As an avid hunter who’s spent countless nights stalking prey under starlit skies, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with night vision scopes. But let me tell you, the Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Riflescope is in a league of its own. This versatile day/night optic has quickly become my go-to for everything from coyote hunting to hog control. If you’re in the market for a high-performance digital scope that won’t break the bank, you’ll definitely want to keep reading.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Wraith HD makes a strong impression. Its solid construction and sleek design hint at the cutting-edge technology packed inside. Weighing in at 36.3 ounces, it’s certainly not the lightest scope I’ve used, but the extra heft translates to rugged durability in the field.
The scope comes with everything you need to get started, including a removable IR illuminator, Picatinny mount, and even batteries. Speaking of batteries, the Wraith runs on 4 standard AA’s – a huge plus in my book. No need to hunt down obscure battery types or worry about recharging in the field.
Crystal Clear Optics Day or Night
The heart of the Wraith HD is its advanced 1920×1080 HD sensor. In daylight, this translates to vivid, full-color imagery that rivals traditional high-end scopes. The 4-32x magnification range gives you plenty of flexibility, whether you’re scanning wide open terrain or zooming in for precision shot placement.
But it’s after sunset that the Wraith HD really shines (pun intended). With the push of a button, you can switch to night vision mode, choosing between classic green or black and white display options.
The included 850nm IR illuminator provides detection out to an impressive 200 yards – more than enough for most night hunting scenarios.
One night while targeting a particularly wily coyote, I was able to clearly spot my quarry at nearly 250 yards thanks to the Wraith’s excellent low-light performance. The crisp image quality allowed for a clean, ethical shot that would have been impossible with lesser optics.
Customization is King
One of my favorite features of the Wraith HD is its incredible versatility. With 10 reticle options and 9 color choices, you can fine-tune your aiming point for any situation. I tend to favor a simple red dot for close-range hog hunting, while switching to a more complex holdover reticle for longer shots on coyotes.
The scope also allows you to save up to 5 weapon profiles, making it a breeze to swap between different rifles or loads. This came in particularly handy during a recent hunt where I was alternating between my .223 AR for coyotes and a .308 bolt gun for larger hogs.
Built-in Video Recording
In today’s social media-driven world, being able to easily capture and share your hunting adventures is a big plus. The Wraith HD comes equipped with a built-in video recorder, allowing you to save footage directly to a micro SD card (up to 64GB, not included).
I’ve used this feature to review my own shooting form, create hunting highlights for YouTube, and even provide evidence for predator control programs. Just be aware that the video quality (720p) isn’t quite as sharp as the actual scope image – but it’s more than adequate for most purposes.
Room for Improvement
While the Wraith HD is an excellent scope overall, there are a few minor quibbles worth mentioning. The eye relief (2.4 inches) is a bit on the short side, which can make for a tight fit on some rifle setups. I’ve found that careful mounting and proper cheek weld are crucial for comfortable, consistent use.
Additionally, battery life, while decent at around 4.5 hours, could be better. I always make sure to pack spare AA’s for extended outings. The external Micro USB port for auxiliary power is a nice touch, though I haven’t found myself using it much in the field.
The Verdict
After extensive use in a variety of hunting scenarios, I can confidently say the Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Riflescope is a winner. It offers an impressive combination of features, performance, and value that’s hard to beat in the sub-$1000 price range.
For the night hunter looking to upgrade their optics without taking out a second mortgage, the Wraith HD is an excellent choice. Its versatility as both a day and night scope makes it a true workhorse that can handle just about any hunting situation you throw at it.
So, if you’re ready to take your night hunting game to the next level, give the Sightmark Wraith HD a serious look. Your future self (and your hunting buddies) will thank you when you’re consistently filling tags while others are left squinting into the darkness. Happy hunting!