Pulsar Axion Key XM30 or Axion XM30?

T

TrappingGus

New member
Im getting ready to pull the trigger on a Thermal Monocular. I'm looking to spend around 2k. This will be my first thermal used for night hunting / retrieval at night. I have been looking at the Axion Key XM30 2.4-9.6x24 and Axion XM30 4.1-16.4x24.

I really like the 2.4-9.6 power on the Key because where I hunt at night it can be tight and brushed in. BUT... the XM30 has a lower temp rating. (Question-If the thermal is inside a warm pocket and then removed for a short time will the thermal still work even if the outdide temp is below the temperature rating? AND is the temp rating based on the devices internal temp or does the temp effect how the thermal signature is picked up?)

Does anybody have experience with both monoculars OR would you recommend a different one.
 
I don't have experience with either unit, but it sounds like the Bering Hogster 25 would be a better fit for your needs and could be used as a shooting scope if needed. Kirsch will be along to give you some details on it I'm sure. It would be just a little more money, but not that much more.
 
There was just a post back on 9/28 asking about scanners. The quote by Rookietjx2 was "Get the Hogster-r 25mm. I have a Pulsar Axion xm30 and the picture sucks."

I honestly haven't used the Axion. They are good for what they are. Something to stick in your pocket and find game. However, with high base magnification and a small screen, I just don't see the appeal as a coyote scanner that you are using 98% of the time while coyote hunting.

Here is a comparison chart.

axion_comp.jpg


Honestly, I haven't heard many positives about the Key. Although the mag is lower, it has no additional FOV. Many people seem to complain the image is too small and the image quality is too poor on the Key.

On all of these models, even the new Axion XQ38, the largest FOV is 9.8x7.4. That is less than a Hogster 35 and way less than FOV than a Hogster 25. I really believe Pulsar has totally missed the boat on scanners. Their Helion line, which was actually a good product, now have all been discontinued besides the 50. There are no wide-FOV, nice image scanners left in the Pulsar family.

I would put the Bering Optics Phenom on this list as it is better than anything listed, but it is also a little over 3K.

Looking at the comparison, it is hard not to go with a Hogster 25. You have heard from other PM members the Hogster has a much better image than the Key and the XM30, it has a better warranty, has twice as big of a FOV, and is only $150 difference in price. The Hogster 25 can be a scope and/or a scanner. The one positive of the Axion is it is a little bit smaller but look at the size difference as it isn't as much as people think.

If someone gave me the choice, I would go with the Hogster 25 almost every time unless someone said they needed something really, really small to stick in a pocket. The other big difference not talked about is most reviews state the Axions struggle in humidity. The Hogsters actually perform very well in humidity.

This is just my feelings based on what I have read from many other posters on various sites and reviews I have read.

To answer your question on temp, typically it is a sustained temp that the rating is based upon. The screen on the key is the reason it doesn't have as low of a temp rating. You would probably be Ok keeping it in a pocket, but I want to be scanning with it not warming it in my pocket.
 


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