Airsoft gameplay is on the rise, and so are the skills you need to remain competitive. Airsoft missions are often military simulations, where players take on the role of a special ops team. Most of these real-life missions take place at night, and many airsoft players are starting to adapt. Whether you’re playing recreationally at an airsoft park or airsoft field it never hurts to have the tactical advantage with airsoft night vision equipment.
In recent years night vision scopes and monoculars have grown in popularity. The added realism they bring to the field is taking gameplay to a whole new level. Incorporating night vision into your gameplay can increase the intensity and improve your tactics. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the appeal of using night vision.
Advantages of Using Night Vision Scopes
Night vision devices have consistently been in use by law enforcement and military personnel for years. However, with advancing technology, they’ve become more accessible and popular for recreational use like airsoft, paintball, and even LARPing. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider adding a night vision scope to your tactical gear:
1. Better Visibility: Night-time navigation through an airsoft park or the woods is not easy, in fact, it could be dangerous. But with a night vision scope, you can move through the dark with your team undetected. NVGs amplify low levels of light making it easier to spot your targets and see your surroundings. With proper IR patches, you can even distinguish your own team members from the enemy teams. To go one step further, you can even use an IR illuminator like the DesignateIR-V that will act as an infrared flashlight that only those with night vision devices can see.
2. Increased Accuracy: With better visibility, comes increased accuracy. Scope out your targets from a distance even in the darkest corners of the field. This gives you an incredible advantage over your opponents who may be struggling to see you. It’s important to note that some night vision gear can only focus beyond 10 feet, nothing closer; however, gear like the Sionyx Aurora Black night vision camera can focus as close as 1 foot away.
3. Tactical Advantage: With the element of surprise on your side, you can outsmart your opponents with effective tactics and strategies. Move around unseen without giving away your location and take advantage of any obstacles on the field to gain a strategic position.
4. Versatility: Night vision works well up close like in CQB scenarios where you might need to pie off corners and clear a building. Some scopes like the Spectrum-IR Digital Day & Night Vision Scope work well at a distance. Night vision equipment additionally can be used in paintball, LARPing, security, and just for fun. Take them on a hike in the forest or to explore abandoned buildings.
Features to Consider for Airsoft Night Vision:
When looking for an airsoft night vision scope, there are a few key features to keep in mind. These include:
- Magnification: The magnification power of a scope will determine how far you can see in the dark. Look for a higher magnification if you plan on engaging targets at longer distances.
- Infrared Illumination: This feature is essential for NVGs as it emits infrared light that helps improve visibility in extremely low light conditions.
- Durability: As with any piece of tactical gear, durability is crucial. Look for scopes made with sturdy materials that can withstand the rigors of airsoft and paintball gameplay.
- Mounting Options: Make sure the scope you choose can easily be mounted on your airsoft rifle or paintball marker. Most scopes come with standard Picatinny rails, but it’s always best to double-check. Smaller and lighter weight night vision monoculars can be conveniently mounted to a bump helmet like the Team Wendy EXFIL LTP Bump Helmet Rail 3.0
- Safety: While wearing eye protection may distort your view when looking through a night vision scope, it is vital to protect your eyes from injury during gameplay. It helps to find night vision gear that you can use with eye protection. The AN/PVS-14A “ZS” GEN III has an eye cup that helps protect your eye as you look through it.
Other Recreational Use Cases for Night Vision Scopes
Military and hunting use are often associated with night vision devices, but there are plenty of other recreational uses. Here are those other instances:
- Stargazing: Night vision enhances existing light, even from the sky. You’ll be able to see a lot more stars than you would with the naked eye.
- Hiking: If you love hiking, then consider doing it at night with night vision. It adds a new element of adventure to your trip. Navigating through through dark trails adds an element of adventure that you wouldn’t otherwise have if you were doing it in the day. Make sure you’re carrying a regular flashlight for backup
- Security and Surveillance: The BOLT TD50L is equipped with recording and streaming capabilities, making it perfect for security and surveillance. Whether it’s for personal use or professional security teams, these devices can provide clear footage in the dark.
- Search and Rescue: In emergency situations where visibility is poor, night vision devices can be lifesaving. With the ability to see clearly in the dark, search and rescue teams can find people more efficiently and safely.
- Home Use: During power outages, or maybe if you just don’t want to wake up other people in your house by turning on the lights. you can use night vision. There might be areas outside your home that aren’t illuminated like behind a barn or garage where you could use night vision to walk around at night.
Final thoughts
Adding a night vision scope to your tactical gear collection is a game-changer. It enhances your airsoft experience by providing better visibility, increased accuracy, and a tactical advantage over your opponents. With its versatility, you can also use it for other recreational activities such as hunting, stargazing, and hiking. Next time you are planning a game at the airsoft field or going on a nighttime hike, make sure to have your trusty night vision device by your side.