Those in the know what are your .2? I know there are several reviews out but I don’t know those people or where they hunt..

They are not fair competitors at all, they are two different classes of scopes. The Rattler 35 competes directly with the Hogster 35. Both those optics have 384x288 17 micron thermal sensors and the Super Hogster is 384x288 at 12 microns and it shows. The Rattler 35 is also only 2.2x compared to the 3x of the Super Hogster. They are very different. I consider the Rattler an excellent entry level thermal, one of the best, but the Super Hogster has mid-range thermal image quality.

I like them both but the $625 that separates them in cost is noticeable and the 3x and superior image quality of the Super Hogster makes it much more suitable for longer range shooting over 100-125+ yards. While the Rattler 35 is a excellent out to 100 yards and capable at 175-200, it's going to struggle at the longer ranges and the image quality is going to greatly degrade when you zoom up compared to the Super Hogster. The Super Hogster has an ID range that is also much better. I don't say any of this to bash the Rattler, if you're not looking for longer range shooting and it's in your price range, I believe it's a bargain, but it's in a different class of scopes than the Super Hogster.

I know it's long but Hans and I discussed all this in depth a few weeks ago because there is so much confusion out there on these optics. If you want, you can skip to 7:00 and it's where we begin discussing the optics directly.

Man that’s a great review

Anything with the name Super has to be better

Super Man
Super Charger
Super Bowl

So the super hogster wins until the super duper comes out

So rattler vs hogster?


What is “ mid range”

Currently in a Apex pulsar

Rattler and Hogster 35 are fairly comparable , Hogster might have a better warranty period.

I used to be in an Apex xq50 (17 micron) and it wasn’t until I used the Super Hogster that I felt like I had significantly upgraded. Meaning the blow your mind experience probably isn’t going to be real big with the mid range “standard” models.

If you have the Apex XD models (25 micron) then any of the aforementioned will be a nice bump in performance

Apex XQ or Apex XD?

What PP said above is correct.

Xq

Get the Pulsar Trail XQ50LRF... should be about $3400 for you.

It’s worlds better than the Apex

The original (now discontinued) Trail XQ50 and discontinued XQ50 LRF were 100% identical in image quality and magnification to the Apex XQ50. The current Trail 2 XQ50LRF $4,299 is noticeably better than the old Trails and Apexes, especially the Apexes since they were never able to have firmware updates.

As for comparing the Apex XQ50 to the Rattler 35, I think it's going to be a tight race but I wouldn't expect the Rattler to be better than the Apex and the Apex could still hold a slight lead. I think if you're looking for a replacement to the Apex XQ50 a logical option would be Super Hogster 3x for $3,125. It's going to have better image quality than the Rattler 35, Hogster 35 and Apex XQ. While I love the Rattler and think it's a bargain for the size, weight, video recording, American Defense mount etc I believe it is going to be a lateral move at best when moving away from an Apex. But if you're just looking for internal video recording at a fair price, then the Rattler makes sense.

I demod both

During demo, the Rattler petered out...I swear, salesman seemed embarrassed.

Like fluttered, screen went bonkers said he didn’t know what went wrong with it

I went w Hogster

I’ve used it maybe 7-8 times in 2 months and no issues

Not a rep, get whichever.

Just my experience

You’re correct, I meant to type Trail 2 XQ50LRF