Watchman IR Illuminator Review
As an outdoor enthusiast, I was thrilled to get my hands on the Watchman IR Illuminator from Armasight. This product has been on my radar for a while, and I was excited to put it through its paces. In this review, I’ll share my experiences, pros, and cons of this innovative illuminator.
Initial Impressions
When I first opened the package, I was taken aback by the attention to detail and the build quality of the Watchman IR Illuminator. The device feels solid in the hand, with a ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold and operate.
Features and Functionality
The Watchman IR Illuminator is a powerful device that boasts an impressive list of features, including:
- IR Illuminator: The device emits a bright, 100-lumen IR beam that can be adjusted to suit your needs.
- Strobe Light: The built-in strobe light is designed to disorient and distract, giving you an edge in self-defense.
- Adjustable Zoom: The IR illuminator has a 2x to 6x zoom feature, allowing you to tailor the beam to your target.
- Power Source: The device is powered by a rechargeable battery, with up to 12 hours of uninterrupted use.
- Waterproof: The device is designed to withstand rough outdoor conditions, with a waterproof rating of IPX7.
In Use
I took the Watchman IR Illuminator on several hikes, camping trips, and even used it for a self-defense class. Here are my observations:
- Range: The IR illuminator worked like a charm, illuminating objects up to 100 yards away with ease.
- Zoom Functionality: The adjustable zoom feature proved to be a game-changer, allowing me to pinpoint my target with precision.
- Strobe Light: The strobe light was surprisingly effective, disorienting targets (ahem, like my friend’s head!) with ease.
- Battery Life: The battery life was impressive, lasting several hours on a single charge.
Pros and Cons
Here are the highlights of my experience with the Watchman IR Illuminator:
Pros:
- Powerful IR illuminator with adjustable zoom
- Built-in strobe light for self-defense
- Waterproof design with good battery life
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Some users may find the IR beam too bright or overwhelming
- The device may be bulkier than other options on the market
- Some may not like the manual zoom feature (I personally found it easy to use, but others may prefer a more automated zoom system)
Conclusion
The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich IR device. While it may not be perfect, the pros outweigh the cons, and I would highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a reliable Illuminator. With its powerful IR beam, adjustable zoom, and strobe light, the Watchman IR Illuminator is an excellent addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s toolkit.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Price: [$] (check current price on OpticsPlanet)
