EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles
From Jakks

#14 Top Christmas Toys 2008 - EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles

Customer Reviews

See in the dark!4
We have all wanted to give night vision a try. Having seen it often enough in the movies and on television, we want to see if it really works. However, price keeps most night vision goggles well out of the range of casual interest. Enter the "EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Goggles".

Now, this is a toy more than anything else. Vision is extremely limited, and I can't imagine anyone using this for practical purposes. Once you have it on, it is hard to walk around, as your depth perception is distorted and you have no peripheral vision whatsoever. However, it is an extremely cool toy.

The night vision works amazingly! I tried it out in a pitch-black room, and I could see everything perfectly. It really is stunning. It reminds me of the first time I tried on a scuba tank, and the mere act of breathing underwater was so much fun. This is the same sensation. Just being able to see in the dark is a lot of fun, like you are in some sort of secret world outside of your everyday experiences. It is even a little spooky, wondering what might be there when the lights are off. Going outside is even cooler, being able to see animals that would otherwise be completely hidden.

There are two modes on the EyeClops, one which gives you a better field of vision but projects a red light so that you can be seen. The other mode is slightly impaired, but you get to be invisible. The screen can be switched from green to black-and-white, although there is no real advantage to either. It is just what you prefer.

If you are giving this as a gift to someone, be prepared that it is not useable right out of the box. It requires quite a few AA batteries, and a screwdriver is necessary to get it all set up. Other than that it is really easy to use. It is a little bulky, and heavy to where. Adults can have a great time with this, but I imagine if I was a young kid I would think this was the coolest thing ever.

And hey, it even sets you up for Borg costume for next Halloween!

Great Fun For Kids - Adult Supervision Required!4
Eye-Clops Night Vision is a very cool toy, but it does require adult supervision and some parental warnings. This is a state-of-the-art Night Vision Goggle that truly lets you see in two modes (green or black/white) in the complete dark up to 50 feet! The top and side straps allow a comfortable fit for any sized head. The left eye has an eyepiece that opens and closes to allow normal vision, but when closed, the right eye takes in all the night action. Note that this greatly diminishes the sense of perception.

There is the Maximum Surveillance Mode for seeing up to 50 feet (the nearly invisible red ring shows on the outside of the helmet) or the Close Proximity Stealth Mode. Both are amazingly clear. If you sit out long enough, you can not only see people, but cats and squirrels and other creatures roaming the darkness. It's very cool.

However, adult supervision is required. One should never ride a bike, skateboard or run with the goggles on for the lack of depth of perception and not being able to see with your peripheral vision. The view is a small square slot straight ahead. A very good idea is to carry a flashlight with you, in case you get lost or disoriented. But for simple fun, sneaking around and spying in the dark, kids will love these goggles. They will amaze adults, as well, but I wouldn't go walking around my neighborhood at night alone with these on! Too creepy for adults!

Amazing close-up night vision -- but not for running around (3+ stars)4
When I heard that the EyeClops Stealth Googles use real night vision technology, I thought, "I wish they had that when I was a kid!" I envisioned running around in the darkness, playing tag or Capture the Flag, and being able to see exactly where I was going. While this toy does indeed work as advertised, any kid running with it on is likely to get creamed. I see it more as a "spy in the dark" kind of toy.

The scope is a small square on the right eye, and you get a postage stamp view of the world -- or rather, what the world looks like through a window that small. The detail, within ten to fifteen feet is amazing; any farther than that, and it's difficult to make out what you're seeing. To move through a room, you have to look up and down, back and forth, just to make sure you don't run into anything. The left eye cover can open up, allowing you to see both real and night vision simultaneously, but that only helps if you aren't in complete darkness. And what fun is that? The kids who will love the EyeClops will be those who love the idea of seeing in the dark, who like to squirm around on their bellies like commandos, and who like to pretend that they have super powers. Super active kids, the type who can't stop running around, will be disappointed. This is a stationary or slow walk toy only. But it's still really, really cool.

The straps adjust to a variety of head sizes, from kid to adult. The unit takes five AA batteries (not included). The EyeClops has the option to see white or green night vision and a (barely noticeable) brightness control. Kids will like the cool, sci-fi look. And believe me, they will love slipping the goggles on when Mom and Dad turn out the lights.

Parents should also consider whether their child has a dominant right eye, since that's the only side with night vision. The goggles do slip over glasses, but any vision problems in the right eye will make the EyeClops a waste of money. 2 stars for field of vision; 5 stars for the night vision itself.

-- Debbie Lee Wesselmann

Product Description

Take covert operations to the dark side with this handheld unit that lets you see up to 20 feet in the dark. Powered by actual infra-red driven night vision technology, EyeClops Night Vision enables clear visibility in even complete, pitch dark environments. Become a night spy, investigate nocturnal activities in your house and take games like hide 'n seek to a whole new level. Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 10"L x 12"W x 7"H.

Features

  • Eyeclops night vision provides kids young and old with an authentic night vision experience like never before
  • Powered by actual infra-red driven night vision technology, EyeClops Night Vision enables clear visibility up to 50 feet in even complete, pitch dark environments
  • Conduct covert operations in your backyard, investigate nocturnal activities in your house and take games like hide n’ seek to a whole new level
  • See up to 50' in complete darkness
  • Eyeclops night vision lets you see in complete darkness

Top Christmas Toys and Gift Ideas 2008 List

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