Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle Review

Getting Up Close with the REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle

The REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle isn’t just another optic; it’s a technological marvel designed to turn night into day. This thermal imaging weapon sight, manufactured by Armasight, promises to deliver superior performance in low-light and no-light conditions, making it a potential game-changer for hunters, law enforcement, and military personnel. With its compact design, advanced imaging algorithms, and intuitive controls, the Zeus 336 aims to provide a tactical advantage in any situation.

As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve often encountered situations where traditional night vision falls short. I needed a reliable, long-range thermal optic for hog hunting and predator control on my property, where identifying targets quickly and accurately is paramount. The promise of enhanced target acquisition and clear imagery in complete darkness drew me to the Armasight Zeus 336.

Unboxing the Zeus 336, the first thing that struck me was its surprisingly compact and lightweight build. The CNC machined aircraft-aluminum alloy construction felt robust and durable, yet it didn’t add excessive weight to my rifle. Compared to other thermal scopes I’ve used, it felt noticeably more streamlined and balanced.

I considered the Trijicon REAP-IR and the Pulsar Thermion XP50 Pro, but the Zeus 336 won me over with its competitive price point and a feature set that seemed perfectly tailored to my needs. The intuitive drop-down user interface and the promise of easy installation were also major selling points. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism, eager to see if its real-world performance matched the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle during a nighttime hog hunt on my property in central Texas. The terrain is a mix of dense brush and open fields, making target identification challenging even with good night vision. The weather was cool and damp, with a light drizzle adding another layer of complexity.

The Zeus 336 excelled in these challenging conditions. Even in the dense brush, the thermal imaging clearly revealed the heat signatures of the hogs, allowing for quick and accurate target identification. The damp conditions didn’t seem to affect its performance at all.

The learning curve was minimal. The intuitive drop-down user interface made it easy to adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and color palettes. The quick-release mount allowed for easy and secure attachment to my AR-15 rifle. One minor issue was the wireless remote switch, which took a little fiddling to pair initially, but worked flawlessly afterward.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle has proven to be a reliable and effective tool. It has held its zero consistently, even after repeated recoil from my AR-15. There are no signs of wear and tear.

Maintenance has been simple. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each use is all that’s needed to keep the lens and housing clean. Compared to my previous experiences with less-advanced night vision optics, the Zeus 336 offers a significant improvement in both performance and ease of use. It outperforms them significantly in range and image clarity.

Breaking Down the Features of REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle

Specifications

The REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle boasts impressive specifications. It features a 336×256 pixel array format, providing a clear and detailed thermal image. The Armasight Zeus 336 uses the latest Tau 2 17-micron uncooled FLIR core technology.

The optical magnification is 3.4x in PAL format and 2.8x in NTSC. The display type is an AMOLED SVGA 800×600, offering a crisp and vibrant image. It supports both NTSC and PAL formats and offers fast 30Hz or 60Hz imaging.

Digital e-zoom options include 1x, 2x, and 4x, further enhancing target identification. Multiple color modes are available, including White Hot, Black Hot, and Rainbow. Six onboard digitally controlled reticle patterns are available, including Dot 4 MOA, Line Dot, and Crosshair. The unit is constructed from CNC machined aircraft-aluminum alloy, ensuring durability and reliability.

Why these specifications matter: The high-resolution pixel array and advanced FLIR core technology contribute to exceptional image clarity and detail. The multiple zoom options and reticle patterns offer versatility for different shooting scenarios. The rugged construction ensures that the scope can withstand the rigors of field use.

Performance & Functionality

The REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle performs exceptionally well in low-light and no-light conditions. The Active Contrast Enhancement (ACE) and Second Generation Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE) algorithms significantly improve image clarity and detail. Smart Scene Optimization (SSO) enhances target recognition in environments where thermal signatures are similar to the background.

The Automatic Gain Control (AGC) automatically adjusts the gain to optimize the image. The User-Controlled Manual Non-Uniformity Correction/Flat-Field Correction (UCMNUC/FFC) and Silent Shutterless NUC (SSN) ensure image uniformity and reduce noise. The Zeus 336 offers accurate target acquisition and reliable performance in a variety of conditions.

Its strengths include its long detection range, clear image quality, and intuitive controls. A minor weakness is the battery life, which can be extended with an optional external battery pack. Overall, the Armasight Zeus 336 exceeds expectations in terms of performance and functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle is designed with ergonomics in mind. The CNC machined aircraft-aluminum alloy construction feels solid and durable. Its relatively compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle and mount on a variety of rifles.

The intuitive drop-down user interface makes it easy to navigate the various settings and features. The quick-release mount allows for easy and secure attachment to a MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny Rail). The unit also includes integral MIL-STD-1913 Rails for attaching additional accessories. The design is user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle is built to last. The CNC machined aircraft-aluminum alloy housing is resistant to scratches, dents, and other forms of damage. The internal components are well-protected from the elements.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning of the lens and housing with a soft cloth is all that’s typically required. The rugged construction and simple maintenance procedures suggest that the Zeus 336 will provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle comes with several useful accessories. It includes a wireless remote control for tactical operations. It has video output / Optional video recorder with onboard replay.

The integral MIL-STD-1913 Rails on the unit allows for optional day optics or accessories. An extended operation time with optional external battery power supply is available. The Armasight Zeus 336 is compatible with a wide range of Picatinny rail-mounted accessories.

Pros and Cons of REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle

Who Should Buy REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle?

The REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle is perfect for hunters, particularly those who hunt at night or in low-light conditions. It is ideal for law enforcement and military personnel who require a reliable thermal imaging weapon sight for tactical operations. It is also suitable for farmers and ranchers who need to control feral hogs or other pests at night.

This product may not be necessary for casual shooters who primarily use their rifles during daylight hours. It is also a significant investment, so it may not be suitable for those on a tight budget. A must-have accessory is the optional external battery pack to extend the operating time.

Conclusion on REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle

In summary, the REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle is a high-performance thermal imaging weapon sight that delivers exceptional clarity, reliability, and versatility. Its compact design, intuitive controls, and advanced imaging algorithms make it a valuable asset for anyone who needs to see in the dark.

The price is justified by the superior performance and advanced features offered. It offers a significant advantage over traditional night vision. I would highly recommend the Armasight Zeus 336 to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line thermal imaging solution.

Don’t let the darkness limit your capabilities. Invest in the REARMED, Armasight Zeus 336 Thermal Imaging Rifle and experience the difference for yourself!