Night Vision Dedicated thermal Scope suggestions.

DLP

Private
Minuteman
Sep 27, 2023
4
0
Oklahoma
I’m looking at purchasing a dedicated thermal to hunt hogs/varmits with. My budget is roughly 4-4.5k. Hoping to get into a thermal with a 640 resolution sensor. What would you reccomend in that range? I have been looking at the bering super yoter and a couple of the different pulsars. I previously had a pulsar with the 384 sensor. Let me know if you know of any good deals or sales going on at the moment.

Thanks for any input.
 
You’d be crazy not to get the Bolt TH50v2 at the current price. I’ve got mine for under 4500 and already put it to good use. The black hot palette is very nice on this device, much nicer than the Pulsar I used to own.
It also has very nice features such as Bluetooth range finder and the ability to upload a custom bdc FFP reticle through their app.
Good battery life, can use 18500 and 18650 for supplemental. Can also use any external usb-c battery pack. Keeps its zero unlike the Pulsar trail.
My only complain is the 3.5x base magnification, I’d rather have 2x and extra FOV but I’m using a 1x 384 helmet mounted scanner and once I pick up a thermal signature, I switch to the dedicated WMT.
 
  • Like
Reactions: glider
You’d be crazy not to get the Bolt TH50v2 at the current price. I’ve got mine for under 4500 and already put it to good use. The black hot palette is very nice on this device, much nicer than the Pulsar I used to own.
It also has very nice features such as Bluetooth range finder and the ability to upload a custom bdc FFP reticle through their app.
Good battery life, can use 18500 and 18650 for supplemental. Can also use any external usb-c battery pack. Keeps its zero unlike the Pulsar trail.
My only complain is the 3.5x base magnification, I’d rather have 2x and extra FOV but I’m using a 1x 384 helmet mounted scanner and once I pick up a thermal signature, I switch to the dedicated WMT.
I’ll have to look into that one. Where did you find it for that price at?
 
You’d be crazy not to get the Bolt TH50v2 at the current price. I’ve got mine for under 4500 and already put it to good use. The black hot palette is very nice on this device, much nicer than the Pulsar I used to own.
It also has very nice features such as Bluetooth range finder and the ability to upload a custom bdc FFP reticle through their app.
Good battery life, can use 18500 and 18650 for supplemental. Can also use any external usb-c battery pack. Keeps its zero unlike the Pulsar trail.
My only complain is the 3.5x base magnification, I’d rather have 2x and extra FOV but I’m using a 1x 384 helmet mounted scanner and once I pick up a thermal signature, I switch to the dedicated WMT.
Why are you comparing the bolt to older model pulsars? I’m sure it’s nice but it’s obvious you have a bias.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kino
Why are you comparing the bolt to older model pulsars? I’m sure it’s nice but it’s obvious you have a bias.
I'm not, I'm just saying that I had a lot of unresolved issues with POI shift with the older Pulsar devices, mfg refused to acknowledge the well known issue. The new pulsar thermion 2 are fine as far as I'm concerned but they use proprietary battery packs and the display isn't as nice as the Iray.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sgp12345
Definitely stay AWAY from Bering. There are LOTS of guys having POI shift and various other issues and the worst part is they won't hardly answer the phone, customer service sucks ass. There are multiple threads about issues on Predator Masters site.

The market is flooded with Chinese garbage, I say for that price range get a Pulsar Thermion 2, look for a nice used Nvision for a little more or save another year and buy a new Nvision.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ping
Chyna-Iray Rico is a great scope, I prefer it over the Pulsar offerings….app is easy to use if you like recording a hunt. I have the 640/50mm. You can get the 35mm well within your budget…..I think they could be had for $3k or so of late. Check in with some of the vendors here.

‘Merica-Nvision Nox 35. Best hog killer I have had. But you need to up your budget a bit.
 
Definitely stay AWAY from Bering. There are LOTS of guys having POI shift and various other issues and the worst part is they won't hardly answer the phone, customer service sucks ass. There are multiple threads about issues on Predator Masters site.

The market is flooded with Chinese garbage, I say for that price range get a Pulsar Thermion 2, look for a nice used Nvision for a little more or save another year and buy a new Nvision.
I have an older 35mm Bering hogster and I’m on year 3 with it. Dont know if I got luck or what but 0 issues of any kind so far knock on wood.
 
It doesn't matter what brand of scope if you look hard enough on sites there will be someone who claims they have an issue with a brand. This includes comments on the Hide. Night Goggles sells many brands including N-Vsion, Pulsar, and Bering Optics. It was previously mentioned about LOTS of guys having POI shift issues with Bering Optics thermals. Bering Optics is our leading selling brand, and we have zero customers who have reached out to us with a Zero-Shift issue. Not all, but the majority of issues revolve around people mounting their scopes too far back trying to get a better cheek-weld especially on bolt action rifles. I monitor lots of forums and I have seen posts where a few people seemed to have legitimate claims they saw some POI movement, and Bering got them fixed up. Again, it doesn't matter what brand, if you look long enough you will find someone who says their scopes are not holding zero.

With Bering Optics, you typically hear two things on customer service. Either people rave about their customer service or complain as Kino did. I am not here to make excuses as they do not answer email as quickly as I would like. However, I have had no issues getting people on the phone. If any of our customers is struggling, they can contact me, and I will contact Bering for them. Bering has fixed some things that most companies would not. Their after-warranty service is very reasonable, and they can fix virtually every component of their scopes during and after warranty.

The OP never mentioned what ranges they wanted to shoot or if they needed a LRF. If looking at the Super Yoter 50, I would recommend a LRF. I recently tested 3 different LRF units. The only one in the OPs price range is the Super Yoter LRF. It is a really, really good thermal improving on many aspects of the original Super Yoter. Here is a video that hasn't even been released yet on the Super Yoter LRF. Keep in mind the LRF readout doesn't record on the Bering products. Super Yoter LRF Video.

Pulsar was mentioned, and I did test the Pulsar Thermion 2 XG50 LRF as well. Many positives about this scope as well. Pulsar Thermion 2 XG50 LRF Video

Last but not least is the N-Vision Halo XRF. In my opinion, it does have the best overall image in the commercial marketplace. N-Vision Halo XRF Video

I test and use many different brands of thermals. Feel free to reach out to me, and I will provide my cell number and we can dig into these options and many more. Along with these brands, I have tested many other brands of thermals as well so can speak to most of them.

Korey Kirschenmann
Night Goggles: Product Specialist
 
It doesn't matter what brand of scope if you look hard enough on sites there will be someone who claims they have an issue with a brand. This includes comments on the Hide. Night Goggles sells many brands including N-Vsion, Pulsar, and Bering Optics. It was previously mentioned about LOTS of guys having POI shift issues with Bering Optics thermals. Bering Optics is our leading selling brand, and we have zero customers who have reached out to us with a Zero-Shift issue. Not all, but the majority of issues revolve around people mounting their scopes too far back trying to get a better cheek-weld especially on bolt action rifles. I monitor lots of forums and I have seen posts where a few people seemed to have legitimate claims they saw some POI movement, and Bering got them fixed up. Again, it doesn't matter what brand, if you look long enough you will find someone who says their scopes are not holding zero.

With Bering Optics, you typically hear two things on customer service. Either people rave about their customer service or complain as Kino did. I am not here to make excuses as they do not answer email as quickly as I would like. However, I have had no issues getting people on the phone. If any of our customers is struggling, they can contact me, and I will contact Bering for them. Bering has fixed some things that most companies would not. Their after-warranty service is very reasonable, and they can fix virtually every component of their scopes during and after warranty.

The OP never mentioned what ranges they wanted to shoot or if they needed a LRF. If looking at the Super Yoter 50, I would recommend a LRF. I recently tested 3 different LRF units. The only one in the OPs price range is the Super Yoter LRF. It is a really, really good thermal improving on many aspects of the original Super Yoter. Here is a video that hasn't even been released yet on the Super Yoter LRF. Keep in mind the LRF readout doesn't record on the Bering products. Super Yoter LRF Video.

Pulsar was mentioned, and I did test the Pulsar Thermion 2 XG50 LRF as well. Many positives about this scope as well. Pulsar Thermion 2 XG50 LRF Video

Last but not least is the N-Vision Halo XRF. In my opinion, it does have the best overall image in the commercial marketplace. N-Vision Halo XRF Video

I test and use many different brands of thermals. Feel free to reach out to me, and I will provide my cell number and we can dig into these options and many more. Along with these brands, I have tested many other brands of thermals as well so can speak to most of them.

Korey Kirschenmann
Night Goggles: Product Specialist
Just ran across one of your posts on the Bering thermals. Sent an email to the address you had in that post for some info. Max distance for my place would be about 400 yards. Most shots will be 250 or closer though.
 
It doesn't matter what brand of scope if you look hard enough on sites there will be someone who claims they have an issue with a brand. This includes comments on the Hide. Night Goggles sells many brands including N-Vsion, Pulsar, and Bering Optics. It was previously mentioned about LOTS of guys having POI shift issues with Bering Optics thermals. Bering Optics is our leading selling brand, and we have zero customers who have reached out to us with a Zero-Shift issue. Not all, but the majority of issues revolve around people mounting their scopes too far back trying to get a better cheek-weld especially on bolt action rifles. I monitor lots of forums and I have seen posts where a few people seemed to have legitimate claims they saw some POI movement, and Bering got them fixed up. Again, it doesn't matter what brand, if you look long enough you will find someone who says their scopes are not holding zero.

With Bering Optics, you typically hear two things on customer service. Either people rave about their customer service or complain as Kino did. I am not here to make excuses as they do not answer email as quickly as I would like. However, I have had no issues getting people on the phone. If any of our customers is struggling, they can contact me, and I will contact Bering for them. Bering has fixed some things that most companies would not. Their after-warranty service is very reasonable, and they can fix virtually every component of their scopes during and after warranty.

The OP never mentioned what ranges they wanted to shoot or if they needed a LRF. If looking at the Super Yoter 50, I would recommend a LRF. I recently tested 3 different LRF units. The only one in the OPs price range is the Super Yoter LRF. It is a really, really good thermal improving on many aspects of the original Super Yoter. Here is a video that hasn't even been released yet on the Super Yoter LRF. Keep in mind the LRF readout doesn't record on the Bering products. Super Yoter LRF Video.

Pulsar was mentioned, and I did test the Pulsar Thermion 2 XG50 LRF as well. Many positives about this scope as well. Pulsar Thermion 2 XG50 LRF Video

Last but not least is the N-Vision Halo XRF. In my opinion, it does have the best overall image in the commercial marketplace. N-Vision Halo XRF Video

I test and use many different brands of thermals. Feel free to reach out to me, and I will provide my cell number and we can dig into these options and many more. Along with these brands, I have tested many other brands of thermals as well so can speak to most of them.

Korey Kirschenmann
Night Goggles: Product Specialist



Get your shit strait Kirsch, I'm not not complaining about Berings lack of customer service as I don't own one anymore, I'm passing along MULTIPLE other people's post on public forums and social media that are legitimate customers with legitimate complaints and until they get it worked out people should hear multiple instances and opinions other than just a dealer like yourself.

I'm sure they do answer the phone for you considering you guys are probably their biggest retailer and you recommend them first before any other brand. For the regular guy its been a much different story, do a little research.

Personally I'd rather see someone spend their hard earned dollar on a much better American made product or European product over Chinese garbage and supporting the CCP, why you continue to pimp China stuff when you have other brands you could promote more is beyond me.
 
Get your shit strait Kirsch, I'm not not complaining about Berings lack of customer service as I don't own one anymore, I'm passing along MULTIPLE other people's post on public forums and social media that are legitimate customers with legitimate complaints and until they get it worked out people should hear multiple instances and opinions other than just a dealer like yourself.

I'm sure they do answer the phone for you considering you guys are probably their biggest retailer and you recommend them first before any other brand. For the regular guy its been a much different story, do a little research.

Personally I'd rather see someone spend their hard earned dollar on a much better American made product or European product over Chinese garbage and supporting the CCP, why you continue to pimp China stuff when you have other brands you could promote more is beyond me.
Isn’t Bering at least assembled in US?
 
Isn’t Bering at least assembled in US?
Yes they are assembled and serviced in the US. However, they do use the iRay (Chinese) sensor in many of their more popular thermals. They do use other sensors such as ULIS (Lynred) like Pulsar and even Flir sensors in some products. Bering is a US company so most of the money stays in the US. Pulsar is based out of Lithuania. N-Vision and Armasight are two options for those wanting as much money as possible to stay in America. Night Goggles sells many brands and I recommend different options depending on the needs of every customer I work with.
 
Just ran across one of your posts on the Bering thermals. Sent an email to the address you had in that post for some info. Max distance for my place would be about 400 yards. Most shots will be 250 or closer though.
I responded and let me know if you have any additional questions.