Helmet Mounted Thermal Viewer Scope
The technology that is behind thermal scopes used to be prohibitively expensive. Helmet Mounted Thermal Viewer Scope. They were only available to those with big pockets and large budgets, such as the military and larger law enforcement agencies. With the rapid advancements technological advancements, the cost on thermal scopes has dropped significantly and they are now more accessible than ever before.
The increased availability of thermal scopes has led to a surge in popularity for hunter-based activities that are nocturnal, such as coyotes and hogs. In turn, this growing demand for these products has led many companies to get into the market and offer thermal scopes available to a larger group of shooters and hunters than ever before. If you’re looking to purchase your first or upgrade to a more sophisticated model, let us show you some options for the best thermal scopes so that you, too, can participate in the fun.
Best Thermal Scopes In 2022
- Best for the Money: OPMOD Thor LT 3-6x
- Best Over $5000: Trijicon IR Hunter MK3
- Best Thermal Scope under $5000: AGM Secutor TS25-384
- The best thermal scope under $2000: ATN Thor HD 384 2-8x
- Best Budget Thermal Scope: ATN Thor 4 384 1.25-5x
- Best for Hunting: ATN Thor LT 160 3x
- Best Hot Scope for Hog Hunting: Sig Sauer Echo 3
- Best Clip-On Thermal Scope Burris BTC 50
- Best for Surveillance: Trijicon IR-Patrol IRMO 300 Rifle Kit
Things to Consider Prior to Purchasing an IR Scope
It’s likely that you’ve figured out that the best thermal scopes aren’t cheap. Most people aren’t going to go out and drop a sizable chunk of change on an expensive thermal scope on a whim. There are some items you must be thinking about before deciding what thermal scope is right for you. (Or honestly whether you really require one, or if that money is better spent elsewhere.)
If you go on the internet, you will find companies that offer thermal scope rentals. This is a great way to experiment with various models and get a feel of what you like best before making purchasing. Helmet Mounted Thermal Viewer Scope.
Of course, the ultimate choice is yours However, if you decide that your next major gun-related purchase will be an thermal scope, then here are some of the things you should consider prior to spending your hard-earned cash:
Battery Life
There’s plenty of technology packed into the thermal scope, and it’s got to have some kind of battery to power it. All batteries are not created in the same way, and you need to ensure the battery in your thermal scope will be powered up for the time you need it. This means you’ll want to think about how long you plan to be using the scope in a single time period. Also, how long does it take to chargeit, and what will the batteries that you have spare cost.
Extra Features
Certain thermal scopes include WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, and more. These are all great features however you need to think about what you’ll use your thermal scope in and determine whether these extra features are worth it or not. Consider, for instance are you really required to to stream your scope image onto a mobile device?
Price And Budget
The best thermals are going to be over $5000. While they’re often the top-of-the-line scopes that you can purchase however, you can get practical applications from the $2000-$5000 range. If you’re searching for a bargain thermal scope under $1000, it’s unlikely to find one. There will be some thermal scopes under $2000 but they should be brand-specific to get good assurance of warranty and money-back guarantee since quality control issues should be anticipated in this price range.
Size/Weight
Thermal imaging scopes have been large and heavy. The average weight of a thermal scope for a rifle scope is 2 pounds. Lightweight thermals weigh between 1-1.5 pounds which is comparable to conventional daylight rifle scopes. Although thermals may be around the same size as traditional rifle scopes, and even shorter but the internal components required to provide thermal imaging makes them wider. Their weight and size will influence your hunting or tactical weapon as well as sight system.
A lightweight and compact option could be to think about a clip-on system. In addition to reducing the weight and size, but they’re designed to be used on top of your daytime scope and should be easily removed and attached.
Detection/Recognition Ranges
Thermals can offer over 1000+ yards of detection range for targets regardless of day and night conditions. However, the distance at which you are able to recognize and pinpoint what you are looking for will be considerably shorter.
These ranges will vary between manufacturers models, models, as well as quality. The thermal detector’s sensitivity will be the primary factor you want to research. A higher magnification will help quickly recognize and identify an object that is far away, but it can also cause poor pixelage resulting in a blurred image. Display resolution will also determine what the image quality is. sight image. Helmet Mounted Thermal Viewer Scope.
Which Is Better Thermal Or Night Vision?
Instead of looking at whether a night vision scope can be better than thermal or in the reverse direction, the main question is:
Which one would work best to meet your needs and budget?
At the end of this article, you’ll know precisely the answer.
Let’s get started!
Night Vision
Night vision works by using light and reflections light and intensifying them to create a crystal clear image.
Thus, it requires some kind of ambient light to function.
If you’re shooting at night the moon’s light and stars usually provide enough light. Modern models have infrared illuminators that work like flashlights to illuminate the scope but aren’t visible the naked eye.
If you’re looking through the market of night vision optics there are three ratings for them — Gen I, II, or III. Simply put, the greater the grade, the better the quality.
There’s also a newer classification that includes night vision scopes known as Digital Night Vision.
The regular night vision displays the traditional black and green colors, and the modern digital night vision is usually displayed in black and white across the screen of the LCD.
Pros
- Night vision offers a superior image.
- It allows you to differentiate between the finer detail. In addition, night vision scopes are less expensive and more small in size. They are not affected by cold temperatures.
The night vision technology has been in use a lot more as thermal optics. Night vision scopes are used to be mounted on rifles and are more rugged, stable and absorb recoil like a champ.
Cons
- Its need for ambient light is what makes night vision limited.
So unless you have an infrared illumination device, it’s pretty much unusable in dark areas. It’s not recommended to use it in bright sunlight, as it can is permanently damaged when exposed to bright light.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal scopes detect heat or radiation given off by any living object. Thermal imaging uses a special type of lens that concentrates on infrared light and generates a thermogram. This thermogram is then turned into electrical impulses , which then form the image you see that appears on the screen. Helmet Mounted Thermal Viewer Scope.
Pros
- Thermal vision is a little more flexible since it is able to be utilized in any kind of lighting conditions. One of the biggest advantages to thermal imaging scopes is that they are able to function properly in day and night and do not need infrared light. On top of that, you’ll be able to discern smoke, dust and fog easily. That’s why firefighters employ thermal technology.
Cons
- A primary disadvantage for thermal imaging can be that it is quite heavy to transport. They are also expensive and you might have to go through training to understand the images properly. The battery’s life span is typically restricted and the quality of the image can be negatively affected by colder temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long does an Thermal Scope Last?
On average, thermal scopes run for about eight hours with a single charge. The various models can last between 2-10 hours. In recent times, ATN has managed to produce ultra-low-consumption thermal scopes which provide up to 10+ hours of continuous usage.
Why is it that Thermal Scopes are so expensive?
The majority of the time, thermal scopes can be expensive because of the advanced technology components. There are also cost differences for various features, such as the wireless connection, pallet modifications or ballistic applications, and more. However, thermals start at a reasonable price point of $1000.
How Far can Thermal Rifle Scopes View?
How far thermal rifle scopes can see will depend on the display resolution and magnification settings. Generally, even entry-level thermals will detect heat signals at 1,000plus yards. The most advanced thermals are able to detect heat signatures that extend beyond 4000 yards, however target identification is another matter.
Can You Use Thermal Scope for Daylight?
Contrary to night vision scopes however, you can use thermal scopes instead. You can use a thermal scope throughout the day without damaging components. Instead of intensifying light, thermal scopes read heat signatures. The dual-use feature is a major benefit of choosing thermal instead of night vision and getting the most of your purchase. Helmet Mounted Thermal Viewer Scope.
