REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal Review

Let’s Dive into REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal

The REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal is a powerful thermal imaging clip-on system designed for serious hunters, law enforcement, and security professionals. This device, manufactured by Armasight, allows users to quickly convert their existing daytime scope into a thermal optic without the need to re-zero their rifle. It boasts a high-resolution FLIR Tau 2 640×512 30hz core, a 50mm lens, and several advanced features packed into a compact and durable housing.

My need for this stemmed from increasing predator problems on my ranch at night. Coyotes and feral hogs were becoming bolder, and my regular night vision scope just wasn’t cutting it in dense brush or during adverse weather conditions. I needed something that could reliably detect heat signatures at a decent range, and the Apollo Pro MR promised just that.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel of the unit. The housing seemed incredibly robust, and the quick-release mount gave me confidence it would hold zero effectively. The weight was noticeable but not overly burdensome considering the technology packed inside.

I considered the Pulsar Thermion XP50 and the Trijicon REAP-IR before settling on the Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal. While the Pulsar offered similar features at a slightly lower price point, the Armasight’s reputation for durability and image clarity swayed me. The Trijicon was undeniably superior in image quality, but the price was significantly higher, making the Apollo Pro MR a more practical choice for my needs.

My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of apprehension – thermal optics are notoriously complex. Would it be easy to use in the field, or would I spend more time fiddling with settings than actually hunting? I was eager to find out.

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Real-World Testing: Putting REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test of the Apollo Pro MR was during a nighttime hog hunt on my ranch. The weather was typical for Texas – humid with a light drizzle, conditions where traditional night vision struggles. Mounting the unit to my AR-15 with a 3-9×40 daytime scope was surprisingly straightforward thanks to the quick-release mount.

The difference between my old night vision and the Apollo Pro MR was immediately apparent. Even in the light rain and with thick brush cover, the thermal image was crisp and clear, easily picking out the heat signatures of the hogs from hundreds of yards away. The ease of use was also a pleasant surprise; after a quick zeroing check, I was confidently engaging targets.

I did notice a slight shift in my point of impact compared to my daytime zero, but this was easily corrected with a few adjustments to my scope. Other than that, the first hunt was a resounding success, resulting in two fewer feral hogs causing damage to my property.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has consistently performed without issue. The housing shows no signs of wear and tear, and the quick-release mount remains solid.

Cleaning the lens is simple, requiring only a soft cloth and lens cleaner. The battery life is adequate, typically lasting around 4-5 hours with continuous use, but I highly recommend carrying extra batteries for longer hunts. I’ve also started utilizing an external battery pack for all-night stakeouts.

Compared to my previous experiences with night vision, the Apollo Pro MR is a game-changer. It significantly outperforms traditional night vision in adverse weather conditions and provides superior detection capabilities in dense foliage. The ability to quickly switch between daytime and thermal optics without re-zeroing is invaluable.

Breaking Down the Features of REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal

Specifications

The REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal boasts impressive specifications that contribute to its exceptional performance:

• Thermal Core: FLIR Tau 2 640×512, 30Hz. This high-resolution core provides a detailed and responsive thermal image, crucial for accurate target identification.
• Lens: 50mm. The 50mm lens offers a good balance between field of view and detection range, suitable for various hunting and tactical scenarios.
• Magnification: 1x (True Magnification). This allows the Apollo Pro MR to work seamlessly with existing daytime scopes, minimizing distortion and maintaining optimal image quality.
• Display: High-end OLED. OLED technology provides excellent contrast and clarity, even in low-light conditions.
• Mount: Quick Release Mount. This allows for rapid attachment and detachment from the rifle, providing flexibility in the field.
• Housing: Compact, Lightweight, Durable. The robust housing protects the internal components from damage, while the lightweight design minimizes added weight to the rifle.
• Video Output: Allows for recording thermal footage for documentation or training purposes.
• Armasight Enhanced Mobile Applications Compatibility: Enables integration with mobile devices for enhanced control and functionality.

These specifications are essential for achieving optimal performance in the field. The high-resolution core and quality lens ensure a clear and detailed thermal image, while the quick-release mount and durable housing contribute to the unit’s usability and longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal performs its job exceptionally well, providing accurate and reliable thermal imaging capabilities. Its accuracy in detecting heat signatures is outstanding, even in challenging environmental conditions.

The unit’s strengths lie in its image clarity, ease of use, and quick-release mounting system. The image quality is superior to many other thermal clip-ons in its price range. One area for potential improvement would be the menu navigation, which can be slightly cumbersome.

Overall, the Apollo Pro MR meets and, in many cases, exceeds expectations for a thermal imaging clip-on system.

Design & Ergonomics

The Apollo Pro MR is built with high-quality materials, giving it a solid and durable feel. The weight is manageable, although it adds noticeable heft to the rifle.

The design is relatively user-friendly, although the menu system could be more intuitive. There’s a slight learning curve, but once familiar with the controls, it becomes easy to operate in the field.

Durability & Maintenance

The durable housing suggests that the Apollo Pro MR is built to last. The unit has survived several months of regular use in various weather conditions without showing any signs of significant wear and tear.

Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving keeping the lens clean. The unit appears to be sealed well against moisture and dust, minimizing the risk of internal damage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal comes with a quick-release mount, video output cable, and a carrying case. The video output allows connection to external recording devices for capturing thermal footage.

While there are limited customization options directly for the unit itself, it is compatible with various daytime scopes via the quick-release mount. This allows users to choose the optimal daytime optic for their specific needs.

Pros and Cons of REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal

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Who Should Buy REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal?

The REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal is perfect for:

• Hunters who need to identify and track game in low-light or no-light conditions.
• Ranchers and farmers dealing with nocturnal pests like feral hogs or coyotes.
• Law enforcement and security professionals requiring thermal imaging for surveillance and reconnaissance.

This product might not be ideal for:

• Casual users who only need thermal imaging occasionally.
• Individuals on a very tight budget, as there are cheaper (but less capable) alternatives available.

A must-have accessory is an external battery pack to extend operating time during prolonged use.

Conclusion on REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal

The REARMED, Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal is a powerful and reliable thermal imaging clip-on system that delivers exceptional performance in the field. While the price point of $4399.00 is significant, the image quality, durability, and ease of use justify the investment for serious users.

I would personally recommend the Apollo Pro MR to anyone needing a high-quality thermal optic for hunting, security, or law enforcement purposes. It’s a game-changer that provides a significant advantage in low-light and adverse weather conditions.

If you are serious about your nighttime operations, then step up your game with the Armasight Apollo Pro MR 640 50mm Thermal – you won’t regret it.