Looking to get into a thermal and I’ve watched some videos on this FLIR and it seems to be a good bang for the buck. I’ve been around the higher end thermals that my buddies own but I’m not prepared to drop $10-20,000 on a thermal. I’m not really looking at any other models yet but if someone owns a different model or make near that $2500 mark I’ll do some research on some different models but seeking some input on this FLIR ultimately. Thanks

Hey Easy Money... I just posted a review video on the PTS233 this morning on this optics forum. I've tested the scope for the last two weeks and in the video I show footage through the unit and some of the different settings. Here are my likes/dislikes:

Likes:
Price- $2,200
Internal Video Recorder
Easy setup/sight in process
Good picture quality for a "budget" scope

Dislikes:
Does not record audio, only video
Fixed focus lens, not able to adjust focus
19mm objective lens is pretty small, but the picture looked good in spite of this

All in all.. the $2,200 this is a very good scope. In the last couple weeks I've dropped several hogs with this unit and I've been very pleased with it. If you check out my review video and have any questions I'll give you a very unbiased answer.. Have a good day!

I will check it out I appreciate it

No problem bud..

If you aren't concerned with video recording the Pulsar Apex XQ38 fits the bill perfectly at $2,500. The image quality on it is hands down better than the FLIR PTS233 but the Apex doesn't have built in video recording (you'd have to buy a MDVR) and it doesn't have the FLIR color palettes.

What the Apex does have is approximately a 38mm objective lens that is focusable. The image quality on the Apex is just much better than the PTS223 at the end of the day because of this. With that said, the PTS233 is a bargain at $2,200 and if you want to record video it's a great option. Heck just watch Hans new video and you'll see what it is capable of.

In my opinion, those are two super choices.

- Jason

What’s the max distance at which you’d feel comfortable clearly identifying and shooting a pig with the PTS223? XQ38? I’m talking, you can be 100% certain it’s a pig and not a fuzzy blob you are pretty sure is a pig.

It really depends on the weather conditions and the terrain but generally speaking I would guess I could be 100% certain a hog was a hog at about 175 yards with the PTS233 and maybe 225 yards with the XQ38. However, there are times it might be 250 with the PTS233 and 300+ with the XQ38. Weather and grass height can play a big role in how good the ID range is.

The Apex or Trail XQ38 (same image quality and magnification on both) have a much better image quality than the PTS233. There isn't even a debate on that. Also, the PTS233 is only 1.5x and the XQ38 is 2.1x and that helps with identification as well. But.....the PTS233 is $300 less and has internal video recording. It really comes down to what features you want. The PTS233 is a bargain for what it is. If video means nothing to you and you can spend the $300 extra the XQ38 is an excellent choice. If you need internal video recording, the PTS233 looks like a heck of a deal considering you have to spend $2,799 for the Trail XQ30, which is the least expensive Pulsar with video recording and the image quality won't be too much better than the PTS233.

With all that said, I still don't generally advise your first shot being much over 100-150 yards if at all possible. I rarely take a shot over 80 yards but I realize not everyone has hogs that are easily stalked and coyotes can be hard to get in that close sometimes.

My thing is, I've seen mistakes made on ID'ing animals with thermal at 150 yards with multiple experienced night hunters looking at the same thing and $5,000 scopes being used. A couple of those near disaster situations broke me from sucking eggs. I want to be as close as possible.

- Jason

Been real happy with it for close range. It's a pretty nice unit for the price but for any distance over maybe 150 shooting and 500 spotting, you'll be a bit limited.

Stay away from flir. Word to the wise if it breaks or quits you will be on your own w a company that doesn't care if they warranty or get u straight at all. How do I know...been there. I will never buy another flir product. Get the pulsar for the money. And use legacy outdoors. Jason is as nice as it comes and very honest. If u find a deal call him and at least give him a chance to earn your business.

Thank you Pervis. I really appreciate your kind words.

If anyone wants to hear a nightmare of a customer service story, Pervis has one. If he wasn't such a straight up guy and I hadn't talked to FLIR myself on his behalf, I wouldn't have believed it.

I’d be interested to know the flir cs story. Had some less than spectacular experiences in the past as well

Glad I didn’t go that route, was real close.

I hope I don't have similar issues. Fingers crossed.