Another one down with the Photon and Pulsar thermal
- Thread starter DoubleUp
- Start date
I didn't want to start my own thread but here is a quick question. I cannot hunt with IR or any flashlight. Would you still recommend the pulsar without use of IR and use of the thermal spotting scope, or just wait for a dedicated thermal scope under 3k like the atn Thor hd?
Thanks and sorry for the hijack
Thanks and sorry for the hijack
DoubleUp
Well-known member
I wouldn't wait for the Thor HD because there is no telling first when it will actually be available and it is likely to be plagued with the same bugs and software issues that plagued the X-Sight since they have incorporated many of the same features.
Right now you can get an Armasight or Pulsar Apex XD38a for under $3,000. I've seen the Pulsar for as low as $2,600. Ideally I wouldn't want to have to scan with a thermal on my rifle. It gets tiring and could be dangerous where you are pointing. Since you can't use lights or IR then you are restricted to thermal scope or possibly Gen3 with no IR. Maybe someone else has a better idea to help you. My next purchase will be a dedicated thermal weapon scope, but I haven't pulled the trigger on that purchase yet, as the Photon and Pulsar are doing adequate work.
Right now you can get an Armasight or Pulsar Apex XD38a for under $3,000. I've seen the Pulsar for as low as $2,600. Ideally I wouldn't want to have to scan with a thermal on my rifle. It gets tiring and could be dangerous where you are pointing. Since you can't use lights or IR then you are restricted to thermal scope or possibly Gen3 with no IR. Maybe someone else has a better idea to help you. My next purchase will be a dedicated thermal weapon scope, but I haven't pulled the trigger on that purchase yet, as the Photon and Pulsar are doing adequate work.
I would suggest that you consider one of the Pulssar Apex thermal scopes. I have an Apex XD50A that does a wonderful job of finding and helping me kill coyotes. It is my preference over any Gen3, and digital option with or without IR lighting. I own and occasionally use Gen3 and digital equipment and nothing compares to the Thermal scope. If it were my first purchase, I wouldn't consider any other option. As DoubleUp pointed out, it is probably not a good idea to scan with one, but if that is all you have it works for that. You sure want to be on top of where you're pointing that rifle though. Accidents do happen. You can definitely get into the game for under 3k with the XD38a. An XD50a can be had for a bit more but the pricing is not too bad on either one of them. I wouldn't even think of looking at the ATN product, not after what they did with the X-Sight promotion.
DoubleUp
Well-known member
Like 1lobo, I am prejudiced toward the Pulsar because I've been using the thermal monocular for over a year and know how good it is. I don't in fairness have any experience with the Apex scope, but the Apex XD50A is my intended next buy. I have no experience with the Armasight thermals or even ATN or FLIR so others will have to speak to those. From what I read on here most people believe the IRD's are the best buy on the market today, if money isn't the main hindrance.