Purchasing second hand night vision and thermals
- Thread starter Aps_223
- Start date
I have bought plenty of nv kit second hand. Not had a problem.
It is an increased risk, but, I think it is small. Really depends on how much you are shelling out, and depending on the supplier, if they have a repair facility in the U.K., just in case. Even if you have to pay.
Conversely, I bought a new thermal, 10 years ago and it had to go back to China twice.
It is an increased risk, but, I think it is small. Really depends on how much you are shelling out, and depending on the supplier, if they have a repair facility in the U.K., just in case. Even if you have to pay.
Conversely, I bought a new thermal, 10 years ago and it had to go back to China twice.
I think the answer to that is - it depends - a variety of factors like how much you're spending, how 'used' the unit is... what the manufacturer/distributor is like in general..... in short what is your appetite to risk.
The kit moves on quite fast and so some units which aren't very old are good value - like cars.
Would I buy a Pulsar Quantum now? No - probably still a reasonable unit but very old and specs have moved on. Would I buy a last gen something - sure. Something a year old could have had as much use as something four years old quite easily - but does that make it less likely to fail? There is the risk too - and hence why second hand prices are as they are.
The kit moves on quite fast and so some units which aren't very old are good value - like cars.
Would I buy a Pulsar Quantum now? No - probably still a reasonable unit but very old and specs have moved on. Would I buy a last gen something - sure. Something a year old could have had as much use as something four years old quite easily - but does that make it less likely to fail? There is the risk too - and hence why second hand prices are as they are.
valevelo
Well-Known Member
The biggest thing that puts me off buying new digital scopes/spotters is how quickly the tech is moving and how rapidly that makes gear outdated.
It doesn't mean they don't do the job, but they don't hold value. The depreciation on digital is far more than traditional, quality glass
It doesn't mean they don't do the job, but they don't hold value. The depreciation on digital is far more than traditional, quality glass
Bo Diddley
Well-Known Member
Old models discounted from retailers when new models are launched.
Like the Zulus V1 recently... sold off at bargain prices to clear old stock..
One of the trade members on here sold off some "New, but old stock" Pulsar thermals a few weeks ago at give away prices.
Like the Zulus V1 recently... sold off at bargain prices to clear old stock..
One of the trade members on here sold off some "New, but old stock" Pulsar thermals a few weeks ago at give away prices.
the_greenman
Well-Known Member
Got bitten buying a used demonstrator from a big supplier so will only buy new now. At least I know their history if it's new.
Yip,i think in the main that demonstrator means well used second hand.
the_greenman
Well-Known Member
And not maintained
Moray Outfitting
Well-Known Member
With my Hik equipment, I take it to the stand at the Scottish Game fair. Theguy with the laptop services and upgrades it all for free. Apart from the outer shell it is basically new. So I would go for second hand if I could get it done as I did. J
All my stuff is second hand, with the exception of a Pulsar Thermal a couple of year ago. Even then it was an ex-demo from MacLeods of Tain and never had an issue, including warranty. The newer Nocpix stuff the 4 year warranty is attached to the device and not the original buyer. I have had multiple thermals and Digital Night scopes second hand and never had a problem with them. Also I have saved thousands this way. I wouldn't be put off, buy second hand.
Guess it depends on condition and saving. I’ve bought second hand and am yet to get truly burned. I had trouble with a Pulsar add on but it was still under warranty so that got sorted.
One thing to consider is the depreciation. If you buy new you may find the depreciation in the first few months costs the same as a second hand unit - so you may not be worse off even if the second hand one dies.
One thing to consider is the depreciation. If you buy new you may find the depreciation in the first few months costs the same as a second hand unit - so you may not be worse off even if the second hand one dies.
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
Before asking about 2nd hand, ask yourself the question-
Do I need one?
They need batteries glass doesn’t.
I have one but as soon as it dies I’ll not be replacing it that’s for certain!
In my limited experience of 20 odd years no you don’t, just more
you don’t need to spend your hard earned money on, stalking if full of gear for you to waste your money on.Flash G 74
Well-Known Member
Hello, I have 2 good Night Vision scopes for sale, 1 still boxed and new purchased via the forum from ATN but never had much interest, I just do not shoot much at night now and manage with my old Photon, I only do a bit of rat shooting these days where as a few years back i had my CZ 455 to clear a sheep farm of Rabbits,
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I've bought both second hand (usually from this forum) and new NV and thermal, as someone already said, it would depend, only time I've had a issue with second hand, was a Pard NV007 from ebay, it was shown as working before it was sent, however never worked for me, which put both the seller and I in an awkward situation, which did get resolved amicably. With new you do get the security of a warranty but also the cost, there are however so very good deals to be had, also worth keeping and eye for new models coming out and dealers moving new old stock at good prices
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