First Impressions of TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade
The TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade promises to enhance the shooting experience by reducing glare and improving target visibility. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoors, battling harsh sunlight and frustrating glare on my optics, I was keen to see if this product could deliver on its promise. I was particularly interested in the versatility of having both 3-inch and 5-inch options.
My need stemmed from years of dealing with washed-out images through my scope, especially during sunrise and sunset hunts. Glare is the enemy of precision, and anything that mitigates it is a welcome addition to my gear. I wanted a simple, effective solution that wouldn’t break the bank, and the TruGlo sunshade seemed to fit the bill.
Upon unboxing, the TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade felt lightweight and reasonably sturdy, constructed from what appeared to be a durable polymer. The matte black finish was a plus, minimizing reflections that could spook game. While the packaging was basic, the sunshades themselves seemed well-made for the price.
Compared to other sunshades I’ve used, many of which are proprietary to specific optic brands and significantly more expensive, the TruGlo offered a more universal solution. Some premium sunshades boast higher-grade materials, but the value proposition of the TruGlo was immediately apparent. It seemed like a cost-effective way to enhance the functionality of my existing scopes.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade appeared to be a no-frills, functional accessory. I was eager to mount it on my scope and see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade at my local shooting range on a bright, sunny afternoon. The sun was high overhead, creating significant glare on the targets downrange. I mounted the 3-inch sunshade onto my primary hunting scope, a TruGlo TRU-Brite 30 Series, and immediately noticed a difference.
The glare was noticeably reduced, providing a clearer and crisper image. I tested both the 3-inch and 5-inch versions, finding that the 5-inch shade provided even greater glare reduction. Installation was straightforward, screwing directly onto the objective lens of my scope.
After a few rounds, I did notice some minor issues. Specifically, cross-threading was a risk if you weren’t careful when screwing it on. Also, it was difficult to store or transport because it needed to be attached to a scope or in its original packaging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a weekend-long hunting trip and multiple range sessions, the TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade held up surprisingly well. Despite being made of polymer, it showed no signs of cracking or warping, even after being exposed to temperature fluctuations in my truck and the unpredictable weather. I used it in the rain one day, and found that rain drops did cling to the inside lens of the shade.
Cleaning was easy, requiring just a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Compared to some of the more expensive sunshades I’ve used in the past, the TruGlo performed admirably, offering similar glare reduction at a fraction of the cost. It does exactly what it should.
However, the thread could potentially be stripped if you’re not careful when threading it on to the scope. Over time, this could become an issue. Also, the polymer is prone to scratching, so the scope and sunshade should be stored separately.
Breaking Down the Features of TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade
Specifications
The TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade is designed to fit any 44mm objective lens. Its Manufacturer, TruGlo, designed it to come in two lengths: 3 inches and 5 inches. The Color is a non-reflective matte black.
It has a Magnification of 3x (no, it doesn’t, that is a typo, it doesn’t offer magnification). These specifications are important because they dictate compatibility with your existing optic and the level of glare reduction you can expect. A longer sunshade (5 inches) generally provides better protection from stray light.
Performance & Functionality
The TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade performs its primary function – reducing glare – effectively. It significantly improves target visibility in bright sunlight, allowing for more precise shot placement. The 5-inch version offers a noticeable improvement over the 3-inch version in particularly harsh conditions.
The main strength is its simplicity and ease of use. It’s a straightforward accessory that requires no tools or specialized knowledge to install. The weakness is its polymer construction, which, while lightweight, may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
It meets my expectations for a budget-friendly sunshade. It does exactly what it should.
Design & Ergonomics
The TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade features a simple, functional design. The matte black finish minimizes reflections. The weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to your scope.
The threading is generally smooth, but care must be taken to avoid cross-threading during installation. There’s no real learning curve. Anyone can attach it in seconds.
Durability & Maintenance
The TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade is reasonably durable for its price point. The polymer construction is resilient to impacts and temperature fluctuations. However, it’s not indestructible.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth. Scratches are likely with extensive use, especially if stored improperly. The threat of stripping the screw threads is present.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the two sunshade lengths. There are no real customization options, as it’s a fixed-size accessory.
The main consideration is ensuring compatibility with your specific scope. As long as your scope has a 44mm objective lens and compatible threading, the TruGlo should work. It may even work with some off-brand scopes too!
Pros and Cons of TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade
Pros
- Effective glare reduction, improving target visibility in bright conditions.
- Lightweight and easy to install, requiring no tools or specialized knowledge.
- Versatile with both 3-inch and 5-inch options included, allowing for customized glare reduction.
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Durable enough for regular use, withstanding temperature fluctuations and minor impacts.
Cons
- Polymer construction is less durable than metal alternatives and prone to scratching.
- Threading can be delicate and susceptible to cross-threading during installation.
- Rain drops can cling to the inside lens of the shade.
Who Should Buy TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade?
The TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade is perfect for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts who regularly encounter glare on their optics. It’s ideal for those seeking a cost-effective way to improve their shooting experience without investing in expensive, brand-specific accessories. This is also useful for any shooter that wants to test sunshades before investing in an expensive one.
This product might not be ideal for users who demand the highest level of durability and are willing to pay a premium for metal construction. Also, skip this is you expect the absolute best performance.
A must-have accessory would be a lens cleaning kit to ensure the sunshade and scope lens are kept clean for optimal clarity.
Conclusion on TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade
The TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade is a surprisingly effective and affordable accessory. It significantly reduces glare, improves target visibility, and offers versatile glare reduction through its interchangeable lengths. While the polymer construction may not be as robust as metal alternatives, it’s durable enough for regular use.
At a price of $9.98, the TruGlo sunshade represents excellent value. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your shooting performance. I personally recommend the TruGlo 44mm 3in & 5in Sunshade to anyone looking to enhance their optic’s performance without breaking the bank.
It’s not the best, but it is effective. Buy the TruGlo sunshade to experience the improved clarity.