Armasight Jockey 320 Thermal Clip On Black 1x For Digital Zoom Reticle 320×240, 60Hz Resolution Zoom 1x-4x Review

First Thoughts on the Armasight Jockey 320 Thermal Clip On Black 1x For Digital Zoom Reticle 320×240, 60Hz Resolution Zoom 1x-4x

The Armasight Jockey 320 Thermal Clip On Black 1x For Digital Zoom Reticle 320×240, 60Hz Resolution Zoom 1x-4x promises to bring thermal imaging capabilities to your existing day scope setup without the hassle of re-zeroing. That’s a bold claim in a market flooded with thermal optics, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

For years, I’ve wrestled with the limitations of standard night vision. The green glow, the dependency on ambient light, and the inability to see through fog or light foliage always felt like a compromise. I needed something that could truly cut through the darkness, revealing heat signatures regardless of the environment. The Armasight Jockey 320 seemed to offer just that, with its clip-on design and claim of working with optics up to 6x magnification.

Unboxing the Jockey 320, I was immediately struck by its compact size and surprisingly light weight. The ULTEM Composite Body felt robust yet didn’t add significant bulk to my existing rifle setup. Compared to dedicated thermal scopes I’ve used, like the Pulsar Thermion line, the Jockey felt remarkably streamlined. I chose the Armasight over options like the Bering Optics Hogster primarily because of the clip-on versatility, allowing me to retain my preferred daytime optic without the need for a dedicated thermal rifle.

My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could something this small and lightweight really deliver the performance I was looking for? The proof, as they say, would be in the pudding. I was eager to get it mounted and see what it could do.

Real-World Testing: Putting Armasight Jockey 320 Thermal Clip On Black 1x For Digital Zoom Reticle 320×240, 60Hz Resolution Zoom 1x-4x to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Armasight Jockey 320 out for its maiden voyage on a late-night hog hunt in central Texas. I mounted it on my AR-15, paired with a Leupold VX-6 1-6x scope. The quick-detach (QD) mount made attachment straightforward, requiring no tools and locking securely onto the Picatinny rail in front of my optic.

The first thing I noticed was the crisp, clear thermal image. The 320×240 resolution provided a good level of detail, easily distinguishing between hogs, deer, and other wildlife at distances up to 200 yards. I particularly appreciated the 60Hz frame rate, which resulted in smooth, fluid movement even when panning quickly across the landscape. A slight drizzle started midway through the hunt, and the Jockey 320 performed admirably, unaffected by the light rain.

I did experience a slight learning curve with the digital zoom. While the 1x-4x zoom was useful for closer identification, the image quality degraded noticeably at the highest magnification. I quickly learned to use the zoom sparingly, relying on the 1x setting for most of my observation. After about an hour, the image became blurry, and the batteries were low. I was hoping for a longer initial run time.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Armasight Jockey 320 has become a regular part of my nighttime hunting kit. It’s been through dusty fields, cold nights, and even a brief encounter with a muddy bank (thankfully, it’s weather-proof!). It has held up remarkably well.

I’ve noticed some minor wear on the ULTEM Composite Body, but nothing that affects performance. The lens requires occasional cleaning to remove dust and smudges, but the included lens cloth makes this a quick and easy task. Compared to my previous experiences with dedicated thermal scopes, the Jockey 320 offers a more versatile and adaptable solution, allowing me to switch between daytime and thermal vision with ease.

It’s important to note that battery life remains a concern. The advertised “long battery life” is somewhat misleading. Plan to purchase rechargeable 16650 batteries to get the most out of your hunts.

Breaking Down the Features of Armasight Jockey 320 Thermal Clip On Black 1x For Digital Zoom Reticle 320×240, 60Hz Resolution Zoom 1x-4x

Specifications

• Magnification: 1x (Digital Zoom 1x-4x) The base magnification is unity, meaning no added magnification through the thermal unit itself. Digital zoom provides some zoom capability, but degrades image quality.
• Field of View: 11.58 x 8.69 Degrees. This provides a wide enough field of view to scan relatively large areas quickly.
• Battery: CR123A / 16650. This allows for flexible power options, although 16650 rechargeable are recommended.
• Weight: 0.79 lbs. The lightweight design minimizes added bulk to your existing rifle.
• Focus Range: 708 Meters. Enables the user to identify heat signatures at a good distance.
• Resolution: 320×240, 60Hz. The resolution delivers a clear thermal image, while the refresh rate ensures smooth motion.
• Display: 1024×768 OLED. The OLED display provides a clear and sharp image for the user.
• Reticle: For Digital Zoom. The reticle is only present when using the digital zoom feature.
• Water/Shock/Weather Proof: The design enables usage in various weather conditions.
• Compatible With: Daytime Optics w / 1x-6x Magnification. Offers compatibility with existing optic setup.

These specifications are crucial because they dictate the Jockey 320’s performance in the field. The resolution and refresh rate determine image clarity and smoothness. The weight and size impact the overall handling of the rifle. And the battery type influences runtime and convenience.

Performance & Functionality

The Armasight Jockey 320 performs admirably as a clip-on thermal imager. Its primary strength lies in its ability to quickly convert a standard day scope into a thermal optic, offering a significant advantage in low-light or no-light hunting situations. It can reveal heat signatures of animals hidden in brush, fog, or complete darkness.

The image quality is generally good, although the digital zoom degrades the image noticeably at higher magnifications. The QD mount makes it easy to attach and detach the unit. The intuitive three-button controls are simple to operate, even in the dark.

One area for improvement is the battery life. The included CR123A batteries drain quickly, especially when using the video and image capture functions. Investing in rechargeable 16650 batteries is highly recommended. The Jockey 320 largely meets expectations. The ease of use and clarity of the base thermal imaging are great.

Design & Ergonomics

The Armasight Jockey 320 boasts a well-thought-out design that prioritizes compactness and ease of use. The ULTEM Composite Body feels sturdy and durable, yet remains remarkably lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the rifle. The controls are simple and intuitive, easily accessible even with gloved hands.

The eyepiece is comfortable to use, even for extended periods. The QD mount provides a secure and repeatable attachment to the rifle’s Picatinny rail. There is a slight learning curve but with minimal complexities, the product is user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Armasight Jockey 320 appears to be a durable piece of kit, capable of withstanding the rigors of field use. The ULTEM Composite Body is resistant to scratches and impacts, and the weather-proof design protects against rain, dust, and other environmental elements.

Maintenance is straightforward. The lens requires occasional cleaning with the included cloth, and the battery compartment is easily accessible for battery replacement. With proper care, the Jockey 320 should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Armasight Jockey 320 comes with a basic set of accessories, including a QD mount, USB-C & USB cable, thermal zeroing target, batteries, lens cloth, soft case, and product manual. The unit does not offer extensive customization options. However, the clip-on design allows it to be used with a wide variety of daytime optics and rifles.

Its Picatinny rail compatibility means it can be easily adapted to different platforms. The ability to use rechargeable 16650 batteries is a significant benefit, allowing users to optimize battery life and reduce waste.

Pros and Cons of Armasight Jockey 320 Thermal Clip On Black 1x For Digital Zoom Reticle 320×240, 60Hz Resolution Zoom 1x-4x

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Who Should Buy Armasight Jockey 320 Thermal Clip On Black 1x For Digital Zoom Reticle 320×240, 60Hz Resolution Zoom 1x-4x?

The Armasight Jockey 320 is perfect for hunters who want to add thermal imaging capabilities to their existing rifle setup without the expense and hassle of purchasing a dedicated thermal scope. It’s also a good option for farmers or ranchers who need to monitor their property at night for predators or pests.

This product might not be ideal for professional shooters who require the highest possible image quality and zoom capabilities. Those who primarily hunt in open terrain with clear visibility might not see as much benefit from thermal imaging. A must-have accessory is a set of rechargeable 16650 batteries and a charger.

Conclusion on Armasight Jockey 320 Thermal Clip On Black 1x For Digital Zoom Reticle 320×240, 60Hz Resolution Zoom 1x-4x

The Armasight Jockey 320 Thermal Clip On Black 1x For Digital Zoom Reticle 320×240, 60Hz Resolution Zoom 1x-4x is a solid performer that delivers on its promise of providing a quick and easy way to add thermal imaging to your existing rifle setup. While it has some limitations, such as mediocre battery life and degraded image quality at higher zoom levels, its compact size, lightweight design, and intuitive controls make it a worthwhile investment.

At a price of $2,799.00, the Jockey 320 represents a reasonable value for the capabilities it offers. It’s a significant upgrade over standard night vision. I would personally recommend it to hunters and landowners who need a versatile and reliable thermal imaging solution. If you’re looking to step into the world of thermal optics without breaking the bank, the Armasight Jockey 320 is a great place to start.

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