User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 11/4/2017 12:18:09 AM EDT
[#1]
A gen 2+ 14 us a decent setup but is limited in darker lighting scenarios vs a modern gen 3. To compensate you will need to use an IR illuminator, but like with any light source it can help you as well as harm you if not used properly. On the downside everytime IR is used everyone with NODs can see it. As for your setup its a good start and a DBAL I2 9007 IR illuminator and laser is probably the best for the money.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/4/2017 12:26:43 AM EDT
[#2]
Well your way ahead of me. All I have is my eyes and a flashlight
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/4/2017 1:31:41 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
A gen 2+ 14 us a decent setup but is limited in darker lighting scenarios vs a modern gen 3. To compensate you will need to use an IR illuminator, but like with any light source it can help you as well as harm you if not used properly. On the downside everytime IR is used everyone with NODs can see it. As for your setup its a good start and a DBAL I2 9007 IR illuminator and laser is probably the best for the money. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/4/2017 1:35:18 AM EDT
[#4]
Gen 2 and 2+ is completely usable. The newer Gen 2+ stuff is typically pretty impressive until you get into some really dark environments, and you can always add a little supplemental IR light to improve the performance. I think its great that there is an option for usable tech at a lower price point.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/4/2017 9:53:01 AM EDT
[#5]
What they said. I think you're light years ahead of anyone without it. A little supplemental IR isn't THAT bad. Even the big boys use it. I run basically the same set up as you, with an OTAL, SF Vampire, and I've been really happy with it. Got a TAPS Pro on order, which will complete the set up. If you took the money you saved and put a can on it, you'd be way ahead of anyone with state of the art NV but minimal flash suppression.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/4/2017 10:43:11 PM EDT
[#6]
I'm even cheaper and have a Armasight SPARK CORE and I'm not dead yet lol. IR illumination is a must though. I justify right now as not many people have NV to start with. Scum bags even more so it seems since they can barely afford more than a few boxes of ammo and mags from what I've seen of confiscated stuff from raids. Gen 2+ or 3 is on the short list of luxury items.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/5/2017 9:43:00 AM EDT
[#7]
You are set up better then a north Korea soldier or any antifa....I say you live.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/7/2017 8:43:33 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You are set up better then a north Korea soldier or any antifa....I say you live. They even wear US made uniforms. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/7/2017 9:28:26 AM EDT
[#9]
Eh well it SOUNDED funny, what with the average Joe, or I should say "Kim" up there in shit shape.
I trained with ROK Marine Force Recon at Pohang. Those guys are hard as woodpecker lips. With or without NV and whatnot. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/7/2017 9:46:27 AM EDT
[#10]
You're probably not gonna die.
Just practice IR light/laser discipline and understand that there's people out there who can see you a lot better than you can see them. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/7/2017 9:48:12 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You do realize, I take it, that North Korean special forces are much better equipped than any US group, excepting US special forces don't you? They even wear US made uniforms. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/7/2017 2:08:56 PM EDT
[#12]
Glad to see you're putting our Gen 2 plus NGI/PVS-14 to some use, OP. It's really a great way to go for someone on a budget who wants the ability to see in the dark without breaking the bank. With a good IR Illuminator like our TNVC Torch Pro MKII, you'll never have need for a Gen III. Thanks again for your business.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/7/2017 8:30:53 PM EDT
[#13]
You figure the majority of Americans don't own modern weapons. Of those that do, a majority don't own body armor. Of those that do, the majority don't own nods of any type. Of those that do, the majority probably don't have latest greatest gen 3. Of those that do, most probably don't practice shooting with them because they don't want to scratch the paint on an optical device worth as much as their 10 year old car.
I'd say you're doing better than 99% of folks. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 1:03:41 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've been pretty impressed with this one so far after having it out on some pretty dark moonless nights. I was active duty early to mid 90s when we had PVS-7s we thought were amazing. This seems to perform better than they did. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 9:54:39 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You figure the majority of Americans don't own modern weapons. Of those that do, a majority don't own body armor. Of those that do, the majority don't own nods of any type. Of those that do, the majority probably don't have latest greatest gen 3. Of those that do, most probably don't practice shooting with them because they don't want to scratch the paint on an optical device worth as much as their 10 year old car. I'd say you're doing better than 99% of folks. The important thing is to run the gear. Go get the mail after dark. Take the garbage out at night. Go to the woodshed and fill your wheelbarrow with firewood in the dark, then bring it back to the house. All of these things are things that will help familiarize you with operating under NODs. If you know how to run it, you probably won't die. On another note, Couch-Commando: Sir, have you heard of cola warrior? |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 10:08:45 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The important thing is to run the gear. Go get the mail after dark. Take the garbage out at night. Go to the woodshed and fill your wheelbarrow with firewood in the dark, then bring it back to the house. All of these things are things that will help familiarize you with operating under NODs. But I really do agree with this general concept, and it's really important. As an added note, I'd say learn to do a lot of stuff in the dark entirely... I know this sounds counter to using night vision, but it's really important to be comfortable in the dark without a flashlight. And also it can be worth letting someone else wear the NOD and learning to walk with them even without a NOD. You learn a lot from walking in the dark without NODs from time to time, especially while navigating. Also keep in mind that if you wear prescription lenses, your prescription may change in the dark somewhat. Learn to be comfortable with and without it, and know your limitations. Regards David |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 10:19:24 AM EDT
[#17]
unintentional double
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 10:20:45 AM EDT
[#18]
I get giant brown spiders in my wood shed. I've yet to have one bite me though, so there's that.
Nothing can prepare you for the absolute terror of having a big spider crawl on you in the dark with NODs that require you to manually focus. I say "giant" but I realize I'm speaking to an aussie... So, medium/small? lol ETA: Keep in mind, I'm in a more northern climate. The climate here is closer to England, Northern France, or Central Germany (non-mountainous). |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 10:55:58 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I say "giant" but I realize I'm speaking to an aussie... So, medium/small? lol Most of the ones I encounter are about the size of my palm and a few the size of my hand, but they are pretty harmless. Well, the palm-sized ones are actually pretty venomous, but they don't bite too often. It's the small ones that are the most dangerous. Especially the ones where your arm falls off after they bite you. And the redbacks and brown widows. I think the brown widows can even recognize faces and are very aggressive. And the F*&^&n "orb weavers" who just have to go and spin a web about 6 yards across every night so they cover the natural path between trees, and they get real cranky when you walk through their webs. I don't actually know how dangerous they are, but it's not pleasant walking through their web. Each time I find one near the house, I relocate it. But I hear you - learning to deal with spiders while wearing NODs is a critical, if not particularly pleasant, task. David. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 12:21:31 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Gen 2 and 2+ is completely usable. The newer Gen 2+ stuff is typically pretty impressive until you get into some really dark environments, and you can always add a little supplemental IR light to improve the performance. I think its great that there is an option for usable tech at a lower price point. Now, don't go out and trying to buy the latest and greatest NVG's available because I highly doubt your kicking down doors, hunting communists or Al Qaeda on the weekends. If you have money to blow, go ahead. If you don't, buy what's affordable and works for you. I'm happy with my Gen 2+ setup. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 12:23:59 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm even cheaper and have a Armasight SPARK CORE and I'm not dead yet lol. IR illumination is a must though. I justify right now as not many people have NV to start with. Scum bags even more so it seems since they can barely afford more than a few boxes of ammo and mags from what I've seen of confiscated stuff from raids. Gen 2+ or 3 is on the short list of luxury items. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 12:26:45 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
On another note, Couch-Commando: Sir, have you heard of cola warrior? |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 3:50:46 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Very true. People who don't practice with the gear they own might as well not own it. I love buying blemished gear, because, lol, it's gonna get that nick/scratch/scrape/paint-transfer one way or another. Might as well get a discount out of it. The important thing is to run the gear. Go get the mail after dark. Take the garbage out at night. Go to the woodshed and fill your wheelbarrow with firewood in the dark, then bring it back to the house. All of these things are things that will help familiarize you with operating under NODs. If you know how to run it, you probably won't die. On another note, Couch-Commando: Sir, have you heard of cola warrior?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 4:18:05 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I went to Cola Warrior 4. Got nearly last place (I'm horribly out of shape and too lazy to fix that). Cola Warrior is where I realized that I had to have night vision. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 4:32:39 PM EDT
[#25]
Im a real snob, but if it came down to a clear gen 2 or some second rate blem gen3.I'd go gen 2.
I understand that this is completely irrational, its just the way im wired. I dont think your as likely to die from your setup...than if your wife read the credit card bill after buying what you'd like. The gen 3s are amazing, possibly overkill for alot of my uses(thick woods) But gen 2 to me is the bare minimum. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/8/2017 6:40:43 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You know, I've used a wide range of generations of NOD's since enlisted and for some reason I still enjoy Gen 1 devices even though they don't perform as well as the later generations. I got to use a Spark Core at a gun show with the cap on during the day but the resolution was awesome. I would still like to get my hands on that unit and bring it home to use on a simple camping trip instead of bringing out the expensive stuff. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/9/2017 9:00:58 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
When I was in the Marine Corps I handled and tested AN-AVS9s almost daily (dual tube units) and looking through them into the "Hoffman Box" to focus them the SPARK has almost as good of resolution as they did. Obviously its way behind in the light amplification department but resolution was right up there close to it. I used the test box for my SPARK as well and was able to resolve them pretty close to what the AVS9s are required to do by the manual but only in standard mode. In "Low light mode" the test chart was all but unreadable with the SPARK. Better than naked eye vision but nowhere near the AVS9s. https://imgur.com/a/U7I4E |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/9/2017 9:14:42 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
When I was in the Marine Corps I handled and tested AN-AVS9s almost daily (dual tube units) and looking through them into the "Hoffman Box" to focus them the SPARK has almost as good of resolution as they did. Obviously its way behind in the light amplification department but resolution was right up there close to it. I used the test box for my SPARK as well and was able to resolve them pretty close to what the AVS9s are required to do by the manual but only in standard mode. In "Low light mode" the test chart was all but unreadable with the SPARK. Better than naked eye vision but nowhere near the AVS9s. https://imgur.com/a/U7I4E |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/9/2017 12:33:42 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not a huge difference between Gen 2+ and thin film Gen 3, but that filmless is amazing! |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/9/2017 4:49:40 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You do realize, I take it, that North Korean special forces are much better equipped than any US group, excepting US special forces don't you? They even wear US made uniforms. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/9/2017 4:55:07 PM EDT
[#31]
 Attached File Attached File Attached FileOP here is my setup a d300 gen2 + on a paratrooper ready older helmet the ir laser is on the tlr-2 eyesafe Ican dsee out to 700 yards rhe ir led illumn I can see out to 200 ish depending on weather. this set up is great & I have used pac 4s & peq2a I have $2,730 in rifle(bcm upper, RRA LOWER) optic ,NVD, white light, & Ir laser/illum. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/10/2017 2:10:17 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not until you re-do the test in a near dark condition, then thats where the Gen 3 will leave the Gen 1,2,2+ in the dust. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Not a huge difference between Gen 2+ and thin film Gen 3, but that filmless is amazing! |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/11/2017 9:41:34 PM EDT
[#33]
Curios about the cheap IR laser OP mentions. What did you get and what were your initial impressions?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/12/2017 3:25:06 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Had mine out last night with no moon and no artificial lighting near, just stars. Image seemed a little dark but was still quite usable. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/12/2017 10:19:24 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Curios about the cheap IR laser OP mentions. What did you get and what were your initial impressions? through the PVS. Haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet so can't answer that. A DBAL or at least an OTAL is in my future though. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/17/2017 2:34:44 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not until you re-do the test in a near dark condition, then thats where the Gen 3 will leave the Gen 1,2,2+ in the dust. I don't have a gen2+ unit anymore to replicate the demonstration. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/17/2017 11:08:35 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You figure the majority of Americans don't own modern weapons. Of those that do, a majority don't own body armor. Of those that do, the majority don't own nods of any type. Of those that do, the majority probably don't have latest greatest gen 3. Of those that do, most probably don't practice shooting with them because they don't want to scratch the paint on an optical device worth as much as their 10 year old car. I'd say you're doing better than 99% of folks. Going out Sunday night in fact. Test out a new PC in the dark. Should be fun. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/18/2017 10:57:16 AM EDT
[#38]
Congrats MIG-21 for taking advantage of the edge you can afford.
That is what the wise man does. Of the millions and millions who lack your initiative, most don't have the sense to attack with the sun at their backs or from the shadows. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/20/2017 8:42:31 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Gen2+ in near-dark conditions is equivalent to leaving the day-cap on filmless gen3. I don't have a gen2+ unit anymore to replicate the demonstration. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/20/2017 8:58:18 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Seriously, this is a bit of a generalization. Gen2+ is just a technology differentiatior. You need to pay attention to the datasheets, specifically S/N.... Gen2 and Gen3 with equal S/N will perform around the same level in near-dark conditions, since they are the conditions under which they are measured. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: Gen2+ in near-dark conditions is equivalent to leaving the day-cap on filmless gen3. I don't have a gen2+ unit anymore to replicate the demonstration. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/20/2017 10:44:32 PM EDT
[#41]
You tried out that G-sight Gladiator yet? Curious as to how it's working out. I'd like to get a couple for various rifles so when I'm walking to my deer stand with my PVS14 on before daylight and encounter pigs I can take them out.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/21/2017 12:41:13 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You tried out that G-sight Gladiator yet? Curious as to how it's working out. I'd like to get a couple for various rifles so when I'm walking to my deer stand with my PVS14 on before daylight and encounter pigs I can take them out. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/27/2017 4:10:35 PM EDT
[#43]
Are you dead yet?
Or how does it work for you? |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/27/2017 4:19:27 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Are you dead yet? Or how does it work for you? 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/27/2017 5:10:03 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You do realize, I take it, that North Korean special forces are much better equipped than any US group, excepting US special forces don't you? They even wear US made uniforms. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/28/2017 10:05:53 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
His name was MiG-21. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Are you dead yet? Or how does it work for you? |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/3/2017 5:42:27 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm even cheaper and have a Armasight SPARK CORE and I'm not dead yet lol. IR illumination is a must though. I justify right now as not many people have NV to start with. Scum bags even more so it seems since they can barely afford more than a few boxes of ammo and mags from what I've seen of confiscated stuff from raids. Gen 2+ or 3 is on the short list of luxury items. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/12/2017 3:11:39 AM EDT
[#48]
No ones answered this.
Is he serious about dying? Or is some joke? |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/12/2017 10:09:35 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No ones answered this. Is he serious about dying? Or is some joke? I did hear that he got better, though. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/12/2017 10:16:18 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No ones answered this. Is he serious about dying? Or is some joke? If you got money to blow then by all means do what you want. Just remember that if you're really worried about someone seeing you in the dark, always remember there is someone that that has something better. I mean hell, I'm still serving and when were in the field doing some training sometimes I can't even see the MF's hiding in the tree line while we use the most current Gen 3+ and WP devices. Then we pull out the thermals just to find out that the OFOR guys have thermals too and already spotted us. Always be realistic with your purpose on using the device and what your budget can handle and that's why I settled on a Gen 2+ device. Sometimes I wish I just got a decent Gen 1 with a really good IR light so I could save some money for other things like range time and beer. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
