As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of testing numerous thermal imaging devices over the years. However, few have left as lasting an impression as the Pulsar Accolade XP50 thermal binoculars. These cutting-edge optics offer a level of performance that can truly revolutionize your hunting and outdoor experiences. In this comprehensive review, I’ll delve deep into the features, capabilities, and real-world performance of the Accolade XP50 to help you determine if it’s the right thermal binocular for your needs.
Cutting-Edge Thermal Sensor and Image Quality
At the heart of the Accolade XP50 lies Pulsar’s advanced 640×480 thermal sensor with a 17μm pixel pitch. This high-resolution sensor delivers exceptional image quality and detection range, allowing you to spot heat signatures up to an impressive 1,800 meters away. During a recent deer scouting trip, I was astounded by how clearly I could make out animals bedded down in thick brush over 1,000 yards away. The fine details were remarkably crisp, enabling me to distinguish between bucks and does at distances that would be impossible with traditional optics.
The 50Hz refresh rate provides smooth, real-time imaging without any noticeable lag. This high frame rate is particularly beneficial when tracking moving targets or scanning large areas quickly. Whether you’re following a running animal or panning across a field, the image remains fluid and stable.
The Accolade XP50 also features a high-contrast AMOLED HD display that truly shines in various weather conditions. This display technology offers excellent color reproduction, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios, resulting in vivid and detailed thermal images. Even in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, the AMOLED display maintains its performance, ensuring you always have a clear view of your surroundings.
Versatile Magnification and Field of View
One of the standout features of the Accolade XP50 is its impressive 2.5-20x magnification range. This wide zoom range provides the flexibility to scan vast areas or zoom in for a detailed examination of distant targets. The base 2.5x magnification offers a generous field of view, which is ideal for situational awareness and spotting game in open areas. At 2.5x magnification, you’ll enjoy a field of view of 12.4×9.3 meters at 100 meters, allowing you to cover a lot of ground quickly.
As you increase the magnification, the field of view narrows, but the level of detail increases dramatically. I often find myself using the higher zoom levels to get a closer look at animals and determine their size, sex, or even antler configuration for bucks. The smooth, stepless zoom lets you fine-tune the magnification to your exact needs, a feature I’ve come to appreciate greatly in the field.
One particularly useful feature is the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) mode. This function displays a magnified image of the center of your field of view in a small window at the top of the screen. It’s incredibly handy for getting a closer look at a target without losing your broader field of view. The PIP window can be set to 5x, 10x, or 20x magnification, giving you a lot of flexibility in how you use this feature.
User-Friendly Design and Controls
Despite its advanced technology, the Accolade XP50 is surprisingly intuitive to use. The ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hands, with thoughtfully placed buttons that are easy to access even when wearing gloves. I particularly appreciate the focus wheel positioned on top of the device, which allows for quick, one-handed operation. This design choice means you can make focus adjustments without taking your eyes off your target or fumbling with side-mounted dials.
The adjustable eye cups are another user-friendly feature that I’ve come to appreciate. They make it easy to get a perfect fit, whether you wear glasses or not. The interpupillary distance can be adjusted from 56 to 71mm, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience for a wide range of users.
The menu system is straightforward to navigate, giving you control over settings like color palettes, calibration modes, Wi-Fi connectivity, and more. After just a few minutes of practice, I felt completely comfortable operating all the features. The intuitive interface means you spend less time fiddling with settings and more time observing your surroundings.
Durable All-Weather Construction
Built to withstand the harshest conditions, the Accolade XP50 features a robust magnesium alloy housing with an impressive IPX7 waterproof rating. This means it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without sustaining damage. While I haven’t pushed it to these extremes, I have used it in heavy rain and foggy conditions without any issues. The fog-proof design ensures clear viewing even in humid environments, a feature that’s proven invaluable during early morning hunts when moisture is high.
The operating temperature range of -25°C to +50°C (-13°F to 122°F) means you can rely on the Accolade XP50 in virtually any climate. Whether you’re on an alpine hunt or in a sweltering lowland area, these binoculars are up to the task. This rugged construction gives me confidence that the Accolade XP50 can handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way, making it a dependable companion for any outdoor adventure.
Long Battery Life and Power Options
The Accolade XP50 comes equipped with a rechargeable IPS7 battery pack that provides up to 8 hours of continuous use. On multi-day hunting trips, I’ve found this to be more than sufficient runtime between charges. The ability to swap out batteries in the field is a huge advantage, allowing you to extend your observation time indefinitely with spare batteries.
For those who need even more power, Pulsar offers an optional IPS14 battery that can extend the runtime to an impressive 16 hours. This extended battery life is particularly useful for long stakeouts or when you’re in remote areas without easy access to charging facilities.
The device also supports external power sources via a 5V input, giving you the option to use portable power banks for even longer operation. This flexibility in power options ensures that you’ll never be caught short in the field, no matter how long your expedition lasts.
Integrated Laser Rangefinder
One of my favorite features of the Accolade XP50 is its integrated laser rangefinder, which can measure distances up to 1,000 meters. This eliminates the need to carry a separate rangefinding device, streamlining your gear and reducing weight. I’ve found the rangefinder to be impressively accurate, typically within a few yards of my dedicated rangefinder.
The rangefinder isn’t just a simple distance meter. It also includes advanced features like angle compensation and true horizontal distance calculation. These functions are invaluable when you’re dealing with steep terrain, ensuring you get accurate readings regardless of the angle to your target.
Additionally, the Accolade XP50 includes a stadiametric rangefinder function. This allows you to quickly estimate the distance to an object based on its known size. While not as precise as the laser rangefinder, it’s a handy tool for making quick distance estimates without alerting game by using the laser.
Image and Video Recording Capabilities
The ability to record thermal footage and take photos adds another dimension to the Accolade XP50’s capabilities. With 16GB of internal storage, you can capture hours of video or thousands of still images. This feature has become an integral part of my hunting strategy, allowing me to review thermal footage after a hunt to analyze animal behavior and movement patterns.
The recording function is easy to use – a simple press of the REC button starts and stops video recording. Photos can be captured with a quick button press as well. The video is recorded in .avi format, while photos are saved as .jpg files. While the .avi format isn’t ideal for direct sharing on social media platforms, the footage can be easily converted using the Stream Vision app (more on this later).
One minor drawback is that the recorded video doesn’t quite match the clarity you see through the eyepiece in real-time. The video is recorded at 640×480 resolution, which, while good, doesn’t fully capture the exceptional detail you observe directly through the binoculars. However, for most purposes, the recorded quality is more than sufficient to review and share your thermal observations.
Wireless Connectivity and Stream Vision App
The Accolade XP50 comes equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, opening up a world of possibilities for connectivity and control. Using Pulsar’s Stream Vision app, available for both iOS and Android devices, you can stream live video from the binoculars to your smartphone or tablet. This feature has numerous practical applications in the field.
For instance, you can have a hunting partner monitor your thermal view from a different location, effectively expanding your observation range. It’s also useful for instructional purposes, allowing you to share what you’re seeing with others in real-time.
The Stream Vision app isn’t just for live streaming, though. It also allows you to remotely control the binoculars, adjust settings, transfer recorded files, and even update the device’s firmware. I’ve found this particularly useful for fine-tuning settings without having to take my eyes off the target.
One of the handiest features of the app is its ability to convert video files. On Android devices, it can convert the .avi files to more shareable .mp4 format, while on iOS, it converts to .mov files. This makes it much easier to share your thermal footage on social media or with friends.
Color Palettes and Image Optimization
The Accolade XP50 offers 8 different color palettes, allowing you to optimize the image for different scenarios and personal preferences. These include:
White Hot: This classic mode is exceptionally versatile and my go-to for general observation.
Black Hot: Useful for detecting animals and birds at night.
Red Monochrome: Helps reduce eye strain and preserve night vision.
Sepia: Improves contrast for long-distance observation.
Red Hot: Highlights the hottest objects in the scene.
Rainbow: Assigns different colors to different temperature ranges, useful for detecting slight temperature variations.
Ultramarine: Another option that can help differentiate temperature differences.
Violet: Helps in quickly identifying objects against backgrounds.
I tend to use White Hot most often for general observation, but I’ve found the Red Hot palette particularly useful for pinpointing the hottest part of an animal, which can be crucial for shot placement. The Rainbow palette has proven invaluable in certain scenarios, like tracking wounded game or identifying areas of heat loss in buildings.
The ability to switch between these palettes quickly allows you to adapt to changing conditions and optimize your view based on the specific scenario you’re facing.
Detection Range and Real-World Performance
In my experience, the overall detection range of the Accolade XP50 is nothing short of impressive. In good conditions, you can spot large animals like deer or hogs well beyond 1,000 yards. Of course, identifying specific features becomes more challenging at extreme ranges, but you can certainly detect the presence of heat sources at remarkable distances.
I’ve successfully used the Accolade XP50 to locate downed game by finding residual body heat, a task that would be nearly impossible with traditional optics. It’s also proven invaluable for scanning large areas quickly, allowing me to cover more ground and locate game more efficiently than ever before.
The device’s performance in challenging weather conditions is equally noteworthy. Even in light fog or drizzle, I’ve been impressed by its ability to cut through atmospheric interference and provide clear heat signatures. This capability has extended my effective hunting time into conditions that would have previously limited my ability to spot game.
Pros and Cons
After extensive use in various conditions, here’s my breakdown of the pros and cons of the Pulsar Accolade XP50 Thermal Binocular:
Pros:
– Exceptional image quality with high-resolution 640×480 sensor
– Impressive detection range up to 1,800 meters
– Versatile 2.5-20x magnification with smooth zoom
– Durable, IPX7 waterproof construction
– Integrated laser rangefinder with 1,000-meter range
– User-friendly interface with intuitive controls
– Image and video recording capability with 16GB internal storage
– Long battery life with option for extended power
– Wi-Fi connectivity with useful Stream Vision app integration
– 8 color palettes for optimized viewing in various conditions
Cons:
– High price point may be prohibitive for some users
– Somewhat heavier than traditional daytime binoculars
– Learning curve to master all features and capabilities
– Recorded video quality doesn’t fully match real-time viewing experience
– .avi video format requires conversion for easy sharing
Final Thoughts
The Pulsar Accolade XP50 thermal binocular is undoubtedly a premium device with a price tag to match. However, for serious hunters, wildlife observers, and outdoor enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance, it delivers exceptional value. The combination of high-resolution thermal imaging, rangefinding capability, and robust features make it an incredibly versatile tool that can enhance nearly any outdoor activity.
Whether you’re scouting game, tracking wounded animals, observing nocturnal wildlife, or even conducting search and rescue operations, the Accolade XP50 opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Its ability to cut through darkness, fog, and light vegetation gives you a serious advantage in the field, extending your effective observation time and capabilities far beyond what’s possible with traditional optics.
While the cost may be prohibitive for casual users, those who spend significant time hunting or in the outdoors will find the Accolade XP50 to be a worthwhile investment. It’s become an indispensable part of my hunting gear, and I can confidently say it’s improved my success rate and overall outdoor experience.
The device’s durability and weather resistance mean you can rely on it in virtually any conditions, while its long battery life and recording capabilities allow you to extend your observations beyond the moment. The Wi-Fi connectivity and Stream Vision app integration add another layer of functionality, making it a truly modern piece of outdoor technology.
If you’re in the market for a high-end thermal binocular that can handle any conditions and provide unparalleled thermal imaging performance, the Pulsar Accolade XP50 should be at the top of your list. While it may require a significant investment, the capabilities it offers are truly game-changing for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Give it a try, and I think you’ll be as impressed as I’ve been with its capabilities. The Accolade XP50 doesn’t just enhance your vision; it transforms the way you experience and interact with the outdoors.