REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV Review

Let’s Talk About REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV

Night vision technology has always fascinated me, from covert military operations to simply observing nocturnal wildlife. The REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV night vision monocular promises a significant leap in situational awareness with its exceptionally wide field of view. This Gen 3 monocular from Armasight caught my eye because of its potential for offering a panoramic night-time perspective.

My primary need was to enhance my capabilities during nighttime wildlife observation and search & rescue scenarios. I wanted a device that allowed me to see a broad area without constantly turning my head. The REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV seemed to address this perfectly.

Upon unboxing, the REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV feels robust and well-constructed. The unit is surprisingly compact given the expansive 51-degree field of view it offers. Its matte black finish provides a tactical, non-reflective appearance, and the controls appear intuitively placed.

I considered the ATN PVS14-3, and the FLIR Breach PTQ136 before settling on the Armasight. The ATN seemed bulkier, while the FLIR, although compact, utilizes thermal technology which isn’t always ideal for distinguishing fine details. The REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV, with its Gen 3 IIT and wide FOV, presented the best balance of performance and functionality for my specific needs.

I was initially excited about the potential for significantly improved situational awareness in low-light conditions. My first impression was one of cautious optimism, eager to see if the Armasight could truly deliver on its promise of a wide, clear view of the night.

Real-World Testing: Putting REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV was a backcountry hiking trail near my home. The weather was typical for the Pacific Northwest: damp and overcast, providing the perfect low-light conditions to evaluate its performance. I used it primarily in handheld mode, but also experimented with mounting it to my headgear.

The monocular performed remarkably well in the challenging conditions. Even in near-total darkness, the Gen 3 IIT provided a clear, crisp image, and the wide 51-degree FOV was immediately noticeable and highly beneficial. The ease of use was also impressive; the controls were intuitive and easily accessible, even while wearing gloves.

After the first use, I was struck by the lack of distortion around the edges of the wide field of view, something I’d been concerned about. The only minor issue was some slight eye strain after prolonged use, something I attribute to getting used to viewing images through a monocular system.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV continues to impress. It has accompanied me on multiple nighttime hikes, a search and rescue training exercise, and even a few late-night fishing trips. It has been exposed to rain, dust, and temperature fluctuations.

The unit has proven to be exceptionally durable, with no noticeable signs of wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic scuffs on the housing. The lens has remained scratch-free, thanks to its protective coating, and the battery life has consistently met the manufacturer’s specifications. Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a lens cloth is usually sufficient.

The Armasight far outperforms my previous Gen 1 night vision device. The clarity, brightness, and wide field of view are in a different league. It’s a significant upgrade that has proven invaluable in my outdoor activities.

Breaking Down the Features of REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV

Specifications

• Image Intensifier Tube (IIT): Gen 3, High-Performance Thin-Filmed Auto-Gated. This provides excellent low-light performance and automatic brightness adjustment.
• Field of View (FOV): 51 degrees. This wide FOV allows for enhanced situational awareness and reduces the need for constant head movement.
• Dimensions: 2.2 x 2 x 4.5 inches. The compact size makes it easy to carry and mount.
• Construction: Rugged, lightweight housing. The durable design ensures reliability in harsh environments.
• Built-in Infrared (IR) Illuminator: Allows for use in complete darkness. The integrated IR illuminator is useful for short-range illumination when there is no ambient light.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the user’s ability to see clearly and effectively in low-light conditions. The Gen 3 IIT ensures a bright, high-resolution image. The 51-degree FOV offers a panoramic view, and the compact, durable design makes it practical for field use.

Performance & Functionality

The REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV excels at its primary job: providing clear, bright night vision with an exceptionally wide field of view. Its clarity and resolution are outstanding, allowing for excellent detail recognition even in very dark environments. The manual gain control is another plus, allowing the user to fine-tune the image brightness to their preference.

One strength is its minimal distortion around the edges of the wide field of view. A weakness is that eye relief can be a bit short for those wearing glasses. Overall, it exceeds my expectations for situational awareness in the dark.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, using high-quality materials that feel durable and well-assembled. The unit is lightweight enough to be comfortable for extended use, whether handheld or head-mounted. The controls are intuitively placed and easy to operate with one hand.

There is a slight learning curve in getting used to viewing images through a monocular, especially the wide field of view. However, the intuitive controls and comfortable design make it relatively easy to master.

Durability & Maintenance

The Armasight appears built to last, with a robust housing and well-protected lens. Regular cleaning with a lens cloth is all that’s typically needed to keep it in good working order. The design is relatively simple, so there are few parts that are likely to break or require repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV comes with a basic set of accessories, including a carrying case and lens cleaning cloth. It’s compatible with a variety of mounting options, including helmet mounts and weapon mounts. The unit also accepts external battery packs for extended runtime.

Pros and Cons of REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV

Who Should Buy REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV?

The REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV is perfect for professionals and serious enthusiasts who require maximum situational awareness in low-light environments. This includes search and rescue personnel, law enforcement officers, security professionals, wildlife researchers, and avid hunters who need to navigate and observe in complete darkness. Its wide field of view makes it especially valuable for tasks that require tracking moving objects or monitoring large areas.

Hobbyists or casual users who only occasionally need night vision capabilities might find the Armasight to be overkill, and the high price point may not be justified for their limited use. Those who primarily need long-range viewing might be better served by a monocular with a narrower field of view and higher magnification.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality helmet mount for hands-free operation. An external battery pack can also be beneficial for extended use in the field.

Conclusion on REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV

The REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV is an exceptional night vision monocular that delivers on its promise of a wide, clear view of the night. Its high-performance Gen 3 IIT, durable design, and intuitive controls make it a valuable tool for anyone who needs to operate effectively in low-light conditions. While the price is undoubtedly high, the performance and features justify the investment for serious users.

I would highly recommend the REARMED, Armasight Multi-Purpose 51 degree FOV to anyone seeking the best possible situational awareness in the dark. If you need a night vision device that can provide a panoramic view and exceptional clarity, look no further. Equip yourself with the Armasight and experience the night like never before.