a VERY nice piece of kit.

One option: https://steeleindustries.com/product/si-pvs-14-elbit-xlsh-gp-2/
Another option: https://steeleindustries.com/product/si-pvs-14-e-wp/

Highly recommend looking at all the specs so you know what you're getting.





I'd hang one of these on a cheap Chinese Wilcox knockoff in a heartbeat. At least temporarily. Then save up for a nicer helmet etc. But this is just one opinion. There are other options as outlined above.

My humble suggestion is to "cry once" when it comes to this sort of thing. If you can stretch the budget to get a PVS-14 you're going to be pretty happy with it I think.

 

[NCWalrus]

@steelciocc How is the aurora set up holding up for you? do you still recommend the items above for a basic loadout?

I appreciate your post and info here, I checked out the thread over on ARF and it is deep down the rabbit hole. I am still at the kindergarten level 🤣

 

[steelciocc]

Hey @NCWalrus ! We’ll, where do I start : )

The Aurora Pro setup is still running strong and nothing has broken or ceased to work. I haven’t put too many hours on them as they were primarily for use as a loaner.

Part of the challenge of using them as a loaner is that the user needs to have familiarity with all the settings and adjustments to effectively use them. When I’m asking someone if they want to walk around in the dark with them I have to allow ~30 minutes to get the binos adjusted for field of view as well as get all the settings right. The user really can’t interact with the settings/adjustments themselves. If you are the main user you’ll learn the particulars quickly and be able to use ‘em easily.

That being said, if you have 1/4 moon or better and a clear sky and/or skyglow they are pretty effective - I would say they rival my Gen3 Binos under perfect/good conditions.

The more permissive, less tactical use you have, the more these would work for you. If you can employ IR light (flashlight or headlights) the Aurora is just as good as a Gen3 device. I haven’t tried it but, with supplemental illumination, driving with these on would be NO problem.

A couple benefits of the Auroras that I hadn’t initially considered is that they can be used around white light (of any intensity) without fear of damage to the device/tubes. If I’m out at night in my neighborhood I’ll just use the Auroras for this reason. You could go from pitch black to a lit stadium and have no worry about damage.

Secondly, in good conditions the Auroras can display in color. This improves over Gen3 monocolor displays but requires lots of ambient light or additional illumination to work.

Lastly, there is the video capability. You can record at any time and the video quality matches what your eye(s) actually saw.

I haven’t kept up with Aurora Pro availability or pricing. I’m sure they’re still available and you might score a good Black Friday deal.

For less than “tactical” use I think they’re a great value. You’re welcome to try mine out if we’re close enough. Any other questions, let me know.

ETA: ALL THE ABOVE APPLIES TO THE AURORA PRO ONLY. I have no direct experience with the Black and Sport versions (which use a different sensor and associated technology). No offense to Black/Sport owners but, most reviews I’ve read suggest that the Pro is the one worth owning.

 

[NCWalrus]

Hey @NCWalrus ! We’ll, where do I start : )

The Aurora Pro setup is still running strong and nothing has broken or ceased to work. I haven’t put too many hours on them as they were primarily for use as a loaner.

Part of the challenge of using them as a loaner is that the user needs to have familiarity with all the settings and adjustments to effectively use them. When I’m asking someone if they want to walk around in the dark with them I have to allow ~30 minutes to get the binos adjusted for field of view as well as get all the settings right. The user really can’t interact with the settings/adjustments themselves. If you are the main user you’ll learn the particulars quickly and be able to use ‘em easily.

That being said, if you have 1/4 moon or better and a clear sky and/or skyglow they are pretty effective - I would say they rival my Gen3 Binos under perfect/good conditions.

The more permissive, less tactical use you have, the more these would work for you. If you can employ IR light (flashlight or headlights) the Aurora is just as good as a Gen3 device. I haven’t tried it but, with supplemental illumination, driving with these on would be NO problem.

A couple benefits of the Auroras that I hadn’t initially considered is that they can be used around white light (of any intensity) without fear of damage to the device/tubes. If I’m out at night in my neighborhood I’ll just use the Auroras for this reason. You could go from pitch black to a lit stadium and have no worry about damage.

Secondly, in good conditions the Auroras can display in color. This improves over Gen3 monocolor displays but requires lots of ambient light or additional illumination to work.

Lastly, there is the video capability. You can record at any time and the video quality matches what your eye(s) actually saw.

I haven’t kept up with Aurora Pro availability or pricing. I’m sure they’re still available and you might score a good Black Friday deal.

For less than “tactical” use I think they’re a great value. You’re welcome to try mine out if we’re close enough. Any other questions, let me know.

ETA: ALL THE ABOVE APPLIES TO THE AURORA PRO ONLY. I have no direct experience with the Black and Sport versions (which use a different sensor and associated technology). No offense to Black/Sport owners but, most reviews I’ve read suggest that the Pro is the one worth owning.

Thank you!! appreciate all the info good sir