Night Vision New to the thermal world, help needed!

WtxMSCL8188

WtxMSCL8188

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Nov 6, 2019
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Odessa TX
#1
Thanks in advance for the replies and help. Doing my best to reason through all of the choices but the market is deep! Going to be running a thermal on my bolt action and wanting to stay under $4500. Hoping I can pointed in a good direction. Wouldn’t mind staying under budget a bit, dang Christmas/hunting season. This is my first thermal purchase btw.. appreciate it fellas!!
 
#2
Hey bud, definitely lots of choices out there. I’ve got a like new Pulsar Tail 2 XP50 LRF used 3 times that I’ve been meaning to post up for a little while now. It’s a little above what you want to spend but just throwing it out there. $5k shipped and insured to your door. It’s a good thermal for the price point with a built in rangefinder. Anyway, if interested, just send me a PM. If not, no worries.
 
#3
I bought a Steiner S35 last week. No complaints other than it is huge and heavy. NIB For $2500-ish, I got a functional 640 scope. Can’t complain about that at all. Harvested one coyote with the set up over the weekend.

I really need to get a tripod to complete the rig. Finding out that there’s a lot to learn about night hunting predators.
 
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#4
farmer said:
Hey bud, definitely lots of choices out there. I’ve got a like new Pulsar Tail 2 XP50 LRF used 3 times that I’ve been meaning to post up for a little while now. It’s a little above what you want to spend but just throwing it out there. $5k shipped and insured to your door. It’s a good thermal for the price point with a built in rangefinder. Anyway, if interested, just send me a PM. If not, no worries.
Click to expand...
I’ve looked into those. Definitely above the budget but I appreciate you letting me know!
 
#5
John? said:
I bought a Steiner S35 last week. No complaints other than it is huge and heavy. NIB For $2500-ish, I got a functional 640 scope. Can’t complain about that at all. Harvested one coyote with the set up over the weekend.

I really need to get a tripod to complete the rig. Finding out that there’s a lot to learn about night hunting predators.
Click to expand...
Sounds like I missed a hell of a deal! I’ve heard great stuff about the S35.
 
#6
John? said:
I bought a Steiner S35 last week. No complaints other than it is huge and heavy. NIB For $2500-ish, I got a functional 640 scope. Can’t complain about that at all. Harvested one coyote with the set up over the weekend.

I really need to get a tripod to complete the rig. Finding out that there’s a lot to learn about night hunting predators.
Click to expand...
I almost jumped on that deal, then weighed my current walk-around build. I went with a ts25-384 in hopes that it doubles as a monocular once I get a 640 scope. Is the steiner working well?
 
#7
zmannz1984 said:
I almost jumped on that deal, then weighed my current walk-around build. I went with a ts25-384 in hopes that it doubles as a monocular once I get a 640 scope. Is the steiner working well?
Click to expand...
I’m pleased with the steiner for still hunting. I think it’s a great tool for my use case. Batteries are good for about 4 hours in the cold. Better than I expected. Image processing is decent. Good resolution and speed. I’m having trouble getting it to link wirelessly to my generic tablet, but that’s likely a function of my being a Luddite about such things.

I’d eventually like to get a scanner monocular to augment the rifle. That will be a ways down the road. Being a poor sucks, and night vision will keep ya poor.

Strictly Offensive Kit was easy to work with and their shipping was quick.
 
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#8
It’s hard to recommend something without know what you are using it for and the type of terrain.

If hunting hogs in tight cover less magnification and more FOV would be better. Coyotes out where I hunt I want a minimum of 3x base mag.

That Steiner S35 is a good deal. If it has the base mag and FOV you are looking for.
 
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#10
Sorry folks…

West Texas hunting mostly, all flat and mesquite trees. Shots will be under 200 yards on hogs and dogs. Will just be on a bolt action. I have the perfect rig for a thermal. (Perfect in my mind lol)

Just stick it on the bolt action and I’ll be set.
 
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#11
IMO with that distance you can easily get away with a 384 type unit vs a 640 so that will save you quite a bit and something about a 2x base magnification will give you more FOV but still easily shoot those distances.

I have a friend who uses a Pulsar Thermion xq38 and he likes it. It looks like a traditional scope with rings which make it more natural on a bolt action. I have a Pulsar Trail xq38 that I’ve used for years. I keep thinking about upgrading to a 640 unit but it just plain works so I’ve never bit the bullet on doing it.

I’d also look at Bering Optics Super Hogster. I haven’t personally used one but they get great reviews and have a good warranty. Word on the street is they may be making some new offerings in the not too distant future so might be worth waiting to see. The benefit with this type of scope is you could also quick detach it off the rifle and use as a scanner for other times when you are out.

I use thermal anytime I’m in the woods. Even bow hunting I have one in my bino pouch. It’s replaced binoculars for me.

Whatever you do I’d recommend sticking with the big players that have a great track record and warranty.
 
#12
Rerun7 said:
IMO with that distance you can easily get away with a 384 type unit vs a 640 so that will save you quite a bit and something about a 2x base magnification will give you more FOV but still easily shoot those distances.

I have a friend who uses a Pulsar Thermion xq38 and he likes it. It looks like a traditional scope with rings which make it more natural on a bolt action. I have a Pulsar Trail xq38 that I’ve used for years. I keep thinking about upgrading to a 640 unit but it just plain works so I’ve never bit the bullet on doing it.

I’d also look at Bering Optics Super Hogster. I haven’t personally used one but they get great reviews and have a good warranty. Word on the street is they may be making some new offerings in the not too distant future so might be worth waiting to see. The benefit with this type of scope is you could also quick detach it off the rifle and use as a scanner for other times when you are out.

I use thermal anytime I’m in the woods. Even bow hunting I have one in my bino pouch. It’s replaced binoculars for me.

Whatever you do I’d recommend sticking with the big players that have a great track record and warranty.
Click to expand...
I’ve looked into the pulsar thermals a great deal. I like their thermals that look like a traditional rifle scope. Seem to fit my application extremely well.
 
#17
I know they are discontinued, but the Pulsar XG 50 seem like a good deal now. 640 scope. I will probably get some raised eyebrows for this, but I have an Halo XRF and an XG 50 and I find myself gravitating towards the xg50. I have the XG50 on a bolt gun, and the "dayscope" design just works for me. The image is not as good as the XRF, but I don't think the XRF's image is 6k better, that's for sure.
Part of the reason for the XRF frustration is the weird shutting down thing (have to take batteries out) and the fact the goddamn rangefinder only seems to work about half the time now.

As someone on the Hide alluded to, thermals are really expensive pieces of electronics on top of recoiling rifles, exposed to the environment at times. They are fun as shit, but be prepared to be disappointed when they don't perform.

Much like a high end hooker, they often equate to a really expensive (and fun) few hours, followed by disappointment and regret.
 
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#19
shields shtr said:
I know they are discontinued, but the Pulsar XG 50 seem like a good deal now. 640 scope. I will probably get some raised eyebrows for this, but I have an Halo XRF and an XG 50 and I find myself gravitating towards the xg50. I have the XG50 on a bolt gun, and the "dayscope" design just works for me. The image is not as good as the XRF, but I don't think the XRF's image is 6k better, that's for sure.
Part of the reason for the XRF frustration is the weird shutting down thing (have to take batteries out) and the fact the goddamn rangefinder only seems to work about half the time now.

As someone on the Hide alluded to, thermals are really expensive pieces of electronics on top of recoiling rifles, exposed to the environment at times. They are fun as shit, but be prepared to be disappointed when they don't perform.

Much like a high end hooker, they often equate to a really expensive (and fun) few hours, followed by disappointment and regret.
Click to expand...
Could you elaborate on the day scope function?
 
#20
shields shtr said:
Much like a high end hooker, they often equate to a really expensive (and fun) few hours, followed by disappointment and regret.
Click to expand...

So them "high end hookers" are just like high end thermal.

Given enough time, they become low end hookers, just like a thermal becomes low end eventually. :LOL:
 
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#21
WtxMSCL8188 said:
Could you elaborate on the day scope function?
Click to expand...
I was more recognizing the design of the XG50. The XG50 has a "traditional" scope design and looks like most other day optics. I don't know why, but this appeals to me. I have never really been a fan of the "shoe box" design of some of the dedicated thermals. I am sure there may be some type advantage to this, but I have never been a fan. I do see that Pulsar does have some type of do all scope now that is both thermal and a day scope. Interesting concept for sure.

WhereNow&How said:
Given enough time, they become low end hookers, just like a thermal becomes low end eventually.
Click to expand...
No kidding! XG50 is a prime example. Stood at the top of Pulsars line up in full blown Julia Roberts pretty woman status, and then was kicked to the curb like a southside meth head.

Pretty sure the one I bought was one of the last ones out there.

www.eurooptic.com

Pulsar Thermion XG50 3-24x42 Thermal Riflescope PL76529

FREE SHIPPING on Pulsar Thermion XG50 3-24X Thermal Riflescope PL76529
www.eurooptic.com www.eurooptic.com

When these first came out, everyone talked about what a great buy they were at 6k. Deeply discounted here. Not sure if they are a Hide Vendor or not, but I would try and find a Hide Vendor that sells whichever thermal you end up getting. It's nice to have someone in your corner if or when you have an issue.
 
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#23
I saw that deal on euro optic… looks enticing. Is that scope a go or no go? I love to save money it’s like getting a moderate priced hooker on sale so when she ends up on the low end we all win!
 
#25
WtxMSCL8188 said:
. Is that scope a go or no go?
Click to expand...
Opinions are gonna vary on that one. Like I said, I have both the Halo XRF and the XG50 and I don't feel like I am really leaving much on the table when I use my XG 50. But that is very case specific. I live in the rockies, but have gone down to TX every year for the last 23 years to shoot hogs.

For coyotes up here, I have the XG50 on my 6 creed bolt gun shooting VMax's at about 3400 fps. Most of the spots I hunt are "known distance" and I can pretty much hold dead on the coyote and let er buck. I can easily tell in my XG50 if they are in a spot that fall into that range. I have found that 175-275 yard shots on coyotes are pretty much the norm. In unknown country, the XRF is nice because you are constantly ranging targets and landmarks. When the rangefinder is behaving...

Down in TX, I feel like I can get away with lesser of a thermal, but I use the Halo more because it mounts on my .308 gasser nicely. It also has a spectacular image, but it's much more expensive.
 
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#27
shields shtr said:
Opinions are gonna vary on that one. Like I said, I have both the Halo XRF and the XG50 and I don't feel like I am really leaving much on the table when I use my XG 50. But that is very case specific. I live in the rockies, but have gone down to TX every year for the last 23 years to shoot hogs.

For coyotes up here, I have the XG50 on my 6 creed bolt gun shooting VMax's at about 3400 fps. Most of the spots I hunt are "known distance" and I can pretty much hold dead on the coyote and let er buck. I can easily tell in my XG50 if they are in a spot that fall into that range. I have found that 175-275 yard shots on coyotes are pretty much the norm. In unknown country, the XRF is nice because you are constantly ranging targets and landmarks. When the rangefinder is behaving...

Down in TX, I feel like I can get away with lesser of a thermal, but I use the Halo more because it mounts on my .308 gasser nicely. It also has a spectacular image, but it's much more expensive.
Click to expand...
I was thinking of a lesser thermal for Texas. My 6 creed will have the thermal on it. Getting a can ordered soon and the thermal will stay on it. It’s a light shorty. Beauty of a rifle!
 
#28
People have a lot of luck with pulsar. I have shot a Trijicon MKIII IR HUNTER 60mm pretty extensively. In your situation I think it would work well. I hunt West Texas also. Very rugged which is assuring. Runs forever on a small Anker power bank. If I was shooting hogs at 25-50 yards in a pasture, I would want something with a wider FOV.
 
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#29
Thermals are like any other electronics. There will always be something new to chase and more performance will get cheaper over time.

I haven’t seen any performance decrease in the 4 years I’ve had my pulsar trail so it’s more of a question of what do you need vs what do you want. Nothing wrong with snagging an older model at a great discount.
 
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#30
Check out iray bolt tl35

Iray and their vendors are running a promo until the end of the year for $2699

It’s a 384 res
Perfect for a bolt action
Easy and intuitive controls
Great battery life with internal rechargeable battery

I just picked one up and very happy with it.

A lot of vendors are running out of stock but they are still out there
 
#31
hookedonbrass said:
Check out iray bolt tl35

Iray and their vendors are running a promo until the end of the year for $2699

It’s a 384 res
Perfect for a bolt action
Easy and intuitive controls
Great battery life with internal rechargeable battery

I just picked one up and very happy with it.

A lot of vendors are running out of stock but they are still out there
Click to expand...
I haven’t looked into this yet. I like the price. Thanks amigo!!
 
#33
I was new to Thermals but after doing some research and reading reviews on the Hide, I ended up getting the Steiner C35 at around $3500. After I bought it there were some crazy deals on ExpertVoice and Blems on the Steiner Site. Even at $3500, I am very happy with it. I read good thing about the S35 also.
 
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#37
That Armasight Contractor looks like a sturdily build unit. I have been eyeing them for a while. You are the first person I have seen discuss having one. Maybe you could start a thread and give plenty of pics and info on your experience with it. I for one would really appreciate that.
 
#39
There are going to be new thermals released at Show Show by companies like Burris which will drive the used thermal prices even lower. If you can wait, I would reccomend waiting until after shot to get a good deal. The S35 and C35 are the exceptions, I don't think you can get better value for sub $3k used (or at least anytime soon).
 
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#40
TheHebrewHammer said:
There are going to be new thermals released at Show Show by companies like Burris which will drive the used thermal prices even lower. If you can wait, I would reccomend waiting until after shot to get a good deal. The S35 and C35 are the exceptions, I don't think you can get better value for sub $3k used (or at least anytime soon).
Click to expand...
When is Shot Show?
 
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