Thermal, where to start?

[wildfowler.250]

So the thermal is something that I’m tempted with. Not necessarily for increasing bag numbers but it sounds attractive from doing more fox shooting and also finding lost game as well.

The thing is, where to start? I’m all for buy once, cry once. But I also don’t need a Ferrari. Is there anything decent around the £1k mark? Or am I wasting my time unless I part with another £500-£1k?

Brands and models also very welcome!


Cheers!

 

[jall55]

So the thermal is something that I’m tempted with. Not necessarily for increasing bag numbers but it sounds attractive from doing more fox shooting and also finding lost game as well.

The thing is, where to start? I’m all for buy once, cry once. But I also don’t need a Ferrari. Is there anything decent around the £1k mark? Or am I wasting my time unless I part with another £500-£1k?

Brands and models also very welcome!


Cheers!

You will struggle to find lost game with a thermal because one it drops in cover thats it
I have accolades - amazing but 4k plus
My pal has an axion at about 1 k - very good
Mine - i can use all night with little eye fatigue and the detail is brilliant
My pals is great to use when walking because its so light and little but it gives black eye and you really need to know your ground as the detail is average

 

[springbok787]

Probably just take your max budget and buy the pulsar that matches it.

 

[NickJ]

I'd say start with a used Pulsar Axiom Key for around £600, many people have upgraded from them but they are still very effective.

 

[mealiejimmy]

Buy the thermal within your price range that has the largest objective lens
£1k won't get you a thermal much use at spotting and identifying foxes unless the range is so close you are likely to spook them
For spotting and identifying foxes at decent ranges you're definitely nearer £2k than £1500 and preferably with a 50mm lens

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Dazb1967]

Like Springbok says, start with your max budget, there’s some good used pulsars around for 1k mark

 

[sir-lamp-alot]

No matter what your budget there will always be somthing bigger or better and if there isnt then dont worrie they will release somthing next week that is. For around the £1000 mark I would be looking at eithier a second hand xm30s or a secondhand helion if you can streatch a little further or wait for the right deal for you and lets not forget only a couple of years ago these were the must have units. As for finding lost game forget it ive failed to see foxes dead in short grass fron 25 yards away with my xq38f.

 

[B&W FOX]

So the thermal is something that I’m tempted with. Not necessarily for increasing bag numbers but it sounds attractive from doing more fox shooting

Your budget is dependent on what your currently using for foxing.

A lot of people go down the thermal route for spotting and digital night vision rifle scope being dedicated or add-on.

As I do a lot of pest control I took the advice of Bruce on what to buy in the thermal market place ( buy once, cry once,) three years ago, and I'm still using both units I purchased then, after selling off all my digital units to help fund the purchases.

 

[Freeforester]

Is there anything decent around the £1k mark?

Pulsar Quantum XQ38 - boxed with all accessories and spare AA battery cartridges, Helion XQ38 performance in a better form factor, with hard wire to screen viewing hardware, far superior than Bluetooth connection. In perfect working condition.

 

[Dorsetrifle04]

Hikmicro LH19, I've used it for two years. It's a brilliant unit, clear good features and cost me about 1200£. I use it for stalking and lamping paired with a rear attachment.

 

[JockStalk]

Pulsar all the way, best you can afford.

 

[Len the dog]

When it comes to finding lost game at night, people often don't realise that the heat that thermals are seeing is effectively light but in a different part of the spectrum to visible light. What this means is that if a heat source is obstructed by a tree, leaves or long grass, you will no more see it than if it were visible light to the naked eye.
I can look into the night sky and see passing aircraft at 30,000 ft and miles away with my £1500 Guide, that's because the infrared light is travelling unobstructed through clear air, yet the other night I couldn't find a spent cartridge in the grass 3 ft away because it was obscured by the grass just as it would be to my eye in daylight.
It doesn't help that the movies show people moving around inside buildings and appearing perfectly visible through solid walls.

 

[72 line per]

i have jusy bought the thermtec cyclops350 cost £1700 look on youtube under b4ger731. i sold my xq38 so i could buy this . its brill

 

[wildfowler.250]

Cheers gents. I think the general gist on here is 1) buy pulsar and 2, spend £1500-£2k.

The biggest factor here is that I’m loathed to spend that on what *for me* still a luxury item if that makes sense. It’s been a helpful thread as I’d happily have spent a grand if it got something worthwhile. But I’d rather spend that level of cash on a beretta / days stalking etc.

Appreciate the help and I think in a few more years, the quality will go up again and the prices should become more competitive.

Thanks!

 

[Len the dog]

Appreciate the help and I think in a few more years, the quality will go up again and the prices should become more competitive.

You will end up never buying one as new improved technology is always just around the corner.

I spent about £1500 and I have to say it is a game changer, I can identify foxes, badgers, hares, deer etc with ease out to a range beyond that I would shoot and also see mice scurrying about in the grass 50+yds away. It also opens your eyes to just how much life is out and about past dark, it is literally everywhere.
When I first got it I took it with me when I took the dog for a run around one of the farms, he flushed a pheasant and when I looked through the thermal (middle of the morning) I could see the patches of bird poo that the pheasant had left behind as it took flight.

 

[Dorsetrifle04]

Cheers gents. I think the general gist on here is 1) buy pulsar and 2, spend £1500-£2k.

The biggest factor here is that I’m loathed to spend that on what *for me* still a luxury item if that makes sense. It’s been a helpful thread as I’d happily have spent a grand if it got something worthwhile. But I’d rather spend that level of cash on a beretta / days stalking etc.

Appreciate the help and I think in a few more years, the quality will go up again and the prices should become more competitive.

Thanks!

It all depends on usages I guess, for me 1200£ was a lot of money.. but I use it 2/3 times a week either stalking or lamping. Predominantly lamping over lambs.

Have I found quarry easier? Yes, without a doubt. Not lost a fox since.

You're right in a way, the market is becoming saturated with those offering thermal monocals and units. Palsar must be quaking in their boots! They had the market for years to themselves.

It's not a plug, but optics warehouse do sell use approved thermals with warranties. Could be worth an email subscription?

Tom

 

[JTO]

I'm still using my Pulsar Quantum HD50S after 8 years. It does all I need. £3200 back then, I think!

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

i have jusy bought the thermtec cyclops350 cost £1700 look on youtube under b4ger731. i sold my xq38 so i could buy this . its brill

They are rats in poor weather compared to a Pulsar

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

Just buy one of these... job done, piece of mind with a new unit and full warranty..

• Magnesium Body
• Replaceable Battery
• 1300m MAN size detection range.
• Super compact.
• Inbuilt WIFI and recording with audio
• 3 year warranty

Pulsar Axion XQ30 Pro Thermal

The Pulsar Axion XQ30 Pro thermal monocular features a 17 micron, 25mk netD, 384 pixel sensor, with a compact magnesium alloy waterproof body.

www.blackwoodoutdoors.co.uk

12 month 0% interest free finance available via the store..

 

[72 line per]

i just sold the xq38 to buy the cyclops 350 i was out last night. mate was using the xq38 i was using the cyclops 350 the cyclops 350 was showing the best image look on you tube under b4ger731 the image is outstanding