Description

The PVS-14: America’s Most Trusted Night Vision Monocular

The AN/PVS-14 has been the U.S. military’s standard night vision monocular for over two decades. Used by Special Operations Forces, law enforcement units, and serious civilians who demand the same capability as the professionals they trained alongside — the PVS-14 isn’t a compromise. It’s the benchmark.

At Superior Tactical, we’ve been selling and servicing night vision for over a decade. We know these tubes, we stand behind them, and we’re here when you have questions.

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What’s in the Box

Every PVS-14 from Superior Tactical ships complete with the full military accessory kit:

• PVS-14 unit with your selected tube
• Head mount with brow pads
• Head mount adapter
• Sacrificial window (objective lens protection)
• Demist shield
• Eyecup
• Lens cap
• Neck cord
• Soft carry case
• Lens paper
• Military operator’s manual
• Tube datasheet — showing your specific tube’s actual performance specs

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Choosing Your Tube — Plain English Guide

This is where most buyers get stuck. Here’s what you actually need to know:

Elbit Systems of America vs. L3Harris

Both are U.S. defense contractors and the two primary manufacturers of Gen 3 image intensifier tubes. Neither is universally “better” — they have different characteristics that appeal to different buyers.

Elbit XLSH tubes — thin-filmed Gen 3 tubes known for high performance. XLSH tubes may show more small cosmetic spots in the image than PH tubes, but perform exceptionally in low-light conditions.

Elbit PH tubes — tend to have cleaner image cosmetics with fewer spots, making them popular with buyers who prioritize a clean viewing experience.

L3Harris Unfilmed (18UM, 20UA, 24UA) — unfilmed means the Microchannel Plate (MCP) has no ion barrier film. This results in improved contrast and better low-light performance compared to filmed tubes. The number indicates the performance series — 24UA is higher performance than 18UM. L3Harris unfilmed tubes are highly regarded by experienced operators for their clarity and contrast.

What is FOM?

FOM stands for Figure of Merit — a single number calculated by multiplying a tube’s resolution (line pairs per mm) by its signal-to-noise ratio. It’s a useful shorthand but not the whole story. Every tube is different. A higher FOM generally indicates better overall performance, but two tubes with the same FOM can look different in the field.

What is a Z1 Spot?

The Z1 zone is the center area of the tube image — the most critical viewing area. A tube listed as “with Z1 spot” contains a small cosmetic blemish in this zone, but it will not exceed .003 inches in size. Many experienced users find Z1 spots are barely noticeable in real-world use. Tubes listed “without Z1 spot” or “No Spots on Datasheet” have no cosmetic blemishes in the critical viewing area.

2376+ FOM — What Does That Mean?

This designates tubes that have tested at 2376 FOM or higher on their datasheet. These are high-performing tubes that have exceeded a specific performance threshold. For buyers who want documented high performance, this is a strong option.

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Hand Select — See Your Tube Before You Buy

Not sure which tube is right for you? We offer hand-select service on many of our tubes.

Email us to request datasheets on available tubes before you commit to a purchase. You’ll see the actual measured specs — FOM, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, EBI, and halo — for the specific tube going into your unit.

Call (888) 330-7057 to speak with someone who actually knows night vision. We have more tubes available than what’s listed in the dropdown — if you have specific requirements, let us know.

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Specs at a Glance

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Two Ways to Use the PVS-14

Helmet Mounted — hands-free operation for navigation, observation, and extended wear. Compatible with standard PASGT, MICH, and FAST helmet mounting systems using the included head mount adapter.

Handheld — quick scan capability without mounting hardware. Useful for vehicle operations, wildlife observation, security monitoring, and any situation where helmet mounting isn’t practical.

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Who Buys the PVS-14 from Superior Tactical

Most of our PVS-14 customers are former military or law enforcement — people who used this exact platform in service and want the same capability at home. They know what they’re looking at on a datasheet, they know what questions to ask, and they don’t want to be sold something they don’t need.

We built our business around that customer. No upselling, straight answers, and someone who picks up the phone.

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10-Year Warranty

Every Gen 3 PVS-14 from Superior Tactical is backed by our 10-year warranty covering the full unit — housing, optics, electronics, and tube. The warranty does not cover accidental damage or damage resulting from misuse.

We also offer in-house repairs with free diagnostic. If something goes wrong, you’re not shipping your unit to a manufacturer overseas — you’re calling us.

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Common Questions

Do you have tube options not listed in the dropdown? Yes. Call (888) 330-7057 or email sales@superiortac.com for our current inventory. Tube availability changes frequently and we carry more options than the website reflects.

Can I see the datasheet before I buy? Yes — email us to request datasheets on specific tubes before purchasing. Hand-select means you see the actual measured specs for your tube.

How fast does it ship? Most orders ship within 1–2 business days.

What if I’m new to night vision and don’t know where to start? Call us. We’ve been doing this for over a decade and we’ll point you in the right direction without pushing you toward something you don’t need.

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The PVS-14 is a controlled technology subject to U.S. export control laws. By purchasing, you acknowledge compliance with applicable ITAR and EAR regulations. For sale to U.S. persons only.