I'm not Hans but I've spent a month behind the PTS736 so I'll throw in my 2 cents.
It was awesome finally seeing the 12 micron Boson core in a scope with a focus-able and large objective lens. (as opposed to the small fixed lens of the PTS233). Even though it's only 320x256, the image quality on the 736 is better than any of the 384x288 Trails and I don't think there could even be any debate about it. However....it can't be overlooked that the 736 has a 75mm objective and the largest objective lens on any of the Trail XQ's is less than 50mm. A real comparison will be when the 536 is released.
The user controls on the Trails and ThermoSights are so different it's hard to even compare them. I like the soft easy cushioned press of the Trails but I like the simplistic menus on the ThermoSights. I like the PiP and audio recording on the Pulsars but I like the on/off switch and the reticle color options on the FLIR.
At the end of the day, it's really hard to compare them because the 736 does have 6x magnification and I know you said to forget that but if we are just talking image quality and nothing else.....the FLIR wins. If you are talking features, button ergonomics, built in battery packs, audio recording etc....the Trail wins. I can definitely see a case for buying either one depending on what features you need/want.
I'm ready to see the PTS536. If FLIR had made the 536 2.5x or 3x I think they'd have taken a TON of business from Pulsar. Choosing the magnifications they did, they gave Pulsar the biggest present imaginable with a cherry on top.
Here is a short video of some great footage from Hans showing just how clear the image quality really is on the 736. Some of it was in his review video but I think a couple clips might not have been.
- Jason