GEAR REVIEW: Pulsar Thermal Optics

By Johnny Mack

If you are a fan of predator hunting, there is no better way to do it than going out at night and leveling the playing field by using thermal optics. If you want to do it right, have a higher chance of success and be able relive your hunt for later enjoyment, then look no further than Pulsar Thermal Optics.

During this past winter, I had the pleasure of using a variety of thermal optics on a predator hunt and was extremely impressed. The three items that we used were the Accolade 2 Range Finding Binoculars, Axion XM30 Monocular, and the XP50 rifle scope. All three were extremely handy to use and it made us feel like we had super powers as we all took turns using the different products. While one person manned the gun, two others could use the range finding binos and the monocular to scan for coyotes as we worked in sync to identify distances to close the distance.

**Left**: Photo looking the XP50 riflescope at running coyotes. **Right**: Photo looking through the Accolade 2 rangefinding binoculars at a pack of coyotes.

One of the beautiful winter coyotes taken during the hunt.

Axion Key XM30 2.5-10×24 Thermal Monocular

Features

320×240 resolution – 12um pixel pitch core
1300 yard detection range
4x digital zoom
Multiple color viewing modes
Waterproof

Accolade 2 LRF XP50 2.5-20×42 Thermal Binoculars

Features

640×480 resolution / 17um pixel pitch core
2000 yard detection range
Built-in photo and video recorder
Multiple color viewing modes
Up to 8 hours of operating time
Waterproof

Thermion XP50 2-16×42 Thermal Riflescope

Features

640×480 resolution – 17um pixel pitch core
1975yd detection range
8x digital zoom – continuous zoom and 2x/4x/8x stepped zoom
Picture in picture digital zoom
Built-in-recording
Stream Vision app connects scope to smart device
External power supply adaptable
5 rifle profiles with 50 zero saves
13 variable electronic reticles
One-shot zeroing with freeze function
Color viewing modes
Manual / automatic / semi automatic calibration modes

Nothing better than success in the field.

A few things to note about thermal optics:

Your depth perception is drastically challenged and that is why I highly encourage using the rangefinding binoculars in combination with the riflescope.
Sighting in the rifle scope requires a metallic/reflective surface to aim at in order for the thermals to be recognized.
There is a learning curve to learn how to operate and navigate the menus, especially when the buttons and programs are not memorized and you are using them in the dark.
When staring into a bright screen in the dark of night, it can take a little bit for your eyes to adjust. (See picture below)
They are very expensive.
Check your local hunting regulations before use.

Ready and waiting for a shot opportunity with the XP50 scope

Downloading the footage of the hunt to watch what was captured.

If you are interested in watching how awesome thermal optics are, check out episode 3 of Soul Seekers on Carbon TV and let us know what you think. For a quick link to the episode click HERE. If you are interested in more information about Pulsar Thermal Optics, go to https://locknloadsportinggoods.com/ and let them know that Washington Backcountry sent ya!

Watch episode 3 of Soul Seekers on CarbonTV to get a feel for how much fun thermal optics can be.

Thanks for reading this review. If you want to know more about our experience with thermal optics, feel free to ask by clicking HERE. In the meantime make sure to go watch Soul Seekers on Carbon TV as well as follow us on Instagram @Washington_Backcountry. Knowledge is power and MENTORSHIP IS CONSERVATION.

Photo Credit: Revol Entertainment & Washington Backcountry