Thermal Recommendations

Lazer32 said:
It's gonna take a huge improvement in the technology to get me to upgrade. This thermal does basically everything I want and need.
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Exactly how I feel.

I said all along back running my old 384 Super Hogster never cost me a single opportunity to the lower the boom on an animal.

However, I do say "Wow" whenever I look through the Iray.
 
Did I see somewhere that the IRay RH50R V2 is now being sold for $4k?? This is the newer version with the sometimes problematic zoom lever, correct?
 
The reviews I've seen on the Nocpix Ace H50R have been really good and they have the IRAY backing and 5 year warranty and 5 day return.
 
Got a 380 and 640 AGM Rattler, just put a Bolt tx60 on the 308. So far no problems and they just work. Tried 168 Amax (2 lower) and 150 SPP this morning, pulled one - on left. Left blue dot is bogus. Removed the pocket warmer but dark rings on the target are visible, 80F. See big things @ 100 but can't ID or shoot. This Bolt has lots of sensor pixels. EDIT: first 2 shots were base mag so I get to check if second shots at higher mag keeps boresight - or my shooting. Still haven't gotten into the field to verify difference in picture quality - seems good in the urban neighborhood.
308 iray02062025.jpg
 
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I hunted with a friend that has a Pulsar XG50. I shot about 10 coyotes with it. I have nothing to compare it to, but really liked it, so I bought the same with a rangefinder..
 
Does anyone have or had experience with Nvision? I’m looking at a Halo-XRF specifically.

I get that it’s an older model but they seem to be fairly bombproof and function very well in extreme cold. I like the 18650 batteries too.
 
Duhhh said:
Does anyone have or had experience with Nvision? I’m looking at a Halo-XRF specifically.
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Kino has been running them for the last several years, maybe he'll pop in when he sees this.

If there's a downside, they are heavy.
 
I don't have any experience with either of them, but a guy I know recently switched from the Halo to the NocPix ACE 640 LRF and he has been flat out knocking them down at 250-300 yards. With ease.
 
Can't vouch for the nocpix ace h50r but i do have the rico rh50r mk2 it's image quality is ridiculous clear.. iray and nocpix are the same people from the same building along with the same 5yr warranty with 5 day service turn around from my understanding
 
PrairiePredator said:
Can anyone explain the reason for the NocPix/Iray thing? Why does NocPix make basically the same stuff as Iray under a different name?
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New thermal hits Texas market, IRay will distribute - Texas Hunting & Fishing | Lone Star Outdoor News

In the crowded thermal market, a new brand is coming to Texas hunters making another option for no light hunts. Nocpix (Nocturnal Pixels) is a new brand of thermal optics, offering a fresh look at thermal weapon sights and handheld viewers. The brand is focused on providing superior image...
www.lsonews.com
 
Duhhh said:
Does anyone have or had experience with Nvision? I’m looking at a Halo-XRF specifically.

I get that it’s an older model but they seem to be fairly bombproof and function very well in extreme cold. I like the 18650 batteries too.
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I have had 3 different Halo XRF (sold onto my buddy) and still are running the other 2. Another buddy of mine that started hunting last year has one. We have had nothing but great luck, runs off common 18650 batteries, a couple sets will last all night long unless it's brutal cold then you might possibly need a third but it has to be around minus 10 for that.

My scanner is actually a NOX 35 as well.

The very best features IMO is the zero has never shifted unlike some of the cheaper units, it has the best LRF out that's super strong and has very low bean divergence. Runs a very long time on common batteries, 5yr warranty and MADE IN THE USA!!!!! I've ran them from the southest to the Rockies in some really nasty conditions and they've been rock solid.

Nvision has recently discounted them and if mine got stolen it's exactly what I'd buy again and I've had Bering, AGM and others to compare to.
 
I started with an ATN…..sold it to a friend that’s still using it without any issues.

My second scope was a Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF Pro. It was a nice scope with a good image but after a few months I decided I wanted a higher base magnification.

While the scope was nice, had good battery life and a good image……getting Pulsar customer service on the phone was almost impossible. It would take repeated attempts and sometimes a couple of days to get someone to answer. They may be doing better now but a couple years ago pulling a tooth out of a mule was easier than getting them on the phone.

My third scope was an N-Vision Halo XRF. I liked a lot of features the scope had. 18650 batteries with great run time, never lost zero, very accurate rangefinder and easy function…..much easier menu and user friendly than the Pulsar. Customer service was good too. The only fault with the N-vision was the image quality wasn’t as good as the Pulsar or the IRay I’m currently using.

I’m now using an IRay RH50R and while I’ve had to send it back to get the zoom encoder replaced (common problem in almost all the early models) it has an amazing image and easy menu and functionality. The only negative l can say is it uses IRays proprietary battery that is expensive.

There’s a lot more l could say about each but if anyone wants to pm me we can hook up on the phone and talk. Might be a few days before I feel like talking…..I’ve got the flu and hardly have any voice left.
 
Kino M said:
I have had 3 different Halo XRF (sold onto my buddy) and still are running the other 2. Another buddy of mine that started hunting last year has one. We have had nothing but great luck, runs off common 18650 batteries, a couple sets will last all night long unless it's brutal cold then you might possibly need a third but it has to be around minus 10 for that.

My scanner is actually a NOX 35 as well.

The very best features IMO is the zero has never shifted unlike some of the cheaper units, it has the best LRF out that's super strong and has very low bean divergence. Runs a very long time on common batteries, 5yr warranty and MADE IN THE USA!!!!! I've ran them from the southest to the Rockies in some really nasty conditions and they've been rock solid.

Nvision has recently discounted them and if mine got stolen it's exactly what I'd buy again and I've had Bering, AGM and others to compare to.
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Ok so I have the AGM rattler V2 and like it for the most part. I bought it on a whim and a bit of a budget, ultimately to see if I would even like night hunting. My issue is the rangefinder working in the extreme cold. My rangefinder craps out frequently below 10 degrees. That’s even with a fully charged Nitecore battery.

I understand electronics tend to not work below 0 but that’s what I need. Based on my very limited understanding and research, Nvision seems to be regarded as some of the best for a “bomb proof” unit. Hence why I’m interested in the Halo XRF’s that I’ve seen at discounted prices. I like the clarity I’ve seen on the Nvision too.

Thanks for the feedback.
 
What a difference a year makes. Now you can choose from multiple 1024 res units for $7k. The NocPix Ace looks tough to beat.

At SHOT it was great to see features going up, prices going down, and the number of companies offering thermal going up.

eta: forgot the k...never forget the k
 
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