Thanks to the AR15.com video crew and our friends at NV Devices!

On the Photonis ECHO spec tubes, had a chance to talk with several high ups at Photonis to clear up some misconceptions about these tubes.

Several customers asked us about the comment made online claiming that



We went RIGHT TO THE SOURCE to get real answers on this-

Thursday 1/24 9:20 am at the Photonis booth at SHOT Show in Vegas.

Discussion with:
James Brennan, Vice President, Night Vision and Digital Vision Photonis Defense
Ben Bethke, Director, Ground Forces Sales and Support Photonis Night Vision
Raquel Ortega, Ph.d, Executive Director, Innovation and Digital Vision Sales

Robert (JRH)- "So someone online claims that the Photonis ECHO spec tubes do not operate out of band like the INTENS models do, is that true?"

James Brennan- "No, the ECHO spec tubes operate the same out of band as the INTENS."

Robert (JRH)- "What about any low light issues with the ECHO spec tubes?"

James Brennan- "The ECHO spec tubes are tubes that for whatever reason, blemishes, etc. did not make the cut for INTENS rating, other than that they are the same."

Robert (JRH)- "So just like ITT/Harris and L3 have "grades" of tubes, the ECHO spec designation is simply the GRADE of the tube but will otherwise operate the same out of band as well as in lowlight?"

James Brennan- "Yes."

Ms. Ortega confirmed this also and Mr. Bethke who was talking with another customer came in at the end, we went over the entire conversation again for his benefit and he agreed with Mr. Brennan and Ms. Ortega on this as well.

So that should more than clear up any (created) confusion on this subject!!!

Some recent specifications on ECHO spec PVS14s

The link above there has some actual specifications from units shipped to customers recently. I'd say they compare fairly well!!

Pic below is from our place in the country. We live over 2 hours from any city of real size, and 20 minutes from small towns. There is no city glow in the background and of course no pavement like you see in other's pics ;)

Most people realize half the pics of these super duper tubes people push are taken in HIGH LIGHT city areas. If the tubes really do do as well in low light environs as people claim, why not find a true rural area to take pics in??? Taking pics in high light environs to make your units look better is a bit of a marketing cheat and most people realize that.

The lights visible in the bottom of the pic below are the nearest houses- about 500 or so meters away. About a half moon and semi overcast as you can tell from the clouds in the top of the pic. So overall the ECHO's provide a pretty decent deal for the price IMO.

I've heard that as well. I don't personally have an AAA powered NV in my stuff. I would recommend the AA battery versions unless saving those last few grams really, really did matter to you.

Not sure if any OOB lasers are available to civilians.

The three folks from Photonis confirmed the out of band usage of the ECHO spec tubes, so this could be an additional benefit.