Night Vision L3 GPNVG-18

[Koolaidohyeaah]

After having seen a couple threads regarding GPNVGs, spoke to a few people who had the luxury of running them, the review done by @TNVC_Will and luckily being able to afford a set as of recent I'm about to place an order for a set of GPNVGs.

One question I'd like to ask to anyone with general knowledge about GPNVGs, are the FOM on recent production units upwards of 3000 FOM or what is typically the range of FOM when seen when ordering them commercially.

Of course I understand, FOM only takes into account two specific factors which is a snippet of all the qualities one looks for when reviewing I2 tube specs. While I do know the minimum FOM listed is 1792+ FOM for GPNVGs, I'm curious what is the typical range for FOM for units that are new production.

I could be ignorant, but I doubt the FOM is under 2600 in this units, as the cost for the unit is steep. I'd also figure that since GPNVGS are being made, for the most part, for LE/MIL use that the spec sheets indicate much higher specs.

I was in contact recently with a distributor that had access to a 3000+ FOM new production unit, of which he also indicated there was another unit that was 3700+ FOM. He isn't the distributor I'm planning to purchase from because the price is significantly more than what I'm going to be paying.

In conclusion, I'm just trying to get feedback from anyone who has seen or knows of recent GPNVG spec sheets, who can advise what the range of FOM they've seen. I'd also assume that the tubes would be 24UM/UA tubes for these "high tier" and high cost units.

I'd hate to spend $40,000 and get stuck with an awesome unit, but with 1792 FOM tubes.

Thanks for anyone that has info!

 

[cschastain2]

Are you able to request the higher FOM tubes?
Say above 2400 or request 2900 or above with clean 24 tubes? That’s too much money to not get what you wanted…

 

[Koolaidohyeaah]

Are you able to request the higher FOM tubes?
Say above 2400 or request 2900 or above with clean 24 tubes? That’s too much money to not get what you wanted…

From my understanding, you get what you get when you order them. I've spoken to a number of distributors, but none of them allow a "choice" in tubes.

For all I know I could get 18UM 1792 FOM tubes, but I seriously doubt that to be the case. Then again I don't know, that's why I posted this thread lol!

Of course the lead time provided 20-50 days is only an estimate. I've heard much longer, then again lead time mean nothing. It comes when it comes haha.

 

[newguy2k3v2]

My understanding is you get what you get when they come in unless the distributor has a few in hand and let’s you pick between them. What I have been told though is that if they show up and have any unacceptable blems in the tubes you can usually get them to make it right. I really doubt you squabble about granular specs though. I’d imagine they build all of those with 2376min tubes.

 

[Koolaidohyeaah]

My understanding is you get what you get when they come in unless the distributor has a few in hand and let’s you pick between them. What I have been told though is that if they show up and have any unacceptable blems in the tubes you can usually get them to make it right. I really doubt you squabble about granular specs though. I’d imagine they build all of those with 2376min tubes.

That's what I think as well. I'd also think, like you said, that the tubes would be at least min 2376+ FOM, being that's what's in 31As. I try and rationalize, how could the FOM for GPs be less than what the minimum is in 31As.

I also have understood that GPs come with MX-10160 tubes standard. While 31As come with the MX-11769 tubes but can also use the 10160s.

Not too sure what distributors have seen in recent days and I would like to have some light shed on what people have seen spec wise, mainly FOM, to get a quick idea.

 

[newguy2k3v2]

Yea the 31a’s have manual gain and the gpnvg doesn’t.

 

[jwramp]

Seems like a conversation you should have with whoever your dealer is. Have them share numbers on what they’ve been selling recently. There’s gotta be a reason they are marketed as 1800 fom min instead of 2400…

 

[Koolaidohyeaah]

Seems like a conversation you should have with whoever your dealer is. Have them share numbers on what they’ve been selling recently. There’s gotta be a reason they are marketed as 1800 fom min instead of 2400…

That's correct, but it seems some distributors don't want to share that info all too much for some reason.

I'll reach out to them today and see what they say, as these were thoughts I had over the weekend.

Thanks JW

 

[TheHorta]

I lucked out and got 2600-2900 FOM on mine. A good friend and other Hide member got his from TNVC and the tubes were in the 2600 range. Another buddy got his in the 2300 range, which he was a little bummed about, so he ordered a second set and those were in the 2400 range (rich dude).

Forget about 3000 FOM and assume at least 2300 FOM if the pattern holds.

 

[Koolaidohyeaah]

I lucked out and got 2600-2900 FOM on mine. A good friend and other Hide member got his from TNVC and the tubes were in the 2600 range. Another buddy got his in the 2300 range, which he was a little bummed about, so he ordered a second set and those were in the 2400 range (rich dude).

Forget about 3000 FOM and assume at least 2300 FOM if the pattern holds.

I'd be more than content with a 2600-2900 FOM range. Not going to lie I would be disappointed if they were sub 2400 FOM.

 

[TheHorta]

I'd be more than content with a 2600-2900 FOM range. Not going to lie I would be disappointed if they were sub 2400 FOM.

Assume the “worst” and go from there. I’d say you stand a 50/50 chance of >2400. Not great odds, but you place your $40K bet and takes your chances.