Making The Cheapest Night Vision Loadout

[@gangrel1230]

The people: give us real budget Lucas: do you like rocks?

[@CivilianOperators]

😂

[@Kyon165d]

I am here for the level of petty this man was during this video and I love it.

[@kentuckybucky11]

I love rocks

[@CivilianOperators]

“Switching to your rocks is always faster than reloading.” - Lucas Botkin

[@TREXARMS]

It’s true

[@WVGunsNGoats]

There is a saying when it comes to NV, “Not everything on Ebay is broken, but everything broken ends up on Ebay”

[@TREXARMS]

Oof. I like that

[@JackNewman-z4x]

To be completely honest, this was the best budget helmet / NOD’s setup I’ve ever seen that I could trust. Great work.

[@REDACTED1-1]

Taking "Inspire. Educate. Equip." to the next level with this one. This video was great.

[@TREXARMS]

Love to hear it!

[@Lukas_476]

@TREXARMS you know a lot of people give you guys shit for a lot of things, but i respect the hell out of you guys for taking the feedback from the last video and revisiting “budget friendly” to the point you added rocks lol. Feels like an ultimate fuck off to the haters. Dope ass video bro

[@akbubbles4585]

He said civilians suck on the focustripp podcast. He said he hates training civilians and prefers LEO and MIL classes. His words, not mine.

[@replexity]

@@akbubbles4585 Reasonable thing to say. It’s probably exhausting getting civilian guys who are out of their depth & miss their magwells when you’re trying to teach advanced drills & refine skills that have already been instilled in the other guys who have the basics down.

[@ricardot729]

​@@akbubbles4585 Reasonable, most people are spid and biased.

[@thecomoroskys]

In the military, we used black 3M 5200 marine sealant to build a polyurethane custom angle base behind the NVG mounting plate, then let it cure with the plate on the helmet, drilled through and bolt the mount to the helmet. Just a tip from 2010…

[@SuperNightwish13]

The fact that ronin from GMRs tube made it into Lucas’s hands is beyond crazy to me. I’d not only buy that as a fan of Ronin and GMR but use the device as a unit for my father to get into night vision

[@TechMike10]

Yall got anymore of them $1,700 PVS14 white phos 😂

[@ahole5407]

Yeah because thats just ignorance of the viewer because Lucas is a snob and would rather lie to ppl than buy green tubes

[@AMGMaxo]

my wife bought me 2 nerf night vision scopes, a construction hard hat, & a bag of zip ties.

[@DronesUnder2A]

None of us are safe

[@FingerstoFight]

Oh I should have thought of that!!!!!!!

[@American-mk9nn]

We didn’t need to know about your guys role playing in the bedroom.

[@jonbarker2769]

Those Nerf ones are legit! I duct tape to all my rifles!

[@JordanJamesNC]

The most budget operator night vision set up but also the most expensive airsoft night vision set up

[@freedomfalcon]

I've seen more expensive. Binos, thermals, name it

[@JOE901TN]

Damn man, by far the best video you've shot lately. Appreciate all of the advice brother!

[@pagewright7278]

A man has to know his limitations and sometimes that limitation is budgetary. Loved the video and homemade/budget build.

[@CodyCavz]

Lucas' SCAV spawn loadout

[@semar-dl6jx]

Looks like he's got max fence rep. Probably also have lab keycard somewhere in his pocket 😂

[@TROY-MCCLURE-1991]

We need more content like this in the space. Slop content is so over saturated.

[@davidlong5027]

Why would you be worried about seeing at night? You should be sleeping.

[@armorers_wrench]

@@davidlong5027 But I work nights =/

[@inferninx]

Nightvision is never cheap, and not something you should really cheap out on. It’s always just “more affordable, or more capable”. Pretty dope that the whole setup came In under 2 grand tho

[@destroyerofgear]

If cheap out on means digital or Chinese tubes? You're absolutely correct. But people have been flying aircraft NOE and hovering littlebirds off the side of roofs with green omni contract tubes for decades. Contract tubes are absolutely a viable option, especially when you can build a set of gen 3 binos for less than a new L3 24UA PVS14

[@gemizu4874]

I enjoy watching your videos while gearing up for night raids in Tarkov, It helps to create the immersive experience nothing else can come close to while living in Australia. I even bought camo netting and LED lights to setup in my room like a bunker and to have that Green and Orange light while in the Hideout running shooting drills on the range haha, Immersion is everything.

[@ThePaysonite]

30:02 it's like driving with a cracked windshield

[@TREXARMS]

Another good analogy

[@FingerstoFight]

that was cool. I think when you test stuff like this you convince most of us to just keep saving and get what you would truly call a "budget" but functional load out. Not opposed to the rocks tho! if you get captured, the enemy may laugh so hard you can slip away! XD

[@Stevee1505]

I actually loved you included some of that conversation text for the nvg. Nice touch, thank you for that.

[@TREXARMS]

Yall can talk to him too!

[@ragan714]

12:20: (Standing in the workshop of a manufacturing facility that also does R&D) “Now I didn’t have the best tools…” LB 😂😂😂

[@TREXARMS]

I mean… other departments have the best tools 😂

[@PNW-REDACTED]

Said this on your Instagram as well. Ran my PVS7 gen 2+ in a night vision course a couple weeks ago. I kept up with the other dudes with dual tubes until we started shooting out to 200 yards. My 7's well short of being able to identify targets out that far. Got to look through another guys jerry 31's it was a whole different world he was seeing. Train with what you got but get gen 3's if you can.

[@DepotDubs]

did you like the jerry 31s or no?

[@PNW-REDACTED]

@DepotDubs they were incredible. Gen 3 white phos. You could see the targets out to 200 no problem.

[@DepotDubs]

@@PNW-REDACTED i have a pair myself! was just curious as to how good others think they are. These are my first pair so I have nothing to compare them to!

[@PNW-REDACTED]

@@DepotDubs you picked the right ones if their the same as the ones I looked through.

[@trash_in_a_box]

@@PNW-REDACTED Gen 3? All the Jerry's and RIX's I have seen are gen 2+. All NVT-4.

[@CrkdFngrGngrBndt]

I can’t wait to see this in the email alerts as a new product or even the boneyard

[@TREXARMS]

No, I’m keeping this setup around lol

[@CrkdFngrGngrBndt]

@ how much better is the white phos vs the green? It’s been several years since I’ve used nvgs and they were older green models, would focus my left eye up close and right eye out a ways and they seemed nice but it seems the white phos is so much better

[@AllAboutSurvival]

Would love to see how this performs in real scenarios-good on Lucas for showing the DIY spirit in action!

[@P48L31N5]

I just modified a ProTec Ace Helmet to make it look like a FAST one, with rails and everything just for airsoft, with repro stuff that looks and feels nice (thanks TEMU lol). Added a VAS Shroud, FAST rails, Walker's Razors are in place with adapters as well as a chin strap with a regulation wheel with some pads for comfort. Now i need some repro NVG to ghetto rig onto it and I'll be set. Thank God we have electric drills and solders to make all of this crazy stuff work!

[@Contest4Freedom]

Brilliant job Lucas! I personally won’t be doing this setup but I love this non the least. Your commitment to the people is admirable.

[@Tallguy03]

Wait what grenade accident? Also love your channel! Keep up the good work Lucas and team

[@daltonpelham1757]

Came here for this! Lol

[@jonathanstroebel1528]

Not a go-to-war rig, sure ...but... a good set up to go around your three level house and multi acre property and likely be better armed than even multiple bad guys.

[@TheKalkara131]

Depends, I think. Anything can be a go to war rig. Simple fact is, not every american can afford to spend $10k on a full, complete, navy seal quality load out. I think I'd rather 75% of the firearms community had a sort of decent setup, than 20% have a ultra high quality setup.

[@Scifi_cowboy]

Do more streams with Focustripp

[@TREXARMS]

I’m down

[@jesseruano88]

And PSR

[@dantauche7917]

Second the PSR collab

[@NotQuiteTheMan]

You could probably gut a set of walkers and get some mounting brackets to have active hearing protection. Also for the helmet counter weight, you could probably 3D print a little holder and add lead shot/sand/gravel as the weight. But rocks work too

[@djdrack4681]

1) IF a blem tube is a scratch to outside of glass/lense...can it be filled like epoxy/acryl filling scratches cracks in a windshield? 2) HOW DIY do you go for your build. IE 'upgrade' a budget laser like that Sightmark...IE 'What would Styropyro do?'. IF you're solid in electronics/lasers...Upgrading some internals to increase output (while keeping efficiency somewhat), AND BETTER Obj/Img LENSES.

[@destroyerofgear]

Weve been saying for years that new users should buy an omni7 pvs14 for 1700-2000, a norotos mount, and the cheapest bump helmet that comfortably fits their head and has a decent shroud. The color of your phosphor display has no impact on your ability to effectively use the device so its very frustrating to see people opt for poorly performing chinese gen2+ devices when they could have actual gen3 tubes in a brand new american housing and set of optics for the same money or less.

[@carsonhunt4642]

Eh, anything at range is better suited for thermals. Get yourself a gen2 , and a thermal scope for long range.. best of both worlds

[@VALxKILLMORE]

Where's a good place to find that omni7 pvs14 at that price?

[@destroyerofgear]

@@carsonhunt4642 have you used all three of those devices before?

[@destroyerofgear]

@@VALxKILLMORE the gafs and nightvision subreddits, night vision discord, night vision Facebook group, tacswap sometimes, any night vision forum or server that has a buy sell trade section.

[@carsonhunt4642]

@@destroyerofgear my observations are not personal, I am referring to combat footage that tends to make it out of modern conflicts. Thermal long range scopes + thermal drones are about 1000:1 when it comes to videos vs “night vision” use. Obviously buy the best of everything if can afford it. I’m referring if limited on budget to what I’d pick.

[@ArmadilloArmament]

Great video! I disagree with one point about the tube. I think opting for a Gen 3 green phosphor tube with fewer blemishes makes more sense and is much cheaper. For example, I got my first Gen 3 PVS-14 Omni 7 for $1,700, and it came with a bayonet mount, Rhino 2, and other accessories. You’re likely getting a better green tube for the same price as white phosphor, and some people, like me, even prefer green for various reasons. I also picked up an old ACH and had it high-cut, so I ended up with a complete setup for under $1,800. After selling off the extras, the PVS-14 itself probably cost me about $1,500. If you’re on a tight budget, the night vision subreddit and Discord communities are great resources too. they’re full of people offering insane deals and they're just passionate about helping people out.

[@harry.seldon]

Great $2K build video. Very helpful on tradeoffs. Count me in for the $5K build sequel with electronic earpro, a better laser, and if possible a thermal tube too. Not all of us civilians are poors. Thanks!

[@John_439]

That was the first video.

[@SOCMMOB]

The thermal is $5k by itself.

[@harry.seldon]

@@SOCMMOB All thermals are $5K? lol

[@SOCMMOB]

@ the only ones worth owning and are helmet mountable (RH25), yes. Unless you also think digital night vision counts as real night vision.

[@harry.seldon]

@@SOCMMOB Not too bright, eh?

[@samtoaster]

I'm just here because that focus trip live was wild. Watching six people you respect devolve into caveman argument was....wild.

[@TREXARMS]

It was the wrong group of people to talk about… well… nobody said what exactly lol

[@tfig99]

All I took from it was “don’t train civilians” which seems dumb.

[@samtoaster]

@tfig99 what is crazy is I could see what people were trying to say but everyone was speaking different languages or being sarcastic.

[@burningember489]

​@TREXARMS You jumped in mid way, got offended, and then left when your argument had no substance my dude. Your ego is massive, and you assume your words carry any real weight when you're a kid with a company. That's about it. More people have done more for everyday americans than your company and channel. I've known homeless vets who gave years of free classes. I've never seen you do that kinda stuff unless you're getting paid. The others were trying to discuss civilians and their influence, and you came in, overserious as always, and effectively did the same "I am the second amendment" crap you do when anyone you dont like has a platform. (PSR anyone?) Especially when those people do more for america than you.

[@CallsignMagpie]

All i know is that i shouldn't carry my EDC unless its my job or im an M class shooter, thanks pointing that out to me Matt, ill stop carrying and training now

[@houseoflamarr3674]

Soundtrack is on point

[@aaronpiazza3773]

This is awesome do more of this for the average guy super dope

[@ryanashby3640]

Get an Ops Core or Team Wendy bump. A Rhino II mount, convert the Rhino II to dovetail. Get a Dovetail J arm. Then get a Holosun LS321. All that should run about $5-$5500K. That is probably the bare minimum. Still going to want a counterweight, better IR illuminator (IR surefire or something).

[@Agent_Neely]

This video is really good because a lot of the information is modular and can be adapted to different products!

[@louispaull3096]

Buying a white tube with multiple zone 1 blems over a clean mid-high spec gen 3 green is wild.

[@roflchopter11]

I dont think you could get a clean good gen3 green tube for 1700

[@louispaull3096]

@ you can. $1900 is more likely though.

[@roflchopter11]

@@louispaull3096 even OMNI is like 2100 in the groups these days.

[@TRNCHWRF4R]

Trex is killing it ! Keep it up ✝️

[@williamkeller5836]

Thank you Lucas, perfect timing. NV is the next thing on my list

[@stevesuave1874]

This was the most entertaining video I could have possibly watched on KZbin today.

[@tnativearms]

I have a budget night vision build. Same pvs14 housing with a gen 3 white tube, and of course a somo laser. Obviously I would like a nicer set up in the future, but I am happy training with what I have currently. Great video sir.

[@daiji_]

Green mountain rangers was an airsoft group that got into making nylon gear. I don't know if they're still around but I have one of their mini map back panels. It's pretty solid.

[@juliorodas6801]

Blimps are very common in conventional army equipment, it was great to see that you could still do a lot at a budget

[@KitCreep]

This was a really fun video. Especially modifying the ski helmet.

[@ShadowAdministrator]

Yo, way to go Sightmark! I bet they're killing it with sales on that.

[@ShadowAdministrator]

Nvm, I take that back. They should have corrected the issue with dual lasers not Heinz separated.

[@tylerdebo2467]

I got an ATN NVM 14 (PVS 14 clone housing) on ebay for $350. Then a used, slightly blemished US Photonis green gen 3 tube from a seller in Turkey for $350. $700 total

[@dirtystell9566]

How is that setup working out?

[@moparsniper]

Night Vision content is always interesting, especially looking into the newest digital ones that come out every year.

[@davidmcnerney3048]

Thank You for putting in the effort to bring a necessity to market for 9-5 folks that can't afford the 10k.

[@Ithaca51]

Yet another Master Class.... Keep up the great work!

[@practicepractice2329]

Great video. Thanks

[@eribertoacedo9505]

Thank you for the demonstration between low budget and quality. If I went that route I would have to go quality and just budget my funds to purchase it. That’s no doubt about it. You only buy it once. I enjoy your explanation and your videos. I watched you many times doing different things and I find it very interesting and I sub to your channel waiting for more of your updates and your quality control from San Diego.

[@shadezactual2657]

Fail from the start not using an OMNI 7/8 tube, still some good info in this video

[@v8zj98]

You can with a little work fit, walkers game, ear, electronic muffs to those mounts for hearing protection.

[@moparsniper]

There are still people that will go straight to panoramic, the most expensive supporting equipment.. and still not be able to outrun the guy on a budget who actually uses his gear.

[@RubiconV]

I really liked this video. I have a bunch of more legit stuff but now I wonder if I spent too much. LOL. Nice job guys.

[@jacobn516]

This video is a good example of training matters more than gear.

[@malino123456]

The dead pixels on the footage was really scaring me watching this on my TV haha. Checked on my phone to and they were still there. Whew

[@LeifyGuy]

The first helmet I used for night vision was an ice climbing helmet, with a counter weight it worked great

[@keoniABAD117]

GMR fan from 2012 love the Gen 2 mini maps and kydex mag inserts

[@mfd4505]

A parts list with links would be cool for folks throwing something together.

[@CPLBSS88]

To me budget means what can I get to satisfy the need without just throwing money at it without limits. Most of us have to have some discretion when buying gear and have a budget in mind but I try to keep focus on defining the POU first, selecting items that fit that POU, then deciding if I'm ok with whatever the cost is. I'll also decide where in that cost spectrum I can afford to be/want to be based on my budget and what I can get for the money. The problem I have, and what I look for out of vids like these, is finding that sweet spot. I want to know what gear sits at the edge of diminishing returns, the apex of cost:performance. There so much marketing wank and flat out lies in the industry so real reviews are really the best way to sort through it. Many "budget" things do perform just as good or sometimes better than the top-shelf stuff... or maybe they dont but they're 90% as good for 50% less money... There are also some things that you just have to spend the big bucks on....

[@benmartin2425]

This was great content! Shows that even budget is still a lot (considering what you get)

[@Zoraxon]

Even with the blems I'm blown away you could get a Gen 3 tube for under 2200. I got mine a few years back for about 32 with a zone 2 blem and nowadays that goes for about 35-3700. Great video, good info for anyone looking to get into the NV game. Direct helmet QOL buff would be you get a set of walkers amplified hearing protection for about $40. You can clip them into the prongs and get amplified hearing plus a 3.5mm jack for whatever you need a 3.5mm jack for. Only qualm is a meh over the vis-only laser. Does the higher price model have IR functions?

[@Hermitmoose]

never thought GMR would be mentioned in a trex video, that's dope asf!

[@64ig6kg0]

This is such a cool concept.

[@emilisemilis85]

Company in my country makes night vision, thermal devices and lasers. Would love to see you do some testing of these products. It's called brolis-defence.

[@Turtle_Whisperer]

Hell yeah rocks, I had some 20MM ELC projectiles that I wrapped in a sock and stuck in a pouch on the back of my helmet.

[@xavierjohnson8206]

Step one... hit up your buddy that owns a night vision manufacturing company for a good deal. xD

[@trash_in_a_box]

Immediately what I thought. "Here's how to get a budget setup. First, I tried to find cheap okay night vision, but it was too hard.... so I used some connections that only I have."

[@TREXARMS]

You can email him yourself lol. That’s his business

[@just1ofgod]

This is more what I was thinking vs last video. however I would say don’t sleep on Green milspec tubes because you can get some deals on those that have blems near the edge. In my opinion, green has better contrast than white in some lighting conditions. and I honestly thought he was going to go with PVS7, a skull crusher, and ear plugs. Lol.

[@MK3TJ]

The blems look just like my floaters, the most relateable thing I've heard.

[@crusader7078]

Is Lucas and the TREX arms ever plan to do a review on a C.O.T.I system paired on any nvg?

[@alanparadis5061]

Great video guys, keep up the great work

[@TheDankFarmer]

I've been thinking about doing this exact same thing with a climbing helmet, they are so sleek and light - great video

[@FingerstoFight]

If you get a tree service helmet they are just climbing helmets with earpro already mounted!

[@TheDankFarmer]

@@FingerstoFight Killer idea, appreciate it!

[@flipflopsgarage]

I need to build this for beater setup. Plus my eyes stick out really far so that gap might be perfect for me.

[@calebwalker9261]

A theme park lawyer was sitting next to me as i watched this and he said you're 100% wrong. If it's heavy it IS expensive and kids should put it back!

[@scottbourret1190]

When you first put that helmet on I had visions of a Fraggle Rock Doozer come to mind.

[@MarkHansen1990]

Because technology is constantly improving. This should be a yearly thing.

[@SamKBTrading]

I once had Anvis with an Eo-tech reticle burned into the left tube. In all honesty, when you’re running duals, your point of focus is distant so it very quickly becomes manageable, Similar to dirt on your windshield, unless you’re looking at it, it doesn’t bother you too much, On a mono though… that’s another story.

[@simulacra7885]

Now we can rent the night with the almighty power of hood vision

[@dharris3517]

Hey, it works. We are here now with gear because guys in the past came back from missions or training, said that sucked how can we fix this. Minimum tools and a little ingenuity gave birth to the industry as it stands today.

[@leebo8908]

You might be able to shim under the nvg mount on the helmet to help with the angle.

[@danagreene10]

I got my 14s, same style but blemed out green phos, on a trade for a rifle I only spent $400 on. I think I made out pretty good on that trade.

[@diegobroche3254]

snowboard helmets are indeed the better option, more sturdy, thrustworthy and cheaper.. Earplugs can be a problem depending on the brand.. Euh your solution using peltors seeems a bit "chunky" for road biking. Happy tio see someone with the same arguments.

[@troy9616]

Great stuff Lucas.

[@petep2270]

What an amazing video. Seriously really good. And it was free of any hypocrisy or moral degenerates. 🤣

[@Random_Quads]

I would 100 percent buy a knock off bump from Amazon and swap out pads and chinstrap for high quality.

[@hadojin210]

Exactly what I did. The screws for the 3 hole shroud absolutely suck. But it works with the USGI rhino mount. 70$ out the door With the memory foam inserts. The chinstrap it came with was no worse than the chinstrap on my USGI ACH helmets

[@Random_Quads]

@Dusther210 I replaced with 3d helemt pads and team wendy chin strap.

[@citizensoldier4782]

Literally my exact thought process too. You can buy a knockoff for $30 and already have a good base to work off of versus a lot of modifications

[@EDVERSiTY_DECOM]

Lucas shooting with a flash enhancer, looking like the sparks you find in a brushed drill motor.

[@4x4le]

I have a very clean gen 3 tube in a pvs-14. Im sure i will keep it forever. I may get white some time, but ill take a clean green gen 3 over blemed white any day. Its very usable.

[@flooid5506]

Realistically a Gen 3 Omni 7-8 tube, with an Amazon bump helmet, Walker razors, Amazon arc rail adapters and cheap IR helmet light. For LAM a RovyVon GL4 pro is the best cheap set up. (Then a rhino and surplus j arm like Lucas showed is gtg)

[@Revvz22]

If I were Lucas for a day I would be the happiest guy in the world

[@hk4lyfe59]

Real budget yet effective nightvision is just getting a $600 thermal scope and calling it a day.

[@brentjacobs7083]

I cut apart a set of Peltor Tac 100 and attached them to my Team Windy helmet. Not top shelf but it works.

[@Wes.jumpss]

I want the logo-less hat!

[@MK3TJ]

The heavy/expensive callback from jurassic park is great.

[@remone2013]

You can use a gun mag with some fishing tungsten weights for the back of the helmet.

[@edward_the_bruce]

I would rock that tube as a second pvs14 to my nicer one. Gen 3 WP nods are kinda hard to go wrong with(I know there are exceptions lol)

[@christopherpackart]

For a budget helmet you can get a $50 airsoft helmet, $45 dollar pair of Walker Razors, and ARC rail adapters for $40.