We have been lucky enough to do some extensive testing with the Armasight Sidekick over the last couple of weeks. We have tested this in both an urban situation as well as out at the farm while chasing coyotes and raccoons. While the critters got away from us, the impression of the Armasight Sidekick 320 was not lost on us.
Introduction to the Armasight Sidekick
The Sidekick 320 is the smallest fully multi-functional 12-micron 320 thermal imaging monocular on the market. At a price point of under $2300, this unit is worth taking a look at. The Sidekick 320 boasts a 60Hz frame rate; you can clearly see the advantages of this looking through the unit. We have even taken this with us on our nightly dog walks, and I can clearly see Miko when we throw the ball in the field. We have a glow in the dark ball we can throw about a hundred yards. I toss this ball out and send Miko way out and back, and I can watch her through the unit the entire time. She is a black dog, so at night I cannot see her; I lose her without the unit. The unit weighs 210 grams, so it is incredibly light. You can use it as both a handheld unit or you can mount it with the built-in mini-rail for hands-free operation mounted to a helmet. OLED display provides a crisp image, and the button controls are easy to control the unit. It takes some time to learn how it all works, so give it some time. When you get in the field, the time you spent learning will pay off exponentially.
Armasight Sidekick 320 Features
- Multiple Color Palettes
- Intuitive 3-Button Control
- 1.5h Runtime on 1 x CR123A Battery, 5.5h on 2 Batteries with Included Battery Extender
- Image Detail Enhancement
- Dovetail Mini-Rail Included for Helmet Mounting (with Optional Mount)
- Works with Rayvn Group Modular Bridge Mount for Helmet-Mounting with PVS-14, MNVD, or Second Sidekick (sold separately)
- Ability to Shift Thermal Image to Collimate Sidekick Image with NVD when Bridged
- Video Recording & Image Capture
- USB Video Stream
- USB-C Interface for External Devices
- Compass
- Battery Status Indicator
- ULTEM Composite Body and Ergonomic Design
- Designed and Assembled in the USA from U.S. and Global Component
Package Includes
- Sidekick 320 Mini Thermal Monocular
- 2 x CR123A Battery
- USB-C Cable
- Lens Cloth
- Soft Case
- Product Manual
Compact Design
The beauty of this unit is its small size and light weight. It is easy to use, and the buttons line up to your fingers easily for manipulation. The eye-cup blocks out light. The entire unit fits easily in the pocket of your hoodie, so it is easy to carry with you. The unit weighs 210 grams, so it is convenient to have with you anytime you are out after dark. Sitting in the feed lot and seeing a coyote or a coon with this unit is so incredibly cool. Of course, watching Miko walk around with this unit in the dark is just eye-popping.
Hands-Free Functionality: The Benefits of Helmet Mount Usage
Seeing in the dark is already one of the coolest things you can do. It gives you this feeling of confidence you have never really had in the outdoors at night without technology like this. Mounting the Sidekick 320 to a helmet with the Rayvn Group Modular Bridge Mount is simply epic. You can walk around with this unit mounted on to a helmet and see everything. It is easy to flip up and get it out of your way. It takes a little effort to figure out how to mount it and get it set, but once you do it, it is super cool. Once I had it mounted, I took a two-mile walk just exploring with the unit. One of the features that I like about this unit is that it has a very large field of view and it allows me to see far and wide without clouding my vision. I can see everything for about a hundred yards or so very clearly, and I can see animals like coyotes, rabbits and coons as well as my dog easily. It is incredibly easy to get closer to animals at night without spooking them by keeping still and making very slow movements.
Video and Image Capture
The Sidekick 320 allows image capturing and video recording which can be pretty handy. It takes a little bit of learning how to navigate through to the image and video capture, but once you learn it, it is pretty easy to utilize in the field. The video is clear, as are the images. The opportunity to share what you see at night in a unit this reasonable is an absolute game changer. It is awesome fun to come back from a walk having seen foxes, coons, cats and such in my neighborhood. also pretty cool to sit on a park bench and watch people interact. In a hunting situation, it’s always good to have this kind of back-up video capture. In a tactical or dangerous situation, it might be life saving.
Color Pallets and Image Enhancements
The ability of the Sidekick 320 to offer color pallets and image enhancements is a game changer for a unit of this size. Options include White Hot, Black Hot, Rainbow, Target and Sepia. Each of these provide a different look and feel. Taking your time and testing the various pallets allow you to figure out how best to utilize each of these color patterns and enhancements to the best of your ability. I have found that when I am indoors the sepia works best, and when I am tracking animals on clear nights, I see them best utilizing white hot or rainbow. I am learning more and more as I spend time with this unit.
American Made
The Armasight Sidekick is designed and made in the United States. It gives me pride to know that I am using a tool that is American-made and by a company that stands behind its product. The Sidekick is well thought out and designed by a fantastic team and it shows. The battery extension on this is well thought out; the weight and the feel, but most importantly how well it transitions from handheld to helmet mounted which is spectacular. This is a tool that is useful for a whole lot more than just the hunting and tactical market.
Conclusion
The Armasight Sidekick 320 was and is on loan to us, however I will purchase this unit to add to my personal tool kit. It quickly would get integrated into my daily use and travel inside the United States. Camping, hiking, predator hunting, living and having the confidence to know what is around me in the dark gives me options. Understanding the dark allows you to avoid situations that are dangerous and see what you need to in order to make informed decisions. The Sidekick 320 is a like a good friend that you want with you and around you at all times.
