Night Vision FLIR PS32 versus L3 X50 Thermal Eye

[boomfab]

I'm considering both of these as they are in my $3K price range.

I don't hear much about the X50, it seems the PS32 is very popular.

The AA batts on the X50 are appealing to me as well as the higher refresh rate.

Which do you prefer?

 

[mikeltee]

I think a 2k$ ps-24 would be a better comparison considering the 100x80 sensor. The ps-32 blows it out of the water. Just for starters, the flir line is much smaller and appears much more rugged... not to mention the superior sensor in each model. When slow scanning a field, 9htz refresh rate isn't too bad especially when you consider you can pick up a used ps-32 for about $2200.

 

[MODArmory – Nicole]

The reason we typically recommend the X50 over that PS32. First the X50 is focusable and it also takes AA Batteries. The PS32 has an internal rechargeable battery which works great for LE. It does not work great if you are a hunter and plan to spend more than an hour in the field. I tell all customers interested in thermal that for battery life specifications on thermal, regardless of manufacturer, cut the run time in half and more if it is cold.

I would disagree about the 9 HZ. The human eye sees at 24 HZ. Anything below 24HZ looks like a gas station surveillance camera and your target will jump.

X50 Size:
Size 5-1/4" L x 4-1/2" W x 2" H (13.4 x 11.4 x 5.1cm)
PS32 Size:
Size 6.70" L x 2.31" W x 2.44 H

In case people are wondering we do sell both units and are not simply promoting one over the other.

 

[mikeltee]

The 9htz is good for slow scanning a field. Not mounting on your helmet and navigating a quad at 50mph. What the f is a 100 resolution sensor? That's not even a native resolution. You can find a $6 USB charger that takes AA, AAA, or ever C batteries giving you more options than 2 AAs. I am always able to get at least 4 hours on a charge. For 3k its a no brainer of what to choose. Maybe 1100$ tops for the X50. Maybe $3000 in 2003...

You will not find one bad review of the ps-32 or ps-24. You will however NOT find any review of the X50. I wonder why??

 

[Phantom223]

Yep I do like the the design of the X-50 housing,like the AA batteries and front lens appears better also. The bad it just has too much ground to make up against the Ps32's 320x240 imager. Comparing the X200xp or new X320 would be more fair and make the choice alittle more difficult. I received one of the first PS32s as I had one preordered. It has worked perfect for several seasons and I have hunted all night many,many,many times scanning on and off with the ps32 the battery has never ran totally dead yet. I've been close a few times but even if It did die I carry a USB field charger in my pack .

 

[SkyPup]

Not to mention the FLIR "InstaRed Alert" feature to pick up hot objects out of the background makes the PS32 much better for hunting purposes. I got mine when it first came out and it still works perfect and have never ran the battery dead in the field on hunts lasting until dawn. Not having to mess with a focusing lens is also a plus.

 

[Surgeon_Shooter]

+1 for the ps32! I can't find anything wrong with it. Anything! I paid $2300 for a used one and its worth twice that much to me. That 100 resolution has got to suck! Lol I bet it looks like a cartoon through that.

 

[boomfab]

Hmmm. Looks like FLIR is the way to go.

FLIR factory refurbs seem to be a great deal:

PS24 for $1699
PS32 for $2549


https://www.flirshop.com/category/personal-vision

I guess a PS32 is the ticket.

 

[shoots100]

I had a flir,but sold it after it dying all the time in the field.The AA battery feature of the x50 sold me.If you use the rechargeable XXX 2700 batteries,the scope runs for hours,even in cold weather.
I made a USB field battery pack for my flir,but it was a pain in the ass to use while trying to hunt.With it plugged in,the open port makes it less water resistant.Not good when accidently dropped in the snow.Just one more thing I didn't need to worry about.
The X50 fit's the bill for me.Not a lot of crap to deal with and rugged as hell.I didn't know about the focus for a couple of months.I set it in the middle range and haven't touched it in years.I use the x50 for it's intended purpose, as a spotter. I just want to see if there's anything crawling around out there.I (being me)don't need a red alert feature,or super resolution.I can tell a deer from a dog at 400 yds,and at 100 yds,It has more than adequate resolution for target confirmation.
Usually my target confirmation is done with my scope,when I'm ready to shoot.Go on U tube,there's a couple of reviews on the X50 and other thermal eye units.

 

[GBMaryland]

I had the x50 and sent it back for the x200xp.

What I like about them is that they take AA batteries: NiCD, NIMH, Alky's, and Li-Ion. If you have the external power adapters, you can charge the rechargables in the units.

I should state that getting the external power cord, and the video output cord was a bit of a PITA. Also that the video output in only RCA (aka standard definition "yellow" jack) compatible. (NTSC?)

LEOs have been using them mounted in the open windows of their cars and using the video output see what's going on in wooded area, etc. (There are probably better units at this point, but the Thermal Eyes are very rugged.)

The need for manual focus is a bit of a PITA, but it works well enough.

With Li-ion batteries, it lasts for a considerable time...

Interestingly, if you are surveiling an area, something to consider might be a FLIR i7 unit. It's got a large screen, and it auto-adjusts for ambient temperatures... basically, it's everything you need to make sure you know where something is.

I buddy of mine, a retired USA SF Team Leader, pointed the FLIR i7 out to me after playing with the X200xp. His comment was "the unit is fine if your are the hunter, but not so much if you are the hunted" - due to the lack a wide FOV close up.

Conversely, the i7, while in industrial tool, is fine for hunting, has decent digital zoom, an adjustable FOV, and generally costs a fair amount less. What I was impressed by was the ability to take a look at ambient heat in the area and readjust on the fly when you were going to get heat wash (similiar to looking into the sun, or driving toward the sun).

 

[GBMaryland]

Updated my prior post with some additional information on other FLIR based devices that are cost effective and give you very similar features. (Plus thingfs like SD storage of images, etc.)