Talk me out of a Steiner DBAL D2

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Talk me out of a Steiner DBAL D2

Posted: 9/7/2018 4:49:53 PM EDT

Howdy all. Getting ready to start jumping in the NODS game In the next month or 2 I'll be getting a PVS14 monocular. I can get a D2 for under a grand right now. Talk me out of it. I'm not a door kicker...getting into to it to complement my thermal scope, hunting, toying around hiking and to put it in the SHTF toolbox if need ever arises. I like cool toys that serve multiple purposes!

I like:

Ability to easily zero vis/IR lasers and possibly switch guns w/o much fuss
Damn good illumination
Everyone seems to speak very highly of it

What else should I consider? Mawl $$ is not an option

Thanks

Posted: 9/7/2018 4:57:34 PM EDT

[#1]

If you don't care about the visible signature I don't think there is anything better for that price.

Posted: 9/7/2018 5:25:33 PM EDT

[#2]

Ha talk you out of a badda@@ laser no way! Buy it now before they sale out.

Posted: 9/7/2018 5:28:57 PM EDT

[#3]

It's big and heavy.

Just get a MAWL.

Posted: 9/7/2018 5:51:42 PM EDT

[#4]

I'm in the same boat. Can anyone speak to the ergonomics of the fire button being on the rear rather than on top like the A3 and other models?

Posted: 9/7/2018 6:16:55 PM EDT

[#5]

EDIT: NVM I thought you were asking about a different DBAL

Posted: 9/7/2018 7:34:28 PM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'm in the same boat. Can anyone speak to the ergonomics of the fire button being on the rear rather than on top like the A3 and other models?

View Quote

Before I bought a TAPS I used it the same way a lot of guys, who don’t trust tape switches, use their white light. Just have it so you can activate the button with the tip of your thumb. This can be done if you use a vfg or c clamp style grip.

Posted: 9/7/2018 7:35:16 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Ha talk you out of a badda@@ laser no way! Buy it now before they sale out.

View Quote

Under a grand? THIS!

Posted: 9/7/2018 7:51:12 PM EDT

[#8]

Had one for a couple of years. Love it!

Posted: 9/7/2018 7:57:06 PM EDT

[#9]

Nice laser. Do it

Posted: 9/8/2018 8:29:03 PM EDT

[#10]

My question is D2 vs. A3. I'm leaning A3, due to be lighter and cheaper, and I kinda like the idea of zero glow laser illuminator. I will have other stand-alone IR LED lights, but so far I haven't seen a laser based one in a handheld.

But is the output so much lower as to not be worth it? D2 seems WAY more popular.

Posted: 9/8/2018 8:36:27 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
My question is D2 vs. A3. I'm leaning A3, due to be lighter and cheaper, and I kinda like the idea of zero glow laser illuminator. I will have other stand-alone IR LED lights, but so far I haven't seen a laser based one in a handheld.

But is the output so much lower as to not be worth it? D2 seems WAY more popular.

View Quote

The a3 is cheaper than around $1000? Serious question. Where at?

Posted: 9/9/2018 7:32:40 AM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:

The a3 is cheaper than around $1000? Serious question. Where at?

View Quote

DSG has had them on sale for under $1k several times.

But I sold my A3... The illumination was really useless by the time you get out to 100 yards and higher in most atmospheric conditions.

Posted: 9/9/2018 4:28:06 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
My question is D2 vs. A3. I'm leaning A3, due to be lighter and cheaper, and I kinda like the idea of zero glow laser illuminator. I will have other stand-alone IR LED lights, but so far I haven't seen a laser based one in a handheld.

But is the output so much lower as to not be worth it? D2 seems WAY more popular.

View Quote

D2 Illuminator is only matched by the MAWL, A4, and Full Powered units.

The D2 really is insane. It’s only downside is the fact that it’s a fat pig.

D2s regularly go for $900-950 in the EE all day long.

Posted: 9/11/2018 7:27:02 AM EDT

[#14]

I'm new to night vision and I got to see a D2 in use this summer, looked awesome through my PVS14.

So I ordered one this weekend, can't wait to receive it.

Posted: 9/11/2018 7:59:12 AM EDT

[#15]

Best pistol laser/illuminator made (see avatar).

Posted: 9/11/2018 12:32:57 PM EDT

[#16]

I like mine but only for outside use over 100 yards. In structures and short range most of the other units work well with a lot of weight savings. MAWL really is king though if you can swing the money.

Posted: 9/11/2018 1:49:39 PM EDT

[#17]

I just picked up an FDE D2 on the EE for 900. Lightly used. I can’t wait to get it. I am still saving for my nvg’s but I’m compiling the things I will need for when I get them.

I will get a mawl at some point for sure; it will be used for my more tactical type rifles (if you want to call it that)... But... to get myself into the game and have a high performance unit I can use on my hunting rifles, which will be my primary use; I’m not sure there’s much of a better deal.

The varmints and predators don’t give a rat about a faint red glow. I’ve never had any problem with my UNV IR illuminator I use with my cheap digital nv scope spooking game, and its a decent size glow.

Also, I could care less about a couple ounces or an inch here/there on a hunting rifle.

Give some thought to your primary use for your first purchase. If it’s work, get a mawl. If it’s play get a D2, then have fun while you slowly save for the mawl. Then you have 2. That was my thought process at least.

Posted: 9/15/2018 11:32:13 PM EDT

[#18]

Got it this afternoon.

Posted: 9/16/2018 12:13:48 AM EDT

[#19]

Should have gotten mine also, but the post office pulled another lazy on me.

Was home all day, right before bed checked the door to see if they left it without knocking. They left without knocking all right, but left the pickup slip, not the package.

. You already climbed to the third floor, why not just bring the damn thing with you and knock? Jesus it would take like an extra minute out of your day.

Posted: 9/16/2018 12:31:12 AM EDT

[#20]

I recently got one, open box display model for $800 on ebay....

Awesome laser, its heavy, but not nearly as heavy as everyone makes it seem. It is big though, visible green laser is nice. Got a dirty zero and hitting steel at 100 yards in seconds.

I didnt notice the whole "visible illuminator" everyone gripes about... maybe I didnt look close enough?

Quoted:
I'm in the same boat. Can anyone speak to the ergonomics of the fire button being on the rear rather than on top like the A3 and other models?

View Quote

The illuminator is so big/tall the button NEEDS to be on the back.

Posted: 9/16/2018 9:57:38 AM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
I recently got one, open box display model for $800 on ebay....

Awesome laser, its heavy, but not nearly as heavy as everyone makes it seem. It is big though, visible green laser is nice. Got a dirty zero and hitting steel at 100 yards in seconds.

I didnt notice the whole "visible illuminator" everyone gripes about... maybe I didnt look close enough?

The illuminator is so big/tall the button NEEDS to be on the back.

View Quote

It’s there, just not bad. I’m just stating what I’ve seen, not being a dick, but remember, before the MAWL the d2’s vis ir signature was downplayed downplayed downplayed....no big deal. Buy buy buy!

Now you can see it from space111!!1!1!!! (Engaging in hyperbole obviously) Get the MAWL even though, for most people, it’ll sit in the safe 95% of the time or get played with in the backyard like most peoples NV.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Talk me out of a Steiner DBAL D2

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