Over the past year, I have tried out several digital night vision units from fairly expensive clip-on units to less expensive weapon-mounted sights. One new unit just hitting the market is the Sightmark Wraith.  This is a weapon-mounted unit that offers upgraded clarity and performance, while eliminating some less useful features.  The Wraith offers 4-power magnification on the low end, with an 8X digital magnification factor, for a top end of 32 power.

The thing that strikes me most about the Wraith is its daytime capability.  Boasting a resolution of 1920X1080 pixels, it really offers great color and detail for daytime shooting.

The advertised detection range of the Wraith is 200 yards. With the illuminator on, this is about right.  This model needs good IR illumination to work in the dark, even on a clear night with a bright, full moon.

The Wraith not only offers improved clarity and range in the dark (with suitable IR illumination), but boasts impressive daylight performance, at a price point below some first-generation conventional night vision units.

RATINGS:

Daytime Performance: 4.5 out of 5  – Daytime performance is impressive, but the digital zoom results in a pixelated image.

Nighttime Performance: 4 out of 5 – It performs as advertised but IR illumination is a must in low light.

Value: 5 out of 5 – For the price, this unit is hard to beat

User Friendliness: 4 out of 5 – The Wraith only has 5 control buttons and it’s easy to press the wrong button at first. The front focus ring is also a little out of the way to access.

Durability: 4.5 out of 5 – No question, this unit is built heavy-duty but that comes at the expense of a little extra weight

TOTAL: 88% VERY GOOD

Despite some limitations, this unit works well and is an excellent alternative to first generation night vision units of similar price.  With a unit of this type, one must have realistic expectations,  it is digital night vision and significantly less expensive than more sophisticated Gen 2 and Gen 3 devices, with the benefit of not being damaged by daytime use and actually having very good daylight performance.

*I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

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