Estimated studying time: 7 minutes
The Symbiote Night time Imaginative and prescient & Thermal Bridge affords probably the most adjustability and compatibility of any NV bridge at the moment in the marketplace. It was designed to deal with these points, that are a typical downside in the world of helmet-mounted evening imaginative and prescient and thermal units. Whereas most bridges in the marketplace merely maintain two models aspect by aspect, the Symbiote ensures full adjustability on all three axes—X, Y, and Z—permitting customers to fine-tune their setup for best optical alignment. Whether or not pairing a PVS-14 with a thermal monocular or working twin evening imaginative and prescient, the Symbiote gives an unmatched seamless expertise.
Unboxing the Symbiote
The Symbiote comes totally outfitted with every little thing wanted for a plug-and-play expertise:
J-Arms (2) Mini Rail Adapter Modular Dovetail Adapter Panoramic Arms Top Adjustment Spacers (3) Hex Keys (3)
Gone are the times of looking down separate adapters—this package deal consists of all the mandatory parts to get began instantly.
Adjustability: Getting the Proper Match
Not all eyes are spaced the identical, and the Symbiote takes this into consideration with its in depth adjustability. Many bridges depend on radial arms that pivot, which regularly ends in misaligned optics. The Symbiote permits customers to dial in their pupillary distance (IPD) and vertical alignment in order that each units sit squarely in entrance of the eyes. That is particularly essential when utilizing thermal monoculars with text-based menus that should stay degree for readability.
The system additionally consists of fore and aft changes, enabling customers to fine-tune the positioning of their optics to match their private viewing preferences. This makes transitioning between totally different models and configurations far simpler than with customary bridges. With earlier bridges I’ve used, the eyepieces between my RH25 thermal and PVS14 haven’t been aligned. This induced eye pressure and was not best. With the ability to modify this on the Symbiote has been my favourite characteristic of this bridge.
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This bridge additionally has pano talents. Whereas I don’t care to make use of this when pairing NV with thermal, I’ve used it with two PVS14’s and the elevated area of view is wonderful. Having the choice do it is a large plus in my thoughts.
Articulating NV Bridge On the Symbiote
Lastly and most significantly, the Symbiote is an articulating NV bridge. Merely put, it connects two monoculars, permitting unbiased motion for stowing and adjustment. Working thermal and NV I exploit this characteristic on a regular basis. It’s simple to tug thermal down and stow NV up out of the way in which, or vice versa if I don’t need the thoughts video games of attempting to look by way of each on the similar time. It additionally provides me the power to rotate each units up and out of my area of view with out stowing them above my helmet. This retains my helmet setup rather more low profile and makes it a lot simpler to stroll by way of door frames or drive a automobile.
Compatibility: One Bridge, Countless Configurations
One of many Symbiote’s largest promoting factors is its common compatibility. Not like different bridges that require extra equipment or proprietary mounts, this technique comes customary with every little thing wanted to run quite a lot of setups. Included within the package deal are J-Arms, dovetail mounts, and mini rail adapters to accommodate totally different units. Whether or not you’re working twin PVS-14s, a PVS-14 with a thermal just like the RH25 V2, and even twin thermals, the Symbiote adapts to your wants.
Construct High quality & Supplies
Constructed from carbon fiber-reinforced nylon, the Symbiote avoids any pointless weight. At simply 3.1 ounces (with {hardware}), it stays light-weight whereas providing strong efficiency. This materials is immune to warmth and chilly, guaranteeing reliability in excessive situations. Stainless-steel and brass {hardware} forestall corrosion, including to its longevity. Whereas in my palms, it doesn’t really feel almost as rugged as metallic housing, it has held up for my looking journeys to this point. It additionally appears relatively cumbersome in comparison with streamlined metallic choices. Nevertheless, that is required to take care of the mandatory power.
Efficiency in Use
In real-world situations, the Symbiote delivers. The flexibility to fine-tune alignment ends in a extra comfy viewing expertise, lowering pressure on the consumer’s eyes. The dovetail connections lock up tight, and changes are simple to make. The modular design additionally permits for a panoramic setup with twin PVS-14s, providing an expanded area of view for elevated situational consciousness.Â
I’ve spent the whole lot of my time with the Symbiote paired with an RH25 V2 and a Nocturn Industries Tanto (Light-weight PVS14). The thermal/evening imaginative and prescient combo is a powerhouse and one that gives the very best of each worlds.
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All through my testing, the one concern I had was that one of many articulating arms labored free. Whereas it didn’t get tremendous free, I simply needed to get an Allen wrench to torque it down a bit extra. After that, it has remained excellent ever since.Â
Ultimate Ideas On the Symbiote
The Symbiote Night time Imaginative and prescient & Thermal Bridge is extra than simply one other mounting resolution—it’s a step ahead in consumer customization and adaptableness. Its light-weight building, full-range adjustability, and broad compatibility set it other than conventional bridges. Whether or not for hunters or evening imaginative and prescient lovers, this technique affords an all-in-one resolution for integrating evening imaginative and prescient and thermal optics. Whereas it doesn’t really feel or seem as rugged as metallic bridges, the carbon fiber-reinforced nylon Symbiote weighs solely 3.1 ounces. Plus, it comes with all of the adapters you might want for numerous NV and thermal configurations. The Symbiote from Arkayne has an MSRP of $449. For many who prioritize adjustability and optimizing their dual-band setup, the Symbiote is a bridge price contemplating.
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Mitchell Graf is a devoted hunter, aggressive shooter, and firearms fanatic. As a former teacher and president of Oklahoma State’s Sensible Taking pictures Crew, he has a powerful basis in marksmanship and competitors taking pictures. As of late, he spends as a lot time as potential chasing pigs and coyotes with evening imaginative and prescient and thermal optics.
When he’s not within the area or on the vary, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer within the Aerospace and Protection trade and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether or not he’s behind a rifle, designing components, or working the land, his drive for precision and efficiency stays the identical.
Expertise:– Mechanical Engineer – Full-time skilled within the Aerospace/Protection trade.– Aggressive Shooter & Teacher – Former President and Teacher of Oklahoma State’s Sensible Taking pictures Crew.– Night time Imaginative and prescient & Thermal Hunter – Obsessed with evening time predator and hog looking.– Half-Time Farmer – Working to offer for my household, and lift meals for this nice nation.
