Symbiote Night Vision & Thermal Bridge Review

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

The Symbiote Night Vision & Thermal Bridge offers the most adjustability and compatibility of any NV bridge currently on the market. It was designed to address these issues, which are a common problem in the world of helmet-mounted night vision and thermal devices. While most bridges on the market simply hold two units side by side, the Symbiote ensures full adjustability on all three axes—X, Y, and Z—allowing users to fine-tune their setup for ideal optical alignment. Whether pairing a PVS-14 with a thermal monocular or running dual night vision, the Symbiote provides an unmatched seamless experience.

Unboxing the Symbiote

The Symbiote comes fully equipped with everything needed for a plug-and-play experience:

• J-Arms (2)
• Mini Rail Adapter
• Modular Dovetail Adapter
• Panoramic Arms
• Height Adjustment Spacers (3)
• Hex Keys (3)

Gone are the days of hunting down separate adapters—this package includes all the necessary components to get started immediately.

Adjustability: Getting the Right Fit

Not all eyes are spaced the same, and the Symbiote takes this into account with its extensive adjustability. Many bridges rely on radial arms that pivot, which often results in misaligned optics. The Symbiote allows users to dial in their pupillary distance (IPD) and vertical alignment so that both devices sit squarely in front of the eyes. This is especially crucial when using thermal monoculars with text-based menus that must remain level for readability.

The system also includes fore and aft adjustments, enabling users to fine-tune the positioning of their optics to match their personal viewing preferences. This makes transitioning between different units and configurations far easier than with standard bridges. With previous bridges I have used, the eyepieces between my RH25 thermal and PVS14 have not been aligned. This caused eye strain and was not ideal. Being able to adjust this on the Symbiote has been my favorite feature of this bridge.

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This bridge also has pano abilities. While I don’t care to use this when pairing NV with thermal, I have used it with two PVS14’s and the increased field of view is amazing. Having the option do this is a big plus in my mind.

Articulating NV Bridge On the Symbiote

Lastly and most importantly, the Symbiote is an articulating NV bridge. Simply put, it connects two monoculars, allowing independent movement for stowing and adjustment. Running thermal and NV I use this feature all the time. It is easy to pull thermal down and stow NV up out of the way, or vice versa if I don’t want the mind games of trying to look through both at the same time. It also gives me the ability to rotate both devices up and out of my field of view without stowing them above my helmet. This keeps my helmet setup much more low profile and makes it much easier to walk through door frames or drive a vehicle.

Compatibility: One Bridge, Endless Configurations

One of the Symbiote’s biggest selling points is its universal compatibility. Unlike other bridges that require additional accessories or proprietary mounts, this system comes standard with everything needed to run a variety of setups. Included in the package are J-Arms, dovetail mounts, and mini rail adapters to accommodate different devices. Whether you’re running dual PVS-14s, a PVS-14 with a thermal like the RH25 V2, or even dual thermals, the Symbiote adapts to your needs.

Build Quality & Materials

Constructed from carbon fiber-reinforced nylon, the Symbiote avoids any unnecessary weight. At just 3.1 ounces (with hardware), it remains lightweight while offering robust performance. This material is resistant to heat and cold, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions. Stainless steel and brass hardware prevent corrosion, adding to its longevity. While in my hands, it does not feel nearly as rugged as metal housing, it has held up for my hunting trips so far. It also seems rather bulky compared to streamlined metal options. However, this is required to maintain the necessary strength.

Performance in Use

In real-world scenarios, the Symbiote delivers. The ability to fine-tune alignment results in a more comfortable viewing experience, reducing strain on the user’s eyes. The dovetail connections lock up tight, and adjustments are easy to make. The modular design also allows for a panoramic setup with dual PVS-14s, offering an expanded field of view for increased situational awareness. 

I have spent the entirety of my time with the Symbiote paired with an RH25 V2 and a Nocturn Industries Tanto (Lightweight PVS14). The thermal/night vision combo is a powerhouse and one that provides the best of both worlds.

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Throughout my testing, the only issue I had was that one of the articulating arms worked loose. While it didn’t get super loose, I just had to get an Allen wrench to torque it down a little more. After that, it has remained just right ever since. 

Final Thoughts On the Symbiote

The Symbiote Night Vision & Thermal Bridge is more than just another mounting solution—it’s a step forward in user customization and adaptability. Its lightweight construction, full-range adjustability, and broad compatibility set it apart from traditional bridges. Whether for hunters or night vision enthusiasts, this system offers an all-in-one solution for integrating night vision and thermal optics. While it doesn’t feel or appear as rugged as metal bridges, the carbon fiber-reinforced nylon Symbiote weighs only 3.1 ounces. Plus, it comes with all the adapters you may need for various NV and thermal configurations. The Symbiote from Arkayne has an MSRP of $449. For those who prioritize adjustability and optimizing their dual-band setup, the Symbiote is a bridge worth considering.

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