Night Vision Need Help cannot make decision…. PVS 31a or 1531

[PowPowHawg]

I’m in the market for a new to me set of NVG’s. I coming from RNVG‘s and cannot decide between the 31A or the 1531s. I luckily have 20/20 vision so the 31A‘s seem intriguing but I’ve used the shit out of the adjustable diopters on the RNVG. Not being able to adjust 31a’s is a concern with no hand on experience. But at the same time barely ever touch or use the onboard IR on the RNVG…. Anyone with hands on experience with both that can help me decide is deeply appreciated…. Be well.

 

[WillHugh]

I own a set of 1531s, and I've briefly used a set of 31s. To get the slightly lighter 31s, you're giving up adjustable diopters, onboard illumination, more durable/easily serviced objective lenses, and a better located battery cable port.

How much you'll use the diopters is a question probably only you can answer. I will say that I think the illuminator on the 1531s is actually pretty decent. I've used it while driving an atv and it provided enough light to help with navigating (whereas the illuminator on pvs14s is frequently kind of useless).

The 31s use some kind of polycarbonate objective that's prone to scratching, but may provide a slightly better image, tubes being equal. The 1531s use a traditional objective, similar to what you would have on your rnvgs, which is nice if you manage to break something once your impressive one year L3 warranty runs out.

Choosing the 1531s would be an easy decision again for me, not even taking into account that they're usually cheaper as well. I guess my question would be what benefit do you see yourself getting from the 31s? Probably no wrong answer, they're both awesome goggles.

Will

 

[Jong]

Does a 31 battery pack fit a 1531?

 

[WillHugh]

Does a 31 battery pack fit a 1531?

Yes, same battery pack. A good lithium AA lasts a long time in them though.

 

[Jong]

I haven't used them in the winter yet but in my experience with other units the lithiums completely suck ass once it gets cold. Putting a battery pack inside your jacket negates that.

 

[MK20]

Don't let guys dog the 31s. They are good. Light, pretty durable as long as you don't get in driving accidents with them, etc and at least to me, a form factor and use layout I really like.

 

[TheHebrewHammer]

I wonder what the dealer margins are for the 31As compared to the 1531s. I've used 31As extensively and have never had a serious complaint.

 

[WillHugh]

The 31s are typically $2K ish more than the 1531's. I have to assume the cool guy factor to the 31s partially drives the price difference.

 

[TheHorta]

Pick one and go. 1531’s make better loaners.

 

[DownRangeThermal]

31s have much better dynamic depth of focus ( I made that term up... . I can set the focus at near infinity and see well at 10m and 150m. The optics on the 1531 are not nearly as forgiving in that regard. Love both systems but if you're ok with fixed diopters the 31a is a step ahead. Hit me up if you decide on 31s we just got a set in we can discount. Very clean tubes.

I'd also look close at the eotech 16mm bino-c similar glass to 31a but tiny form factor with adjustable diopter and auto shut off with pod rotation. ... only available with photonis. Big favorite of mine right now. Germany just signed a huge deal for them through ( hendstolt/theon)

 

[stefan73]

31s have much better dynamic depth of focus ( I made that term up... . I can set the focus at near infinity and see well at 10m and 150m. The optics on the 1531 are not nearly as forgiving in that regard. Love both systems but if you're ok with fixed diopters the 31a is a step ahead. Hit me up if you decide on 31s we just got a set in we can discount. Very clean tubes.

I'd also look close at the eotech 16mm bino-c similar glass to 31a but tiny form factor with adjustable diopter and auto shut off with pod rotation. ... only available with photonis. Big favorite of mine right now. Germany just signed a huge deal for them through ( hendstolt/theon)

Is that the one Elite(SP) brought up a while ago?

 

[DownRangeThermal]

Is that the one Elite(SP) brought up a while ago?

Not sure, https://www.eotechinc.com/eotech-binonv-c
photonis makes a pro-b. I really like this THEON housing though...they basically shrunk a 31D

 

[stefan73]

Not sure, https://www.eotechinc.com/eotech-binonv-c
photonis makes a pro-b. I really like this THEON housing though...they basically shrunk a 31D

Nice! I wonder what real pricing is and not advertised by EOTech pricing?