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Posted: 5/8/2011 8:35:22 AM EDT
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I am ready to jump into the NV game and have been doing a lot of research. I am not interested in the weapon mounted NV or in any kind of monocular, I like to use both eyes. I want a helmet mount setup in conjunction with an IR laser like the Class 1 DBAL for use out to 150 yards and less. I use the PVS-7 at work and while the image quality is very good I feel like my depth perception is lacking when I have them on, but it's usable. TNVC is selling these for under $4K and that is option A for me.
Option B is to buy a true binocular setup that uses two tubes, and after researching the AN/VIS-9 vs PVS-15 I have decided to go with the PVS-15 (or possibly the dual MUM-14 setup TNVC has, I forget the model). I am prepared to spend the 10K necessary for the PVS-15s but is it that drmatic of a difference over the PVS-7 as far as depth perception is concerned? The price difference is that of a small car so I would like these to be the only NVGs I ever buy so I want the best, not something to hold me over. I would like to hear your thoughts on this. |
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I don't know what led you to the PVS-15s over the AVS. However, while ANVIS run really expensive new, by my math, you could do a kit for ~$6K. 2K per tube, and 2K for the kit. Maybe another $500 for the mount and battery equipment.
The ANVIS is a great ground system, and parts and accesories are very common. |
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My reasoning for going with the PVS-15 over the ANVIS was that the PVS-15s were more rugged according to another dealer I spoke with as well as taccessories being more common. I really wanted to like the ANVIS as they seemed lower profile and were lighter in weight but I don't have experience with either so I can only go off what I'm hearing about the various units.
Also, can you tell me more about this BNVDS units? One advantage I have with the dual tube setup is that I can flip one tube out of the way and use it in monocular mode ala PVS-14. I would just like the depth perception that binoculars offer so that is my reason for not going with a monocular. What other alternates are there that provide great image quality for a reasonable price ($6K or less) in a dual-tube binocular setup? If only I could afford the PVS-21..... |
The BNVD-G's beat down the PVS-15's IMHO in many ways.  Besides the swivel away feature you already mentioned one can use this kit like a monocular if needed, the other is cost vs. the 15's along with durability by far along with independent adjustable gain, and an awesome focusable IR illuminator that goes out to 75 yards.
You can see our in-depth review here. http://www.tnvc.com/reviews/ |
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The B-NVDs look great. Are they comparably priced to the PVS-15s? If so I may have found my solution!
ETA: Nevermind, just checked TNVCs website, and after seeing that the B-NVDs cost a good chunk less than the PVS-15s it looks like the B-NVD is what I will be buying. Thanks for the suggestion. |
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BNVD-G all the way.
Performance of the unit is spectacular, and the built in illuminator has surprising range. I got to briefly use a set mounted to a Mich helmet (ballast pouch with MS-2000 strobe + bats), and it was one of the best balanced and comfortable setups I've ever tried. I would have liked to have tried the unit on my Norotos Facemask, dispensing with the need for a helmet, but ballast would be essential. |
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Another thing, FP, get Vic's suggestion on the helmet and mounting for the NV.
Makes all the difference in the world and Vic knows these mounts inside and out. Ask him if anyone has tried them on the Norotos facemask, they are compatible and it's a good option. Another option, and perhaps more important on the dual NV tubes due toi increased ambient light, would be the Wilcox Amber Filters. These reduce the backsplash on your face to almost nothing. Below is a pic from Vic's site of a setup almost identical to my own (Ihave an older dual battery PVS-14). You can see how the Amber filter adds little size/mass. 
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