Steiner DBAL-D2 (Quick View)
| Best For | Long-Range NVG Rifles |
| Laser Class | Class 1 IR + Class 3R Green Visible |
| Mounting | MIL-SPEC 1913 Picatinny (QD HT Mount) |
| Key Feature | Adjustable IR Illuminator Built-In |
If you’ve been searching for a real dual-laser system that doesn’t require a government ID or a second mortgage, the Steiner DBAL-D2 is one of the most capable options you can get. Where most civilian IR lasers settle for low power and no flood capability, the DBAL-D2 delivers a Class 1 IR pointer and a built-in IR illuminator with adjustable focus, giving you true long-range night vision engagement without compromise.
Unlike compact units, this one is purpose-built for rifles that need reach. It runs a visible green laser for daytime zeroing and a focused IR laser for nighttime passive aiming, all inside a rugged aluminum housing that holds zero under recoil and field use. The integrated IR flood lets you illuminate targets at a distance without needing a separate light — something most civilian lasers just can’t do.
Mounting is simple with a QD Picatinny clamp, and it plays nicely with standard remote pressure pads. Whether you’re scanning fields for hogs or running NVG in low-light patrol drills, the DBAL-D2 offers unmatched clarity and consistency.
At Voodoo Firearms, we’ve run these on suppressed ARs and seen firsthand how they hold up under real-world pressure. If your NV setup needs reach — not just visibility at 25 yards — this is the unit you buy when shortcuts aren’t an option.
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Steiner DBAL-D2 Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Laser Type | Visible Green Laser (Class 3R <5 mW) + IR Laser (Class 1 <0.7 mW) |
| White Light | ❌ None |
| IR Illuminator | ✅ Yes – LED IR Illuminator, adjustable 2°–30° beam |
| Housing Material | Aircraft-Grade Aluminum |
| Mounting | QD HT Mount (MIL-SPEC 1913 Picatinny rail) |
| Activation | Push Button + Remote Pressure Switch (included) |
| Battery | 1× CR123A |
| Battery Life | 3+ hours (mode-dependent) |
| Laser Visibility | IR laser: up to 2,500m (night); Visible laser: ~100m (night) |
| Adjustments | Tool-adjustable Windage & Elevation |
| Weight | 8.6 oz / 244.5 g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 4.6″ × 3.4″ × 1.8″ |
| Water Resistance | Submersible to 5 meters |
| Operating Temp | +4°C to +65°C (+39°F to +149°F) |
| MSRP | $2,184.99 |
| Best Use Case | Long-Range Passive Aiming, Hog Hunting, NVG Rifle Setups |
🆚 Comparison Table: Steiner DBAL-D2 vs L3 ATPIAL-C vs DBAL-A3
| Feature | Steiner DBAL-D2 | L3 ATPIAL-C (Full Review) | Steiner DBAL-A3 (Full Review) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Visible green + Class 1 IR laser + IR illuminator | Visible red + Class 1 IR laser | Visible green/red + Class 1 IR laser + IR illuminator |
| Built-in White Light? | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Night Vision Compatible? | ✅ Yes – IR pointer + IR illuminator | ✅ Yes – IR pointer only | ✅ Yes – IR pointer + IR illuminator |
| IR Illuminator Power | Built-in LED, adjustable 2°–30°, up to 600mW | None | Low-power VCSEL, fixed focus |
| Mount Type | QD HT Mount (1913 Picatinny) | Standard MIL-SPEC 1913 rail clamp | Tool-free Picatinny clamp |
| Activation | Push button + remote port (Crane-compatible) | Fire button + dual remote ports | Top-mounted switch + remote port |
| Battery Type | 1× CR123A | 1× CR123A | 1× CR123A |
| Battery Life | 3+ hours (mode-dependent) | ~6 hours (IR only) | ~3 hours (mixed use), longer in laser-only |
| Housing Material | Aircraft-grade aluminum | 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum | 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum |
| Zeroing Adjustments | Tool-adjustable windage & elevation | Tool-adjustable, tactile clicks | Tool-adjustable with indexed dials |
| Daylight Visible? | ✅ Yes (green visible laser ~100m) | ✅ Yes (25–50 yd) | ✅ Yes (~50 yd typical) |
| Waterproof Rating | Submersible to 5 meters | IPX8 – Submersible to 20m | IP68 – Fully sealed |
| Weight | 8.6 oz (with battery) | 7.5 oz (with battery) | 8 oz (with battery) |
| Size (L×W×H) | 4.6″ × 3.4″ × 1.8″ | 4.6″ × 2.8″ × 1.6″ | 4.0″ × 2.0″ × 1.6″ |
| MSRP | $2,184.99 | $2,359.00 | $1,864.99 |
| Best Use Case | Long-range night vision, hog hunting, open-field rifles | Suppressed carbines, CQB NVG use, passive aiming | Compact NV builds, lightweight patrol rifles |
| Buy Link | 🔗 Check Price |
🔗 Check Price |
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🛡️ Why We Like the Steiner DBAL-D2
- 💥 True Dual-Beam Capability – Combines a daylight-visible green laser and a Class 1 IR pointer with a built-in IR illuminator, giving you both passive aiming and onboard infrared flood in one rugged system.
- 💥 Field-Proven Controls – Features a top-mounted activation button and a Crane-compatible remote port, making it easy to integrate with standard pressure switches for any rifle setup.
- 💥 Zero That Tracks – Tool-adjustable windage and elevation offer solid tactile feedback, holding zero reliably across suppressed builds, recoil cycles, and sling pressure.
- 💥 Rugged, Long-Range Design – Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and submersible to 5 meters, the DBAL-D2 is built to survive harsh environments, rough use, and mission-critical applications.
Bottom line: The Steiner DBAL-D2 is the go-to choice for civilian shooters who need more range, more control, and real illumination under night vision. Whether you’re scanning fields for targets or building a rifle for serious NVG use, this is one of the few dual-beam systems that can hang with real-world demands — and it’s available without restrictions.
Steiner DBAL-D2 Laser Review
Key Features:
- Dual-Beam Configuration – Combines a daylight-visible green laser and a Class 1 IR laser (850 nm) with a built-in adjustable IR illuminator for full-spectrum passive and active aiming under night vision
- Battle-Tested Controls – Simple and reliable top-mounted fire button with Crane-compatible remote port, allowing integration with standard pressure switches on rifles, SBRs, and suppressed builds
- Precision Adjustments – Tool-adjustable windage and elevation turrets with tactile clicks make it easy to zero both IR and visible lasers with accuracy and repeatability
- Flood-to-Spot IR Illuminator – Built-in LED illuminator with 2°–30° beam divergence lets you move from tight spot to wide flood with a simple dial turn
- Rugged Housing – Aircraft-grade aluminum body, hardcoat anodized and submersible to 5 meters. Designed to handle suppressed recoil, field abuse, and low-light operations
- Standard 1913 Mounting – Quick-detach HT mount clamps securely to any MIL-STD Picatinny rail with no tools required
- Made for Real-World NV Use – Originally designed for MIL/LE applications and now available in a civilian-legal Class 1 configuration, the DBAL-D2 is ideal for night vision–equipped rifles and long-range IR shooting
Most civilian lasers throw around the term NVG-compatible, but the Steiner DBAL-D2 backs it up — no plastic parts, no weak emitters, and no shortcuts. What you’re getting is a battle-proven IR laser and illuminator, built on a professional platform and refined for civilians who demand real performance when the lights go out.
Whether you’re building a rifle for night hunting, setting up a passive aiming setup, or prepping for low-light operations where gear failure isn’t an option, the DBAL-D2 is the kind of unit you trust when it has to work — every time.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we like and dislike about the L3 ATPIAL-3:
✅ Pros
- Dual-Beam – IR system combines a Class 1 IR pointer with a built-in, adjustable-focus IR illuminator for full-spectrum night vision use
- Daylight-Visible – Laser uses a Class 3R green beam for fast zeroing and visible targeting in daylight conditions
- Reliable – Controls include a top-mounted fire button and a Crane-compatible remote port for intuitive, mission-ready activation
- Tool-Free – Mounting with the integrated QD HT mount locks to standard 1913 rails without tools or adapters
- Field-Ready – Housing is rugged aluminum, submersible to 5 meters, and built to endure recoil, weather, and real-world abuse
- Adjustable – IR flood delivers 2°–30° beam divergence for close or long-range NVG illumination
- Civilian-Legal – No restrictions or paperwork required; ships Class 1 compliant and ready for use with NODs
❌ Cons
- Larger – Footprint is bigger and heavier than compact units like the ATPIAL-C or DBAL-A3; may crowd smaller setups
- No Sync – Mode for firing IR and visible lasers simultaneously; manual switching required between overt/covert use
- Shorter – Battery life when using both IR laser and illuminator; best paired with backup CR123s
Is the Steiner DBAL-D2 Worth It?
If you’re a civilian night vision shooter or a professional looking for a true dual-beam IR aiming system with military-grade performance and no red tape, the Steiner DBAL-D2 is absolutely worth it.
You’re getting a long-range Class 1 IR laser paired with a built-in IR flood illuminator, designed for full passive aiming and active illumination under NODs. Built by Steiner, one of the most trusted names in duty-grade optics, the DBAL-D2 is housed in aircraft-grade aluminum, submersible to 5 meters, and made to withstand suppressed recoil, field abuse, and extended night operations.
What Sets It Apart?
The Steiner DBAL-D2 stands out as one of the only civilian-legal IR laser systems with an integrated, adjustable IR illuminator — a feature usually reserved for military-only gear. Designed for long-range night vision use, it combines a powerful Class 1 IR pointer with a built-in LED flood that can be dialed from tight spot to wide flood, giving you full control over your infrared environment.
Where most compact civilian lasers fall short in range, clarity, or beam strength, the DBAL-D2 excels with real illumination, long-distance targeting, and field-proven durability trusted by LE and MIL units worldwide. It’s not a stripped-down consumer version — it’s the same rugged design deployed in real-world conditions, just with Class 1 outputs.
Rather than sacrifice power for size, the DBAL-D2 embraces a larger footprint to deliver serious performance: dual beams, tool-free mounting, and trusted reliability under NVG. For shooters who prioritize visibility, range, and consistency under pressure, it’s a clear standout.
Personal Experience
We ran the Steiner DBAL-D2 on both a suppressed 14.5″ NV-capable rifle and a 16″ DMR-style build under Gen 3 white phosphor night vision. Performance was exactly what you’d expect from Steiner — clean, powerful, and consistent.
The Class 1 IR laser stayed crisp at engagement distances from 25 to 300+ yards. Under NODs, the laser was easy to pick up with zero blooming or distortion, even when used alongside higher-end optics. Target transitions were quick, and the beam remained sharp through recoil, sling pressure, and barricade movement.
The built-in IR illuminator was a standout. In tight flood mode, it lit up the immediate environment cleanly for CQB-style drills. When zoomed to a narrow beam, it reached well past 100 yards in open fields — ideal for scanning or PID under passive aiming.
Zeroing the visible green laser was straightforward, and it held perfectly across range sessions, suppressed strings, and offhand transitions. No drift, no shift.
Mounting was rock solid using the integrated QD HT clamp, and the unit worked well with offset lights, dual-lead ModButtons, and Unity accessories. The onboard fire button was reliable, but most of our runs used a Crane-style pressure pad.
After over 600 rounds and multiple night runs — including barricade work and dynamic movement — the DBAL-D2 showed no zero shift, no housing issues, and no fogging. Just solid, real-world performance.
It’s the kind of unit you stop thinking about — because it works when it matters.
It’s ideal for:
- Night Vision Rifle Setups – Designed for serious NOD-equipped rifles, with a Class 1 IR laser and built-in IR flood that allow passive aiming and active illumination without giving away your position
- Suppressed AR Platforms – Large enough to deliver real performance, but still compact enough for use on suppressed SBRs and NV-capable carbines without interfering with lights, optics, or pressure switches
- Tactical Civilian Carbines – One of the only laser systems with true dual-beam capability and military-grade construction that’s fully civilian-legal — ideal for rural patrol, property security, or nighttime defense
- NVG Training & Passive Shooting – Perfect for civilians attending night vision classes or running live-fire drills, with reliable IR output, a clean beam, and built-in flood for full-spectrum realism under low light
Why We Like It:
The Steiner DBAL-D2 isn’t just another civilian laser — it’s one of the few IR systems that gives you true dual-laser capability and a built-in IR illuminator, all in one rugged, field-proven unit. It’s a favorite for long-range NVG shooting, hog hunting, and defensive night patrols.
You’re getting:
- Dual Laser + IR Illuminator – A Class 1 IR aiming laser, a daylight-visible red or green laser, and a powerful IR flood illuminator that extends NVG visibility to 2500m in the right condition
- Built for Harsh Conditions – Constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum, fully submersible (IPX8), and designed to survive field abuse, suppressed recoil, and adverse weather
- Rifle-Ready Mounting & Controls – Standard Picatinny rail clamp, top-mounted fire button, and Crane-style remote port make integration seamless with most tactical setups
- Zero That Holds – Tool-adjustable windage and elevation turrets with tactile clicks for reliable zero retention across platforms and conditions
If you’re looking for a full-featured NVG laser unit with longer-range IR illumination than most civilian models, the DBAL-D2 offers a ton of performance — and it’s 100% civilian-legal with no NFA or LE restriction
Steiner DBAL-D2 Laser Setup & Zeroing
Mounting and zeroing the Steiner DBAL-D2 is straightforward, but precision matters, especially when using night vision and IR illumination at distance. Unlike compact civilian units, the DBAL-D2 is larger and more powerful, so the setup needs to be clean for optimal beam alignment and cable routing.
Here’s how to dial it in properly:
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Mounting: Use the integrated Picatinny QD clamp to attach the DBAL-D2 securely to your rifle’s 1913 rail. Forward placement (e.g., 10 or 11 o’clock on the handguard) provides good alignment for the IR beam while giving you room for dual-lead tape switches and sling routing. Make sure the mount is torqued evenly and locked in to avoid point-of-impact shift under recoil or field pressure..
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Laser Adjustment: Start by zeroing the visible red (or green) laser in daylight. Use a known zero distance (25 or 36 yards) and align the laser to your optic’s point of aim. The IR aiming laser is co-aligned internally, but you can still fine-tune using the windage and elevation turrets on the housing. The IR illuminator beam can be adjusted separately for flood or spot output using the front bezel ring.
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Zero Distance: Fost users opt for a 25-yard zero for the VIS laser, and 36 to 50 yards for the IR aiming laser. This range works well for night vision use, especially with dual-tube NODs or high-mounted optics where parallax can affect POI at close distances.
💡 Pro Tip: Always reconfirm your zero after mounting changes, thermal shifts, or long shooting sessions. The DBAL-D2 is tough, but even high-end lasers can drift slightly due to suppressor heat or sling pressure. A quick night fire zero check every few outings keeps your gear mission-ready.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy?
If you’re building a civilian-ready NVG rifle and want a laser system that delivers both daylight-visible aiming and true night vision capability with onboard IR illumination, the Steiner DBAL-D2 is one of the most effective options on the market. Its Class 1 IR laser, high-powered adjustable illuminator, and rugged mil-spec housing make it ideal for passive aiming, hog hunting, or nighttime defense — all without LE restrictions.
| Best For | Long-Range NVG Rifles |
| Laser Class | Class 1 IR + Class 3R Green Visible |
| Mounting | MIL-SPEC 1913 Picatinny (QD HT Mount) |
| Key Feature | Adjustable IR Illuminator Built-In |
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- Best Lasers for AR-15 (Ultimate 2025 Guide)
- Red vs Green Laser (Which is Best?)
- How To Choose A Laser
- Zeroing Your Laser On AR-15
❓ FAQ – Steiner DBAL-D2 Laser Questions
Q: How does the DBAL-D2 activate?
A: The DBAL-D2 uses a top-mounted fire button for quick manual activation and includes a rear Crane-style remote port compatible with pressure switches like the SureFire ModButton, Unity Hot Button, and others. You can independently control the IR pointer, visible laser, and IR illuminator depending on your wiring setup.
🧠 Tactical Insight: Most users assign the IR illuminator to the remote switch for low-light engagements under NODs, while keeping the VIS laser accessible via the main button for daylight zero checks.
Q: Is it hard to mount on an AR platform?
A: Not at all. The DBAL-D2 comes with an integrated tool-free QD side clamp that secures directly to any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail. It’s designed for rifle-length handguards and heavier setups due to its size and weight.
🛠️ Pro Tip: Always torque-check your mount and clean your rail surface before zeroing. The D2 is heavier than most lasers, and proper seating prevents shift from sling torque or recoil.
Q: Is the visible laser usable during the day?
A: Yes. The green or red visible laser (model dependent) is daylight-visible out to 50–100 yards in shaded or overcast conditions. Green is brighter to the eye but uses slightly more battery.
🎯 Bonus Tip: Zero your IR laser separately under night vision. Even though the VIS/IR lasers are co-aligned, slight divergence can lead to off-target hits when shooting passively under NODs.
Q: What battery does it use, and how long does it last?
A: The DBAL-D2 runs on a single CR123A lithium battery. Expect around 2 hours of runtime with the IR laser and illuminator active, and up to 5 hours in IR-only mode with conservative use.
🔋 Real-World Insight: Always carry a spare battery — especially in cold weather or when using the IR flood at high output, which draws power faster than expected.
Q: Is the DBAL-D2 duty-rated?
A: Yes — the Steiner DBAL-D2 is battle-proven and built to military durability standards. Its 7075-T6 aluminum body, IPX8 waterproofing, and VCSEL-based IR flood make it a trusted unit for both professional and civilian night vision setups.
💥 Hard Use Insight: The D2 is preferred by many LE/MIL users for longer-range NV engagements, particularly in outdoor or rural environments where an IR illuminator provides a tactical edge.
Written by the Voodoo Firearms Team
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