First Impressions of Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator
The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator promises to be a game-changer for anyone utilizing night vision technology. Manufactured by Armasight, a well-respected name in the optics world, this illuminator boasts VCSEL technology, multiple brightness settings, and a focusable beam. These features aim to provide users with enhanced target identification and tracking capabilities in low-light and no-light environments.
For years, I struggled with subpar IR illumination while hog hunting at night. My older illuminators were either too bulky, lacked sufficient range, or had poor battery life. When I heard about the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator’s compact size and impressive performance claims, I knew I had to give it a try.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was positive. The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator felt solid and well-built, with a noticeable heft that inspires confidence. The aircraft-grade aluminum body felt durable, and the Type II hardcoat anodized finish gave it a sleek, professional look.
I previously used the ATN IR illuminator with my ATN X-Sight. While the ATN model was decent, the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator felt like a step up in terms of build quality and features. The inclusion of both a push-button tailcap and a tape switch was a significant selling point for me, offering versatility in tactical applications.
I was excited about the potential of the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator to improve my nighttime hunting experiences. Its compact size, focusable beam, and included accessories made it a promising addition to my gear. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator took place during a nighttime hog hunt in central Texas. The weather was mild, but the moonless night provided virtually no ambient light, making it the perfect environment to evaluate the illuminator’s performance. I mounted it on my AR-15 using the included 30mm ring and paired it with my night vision scope.
The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator performed admirably, easily illuminating targets well beyond 300 yards. Adjusting the beam from a wide flood to a tight spot was intuitive, allowing me to adapt to different distances and terrain. The three brightness settings provided excellent control over the intensity of the IR beam, conserving battery life when less illumination was needed.
Initially, I fumbled with the tape switch, as the momentary-on function I expected was absent. This required a mental adjustment to activate and deactivate the light. Despite this minor inconvenience, the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator’s impressive illumination capabilities far outweighed the learning curve.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator’s finish shows no signs of wear despite being subjected to brush and bumps in the field. I’ve cleaned the lens a few times using a lens cloth, and the unit still looks new.
The rechargeable 18650 battery has held up well, providing ample runtime on a single charge. I have not noticed any significant degradation in battery performance over time. The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator has consistently outperformed my previous IR illuminators in terms of range, brightness, and battery life.
Breaking Down the Features of Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator
Specifications
The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator, manufactured by Armasight, boasts several impressive specifications. It utilizes an 850 nm wavelength for optimal compatibility with most night vision devices. The body is constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum with a Type II hardcoat anodized finish, making it rugged and resistant to corrosion.
- Wavelength: 850 nm for compatibility with night vision devices.
- Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum offers durability.
- Finish: Type II Hardcoat Anodized enhances corrosion resistance.
- Battery: 18650 Rechargeable allows for extended use.
- Water Resistance: IP67 protects against water damage.
- Weight: 5.6 oz ensures comfortable carry.
- Operating Temperature: -20 to 60 Celsius (-4 to 140 Fahrenheit) for versatile use in various climates.
These specifications translate to a high-performance and dependable IR illuminator that can withstand demanding field conditions. The 850nm wavelength is a sweet spot for NVGs, balancing illumination and discreetness. The rugged construction ensures the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator can endure rough handling, while the rechargeable battery provides cost-effective and convenient power.
Performance & Functionality
The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator excels in its primary function: providing enhanced IR illumination for night vision devices. Its adjustable beam and multiple brightness settings make it adaptable to a wide range of scenarios. The ability to focus the beam down to 3 degrees allows for long-range target identification, while the 14-degree flood setting provides excellent situational awareness at closer distances.
The main strengths of the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator are its exceptional range and beam adjustability. However, the lack of a true momentary-on function is a notable weakness. The tape switch, which functions as a remote push-button, requires a long press to turn the light off, which can be cumbersome in fast-paced tactical situations.
Overall, the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator meets and exceeds expectations in terms of illumination performance. While the tape switch design could be improved, the illuminator’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The throw is insane for such a compact unit.
Design & Ergonomics
The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator’s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The aircraft-grade aluminum body feels solid and well-balanced in hand. The knurled surface provides a secure grip, even when wearing gloves.
The user interface is straightforward, with a simple push-button tailcap for on/off and brightness adjustments. However, the red indicator light on the tailcap, while useful, can be excessively bright in certain situations. The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator is generally user-friendly, though the tape switch design may require some getting used to.
Durability & Maintenance
The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator is built to last, with its rugged aluminum construction and waterproof design. The Type II hardcoat anodized finish provides excellent scratch and corrosion resistance. The IP67 water resistance rating ensures that the illuminator can withstand exposure to rain, snow, and other harsh environmental conditions.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily consisting of cleaning the lens with a soft cloth. The rechargeable 18650 battery can be easily replaced if necessary. The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator is designed for long-term reliability with proper care and maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator comes with a useful set of accessories. These include a rechargeable 18650 battery, charging cord, pressure switch tail cap, standard tail cap, instructions, and a 30mm picatinny rail mount.
The 30mm body diameter allows for compatibility with a variety of aftermarket mounting solutions. However, the included ring is the most straightforward option. The ability to swap between the push-button and tape switch tailcaps provides additional versatility.
Pros and Cons of Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator
Pros
- Exceptional range and brightness, easily illuminating targets beyond 400 yards.
- Adjustable beam, from a wide flood to a tight spot, for versatile use in different scenarios.
- Durable construction, made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a waterproof design.
- Rechargeable 18650 battery, providing ample runtime and cost savings.
- Included accessories, including a tape switch, standard tail cap, and 30mm rail mount.
Cons
- Lack of true momentary-on function, the tape switch acts as a remote push-button with a long press to turn off.
- Bright red indicator light, can be distracting in certain tactical situations.
Who Should Buy Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator?
The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator is perfect for hog hunters, predator hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts who utilize night vision devices. It is also well-suited for law enforcement and security professionals who require enhanced IR illumination in low-light environments. Anyone who needs a compact, powerful, and reliable IR illuminator will benefit from the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator.
This product may not be ideal for individuals who require a true momentary-on function or who are highly sensitive to bright indicator lights. Users who primarily operate in well-lit environments may not fully appreciate the benefits of an IR illuminator. A higher quality mount would be welcome as well.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality night vision scope or monocular to fully utilize the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator’s capabilities. Extra 18650 batteries could also be useful for extended operations.
Conclusion on Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator
The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator is an outstanding IR illuminator that delivers exceptional performance in a compact and durable package. Its adjustable beam, multiple brightness settings, and included accessories make it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. While the lack of a true momentary-on function is a minor drawback, the illuminator’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
At a price of $199.00, the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator offers excellent value for the money. The performance, durability, and features justify the price tag, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about night vision.
I would highly recommend the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator to anyone looking for a high-quality IR illuminator. It has significantly improved my nighttime hunting experiences. If you’re in the market for an IR illuminator, give the Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator a try. You won’t be disappointed.