REVIEW: ACTinBlack THE14

Just announced, already in the review. ACTinBlack has turned to the classic PVS-14 and brought it into the 21st century with a new housing. What can this resurrection of the night vision senior do? See for yourself.

With dimensions of 10.3 x 6.1 x 6.4 cm, it is similar in size to the conventional PVS-14. But the trained eye immediately recognizes that the housing as well as the battery compartment are different.

The lenses in THE14 are the same as those used in the PVS-14, hence the great similarity. Another similarity is found with the DTNVS - HERE in the SPARTANAT Review -: the housing features similar stiffening ribs to the new binocular from ACTinBlack. THE14 is also waterproof up to 20m for two hours. Very interesting for all divers out there.

You will receive THE14 with the accessories shown above. Eyecup, daylight cover, protective lenses for the ocular and objective lenses, and a bikini cover are included. A J-arm is also included, but unfortunately, it missed the photo shoot.

The classic 1/4 inch thread serves as the arm mount for THE14, as found on cameras and tripods. This same mount is also used on the PVS-14. Pretty convenient...

This leads to the fortunate circumstance that all mounting options of the PVS-14 fit seamlessly with THE14. So, nothing new needs to be purchased. Whether it's the original USGI J-Arm, the Wilcox J-Arm, or other manufacturers like the J-Arm from GREC, everything fits perfectly.

Since the lenses in THE14 conform to the PVS-14 standard, various accessories can be attached here as well. Even the image intensifier tube is the same 18mm design as in the original PVS-14.

Popular upgrades are amber filters. In the image, you can see the Amber Filter from ACTinBlack, which fits wonderfully.

One thing that stands out is the battery cap, which is reminiscent of the DTNVS - HERE in the SPARTANAT Review - in terms of shape and with the locking tab.

The battery is inserted into THE14 with the positive pole facing forward, which is opposite to the PVS-14. We find this orientation somehow more intuitive. The runtime per AA battery is up to 40 hours.

THE14 vs. PVS-14

Now for a direct comparison between the classic PVS-14 and the improved THE14. Certain similarities in the frontal view cannot be denied.

THE14 weighs 280 grams with AA battery.

The PVS-14 weighs 325 grams in the same setup with battery. Okay, you can maybe deduct a few grams because of the Gunskins wrap and the small piece of paracord, but you can't take out more than five grams. Therefore, THE14 is about 40g lighter, which is quite remarkable for this small device.

THE14 is also about a centimeter shorter. The new housing shape of THE14 is clearly visible.

THE14 appears simply more stable than the PVS-14 due to its design.

Here is a direct comparison of the battery compartments. We find the design in THE14 much better.

The lanyard eyelet is also newly designed in THE14. Threading the lanyard on the PVS-14 can sometimes lead to outbursts of anger. With THE14, it's done without problems because the hole is much bigger.

The position has also been changed in THE14. The eyelet is now on the main body and no longer, like in the PVS-14, on the battery compartment. This should provide a much more stable security.

In terms of handling, there are no real differences with THE14.

Here THE14 strongly resembles the housing design of the DTNVS. Robust and lightweight at the same time, that's how we like it.

Here's everything in motion on the SPARTANAT YouTube Channel.

CONCLUSION: With THE14, ACTinBlack has achieved a very good improvement of the PVS-14. Thanks to the new housing material, 40 grams could be saved and at the same time, it is also more waterproof than its predecessor. Anyone looking for a night vision monocular with tons of accessories will definitely be right with THE14.

THE14 is available at ACTinBlack starting at 3,510 euros (plus VAT). The price increases depending on the performance of the tube.

ACTinBlack online

HERE is the link to the SPARTANAT Gear Guide PVS-14 Night Vision Device & Accessories