Best thermal under $10k?

6

6724

New member
I have tried to read many threads on here about thermals and which ones people like and which ones people do not. I have gone to YouTube and looked at numerous videos comparing thermal scopes.

But, after that I am not convinced in any way which ones are the good, better, and best.
 
Originally Posted By: 6724I have tried to read many threads on here about thermals and which ones people like and which ones people do not. I have gone to YouTube and looked at numerous videos comparing thermal scopes.

But, after that I am not convinced in any way which ones are the good, better, and best.



The videos are usually a poor representation of what you actually see through a thermal unit. Units with higher resolution and pixel count are going to give a better image.

The IR Defense 640 12micron cores are crystal clear.

http://www.irdefense.com/index.htm

Narrow your search down and rent the unit from a dealer that provides a rental option. See for yourself. The lens size will determine your FOV which is the most critical choice to make once you decide on a brand.



 
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IRD MK 2 & 3's for their ability to deliver a definitive image to your eye in tough environmental conditions.
REAP-IR or M300 for a smaller package.
 
Originally Posted By: wompaIRD MK 2 & 3's for their ability to deliver a definitive image to your eye in tough environmental conditions.
REAP-IR or M300 for a smaller package.

wompa..... selling my IRD 35mm Mark II and going with the REAP-IR.

 
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I like the controls better on the hunter's, they are definitive and easier with gloves. With the joystick control of the patrol it is too easy to hit the wrong direction and function, especially if you are trying to adjust zoom with a bogey inbound. The new lens on the REAP-IR looks like a performance enhancer.
 
I'm running a ir hunter MKII 35mm also and I absolutely love it. There's no guessing what anything is within shooting distance or far beyond.
 
Over the past year with the MK2 I've taken down close to 100 coyotes with it. During that time I can't think of any missed opportunities because of the weapon sight. Longest shot was a little over 300yds. 250 and under is lights out.
 
My hunting buddy has the IR defense MK III 60mm, it's the best I have ever looked through! I thought the patrol 250 he has was awesome until he got the scope.
 
Originally Posted By: 6724so everyone thinks the ir defense units are the best? what about all the others out there?

My first thermal was a FLIR T70 and the IRD units have much better image quality. I have also looked through the FLIR R series and THOR 100mm units. FLIR and THOR use 17 micron cores vs the 12 micron cores used by IRD.

There are lots of choices and no way to know until you look though the units. If you decide you like THOR I have a friend that will sell you 2 THOR 100mm units for $10k.
 
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Gman,
Have you gotten the reap-ir yet? Just curious how you like that IR defense for coyotes. I don't have hogs up here in IL and most of my hunting happens at temperatures of 40 F and below.

Just asking for your experiences with the thermal scope(s).

Thanks!
 
How does the reap compare to the IR Defense Mark III? Will the reap be replacing the mark 3? Is there any video of coyote hunts at various ranges that anyone knows of or can share?
 
Darknight
I bought a Mark 3 60mm but sold it after a few uses. The scope was amazing for thermo but ID is so much faster/reliable with a NV scope (your going to call in dogs as well as coyotes in Illinois). No Thermo can ID like NV.

I us a patrol 250 helmet mounted to scan with and a Aquila 6x to shoot. Best combination we've found.

 
That is were the helmet mounted option makes all the difference, either thermo or pvs-14.

If you have mostly up close shots maybe a 4x or even 2.5x scope would be better for you.

The coyotes I hunt have all been called too before, they usually come cautious and hang up at 150 yards. My average shot is 175 yards at night.

If you get a hard charger just change sounds (fox grip), that usually stops them for a easy shot.
 
Originally Posted By: family guyDarknight
I bought a Mark 3 60mm but sold it after a few uses. The scope was amazing for thermo but ID is so much faster/reliable with a NV scope (your going to call in dogs as well as coyotes in Illinois). No Thermo can ID like NV.

I us a patrol 250 helmet mounted to scan with and a Aquila 6x to shoot. Best combination we've found.



NICE haul right there!
 
The IR REAP is flat dang awesome! Not as easy to navigate as the Mark II/III with the 3 turrets but way nicer in regards to size and weight.

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