As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out many thermal scopes over the years. But the Pulsar Thermion XP50 has truly impressed me with its innovative design and high-performance capabilities. In this review, I’ll share my hands-on experience with this thermal riflescope and why I believe it’s a game-changer for serious night hunters.
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Thermion XP50, I was struck by how much it resembles a traditional daytime rifle scope. Pulsar has done an excellent job crafting a thermal optic that looks and feels familiar, which is a welcome change from the bulky, boxy designs of many other thermal scopes on the market.
The scope features a durable metal housing and mounts easily using standard 30mm rings. At 31.75 oz, it’s not exactly lightweight, but the weight is well-balanced and doesn’t feel overly cumbersome on my rifle. The controls are intuitively placed, with buttons for power, recording, and zoom on top, and a side-mounted controller knob for accessing menu functions.
One aspect that immediately caught my attention was the quality of the construction. The Thermion XP50 feels solid and well-built, with no rattles or loose parts. The matte black finish is professional and low-profile, perfect for hunting applications where you don’t want any shine giving away your position.
Impressive Thermal Performance
Of course, looks aren’t everything – it’s the thermal imaging capabilities that really matter. And in this department, the Thermion XP50 truly shines. Here are some of the key specs:
- 640×480 thermal sensor resolution
- 1024×768 AMOLED display
- 1.9-15.2x magnification range
- 1,975 yard detection range
- 50 Hz refresh rate
In the field, this translates to exceptionally clear and detailed thermal images. I’ve used this scope to spot hogs and coyotes well beyond 500 yards with ease. The crisp AMOLED display makes it easy to distinguish between animals and identify specific features, even at higher magnification levels.
One of my favorite features is the picture-in-picture digital zoom. This allows you to magnify your point of aim without losing your wider field of view. It’s incredibly useful for scanning an area while still being ready for a precise shot.
The 50 Hz refresh rate deserves special mention. It provides smooth, real-time imaging that’s critical when tracking moving targets. I’ve used thermal scopes with lower refresh rates, and the difference is noticeable – the Thermion XP50 provides a much more fluid and natural viewing experience.
Image Quality and Color Palettes
The Thermion XP50 offers eight different color palettes, including the standard white hot and black hot, as well as red hot, rainbow, and others. I found the white hot mode to be the most useful in most hunting situations, but the ability to switch palettes can be helpful in certain environments or lighting conditions.
The image quality is where this scope really stands out. The 640×480 sensor combined with the high-resolution AMOLED display produces incredibly detailed thermal images. I could easily make out individual branches on trees and distinguish between different animal species at considerable distances. This level of detail is crucial for ethical hunting, allowing for precise shot placement and positive target identification.
User-Friendly Features
Pulsar has packed the Thermion XP50 with useful features that enhance the hunting experience:
- One-shot zeroing with freeze function
- Built-in video recording and photos
- Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile app integration
- 5 rifle profiles with 50 zero saves
- Stadiametric rangefinder
- Picture-in-picture mode
The one-shot zeroing is a huge time saver at the range. It allows you to take a shot, freeze the reticle position, then adjust it to the point of impact. This process is much faster and more efficient than traditional zeroing methods.
Being able to record video directly from the scope means I can easily share footage of my hunts with friends and family. The Wi-Fi connectivity and Stream Vision app integration take this a step further, allowing you to stream live video to a smartphone or tablet. This can be incredibly useful for teaching new hunters or coordinating with hunting partners.
I also appreciate the multiple rifle profiles. I’ve set up profiles for my .308 bolt gun and my AR-15, allowing me to quickly switch between rifles without re-zeroing. Each profile can store up to 10 zeroing distances, which is plenty for most hunting scenarios.
The stadiametric rangefinder is another feature that I’ve found surprisingly useful. By inputting the approximate size of your target, the scope can give you a reasonably accurate distance estimation. While it’s not a replacement for a dedicated laser rangefinder, it’s a handy tool to have built into the scope.
Battery Life and Durability
Battery life is always a concern with electronic optics. The Thermion XP50 uses a rechargeable APS2 battery that provides about 5 hours of continuous use. I typically carry a spare battery for longer outings. The scope also has a built-in APS3 battery, which provides an additional 3 hours of use.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the ability to hot-swap the external battery without powering down the scope. This means you can change batteries quickly in the field without losing your thermal image or settings.
In terms of durability, this scope is built to withstand harsh conditions. It’s IPX7 waterproof rated, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. I’ve used it in heavy rain and dense fog without any issues. The scope is also rated to handle heavy recoil up to .375 H&H magnum, so it’s suitable for use on a wide range of firearms.
Real-World Performance
To really put the Thermion XP50 through its paces, I took it on a week-long hog hunting trip in Texas. Over five nights of hunting, this scope never let me down. We were able to spot and take down hogs at ranges from 50 to 300+ yards in varying conditions.
One memorable moment came on the third night. We spotted a large sounder of hogs entering a field about 250 yards out. Using the picture-in-picture zoom, I was able to identify the largest boar and make a clean shot, dropping him on the spot. The clarity of the thermal image at that range was truly impressive.
Another situation where the Thermion XP50 proved its worth was during a foggy morning hunt. While our traditional optics were struggling with the limited visibility, the thermal imaging cut right through the fog, allowing us to spot and track game that would have otherwise been invisible.
Comparison to Other Thermal Scopes
Having used several other thermal scopes in this price range, including models from FLIR and ATN, I can confidently say that the Thermion XP50 holds its own against the competition. The image quality is on par with or better than similarly priced scopes, and the user interface is more intuitive than most.
Where the Thermion XP50 really stands out is in its design and ease of use. The traditional scope form factor makes it much easier to transition to for hunters who are used to conventional optics. The controls are well-placed and easy to operate even with gloves on, which can’t be said for all thermal scopes.
The Verdict
After extensive use, I can confidently say the Pulsar Thermion XP50 is one of the best thermal riflescopes I’ve ever used. It combines high-end thermal performance with a user-friendly design that will appeal to both thermal veterans and newcomers alike.
Yes, it’s a significant investment at around $5,000. But for serious night hunters or those who demand the best, it’s worth every penny. The Thermion XP50 has dramatically improved my success rate on night hunts and made the entire experience more enjoyable.
The combination of high-resolution imaging, intuitive controls, and robust feature set makes this scope a versatile tool for a variety of hunting situations. Whether you’re targeting hogs, coyotes, or other nocturnal game, the Thermion XP50 gives you a significant advantage in the field.
If you’re in the market for a top-tier thermal scope that can handle any hunting situation, I highly recommend giving the Pulsar Thermion XP50 a serious look. It’s changed the game for me, and I bet it’ll do the same for you. The investment may seem steep, but for the serious hunter who demands the best, the Thermion XP50 delivers performance that justifies its price tag.