Night Vision Upgrading from StingIR to NOX18?

[mikefraz]

I currently have the AGM StingIR 640. It’s my first and only thermal. I use it handheld about 90% of the time, and then as a clip-on 10% of the time. I have the AGM/ADM flip to side mount that allows me to go from day optic to clip-on ready in no time at all. It’s a good solution.

I find that the FOV of the StingIR leaves me wanting more. I also find myself wanting a better and bigger image. In the NOX18 that big of an upgrade in the image quality department from the StingIR? I see that the FOV is a little wider. How is the physical screen size (not talking about resolution, but the physical dimensions of the screen)?

I understand that the NOX18 can’t be used as a clip on, but I feel like perhaps having an offset/angled picatinny mount for the NOX18 to use for the 10% of the time I actually want/need to take a thermal only shot may be worth the trade off for the better handheld performance?

Has anyone had hands on experience with both who can give me their opinion?

 

[Dogtown]

This may not be all that helpful, but I can only compare a NOX with a Skeet IR and the display seems a bit larger on the NOX (the device as a whole is larger). Because of that size (around PVS-14ish), it would seem pretty bulky to have one mounted on an offset.

 

[Rerun7]

The nox does a really good job in the role it was designed for. The screen feels bigger than the sting when using it on a helmet. I haven’t been overly impressed with the image clarity compared to some of the other thermals I’ve used but it’s more than sufficient.

Also, it’s not a clip on but you can use it in front of an lpvo. Just don’t use the scope reticle, use the thermal reticle. Not ideal but it works in a pinch if that’s not your main usage.

 

[mikefraz]

Maybe I’ll just stick with the StingIR if offset mounting the NOX18 isn’t feasible.

 

[_Ares_]

The nox does a really good job in the role it was designed for. The screen feels bigger than the sting when using it on a helmet. I haven’t been overly impressed with the image clarity compared to some of the other thermals I’ve used but it’s more than sufficient.

Also, it’s not a clip on but you can use it in front of an lpvo. Just don’t use the scope reticle, use the thermal reticle. Not ideal but it works in a pinch if that’s not your main usage.

I have ran a 3x magnifier behind mine. Works great.

 

[Rerun7]

I have ran a 3x magnifier behind mine. Works great.

Agreed. I’ve put my lpvo up to 3-4x and image still worked fine.

The only thing I don’t like is having it sighted in on the rail. I haven’t done much testing with it to see how reliable the POI is in different scenarios.

 

[rlsmith1]

For what it's worth I run my NOX18 on the helmet 100% of the time. I frankly don't love how it works as a weapon mounted thermal, but I really do like how it works on a helmet. Some have said the lack of true 1x optical can be an issue if running bridged, but I don't do that (single monocular while I'm yote hunting to keep things light and easy).

The FOV on the NOX is fantastic and detection is as good as a 640 thermal with that FOV should be. I've not played with any of the newer 640 HMTs, but I wouldn't hesitate to run the NOX if you want the BAE core and don't mind spending extra