Anyone have any recommendations on one?

Scanning hillsides with binos is something I’m accustomed to and I don’t mind it but scanning with a thermal is WAY faster. I’ve had one in the past but it became unserviceable.

John,
I have the Rix K3. It's the size of a laser rangefinder like those used for hunting.

The K3 was $899 and it is 384 resolution. It has a lens cover that is manually slid open or closed with the thumb...a feature I like for protection of the objective.

I wear the unit on a lanyard around my neck. When I see a heat signature I go to the AGM Rattler scope on the rifle.

This unit serves my purpose very well. But there are many other options for about twice that amount of money.

https://youtu.be/F7u-XqBHOSw?

Bang for your buck I would go with the Nocpix Lumi H35, if you want a range finder the Nocpix Lumi H35R. (It's only $200 difference for the range finder I'd get it) $2400 with 640 resolution. They are small and run off a simple 18650 battery (which you can get re-chargeable for cheap).

If you're not opposed to a little extra weight, the Nocpix Vista either 35 or 50 are insane. I looked through one during a tournament this winter and the image was just like you were in broad daylight. Not sure on your budget but those are a little more pricey.

I have ran an AGM Taipan in the 384 resolution for years. Once you get in that 640 and up category it's hard to go back to the 384 resolution. For a little extra money it is well worth it. The prices on 640 scopes and monocular have come down so much in price I don't think 384 will be considered entry level in the near future.

https://www.midwayusa.com/s?Discoun...0Deals=Open%20Box&Savings=50+-+75%25

A couple Burris on sale there,,,, if they may suit your needs, that seems like a pretty good deal.

What is your budget?

Cattrax had a thermal pair of binos that would knock your socks off

^^^This. Spend the money on the front end. If memory serves me, those 384 AGM's were around $2-2500 depending on exact unit when they were first out. Those units are down to around $1500 currently. Take your choice in 640 makers from AGM, Nocpix, Pulsar, InfiRay. Unless of course youd prefer a 1280.

Started with the Rix3 and it was ok, till I looked through the Titan T6. Sold the Rix 3 and bought the Titan L6, Rix 3 has 384 Resolution, while the Titan L6 is 640 resolution and laser range finder. The higher the resolution the easier it is to id critters further out.

Feel free to PM me I’d be happy to chat through your needs. I used to deal them and am still looking through thermal plenty in my coyote hunting. Getting a thermal that fits your needs is most important. Base mag, resolution, battery life, screen resolution, will all be more or less important depending on what you want to do with it

AGM Taipan 640 can find deals all around on them …..

This one if you can find one, they aren't making this specific model any more.

That’s why they don’t make that anymore, lol.

I have an AGM Taipan V2 19x384. It’s a good scanner and I’m able to ID just about everything out to 300-400yds…when I can see that far. All my scopes are 640 and the next scanner I get will be another AGM in 640. When scanning for predators it’s really easy to ID them…they’re the ones on a mission. Deer and smaller prey are just doing their normal stuff. Minimum I’d go with is a 384.
.

Bernie,
Thermal image quality has advanced well beyond that FLIR unit and costs have came down as quality has gone up.

I will never buy another FLIR product. Have the phone dongle camera and used the heck out of it until FLIR deleted the app that made it work. Their answer was buy a new one, only a 10% discount.

Nope, nada, no way. Ain't falling for that BS ever again.

The way I see it is if I pay good money for something, it's mine, and the seller shouldn't be allowed to remotely brick it.

And that 10% only applied if I shipped them the old one.

That's pretty ridiculous, thanks for sharing

I have a Pulsar unit, can't remember the model with out going and looking at it, however it cost me over 3G a few years ago on
sale, it's way below that now if they have any left, Pulsar is always improving and then selling old models off, so they don't have to stock old stuff

It's all I need for everything, except have a pair of binoc's, It's very handy to have when hunting instead of trying to use your rifle on a stand all the time plus using the battery life to just keep looking where as the other last longer !

Thing I don't like is the eye piece isn't comfortable enough to use for a long time, so I call and then wait, search for a short period then wait and do again, it's amazing how your eyes will get used to the monocular, then have to re-adjust to the rifle.

Think I will invest in a pair of bino's now and might just let who ever is with me use the monocular !

I learned my lesson about night vison stuff when I spent dollars on regular night vision, the difference is really not describable, but I still have a small set of night vison binos for around the house and neighbor hood for quick use !

A thermal monocular (and scope) sure messes up my night vision in the eye I'm viewing with. I guess there's no way around this, but I'm basically night blind in that eye for several minutes when I look away from the thermal optic.

Can't see crap....until my eye adjusts.....

I’m actually wanting this for daytime use to scan hillsides for elk so I won’t be shooting in the dark. Those elk are easy to spot through a thermal real quick before making a move on them. I’ve scanned with bonus for elk for 30 minutes and didn’t see some that were laying right there before moving or when just a part of them is visible.

Me too Swamp Wolf. Takes my eye a couple of minutes in the thermal to actually get a good view. Takes even longer to see anything in the dark after looking into the brightness of it.

And my budget might be in the 2k range but I’d go more if something is worth going for.

Yup, discovered that in the service. Tried the keeping one eye closed/eye patch thing but it really screws with your perception, especially depth perception.

Sure does!

Walking and calling and scanning is almost a no-go for me. I cannot see after the first stop & scan. Stumbling around like a blind man in the dark...lol!

They tried to have us dig tank ditches, D7s and 620 scrapers, in the dark with night vision. Without depth perception a push with a D7 became a slam with a D7. It was a mess and we broke stuff like crazy.

I look thru my thermal scope sometimes for an hour or more. Yes it can mess up an eye, but I found out... at least for me anyway... it helps my scope eye adjust back to normal if I take a flash lite or take off my head lite and shine directly into my right messed up eye a few times. Seems like it gets back to normal quicker .

I'll try that, but that sounds like it might make it worse.

I scan with my left eye and shoot with my right. When the stand is done and I’m ready to get my caller, I just pull out the phone and click it on. Even though it’s on the lowest light setting possible it clears up any issues. With alternating between the eyes, one is generally always better for seeing in the dark. I don’t use a headlamp unless I’m checking to make sure that coyote is definitely dead before dragging it, lol, other than that it stays in the pack.

Patrick! Good info.

Thank you, sir.
Steven! Good to see you, brother. Fish fry is coming! Need me to bring anything?

You remember what kind of binos they were? I don’t need any but I’m curious now.

I forgot to add as a side note, our DWR will not allow Thermals or night vision for hunting season of any big game, can't even have them in possession in camp or traveling in a hunting area, they can be subject to seizure and a fine if found !

Just for thought about other states for you people !!

For sure.

Was gonna carry my RixK3 to Missouri bowhunting last fall to check around my stand before approaching and before climbing down, but that's a NO-GO in Missouri. Can't possess a thermal when deer hunting.

John, they were thermal binos. Pulsar. 640 resolution. I do not remember the model number

We’ve enjoyed out Steiner 640 model. Got it for a deal on MidwayUSA.

So LEO’s pat you down and search you if encountered in these States that don’t allow it? Sorta like carrying concealed in a movie theater. Sure it says no guns allowed, but unless it’s needed, they aren’t finding it.

Wanna Be, you must not hunt much, LOL out here DWR is up the same time you are to hunt, only they hunt with their thermals while you can't, they are looking for people who are trying to use them during the dark as well as when the sun goes down and you have only a few minutes left to use regular binoc's

If they get a lead on some one from another hunter or even some thinking they are using thermals, they are Johnny on the spot to check it out, and yes they will ask to look for one, they are not bash full about it, Leo's they will cut you some slack, DWR no way

You wish to play foolish games with them go ahead, I can use them in the winter like I have been with no trouble hunting fur, then they just like to look thru them is all !!

No....it's mostly just good ethics and character.....you know the stuff you do when no one is looking.....beacuse you knew it was illegal b4 you did it.

But, if the GWs do find it on you then it's "donated" to that state along with some of your coins.

I have the Rix stride, very small and lightweight.
Also the Rix K2, it’s ok for the price.
If I was looking for day use thermal… I know they have products out now that are digital day/night with a thermal sensor. So you have both capabilities, the down fall is going to be price and digital zoom is going to be lose clarity.
Also battery life is something to consider, I like the Rix cause the use of the 18650 batteries. I throw a couple extra in my pocket and am good if a scope or monocular gets low. Plus it’s not proprietary, so it’s not costing me $100 bucks a battery.

I’ve got the Goyojo G325. Works great at night, haven’t done the day. They do mess with eye balance at night. Well under a grand and seem well worth it.
John just take “spotting” lessons from a guy we both know. Crazy how that guy can spot them from any distance in any cover.

Osky

Of course they mess with eye.balance at night. Shine a flashlight in you eyes for 5 minutes and see what happens

Not complaining about the obvious.

Just stating how it affects me and limits my effectiveness in maneuvering around & enjoying thermal night hunting.

Whew. Sorry I said (printed) anything.

Osky

That’s one thing I’ve never looked for when hunting other states. And WHY would anyone think to look for it? Just curious where it’s listed for states? Never seen it when looking over regs for seasons and limits for turkeys. Never seen it when buying licenses or tags. Never knew it was a thing to process a scanner, lol. Do these states outlaw range finders as well? If so I’m double guilty. I’ve taken my scanner to every state I’ve been to since I’ve had it. Mainly just to scan ahead and make sure I don’t walk into a moose or some other big critter. Then again, don’t think I’ve ever seen another GW in another state except Florida and Kansas.

Quick Google search for the state of Missouri.....



Also, there is a bit of a difference between a rangefinder and thermal/NV optics.

Sorry Osky, I didn't mean to come off as offensive.

Steve

I also read you cannot use a flashlight to walk into the woods.

Show your source.

"Lots of states have laws that seem strange if you come from somewhere else (or even if you live there, sometimes) some that you would never think to check on if you grew up somewhere it was common practice and never debated. For example, I think you've hunted Montona, did you know it is illegal to use a two way radio in Montana while hunting? Or I grew up on the West Coast, where I bobcat hunted at night, oftentimes going out after work and such. I had never heard of not being able to and had hunted in Idaho for several years, before I moved and it wasn't until after I was living here I found out that while there are no hunting hours, you can't hunt bobcats with an artificial light, in fact many of the western states that are known for lion hunting are that way, the outfitters got those laws passed eons ago because they were afraid locals would be out lion hunting at all hours and claim they were bobcat hunting, and they didn't want the competition. Game cameras, thermals, and to a lesser extent long range equipment (rangefinders, long range scopes, etc.) are the current hot button issues being debated and outlawed or attempted to be outlawed or limited in many of the western states by the more regulation crowd.


.[/quote]

That’s one thing I’ve never looked for when hunting other states. And WHY would anyone think to look for it? Just curious where it’s listed for states? Never seen it when looking over regs for seasons and limits for turkeys. Never seen it when buying licenses or tags. Never knew it was a thing to process a scanner, lol. Do these states outlaw range finders as well? If so I’m double guilty. I’ve taken my scanner to every state I’ve been to since I’ve had it. Mainly just to scan ahead and make sure I don’t walk into a moose or some other big critter. Then again, don’t think I’ve ever seen another GW in another state except Florida and Kansas. [/quote]

Sorry that post didn't come out clear, it was in reply to Wannabe's post that is quoted at the bottom.

Although not in Missouri, I've had a game warden tell me it is illegal to use a flashlight to walk in with, Swamp. I told him to write me up, and I'd see him in court. He didn't, so I assume he knew he didn't have a leg to stand on. Not all game wardens are as even handed as you, some like to throw their weight around.

Unfortunately & sadly, you are correct. Here in Georgia, DNR has hired folks that have no business working in any law enforcement.....and absolutely not working wildlife law enforcement. Many today don't even hunt, fish, or trap.....zero vested interest in the job.

So what did you search Swamp?? Guess instead of searching for hunting regs, seasons, or limits; you just typed in thermals? Again, who would ever think to do that? And why, lol? Especially if you’re not hunting with a thermal and turkey hunting at that, lol. Of course I haven’t hunted Misery so maybe that’s what pops up when you Google turkey hunting regs or seasons?

I read the complete hunting regulations for Missouri annually before I go there. States have different regs (as we all know) and without doing the research there isn't a better way to know the details.

For the screenshot above that I posted I Googled specifically about thermal optics in Missouri during turkey season. But, I already knew they couldn't be possessed while hunting deer or turkeys from reading the regs a few years ago.

If the info is not specifically in that state's regs and doesn't pop up during a Google search then a quick call to that state's DNR LE office is easy. With the advancements in thermal and NV tech and the prices dropping, many states are trying to address what those optics are being used for. I'm sure many states are still way behind on this, but better legal than losing the optic and $$.

I used my RixK3 this past deer season to scan foodplots as I was approaching the stand so I wouldn't spook deer. Also used it to scan for deer at dark so I could slip out undetected. Not sure how long Georgia will allow this technology to be used while hunting big game (deer, bear, turkey) as it is much too easy to be abused.

Thermal and night vision are illegal for hunting ANY WILDLIFE in Oregon! Game or non game! I got around that while working for wildlife services but am now officially retired!

It says no artificial light in addition to night vision and thermal. Flashlights are artificial light.

Again, the thought has never crossed my mind to even look that up, lol. Now if I was heading out of state to thermal hunt, yeah, I’d make sure they had a season and when it was. All I’ve ever looked up was seasons, licenses needed, limits, and if coyotes were in season incase I called one up.

I did the same thing. I liked my K-3 until I looked through the Titan 6 and sold the K-3 and bought the Titan-6. Love the Titan-6. Things are so much clearer and while I'm pretty good at positively id'ing targets it's definitely quicker with the Titan-6.

$1500 more for the Titan.

Finding all the regulations can be difficult for many hunters. Here in New Mexico the specific restrictions are lumped under the "Manner and Method Rule" and not with the individual species rules. As an example, every non-resident turkey hunter I've spoken to the last few years was unaware that state law prohibits discharge of a firearm within 150 yards of a building (not just a dwelling) on private land even if you are on public land at the time. That gobbler may be on the same public side of the fence as you and still illegal to harvest with a firearm. Applies to all species and firearm discharge. Most of the rules are listed on a separate page in the annual hunting proclamation but I bet most folks just reference the particular species page that they are interested in. Last game warden I spoke to about the issue of thermals and night vision said they are currently legal here since they do not project light. All protected species, including furbearers, have restricted shooting hours, (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset). Only exception is raccoons and animals in traps. Over the years I have actually enlightened multiple wildlife officers as to what their own regulations were.