Originally Posted By: KirschOriginally Posted By: Farmer8430Kirsch what about the scopes you mentioned make them mediocre scanners, I've never held a scanner so I dont know the difference between one and the xp50. is it just weight and how it fits your hand or are there other factors? There are 3 reasons I prefer a dedicated scanner vs using a scope as a scanner.
Weight: First is the weight. As an example, the Helion XP38 is 25% lighter than the Trail XP38 scope. This equates to a little more than 5 ounces lighter.
Size: The second is size. The Helion is more than 20% smaller both in width and thickness in comparison to the same model Trail.
Comfort: The third and probably most important reason is comfort. The Helion is designed to be held in the hand. It includes a hand strap and fits in the hand. It also has a standard tripod thread at the bottom. To me, this makes all the difference in the world. I mount mine on a selfie stick. I can scan for 8 hours a night and my arm and shoulder feel fine. If I scan for 15 minutes without it, my shoulder and arms feel it immediately. I scan constantly. The minute you rest and don't scan, is when the coyote or coyotes are going to show up. You will probably never know you missed the opportunity unless you see it leaving.
Price: Yes it is cheaper to only use one thermal. Of course, this is true. However, what I always hear for the reason for buying the 2nd scope as a scanner is I can use it on another gun. This is true. However, why sacrifice what you are using on every stand for a secondary use. The same Pulsar scanner vs scope is less expensive. When I mentioned price, I mean a Helion XP38 is $700 cheaper retail than a Trail XP38.
Bottom line is if you plan to have 2 hunters in the field a lot and you need to supply both hunters a thermal, and can't afford a 3rd, then go ahead and get 2 scopes. It makes sense for a lot of people. However, when you have 2 thermal scopes in the field on rifles, now you don't have a scanner again. I don't hunt for one set or two a night. When I go out, my goal is to hunt all night and I need equipment that will allow me to do this. A thermal scanner allowing you to scan 360 degrees for hours at a time is what I am after and what I use.
The whole "selfie stick" thing is puzzling me. Can you show a picture of this thing and how you use it? Please excuse my ignorance if this is a common thing, but I just keep picturing a flimsy little thing that people use on their phones for taking "selfies", and have no idea how something like that would be used.
