Posted: 3/29/2005 5:17:10 PM EDT
Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with the different generations of night vision? Obvious Gen 1 is the cheapest but the worst quality. I was hoping to get a nice pair of NVGs but the 1K+ price tag on Gen IIs is a bit of a downer.....
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I learned the hard way that buying cheap means buying twice with NVD's. First purchase: Russian OH1x20's, first gen, cost Aprox $400 10 years ago but more like $600 now. Really heavy, shitty lenses, more a novelty than anything. One tube got noticeably dimmer than the other with only 2 hours or so on the unit. Second: PVS7's, assembled from parts, was told they were ITT's but I have doubts... IF they were ITT's, they should be "good" goggles, but not the best. They were REALLY good goggles, I thought until I bought another pair that are current top of the line. Third: Very crisp, very bright, less snow. These are the most like walking in Daylight of the three. They just plain work. Get a cheap pair of PVS7's with a 3rd gen tube. They will serve you well, promise. Forget anything not US made. Promise on that too. Dave |
There is no Generation IV!!! I read an article - SWAT or SOF somewhere which referenced "GenIV NVG's" - even the newer PVS-14, 17, and 18 are STILL Generation III........The reason I emphasise this is that I mentioned Generation IV during a training class on the AN/PVS-14. The trainer - a spokesperson for one of the two major NVG manufacturers (and a former SEAL) quickly corrected me - making me look like an ass in front of my unit. Generation IV is an internet urban legend. There are advanced in Generation III technology - but it is still Gen III. Soapbox Off........ |
Let's start a collection for the cause 
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| Let me ask this. Is Generation 1 all that bad? I mean for $500-$600 can a person buy a decent set of hands-free goggles (not binoculars or monoculars) that won't break in a second and will be worth what they've been paid with? I've heard instances of too much light (bright light suddenly hitting the goggles, flashlights, car lights, etc) and ruining NVGs. Is this true? I guess I'm a complete NVG noobie and need a bit of guidance. |
Like I said, I'm not sure wat they were, but they were really cool. And expensive.... Pretty cool, the pilot called me on the Nextel while they were coming in, and told me to meet him on the ramp. It was like 10 at night, and he never shut down.  |
Guess I should start saving then. By the time I can buy some Gen III, Gen IX will be out! 
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I'd have trouble deciding between a new car and this. Would be good for Bigfoot hunting though. $12k in most places. elcan.phpinternet.com/www/SPECTER_2_4.htm#1 |
$12k? Just eat Ramen for the next 6 years and you'll be all set .
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