Armasight sidekick 640 review

cockrill

cockrill

Sponsor


One of our team members doing a review in his area in Montana.

He got better results that some others have reported. But higher elevations and cooler climates usually get better thermal image results !

More to come on these newly released monoculars. I think we can at least safely say they stomp the breach and for only a few hundred more MSRP.

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More info:

strictlyoffensivekit.com

Sidekick 640 Mini Thermal Monocular

In Stock!! Discounted at checkout. This item pairs well with the Rayvn Bridge we also carry. DESCRIPTION The Sidekick 640 is the smallest fully multi-functional 12-micron 640 thermal imaging monocular on the market. This unit boasts a fast 60Hz frame rate for smooth operation and industry-best...
strictlyoffensivekit.com strictlyoffensivekit.com
 
Ok, outside at 25F with two c123 panasonic primaries ran for 6.5 hrs .
Test one complete.

I have one of the initial release sidekicks.

We also have now received some of the second release, upgraded sidekicks that address the so called "lag" issue (I call it "jerky"). Turns out this upgrade will require us to return to Armasight for adjustment. Contact their support to schedule an RMA if you need this upgrade.

On my sidekick, the image seems fine with factory settings, except when I pan, then its jerky. Once I stop panning it settles down quickly. Most thermals fuzz up a little when I pan, but the sidekick's "jerkiness" is worse than others. But again, this is the aspect I suspect they are addressing with the upgrade.

More testing to come.
 
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What do I need to get this mounted?
IMG_1845.jpeg
 
If all you want to do is mount the one sidekick to your wilcox mount, then you want this ...

www.modarmory.com

MOD Armory J Arm Adapter for Flir Breach PTQ136, MUM (Multi-Use Monocular), Mini-14, GT-14 - MOD Armory

MOD Armory J Arm Adapter for Flir Breach PTQ136, MUM (Multi-Use Monocular), Mini-14, GT-14. Available in both bayonet and dovetail, this friction set mount allows for fast, easy, travel from left to right eye.
www.modarmory.com www.modarmory.com

That's a mum interface (what the sidekick has) with a dove tail on top (what mates to the wilcox mount.
 
cockrill said:


One of our team members doing a review in his area in Montana.

He got better results that some others have reported. But higher elevations and cooler climates usually get better thermal image results !

More to come on these newly released monoculars. I think we can at least safely say they stomp the breach and for only a few hundred more MSRP.

==

More info:

strictlyoffensivekit.com

Sidekick 640 Mini Thermal Monocular

In Stock!! Discounted at checkout. This item pairs well with the Rayvn Bridge we also carry. DESCRIPTION The Sidekick 640 is the smallest fully multi-functional 12-micron 640 thermal imaging monocular on the market. This unit boasts a fast 60Hz frame rate for smooth operation and industry-best...
strictlyoffensivekit.com strictlyoffensivekit.com
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Why not say what the temperature is immediately as to me that’s the most important thing???
 
We received this this morning from Armasight, another update on the Sidekick upgrade.

ot off the press from Armasight:





We’ve released a new version of our Sidekick 640 software. In about two weeks, the firmware will be available on the Armasight website for registered owners to download and add to their device, though some units will need to come back for recalibration in order to properly benefit from the improvements in this version. We encourage customers to reach out to us at support@armasight.com for more assistance.



The next release with improvements and bug fixes is expected later in Q1. I will share release notes on the Sidekick 320 software when it is approved for release.



Sidekick 640 v5064 – 1/18/2024

  • New image processing algorithms providing improved image quality and reduced “lag”
  • Updated presets (default settings) for white hot and black hot
  • Reduced initial start-up time
  • Reduced frequency of NUC and related slowdown
  • Fixed a bug that could cause screen tear in some recordings
  • Fixed a bug preventing operation in extremely low temperatures
  • Fixed a bug that could cause visual artifacts on splash screen


Anyone interested in learning how to update their unit can reach out to support@armasight.com.
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I've followed this product very very closely since way before the release and its really impressive to see Armasight striving to make this new scanner as best as it can possibly be.

Its also worth mentioning that a MAJOR driving force of improvement is DIRECTLY from SOKs involvement in wanting the best for their customers.

This Sidekick looks to be evolving into a great option for a HMT and we are fortunate to have SOK not just as a site sponser, but a VERY committed thermal dealer that strives to push manufacturers for better products that benefits all of us!

Thanks for the update, looking forward to seeing the new improvements!
 
SOK - Strictly Offensive Kit is simply a great thermal dealer. What the hell does Strictly Offensive Kit mean…

Anyways, there is Joe and Preston at SOK. I purchased an N-Vision Halo several years ago and out of the box it was blurry. I text Preston on a Sunday morning and he responded saying he would get this resolved and he did.

I’ve spoken with Joe (Cockrill) on the phone more than once. Dude is a wealth of thermal information.

If your gonna spend several thousands of dollars on thermal and something doesn’t go right you can be assured these guys will have your back.

Only doubt I ever had about SOK was why wasn’t Preston in church on Sunday morning 🙂
 
A shoutout to SOK. I ordered a Sidekick 640 on 11 January. 12 January Preston sent an email explaining although they ship daily there is a software update coming out. All the units they currently had in stock would need to be updated. Rather than just send me a unit he said Armasight was shipping them updated units. This would prevent me from getting a unit then turning right around and sending it to armasight for the update.
This is why I choose companies that participate in forums. They look out for their customers. Other companies who might save you a little money would just make a sale and be done with everything associated with the sale. Making a decision to spend our hard on dollars on this type of equipment hurts for a while but knowing a company stands behind the sales eases that hurt a little. You won’t always get the answer you want but at least they do their best to make things right.
Thanks Preston!! I’ll wait patiently.

Dino
 
How does this compare to the MH25? Is the Iray worth the extra grand? How far away can you spot a coyote? I have a SY 640 scope and agm taipan tm19 384 currently. Really want to get into a helmet setup, as I have shoulder problems and scanning by hand is getting to the point it’s taking away the enjoyment of my coyote hunting. My average engagement range is under 300 yards and rarely do I ever set up in a manner I give the coyotes the ability to hang up beyond 250 yards. I want to be able to use this for seeing them come out into the field and go to scope to shoot.
 
Preston here, checking in late.

Really REALLY appreciate all the kind words. Joe and I take pride in customers service, and it's not lost on us that you have lots of places and options to spend your hard earned money. We greatly value each of you for the opportunity to share our experiences to help you make a product decision, wether from us or not.

For those wondering what Strictly Offensive Kit (SOK) means: It's a double entendre to a degree. We only sell offensive gear, always on offense against our target predators and crop destroyers. Some people feel what we as hunters do is offensive; we recognize and take pride in our actions even when others only see one side of the coin. Kit is the collective gear used. When it all comes together, it becomes the three words of our brand.

As for church, @capitol makes a strong point. Noted. :)

We expect to have updated units as early as Monday. Will share some perspective when they arrive and the sun goes down.

Happy hunting ya'll,

Preston
 
SkyScrapin said:
Preston here, checking in late.

Really REALLY appreciate all the kind words. Joe and I take pride in customers service, and it's not lost on us that you have lots of places and options to spend your hard earned money. We greatly value each of you for the opportunity to share our experiences to help you make a product decision, wether from us or not.

For those wondering what Strictly Offensive Kit (SOK) means: It's a double entendre to a degree. We only sell offensive gear, always on offense against our target predators and crop destroyers. Some people feel what we as hunters do is offensive; we recognize and take pride in our actions even when others only see one side of the coin. Kit is the collective gear used. When it all comes together, it becomes the three words of our brand.

As for church, @capitol makes a strong point. Noted. :)

We expect to have updated units as early as Monday. Will share some perspective when they arrive and the sun goes down.

Happy hunting ya'll,

Preston
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And post like that is what separates top notch dealers and fly by night drop shippers that don't hunt or use the products they sell, only chasing a dollar.

Thanks for stopping in Preston and looking forward to hearing of the improvements.
 
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