REVIEW: EOTech X320 thermal imaging device

Eternal darkness, that used to be the idea of damnation. Today, no one fears it anymore. Much rather, the protective cloak of the night is no longer what it used to be. Night vision devices have contributed to this, turning night into day. But even worse are thermal imaging devices, which make hiding very difficult. From EOTech a small, light and affordable thermal imaging device has now come onto the market, the X320, which is available in Germany at I-A-E Mil Optics which we were able to test for you.

The compact case contains the device, connection cable to the computer, CD with software, securing strap and batteries.

You can immediately see how compact the X320 is when the thermal imaging device is in hand. It's like a small binoculars with only 380 g, with the difference that it sees heat.

And this is what you see when you look through: here the thermal image is set to "white hot", so heat is displayed in white color (and shades of gray). You can also switch to "black hot" or to a colored view by clicking on the control dial. Through the computer, the owner can configure the colored view so that certain temperature ranges are displayed in any color. The screen itself is about the size of a postage stamp (resolution of 320 x 240), but is completely sufficient. Since the view through is hard to explain and a video says more than 1,000 words, we have attached the EOTech product video for the X320 at the end.

Here is another view of the compact device. On the underside there is a tripod mount, so that the user can screw the X320 onto a tripod. This has advantages for observing, as it allows you to fix a specific field of view, or simply save your arms. However, the X320 can also be used handheld very well.

Front and back view of the device. The device is of course shockproof and splashproof.

On the back, next to the power and control button, the service port opens, so you can connect the device to the computer. On the other side is the battery compartment. The X320 easily takes two AA batteries (lithium batteries are recommended). These can be changed very quietly as well.

The battery life is around seven hours under optimal conditions, in cold weather, as with all battery-powered devices, of course, less. The X320 also has a digital zoom up to 4 times. Observation distances of up to 1,000m are possible with this device.

CONCLUSION: A user-friendly thermal imaging device at an almost friendly price, making the technology affordable. The target group for the X320 is clearly hunters, but also anyone else who needs to observe at night will enjoy it. The nice thing is: It works just as well during the day.

You can get the EOTech X320 thermal imaging device at I-A-E Mil Optics for 3580.00 euros excluding shipping. For authorities, I-A-E Mil Optics also offers the Thermal Eye X640 with a better resolution for around 5500€ (incl. VAT).