Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 Review

Let’s Dive into Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50

The Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 is a thermal weapon sight designed for serious professionals and demanding enthusiasts. Manufactured by Armasight, this unit boasts a high-resolution FLIR Tau 2 core, multiple reticle options, and impressive digital zoom capabilities, all packed into a rugged, MIL-STD-810 compliant housing. It promises unparalleled situational awareness in low-light or no-light conditions, making it a game-changer for hunting, security, and tactical applications.

My journey to acquiring the Zeus Pro stemmed from a growing need for effective nighttime hog hunting on my property. Standard night vision proved inadequate in heavy brush and dense fog, common occurrences in my area. I needed something that could cut through obscurants and provide a clear image of heat signatures, and the Zeus Pro appeared to be the solution.

Upon unboxing, the Zeus Pro felt substantial and well-built, inspiring confidence in its durability. The unit has a reassuring weight. The controls felt intuitive, even before consulting the manual.

Compared to other thermal sights I’ve considered, like the Pulsar Thermion XP50 or the Trijicon REAP-IR, the Zeus Pro stood out for its combination of resolution, magnification, and price (especially considering it’s a refurbished unit). While the Pulsar offered comparable image quality, its digital zoom felt less refined. The Trijicon, while undeniably top-tier, was simply out of my budget.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The features and specifications were impressive, but the true test would be in the field. I was both excited to see how it performed and a little apprehensive, given the “refurbished” status.

Real-World Testing: Putting Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 was during a nighttime hog hunt on my property in central Texas. The conditions were less than ideal: a light drizzle, moderate fog, and a temperature hovering around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Despite the challenging weather, the Zeus Pro performed admirably. The thermal image was crisp and clear, easily differentiating between hogs, deer, and other wildlife, even through thick brush. The controls were easy to manipulate, even with gloved hands, and I quickly became comfortable adjusting the zoom and reticle settings. There were no unexpected issues, which was a relief.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 has proven to be a reliable and indispensable tool. The unit has held up remarkably well to the rigors of nighttime hunting, including bumps, scrapes, and exposure to various weather conditions.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear, which is a testament to the Armasight’s build quality. The lens remains clear, and the housing shows no signs of cracking or degradation. Maintenance is simple: I wipe down the lens after each use and occasionally clean the exterior with a damp cloth.

Compared to my previous experiences with standard night vision, the Zeus Pro is a revelation. Its ability to penetrate obscurants and provide a clear thermal image has dramatically improved my success rate during nighttime hunts. It far outperforms anything I’ve used before.

Breaking Down the Features of Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50

Specifications

The Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 boasts impressive specifications:

• Thermal Core: FLIR Tau 2, 640×512 resolution, 17µm pixel pitch, 30Hz refresh rate. This high-resolution core provides a detailed and fluid thermal image, crucial for identifying and tracking targets.
• Lens: 50mm Germanium objective lens. The high-quality lens maximizes thermal energy transmission, resulting in a brighter and clearer image.
• Magnification: 2-16x digital zoom. This provides versatility for both close-range and long-range observation.
• Display: SVGA 800×600 OLED. This high-resolution display provides a crisp and detailed image for comfortable viewing.
• Power: Uses either one CR123A or one AA battery. This offers flexibility in power source options.
• Compliance: MIL-STD-810 compliant. Guarantees the unit can withstand harsh environmental conditions.

These specifications are not just numbers; they translate directly to real-world performance. The high-resolution core and Germanium lens combine to deliver a clear, detailed thermal image, even in challenging conditions. The digital zoom allows for accurate target identification at extended ranges.

Performance & Functionality

The Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 excels in its primary function: providing superior thermal imaging for target detection and identification. Accuracy is excellent, allowing for precise shot placement, even in complete darkness. Reliability has been consistent throughout my testing, with no malfunctions or performance issues.

The unit’s strengths lie in its image clarity, ease of use, and ruggedness. The only notable weakness is the battery life, which can be relatively short when using the digital zoom extensively. It mostly exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Zeus Pro is exceptional. The housing is made from a durable, lightweight polymer that feels solid and well-constructed. The unit has a comfortable weight and balance, making it easy to handle and maneuver.

The controls are intuitive and easy to access, even with gloves on. There is a slight learning curve associated with navigating the menu system, but it quickly becomes second nature. It is mostly user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 is built to last. Its MIL-STD-810 compliance ensures it can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, humidity, and shock.

Maintenance is relatively simple. Cleaning the lens regularly is essential to maintain optimal performance. There is no need to repair it at the moment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zeus Pro comes with a reliable quick-release locking weapon mount. Armasight also offers a variety of accessories, including a wireless 5-button remote, a mounted DVR for recording video and still images, and various objective lens options.

The unit is also compatible with many aftermarket accessories, such as aftermarket mounts and battery extenders. This allows users to customize the Zeus Pro to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50

Who Should Buy Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50?

The Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 is perfect for hunters who target hogs or other game at night, security professionals who need enhanced situational awareness in low-light conditions, and tactical operators who require a reliable and effective thermal weapon sight. It is also great for landowners who want to monitor their property at night.

This product is not ideal for casual users who only need thermal imaging for occasional use or for those who prioritize long battery life above all else. Anyone expecting a pristine “out-of-the-box” experience might also be hesitant due to the refurbished nature.

A must-have accessory would be rechargeable CR123A batteries to mitigate the cost and inconvenience of frequent battery changes. A quality lens cleaning kit is also essential for maintaining optimal image clarity.

Conclusion on Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50

The Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 is an exceptional thermal weapon sight that delivers impressive performance and reliability at a competitive price. While the “refurbished” status may raise some concerns, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive.

The value proposition is excellent, especially considering the high-resolution thermal core and rugged construction. The price is justified.

I would highly recommend the Refurbished, Armasight Zeus Pro 640 2-16×50 to anyone seeking a high-quality thermal weapon sight for hunting, security, or tactical applications. Don’t let the “refurbished” label deter you; this unit offers incredible performance at a fraction of the cost of a new one. If you need to see in the dark, the Zeus Pro is a game-changer.