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Thermal Optics
#6375320
07/20/16 02:03 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,486
Kung Fu Widgeon
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OP
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I've been looking at thermal scopes and I am curious what models you guys think are the best and why.
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6375336
07/20/16 02:14 AM
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,067
Pig_Popper
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Posts: 4,067 |
ANY thermal is better than nothing
This space is For Sale - inquire within ...
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6375408
07/20/16 03:06 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,434
silentex
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It all depends on what your price range is. Got something in mind?
Justin H. NSC: Firearms & Hunting Supplies
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6375419
07/20/16 03:14 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,267
TRIJI....WHAT
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I have Flir 2.5x9....Does awesome with hog hunting.....
Shhhhhhhh better to be quiet than remove all doubt..
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6375458
07/20/16 03:32 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,486
Kung Fu Widgeon
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I was actually interested in the above mentioned flir for pigs as well.
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6375466
07/20/16 03:36 AM
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,067
Pig_Popper
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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FLIR is better than nothing...
This space is For Sale - inquire within ...
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6375671
07/20/16 01:16 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,069
MDMORROW
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the black commercial flir thermosight units are ok but not the best if we're talking their commercial line. Flir government is a whole other thing but you're talking everything north of 10 grand a piece. I'd also recommend having a handheld spotter as well as the scope depending on your style of hunting. For me, I ride around in a ranger and scan field after field rather than sit in a blind. That's really where the thermal advantage is. If you're hunting from a blind then you really don't get the main benefit of thermals. Most any night scope is ok for that. I also use my handhelds about 10 times as much as my rifle scope.
It all really depends on your budget. The best options out there right now are in the 6-8K price range (IR defense, high end armasight 640 units, etc.)
Sensor and lens size are the big factors but display is a factor too. Large OLED displays are very much preferable.
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: MDMORROW]
#6376444
07/20/16 10:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,267
TRIJI....WHAT
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I might try out that hand held one day!!! the black commercial flir thermosight units are ok but not the best if we're talking their commercial line. Flir government is a whole other thing but you're talking everything north of 10 grand a piece. I'd also recommend having a handheld spotter as well as the scope depending on your style of hunting. For me, I ride around in a ranger and scan field after field rather than sit in a blind. That's really where the thermal advantage is. If you're hunting from a blind then you really don't get the main benefit of thermals. Most any night scope is ok for that. I also use my handhelds about 10 times as much as my rifle scope.
It all really depends on your budget. The best options out there right now are in the 6-8K price range (IR defense, high end armasight 640 units, etc.)
Sensor and lens size are the big factors but display is a factor too. Large OLED displays are very much preferable.
Shhhhhhhh better to be quiet than remove all doubt..
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6376506
07/20/16 11:54 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,934
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
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For the money, it's hard to beat the FLIR RS series models. I run the RS32 1-5 with 19mm lens. It works ok. I wish I would have gone with the next step up with the RS32 2-9 with 35mm lens. For $4K, it's a great thermal scope. Yes, the more you spend, the better quality of thermal you get.
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6376714
07/21/16 02:29 AM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091
CharlieCTx
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You can't make a comparison on what's best without stating a budget range given you can spend from $2k-$20k.
I rented a FLIR RS32 I think it was and I thought it sucked. Just my opinion.
Charlie
Kel-Tec RFB + Griffin Sportsman Ultra Light 300 + Pulsar Apex XQ-50 M&P-10 + AAC Cyclone Remy 700 + Leupold VX3 3.5x10x50 CDS
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6377778
07/21/16 09:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,069
MDMORROW
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Look at the Armasight Zeus 336, Atn Thor 336 and Pulsar Apex if you're trying to stay under 5K. If money is no object then IR defense MKIII 60mm scope and a reap-ir to spot and a high end PVS-14 (TNVC G3 thin film white phosphor is where its at right now) helmet mounted for driving/walking around. You're talking north of 20 grand for that kit though.
Also depending on where you hunt in Tejas I'd recommend a good pair of snake boots for walking around at night.
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6379738
07/23/16 04:00 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 142
specialed309
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 142 |
Pulsar Apex 50A love the picture in picture (PIP) option for handless zoom purpose.
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6380446
07/24/16 06:36 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,775
nak
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Another vote for the Pulsar Apex 50A. I shot through a couple of different scopes, and looked through a couple of others, before settling on the Pulsar. Picture is good, the software has been rock solid for me, the controls are easy to learn, and it can be had for less than $3500.
We all need to practice Whoa more.
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6382109
07/25/16 07:01 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,453
dfwroadkill
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Pulsar Apex XD 50A or Armsight 336 line on the low end, IR Defense on the upper end. I'm not a fan of the FLIR RS Series scopes.
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Re: Thermal Optics
[Re: Kung Fu Widgeon]
#6383259
07/26/16 04:37 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 406
fr3db3ar
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 406 |
I can't speak for all but I love my 38A monocular and 50A scope. Thermal wins every time, you just have to learn to identify your target differently.
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