DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision Review

Let’s Talk About DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision

Night vision technology has always held a certain mystique, a promise of seeing the unseen and owning the darkness. The DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision promises exactly that: to transform your existing daytime optic into a powerful tool for nighttime observation and engagement. This clip-on device from Armasight offers a quick and straightforward way to gain a significant tactical advantage after the sun goes down.

For years, I’ve struggled with identifying game and potential threats on my property at night. Budget constraints pushed me away from dedicated night vision scopes. The clip-on design was compelling, offering a blend of daytime familiarity and nighttime capability.

The DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision arrived in a sturdy, if somewhat worn, demo packaging. Its weight was immediately noticeable, but not excessive, conveying a sense of robust construction. The gray finish and solid mounting hardware felt like quality components, promising a secure fit on my existing rifle scope.

I considered dedicated night vision scopes from ATN and Pulsar, known for their digital features. However, the Armasight’s Gen 3 tube offered a superior image clarity and low-light performance that digital options couldn’t match. My first impression was one of cautious optimism – I was eager to see if it would live up to the Gen 3 hype.


Real-World Testing: Putting DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision took place at a private range under a new moon, offering minimal ambient light. Mounting it to my Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 was surprisingly easy, thanks to the quick-release mount. The image through the Armasight was remarkably clear, with a distinct white phosphor display that provided excellent contrast.

The Armasight performed well even in the damp night air, showing no signs of fogging or diminished image quality. It did take some initial adjustment to find the optimal focus and gain settings. After a few minutes, it was easy to operate the manual gain.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use on both the range and during nighttime predator control on my property, the DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision has proven its reliability. The body construction displays minimal wear, despite being a demo unit. Lens covers protected the glass when not in use.

Cleaning the Armasight is straightforward, requiring only a soft cloth and lens cleaner to maintain optimal performance. This unit exceeded my expectations, especially considering its demo status. My previous experiences with lower-generation night vision left me wanting more clarity and range. The Armasight delivered.

Breaking Down the Features of DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision

Specifications

  • The DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision features a Gen 3 Pinnacle image intensifier tube (IIT) known for its superior low-light performance and resolution. This translates to a clearer, brighter image with less distortion, even in very dark conditions.
  • The Armasight CO-LR utilizes a white phosphor screen, presenting images in shades of white and gray. This minimizes eye fatigue and enhances contrast compared to traditional green phosphor displays.
  • It’s designed to mount in front of existing daytime scopes using a quick-release mount. This eliminates the need to re-zero the rifle for nighttime use, saving time and ammunition.
  • The device is powered by a single AA or CR123A battery. This provides convenient power options and a relatively long battery life.
  • The Armasight CO-LR includes manual gain control. This allows the user to adjust the image brightness based on the surrounding light levels, optimizing performance in various conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision excels at its core function: providing a clear and usable image in low-light environments. The Gen 3 tube offers exceptional clarity and range, allowing for target identification at distances previously impossible with my daytime scope alone. It greatly exceeded my expectations.

The strengths lie in its image quality, ease of mounting, and manual gain control. One area that could be improved is the size and placement of the power button. The button can be difficult to locate by feel in total darkness.

Design & Ergonomics

The DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision boasts a robust and durable design. The unit feels solid in hand, offering confidence that it can withstand the rigors of field use. The weight is noticeable but manageable.

The quick-release mount is intuitive and easy to use. Even with gloved hands, I was able to attach and detach the Armasight from my scope quickly and securely.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision is built to last. The housing appears to be made of a rugged polymer that is resistant to scratches and impacts. The lenses are protected by caps when not in use.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving keeping the lenses clean and storing the unit in a dry environment. The Armasight should provide years of reliable service with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision includes a wireless remote control for convenient operation, as well as a quick-release mount for easy attachment to your existing optic. The mount is compatible with various rail systems.

While the Armasight itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, its compatibility with standard daytime scopes allows users to tailor their overall system to their specific needs. One can add upgraded scopes or mounts.

Pros and Cons of DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision

Pros

  • Superior Gen 3 image intensifier tube for exceptional low-light performance.
  • White phosphor screen reduces eye fatigue and enhances contrast.
  • Quick-release mount allows for easy and rapid attachment to existing scopes.
  • Manual gain control provides optimal image brightness in varying light conditions.
  • Wireless remote control offers convenient operation.

Cons

  • Demo unit may show signs of cosmetic wear.
  • Power button can be difficult to locate in total darkness.


Who Should Buy DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision?

The DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision is perfect for hunters looking to expand their hunting opportunities into nighttime hours. It also serves well for ranchers needing predator control, or tactical users needing enhanced night vision capabilities. Someone looking for an affordable way to bring their existing scope into nighttime usability, without re-zeroing, is a good fit for the product.

This product is not ideal for someone seeking a compact and lightweight solution, or for those who require advanced digital features like recording or image stabilization. It is also not for those wanting all the features of newer digital night vision technology.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality lens cleaning kit to maintain optimal image clarity. A more powerful IR illuminator may be beneficial in extremely dark conditions.

Conclusion on DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision

The DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision offers a compelling combination of performance, functionality, and value, especially as a demo unit. The Gen 3 tube delivers exceptional low-light performance, allowing users to see clearly in conditions where other systems struggle. The easy mounting system makes it a breeze to transition between daytime and nighttime use.

At a price of $3139.00, the Armasight CO-LR represents a significant investment. The improved clarity, range, and convenience make it a worthwhile upgrade for those who require reliable nighttime vision.

I wholeheartedly recommend the DEMO, Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision to anyone seeking a high-quality, clip-on night vision solution. If you’re ready to own the night, this is your gateway.

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