Here's my experience...
Last fall, I decided that a PVS-14 is just what I wanted. The visions of hands free, helmet mounted scanning capability was what I was looking for. So, I spent good money on a gen3 white phosphor and a Team Wendy helmet with a counter balance. What I ended up with, was a huge weight on the top of my head. For scanning it was practically useless, if a coyote was close enough to see with my PVS-14, it was close enough to shoot. On top of that, I was constantly nervous about burning the tube. After a few hunts with it, I ended up leaving it at home. I recently sold it without a bit of remorse.
If you still think you might be interested, here's my suggestion...
Buy a helmet and counter balance and take it hunting to see if you can stand the weight. If you can after a few hunts, then decide if PVS is the direction you're interested in.
Personally, I'm holding out for a REAP-IR.
