The market of NVGs have evolved significantly over the last several decades, and that diversity can often prove intimidating to first-time consumers. The following is a list of current NVGs, and provide some universal unit specifications that can help give context.

AN/PVS-7

• Type: Monocular (GEN II)
• Power supply: 2xAA batteries
• Year introduced: 1988 – present
• Price range (avg): $2,000
• Gate Type: Unk
• Gain Type: Unk
• Weight: 24 ounces

AN/PVS-14

• Type: Monocular (Gen III)
• Power supply: 1xAA battery
• Year introduced: 2000 – present
• Price range (avg): $2,800
• Gate Type: Auto
• Gain Type: Adjustable/Variable
• Weight: 12.4 ounces

ANVIS-9

• Type: Dual (Gen III)
• Power supply: 4xAA batteries (in external battery pack)
• Year introduced: 1992
• Price range (avg): $10,000 (without external power pack); $16,00 (with external power pack)
• Gate Type: AutoGain Type: Auto
• Weight: 12.43 ounces

RNVG/ARNVG (Ruggedized Night Vision Goggles/Articulating Ruggedized Night Vision Goggles)

• Type Dual (Gen III)
• Power supply: 1x CR123
• Year introduced: circa 2019 (RNVG) and 2023 (ARNVG)
• Price range (avg.): $8,000-$10,000 (model dependent)
• Gate Type: Auto
• Gain Type: Auto
• Weight: 20.1 ounces

BNVD-1531 (Binocular Night Vision Device)

• Type: Dual (Gen III)
• Power supply: 1xAA battery
• Year introduced: 2021
• Price range (avg): $11,000
• Gate Type: Auto
• Gain Type: Adjustable/Variable
• Weight: 19 ounces

DTNVS (Dual Tube Night Vision System)

• Type: Dual (Gen III)
• Power supply: 1x CR123
• Year introduced: 2020
• Price range (avg): $10,000
• Gate Type: Auto
• Gain Type: Auto
• Weight: 17.9 ounces

PVS-31A/B/C/D (the “A” model being an exclusive USSOCOM unit, “B” & “C” were intended for AFSOC and US Navy, and “D” was left for 31’s using Elbit tube specs)

• Type: Dual (Gen III)
• Power supply: 1x AA battery
• Year introduced: 2022 (for civilian/commercial sales)
• Price range (avg): $13,000 – $14,000 (model dependent)
• Gate Type: Auto
• Gain Type: Adjustable/Variable
• Weight: 16 ounces

GPNVG (Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle)

• Type: Quad tube (Gen III)
• Power supply: 4x CR123 batteries
• Year introduced: 2022 (for civilian/commercial sales)
• Price range (avg): $40,000
• Gate Type: Auto
• Gain Type: Auto
• Weight: 27 ounces

Closing in on the end of our series, in the next segment we will make sense out of the individual unit specifications to NVGs, and demystify some of the more complex aspects that go into identifying a quality tube. However, if you would like to return to the Beginner’s Guide main post you can do so here.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this series is strictly informational, much like our COVID Chronicles, body armor, or gear guide, this series is not intended by High Ground to sway or convince the reader that one specific brand of night vision manufacturer is superior to all the others. In the end, this series is intended to provide the reader with a condensed and focused resource—nothing more. It is not to be considered definitive advice nor instruction.

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