Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16x35 Thermal Riflescope: Full Review

one of the first questions people ask about thermals is how they differ from night vision goggles (NVG). Most understand that thermals detect heat variations and night vision devices (NVD) detect infrared (IR) light. However, there are performance differences.

NVGs have dominated the nighttime shooting scene. They usually cost less than thermals and offer desired performance in a smaller package. NVDs use optical tubes that amplify IR light. The construction of these tubes hasn’t changed much in the last 25 years, and the military has been funding the development of NVD technology since World War II. However, since the Global War on Terror began, the military saw the limitations of using NVGs exclusively, and it started turning to thermal optics more frequently. 

NVGs are great for navigation because IR light is ambient and works much like visible light. The problem is IR light produces shadows, just like daylight. Targets that don’t move around much, that are inside buildings, or that are in dense vegetation are difficult to spot. The fix was using thermals to see the heat that radiates from potential threats.

The early days of thermal sights on the battlefield meant large, expensive devices. The technology was prohibitive to just about everyone outside of the military special operations community. 

Thermal sights don’t use the same optical tubes that NVDs use. Thermal sights require chips and sensors. The revolution in chip production in the past 15 years has shrunk electronic packages while simultaneously making them more affordable and more powerful.

One of the best ways of thinking about thermal sights is to realize that they are advancing almost as fast as personal computers. This is great from a performance and cost perspective, but it also means that an expensive thermal purchased today will likely depreciate aggressively in the next several years. My philosophy on thermals is, since my life no longer depends on cutting edge performance, thermals are a luxury item. How much I’m willing to spend is corresponds to how often I expect to use it and how much satisfaction it will provide.

The least expensive thermal that I’ve found offering great performance for the price is Sightmark’s Wraith Mini. The resolution comes from a 384x288 thermal sensor, and this model features a 2X optical magnification. Combining the optical magnification with the 1X to ­8X digital magnification, the overall range is 2X-­16X. The combination of resolution, optical and digital magnification means that this thermal is ideal for hunting when shots are usually within 200 yards.

More optical magnification is desirable for longer shots because the image seen in the thermal will be enlarged with no pixelation. Digital magnification zooms in on the image coming from the sensor. A 384x288 thermal sensor in this sight is a good-­size that pairs well with the 2X optical magnification. However, it does start to pixelate as the distance to the target increases, and when the digital zoom takes the magnification up to the top end of the range. The sweet spot for the Wraith Mini Thermal is 200 yards or so for coyotes, hogs and deer and 150 yards or less for smaller critters such as raccoons and jackrabbits.

The Wraith is small and light, weighing about 19 ounces. It comes with a Picatinny rail mount attached, and it uses a single ½-­inch nut to secure it. The Wraith is threaded for Sightmark’s proprietary footprint, but an ADM QD mount is available. I tested the Wraith with a LaRue mount, which worked fine. To note, the sight height of the Wraith is near 1.8 inches, so it is ideal for use on an AR-­pattern rifle. (It is also rated for .308 Winchester recoil.) Using the Wraith on a bolt-­action rifle requires the Wraith Long Mount sold by Sightmark for $50. It lowers the thermal and is cantilevered off the rear of the action, pulling the optic closer to the shooter’s face. The best eye relief on the Wraith is at about 21/2 inches, so the cantilevered mount is almost necessary for non-­collapsible stocks on bolt-­action rifles.

The Wraith Mini Thermal has a diopter adjustment that allows the shooter to focus the display to their eye, and there is also an objective focus ring with a quick-focus throw lever. Unlike traditional scopes, thermal and NVDs need to be focused on the target frequently for best visibility and resolution.

A single round interface is located on top of the optic. It has the power button in the center surrounded by four push-­points arranged in a circle around it. Press and hold the power button to start it up, and give it another quick press to open up a menu. It’s easily navigable using the buttons. Push and hold the left button to cycle through the five different color palettes, or use the menu to choose from 10 different reticles and nine reticle colors. The Wraith also records audio and video to a mini-­SD card.

The Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal is an excellent introduction to thermal sights. This optic is small enough that it can even be used as a hand­held to scan for targets, or it can be mounted to almost any rifle given you are using a compatible mount.

Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-­16x35mm Thermal Riflescope

• Power: 2X to 16X
• Objective: 35mm
• Sensor Size: 384x288
• Display Resolution: 1024x768
• Power Source: Two (2) CR123A batteries or external battery pack
• Run Time: 4.5 hours (w/ 2 CR123A batteries)
• Reticle: 10 options, menu selectable
• Length: 6.65 in.
• Weight: 1 lb., 3.3 oz.
• Eye Relief: 2.5 inches
• MSRP: $1,500
• Manufacturer: Sightmark, 817-­225-­0310, sightmark.com

---