2022 Thermal and Night Vision thread.

[RedYote]

Shot from a pulsar video

[sharkhunter]

Before I messaged Pulsar I thought I’d see if anybody has any other suggestions. I have an older Pulsar xp38 that is having some issues. How is pulsar on working on older scopes? I think this one is about 6 yrs old. I’m the second owner. It starts getting grainy vertical lines and the contrast gets bad. You have to pull the batteries to get it to reset and get a clear image again.

[bowtecmike]

Originally Posted by RedYote

Shot from a pulsar video

Are those piglets or coons under the feeder? How far away is the feeder?

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[RedYote]

Originally Posted by bowtecmike

Are those piglets or coons under the feeder? How far away is the feeder?

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Feeder is about 85 yards. 2 coons under it and one hanging from the varmint cage that is blending in with the trees. Shot the hog and 2 coons.

[El Paisano]

Originally Posted by Bazo

Lets talk Thermal Monocular.

I've been kicking the idea around about getting one because scanning through my scope on my rifle gets tiring after a while.

The 2 budget friendly option I have been looking at are the PULSAR AXION KEY XM30 2.5-10X THERMAL MONOCULAR or the AGM TAIPAN TM19-384 1.9-15.2X THERMAL MONOCULAR.

Who has which and how do you like them?

I use an older Sig unit mounted on part of a CO2 pistol handle.

[gingib]

Originally Posted by El Paisano

I use an older Sig unit mounted on part of a CO2 pistol handle.

I think I have seen it all now

[Outdoor Legacy]

Originally Posted by sharkhunter

Before I messaged Pulsar I thought I’d see if anybody has any other suggestions. I have an older Pulsar xp38 that is having some issues. How is pulsar on working on older scopes? I think this one is about 6 yrs old. I’m the second owner. It starts getting grainy vertical lines and the contrast gets bad. You have to pull the batteries to get it to reset and get a clear image again.

You'll just have to see what they say. Some of the more in depth repairs can't be done in the US and even if they can do a repair here, sometimes the parts for older models aren't available.

I'd contact them and see what they say. I wouldn't give it a very good chance they'll be able to help since it's out of warranty buy so long but fingers are crossed for you!

Jason

[Chompers]

Guys, I’m hooked! Picked up a Helion 2 scanner a couple months ago and let’s just say it snowballed. So I picked up a Ratlr 35 a couple weeks ago and thought I was happy but invited a friend out who had a Halo, but I can’t find stock anywhere so I’m waiting on delivery later today for a Trijicon IR-Hunter Type 2. 4 coyotes and about a dozen hogs since I got in the game and I love it.

[gingib]

Originally Posted by Chompers

Guys, I’m hooked! Picked up a Helion 2 scanner a couple months ago and let’s just say it snowballed. So I picked up a Ratlr 35 a couple weeks ago and thought I was happy but invited a friend out who had a Halo, but I can’t find stock anywhere so I’m waiting on delivery later today for a Trijicon IR-Hunter Type 2. 4 coyotes and about a dozen hogs since I got in the game and I love it.

This is why I always tell people to save more money!

They buy cheap and then sell and flip it and lose money

I just sold my Trijicon Reap and got an N Vision Halo 50x

[bass.deer]

I know very little about thermal so please bear with me on my questions. Can thermal scopes be used in daylight?

[RedYote]

Originally Posted by bass.deer

I know very little about thermal so please bear with me on my questions. Can thermal scopes be used in daylight?

Sure

[jofus]

Sounds like the iRay alpha’s will be available this month. Has anyone heard when, and if they’ll have a compatible LRF for it?

[gonehuntin68]

Originally Posted by TacticalCowboy

First time hunting with the Wraith 2x. I like the scope, but would like to upgrade the illuminator. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by J-Carp

Do you get a color light or IR. If IR which wave length? Using with a wraith…

Go with the IR 850. With the 50LRX IR 850 and wraith, you should be able to identify around 500 yards.

[Tejas Wildlife]

Originally Posted by gingib

I think I have seen it all now

Wait till you see the holster he made for it!! lol

[Outdoor Legacy]

Originally Posted by jofus

Sounds like the iRay alpha’s will be available this month. Has anyone heard when, and if they’ll have a compatible LRF for it?

There will not be a LRF for the Alpha. It was made without a picatinny rail mount on the left side for the add on LRF module.

Jason

[Black Ice]

I’ve got a Thermion 2 XP50 on a colt le901 .308 and it sucks scanning riding in a sxs. I bought a Wilson combat 6.8 Spc to hopefully cut down on the weight so it won’t be as bad.

My next purchase will probably be a handheld for scanning but i would want the same quailing as my thermal.

I’m sure I will have a bunch of questions because I haven’t taken it out but a couple of times.

I feel like I was having trouble identifying some animals last time i took it out but i may not have had it focused correctly.


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[gingib]

Originally Posted by bass.deer

I know very little about thermal so please bear with me on my questions. Can thermal scopes be used in daylight?

YES! They look the same in daylight or at night

Originally Posted by Black Ice

I’ve got a Thermion 2 XP50 on a colt le901 .308 and it sucks scanning riding in a sxs. I bought a Wilson combat 6.8 Spc to hopefully cut down on the weight so it won’t be as bad.

My next purchase will probably be a handheld for scanning but i would want the same quailing as my thermal.

I’m sure I will have a bunch of questions because I haven’t taken it out but a couple of times.

I feel like I was having trouble identifying some animals last time i took it out but i may not have had it focused correctly.


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Buy a 2nd scope, not a dedicated scanner.

Can be used for your kids or a 2nd buddy scope.

[cehorn]

Anyone have any issues with their Wraith 4k not powering on? It has been a month or so since I used mine and I couldn't get it to turn on in the deer stand. I assumed the battery was dead but I have a portable charger and hooked that up and still nothing. Then I went back to the cabin and used a different cord plugged in to the wall outlet and still nothing. I'm at a loss as to what to do next outside of calling Sightmark which I'll do. I just wanted to see if there was something easy I'm missing?? Any insight is appreciated.

[BLACKFINTURKEY]

Got my hands on a thermal for the first time now I NEED one. An old friend of mine bought a i ray Rico mk1 from Jason and wants me to mount it and teach him how to use it… this thing is BAD AZZ!!!

The one down fall is the mount.

How do the cost effective thermals compare? I’d like one but can’t justify 4 grand.



Jason I’ll call you in a bit about the mount for the Rico he wants me to get it for him.

[Bazo]

I got 2 Saturday night with my new Thermion 2 XQ38 Pulsar sent me for a warranty replacement for my XM30.






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[ATI]

I doubt it, but just in case someone has a hook up and got one somehow....


---> Does anyone have the Pulsar Talion XQ38 yet?

[gingib]

Originally Posted by BLACKFINTURKEY

Got my hands on a thermal for the first time now I NEED one. An old friend of mine bought a i ray Rico mk1 from Jason and wants me to mount it and teach him how to use it… this thing is BAD AZZ!!!

The one down fall is the mount.

How do the cost effective thermals compare? I’d like one but can’t justify 4 grand.



Jason I’ll call you in a bit about the mount for the Rico he wants me to get it for him.

I have the Iray Riko MK1. You need to buy the better mount around $200. Its so much better but still not as good as Trijicons

Please do not spend less then $2800 on a thermal

[gingib]

I finally got a good hunt in with my Nvision Halo 50x. I love it!

I sold my reap IR after 4.5 years and I do not regret it. I love the size of my Reap, so I am not used to my Halo X yet as I popped my Reap on and off to scan then shoot. The mount on the Nvision is not as good and easy to do that with

So I will likely look at the Iray 35 mm 640 or Nvsion Halo X35 for a scanner/2nd scope

[Black Ice]

Heading to San Saba this week for a little night hog hunting.

After a 13 month wait I finally got my Hyperion K in last night and need to get everything put together.


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[Shurshot]

Fox I got a few weeks ago on a super windy night.


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[ElfEyes]

Is 25 too low of a refresh rate for shooting animals on the move?

[Pushbutton2]

Originally Posted by ElfEyes

Is 25 too low of a refresh rate for shooting animals on the move?

I would think so
I'd never considered refresh rate before. So I did a quick 5 minute search on it.
Found this
https://www.testufo.com/framerates#c...=stars&pps=960

I have no idea what the refresh rate is on my Pulsar RXQ30V nor on my Sightmark Wraith. I've shot at moving animals in the past with out any issues.

Just checked on the refresh rate of the Pulsar it's 50HZ

[gingib]

Originally Posted by ElfEyes

Is 25 too low of a refresh rate for shooting animals on the move?

Yes!

That tells me its either a super cheap scope AND/OR very outdated. I have never seen anything less then 50

[TX03RUBI]

Last night we had the pre party to our big annual shindig at a buddies place. Went out and non seriously slayed a few hogs (16-17 between 4-5 shooters) mostly while d***ing off checking out each other’s gear. We had 4 Halo XRFs, a NOX 35, a NOX 18, a Reap IR 35, MK3 60mm, Iray Rico Mk1, Trail 2 XP50LRF, XG50, Iray RH25, and Iray MH25, plus about 8-9 sets of green and white tube NODs helmet mounted. After playing with all of them quite a bit in humid weather I’d say the NOX 35 would be my next purchase without a doubt. Highly useful optic and fantastic image quality.

[gingib]

Originally Posted by TX03RUBI

Last night we had the pre party to our big annual shindig at a buddies place. Went out and non seriously slayed a few hogs (16-17 between 4-5 shooters) mostly while d***ing off checking out each other’s gear. We had 4 Halo XRFs, a NOX 35, a NOX 18, a Reap IR 35, MK3 60mm, Iray Rico Mk1, Trail 2 XP50LRF, XG50, Iray RH25, and Iray MH25, plus about 8-9 sets of green and white tube NODs helmet mounted. After playing with all of them quite a bit in humid weather I’d say the NOX 35 would be my next purchase without a doubt. Highly useful optic and fantastic image quality.

Some serious shooters with that gear! I love it

I got a HALO 50x now and got a HALO 35x on order at dealer cash price. Ready for it to come in

[TX03RUBI]

Originally Posted by gingib

Some serious shooters with that gear! I love it

I got a HALO 50x now and got a HALO 35x on order at dealer cash price. Ready for it to come in

Definitely some serious shooters in the group, but there was nothing serious about last night. We let quite a few hogs get away cause everyone was more interested in checking out the gear than pulling the trigger lol it was a good ol time for sure. We do this shindig every year, and Thursday night is always goon night. After that we’re too deep into beer and meat to get the rifles out.

[Black Ice]

Originally Posted by TX03RUBI

Definitely some serious shooters in the group, but there was nothing serious about last night. We let quite a few hogs get away cause everyone was more interested in checking out the gear than pulling the trigger lol it was a good ol time for sure. We do this shindig every year, and Thursday night is always goon night. After that we’re too deep into beer and meat to get the rifles out.

I could have bought the setup I have now years ago and never did because I was more interested in buying bolt guns vs cool accessories.

That thermal, suppressor and 6.8 SPC make it way more fun than lights, no suppressor and .223.

Lights still have their place but spotting and stalking a few pigs then thermals are the way to go.


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[RedYote]

Couple more

[gingib]

Originally Posted by TX03RUBI

Definitely some serious shooters in the group, but there was nothing serious about last night. We let quite a few hogs get away cause everyone was more interested in checking out the gear than pulling the trigger lol it was a good ol time for sure. We do this shindig every year, and Thursday night is always goon night. After that we’re too deep into beer and meat to get the rifles out.

Same here lol when we do annual guys trips!

I love it. Your living right

[Outdoor Legacy]

Originally Posted by ElfEyes

Is 25 too low of a refresh rate for shooting animals on the move?

If they animals are standing dead still and you're only looking to take one shot, then yes it will work BUT I would absolutely advise against it. 30hz was the standard until about 2016-2017 and back then 50/60hz was something you generally paid a $1,000 upgrade fee to get. By 2017 everyone was moving to 50/60hz as a standard refresh rate. In this day and age, there is no reason to buy less than 50hz.

I hope this helps.

[Outdoor Legacy]

The mythical iRay USA Alpha has finally arrived! It's been over a year but limited production has finally started and the design, housing and function is everything it was promised to be. We'll be reviewing this optic on The Late Night Vision Show in the next couple weeks.

https://outdoorlegacygear.com/produc...l-weapon-sight

[gingib]

Originally Posted by Outdoor Legacy

If they animals are standing dead still and you're only looking to take one shot, then yes it will work BUT I would absolutely advise against it. 30hz was the standard until about 2016-2017 and back then 50/60hz was something you generally paid a $1,000 upgrade fee to get. By 2017 everyone was moving to 50/60hz as a standard refresh rate. In this day and age, there is no reason to buy less than 50hz.

I hope this helps.

Very well said! That's why I said his scope in ? must be really old

[ATI]

Been looking at the Talion XQ-38 and waiting for it to come out so I can read some reviews, but since it's not available thought about the Thermion XQ38. Did a quick side by side comparison on the Pulsar website and they're pretty similar. The Talion Price and battery life seem to be the biggest advantages.

Now, I'm no expert and I'm sure I missed some big advantages that the Thermion has. Can someone tell me what it is about the Thermion that makes it the better option over the Talion?

[Fordnandez]

Hunt from earlier in the month where we got a few fox.

https://youtu.be/qic5BjEGwrc

Hog Hunt that Bazo made from the picture further up.

https://youtu.be/I60mhMIXacs

[Outdoor Legacy]

Originally Posted by ATI

Been looking at the Talion XQ-38 and waiting for it to come out so I can read some reviews, but since it's not available thought about the Thermion XQ38. Did a quick side by side comparison on the Pulsar website and they're pretty similar. The Talion Price and battery life seem to be the biggest advantages.

Now, I'm no expert and I'm sure I missed some big advantages that the Thermion has. Can someone tell me what it is about the Thermion that makes it the better option over the Talion?

I know you and I have been talking via PM and I replied to your question there but I'm going to post that summary here as well because I've had another phone call and email asking the same question in the last 18 hours, so you're not the only one confused.

This is going to be long but hopefully might help some folks....

This is where comparing thermal optics on paper completely breaks down and the specs become nearly useless. The Thermion 2 XQ38 is going to be a superior optic and Pulsar has stated that the Talion is intended to be an entry level scope and it's being built to compete with the AGM Rattler and Bering Hogsters in the same price category.

On paper things can look the same but what you're not seeing is the quality of the front glass lens, the quality of the germanium lens, exactly which thermal sensor they are using and it's quality, the thermal core and software behind that core, the quality of the display screen or the quality of the rear eyepiece. The point is, the specs only get you so far and its honestly where real hands on experience is going to be the only way to tell for a 100% fact how the two scopes will compare. But I know that the Thermion 2 XQ38 is their flagship model and they will not be replacing it or building a competing optic and sell it for $2,500. It's just not going to happen right now.

I completely understand the confusion because on paper so many optics all look the same or are darn close to it but you're only seeing 50% of the important specs and details and the other data is honestly more important than the specs you're reading. I've seen different scopes using the exact same brand and resolution thermal sensor and one of the scopes looks like a million bucks and the other looks like a reject. By looking on paper you'll never know it, but the proof is in the pudding.

I know that's a long write up and it will honestly frustrate more people than it helps because we all want to be able to look at a piece of paper and know how a thermal scope is going to perform but it's just not possible. It really takes talking to someone who's put them all side by side to know for sure.


Jason

[ATI]

Originally Posted by Outdoor Legacy

I know you and I have been talking via PM and I replied to your question there but I'm going to post that summary here as well because I've had another phone call and email asking the same question in the last 18 hours, so you're not the only one confused.

This is going to be long but hopefully might help some folks....

This is where comparing thermal optics on paper completely breaks down and the specs become nearly useless. The Thermion 2 XQ38 is going to be a superior optic and Pulsar has stated that the Talion is intended to be an entry level scope and it's being built to compete with the AGM Rattler and Bering Hogsters in the same price category.

On paper things can look the same but what you're not seeing is the quality of the front glass lens, the quality of the germanium lens, exactly which thermal sensor they are using and it's quality, the thermal core and software behind that core, the quality of the display screen or the quality of the rear eyepiece. The point is, the specs only get you so far and its honestly where real hands on experience is going to be the only way to tell for a 100% fact how the two scopes will compare. But I know that the Thermion 2 XQ38 is their flagship model and they will not be replacing it or building a competing optic and sell it for $2,500. It's just not going to happen right now.

I completely understand the confusion because on paper so many optics all look the same or are darn close to it but you're only seeing 50% of the important specs and details and the other data is honestly more important than the specs you're reading. I've seen different scopes using the exact same brand and resolution thermal sensor and one of the scopes looks like a million bucks and the other looks like a reject. By looking on paper you'll never know it, but the proof is in the pudding.

I know that's a long write up and it will honestly frustrate more people than it helps because we all want to be able to look at a piece of paper and know how a thermal scope is going to perform but it's just not possible. It really takes talking to someone who's put them all side by side to know for sure.


Jason

Thank you sir!

Honestly I was embarrassed to ask you another question and thought I'd post it on here to see if I can get an answer without bothering you again.

[Outdoor Legacy]

Originally Posted by ATI

Thank you sir!

Honestly I was embarrassed to ask you another question and thought I'd post it on here to see if I can get an answer without bothering you again.

You aren't bothering me! We all learn from asking questions and these are expensive optics and not asking the right questions FIRST means wasted money later. Ask away!

Jason

[duckmanep]

Jason, any word on when the Talion will be released?

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[Blessed to hunt]

Don't have thermal is on my dream list though, every time I save some money something comes up, hopefully I can afford to get a used one from one of y'all that gets a new upgrade

[Outdoor Legacy]

Originally Posted by duckmanep

Jason, any word on when the Talion will be released?

No sir, radio silence. The last I was told was early May.

The 3 new Axion handheld models showed up a couple weeks ago so that's a good sign. Hopefully the Talions will follow them soon....

Jason

[ATI]

Originally Posted by Outdoor Legacy

No sir, radio silence. The last I was told was early May.

The 3 new Axion handheld models showed up a couple weeks ago so that's a good sign. Hopefully the Talions will follow them soon....

Jason

By the way, I just found out that the Talion XQ35 is for Europe only.

[gingib]

Originally Posted by Blessed to hunt

Don't have thermal is on my dream list though, every time I save some money something comes up, hopefully I can afford to get a used one from one of y'all that gets a new upgrade

Budget and set it aside and you will have one in no time. Thermal market price wise has alot of good entry level scopes.

Can't budget and spend it on something else

[Outdoor Legacy]

Originally Posted by ATI

By the way, I just found out that the Talion XQ35 is for Europe only.

I haven't heard of the Talion XQ35? There is a Talion XQ38 and Talion XG35 both of which are supposed to be US models according to Pulsar USA. Maybe they announced the Talion XQ35 in Europe and I missed it? I don't usually pay close attention to what goes on across the pond.lol

[Fordnandez]

Video from one of RedYotes hunts.

https://youtu.be/i35MQLay8wA

[gingib]

Originally Posted by Fordnandez

Video from one of RedYotes hunts.

https://youtu.be/i35MQLay8wA

It still amazes me how people spend more money on a scanner then they do with what they actually shoot/hunt with