As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out many thermal scopes over the years. But few have impressed me quite like the Pulsar Thermion XQ38. This compact powerhouse packs some serious thermal imaging capabilities into a sleek, traditional scope design. If you’re in the market for a versatile thermal riflescope that won’t break the bank, the XQ38 deserves a serious look. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and real-world applications of this impressive thermal optic.
First Impressions and Design
Right out of the box, the Thermion XQ38 feels solid and well-built. The magnesium alloy housing gives it a robust feel without adding unnecessary bulk or weight. At just 26.5 oz and measuring 15.5 inches in length, it’s noticeably lighter and more compact than many competing thermal scopes. This makes it an excellent choice for hunters who need to cover long distances or navigate challenging terrain.
The traditional 30mm tube design means it mounts easily with standard scope rings – no need for special adapters or mounts. This is a significant advantage over some other thermal scopes that require proprietary mounting solutions. The sleek, low-profile design also means it won’t snag on branches or gear when you’re moving through dense brush.
One of the standout design features is the control layout. Pulsar has placed all the main controls on the top panel of the eyepiece, with a hidden scroll wheel for easy access. This design works equally well for right and left-handed users, and it’s a significant improvement over the side-mounted controls found on some other Pulsar models like the Thermion.
The focus ring at the front of the scope features a clever “shark fin” design. When the protruding ridge is aligned, you have a focus set at 70 meters (about 76 yards) – a common shooting distance for night hunting. This allows you to quickly set your focus without even looking through the scope, a handy feature when you need to make fast adjustments in the field.
Image Quality and Performance
Powering on the XQ38 for the first time, I was greeted with a crisp, clear thermal image in a matter of seconds. The 384×288 thermal sensor may not have the highest resolution on paper, but Pulsar’s image processing produces an impressive picture. The AMOLED display boasts a resolution of 1024×768 pixels, delivering bright and vivid images with excellent contrast even in challenging lighting conditions.
The thermal core of the XQ38 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the XM38. It uses a 384×288 pixel sensor with a 17μm pixel pitch, compared to the 320×240 12μm sensor in the older model. This new sensor, coupled with Pulsar’s “Image Boost Technology,” delivers improved thermal sensitivity with a NETD rating of <40mK. In practical terms, this means better heat differentiation and sharper, brighter images.
After spending considerable time in the field with the XQ38, I came away thoroughly impressed with its imaging capabilities. The improved thermal sensitivity allows you to easily spot heat signatures even in dense brush or foggy conditions. Trees, rocks, and bushes appear as distinct objects rather than indistinct blobs, making it much easier to identify your surroundings and potential targets.
One of the most significant improvements in the XQ38 is its base magnification of 2.5x, down from 4x in the XM38. This lower base magnification provides a much wider field of view – 54 feet at 100 yards, compared to just 30 feet with the XM38. This wider view is a game-changer for scanning large areas or tracking moving targets. When you need more magnification, the digital zoom can take you up to 10x, and thanks to the improved sensor and image processing, the image quality remains impressive even at higher magnifications.
The detection range of the XQ38 is rated at 1475 yards, which is quite impressive for a scope in this price range. In real-world testing, I found I could reliably detect large animals like deer at distances over 1000 yards, with positive identification possible at 300-400 yards in good conditions. Of course, these ranges can vary depending on environmental factors and the size of your target.
Features and Functionality
The Thermion XQ38 is packed with features that enhance its usability in the field. Here are some of the standout functions:
Color Palettes: The XQ38 offers 8 different color palettes, including the traditional white hot and black hot, as well as red hot, rainbow, ultramarine, violet, red monochrome, and sepia. This variety allows you to optimize your view for different environments and lighting conditions. I found the white hot palette to be most useful for general hunting, while the sepia palette was easier on the eyes during extended observation sessions.
Reticles and Zeroing: The scope offers 10 different reticle options in 9 colors, allowing you to customize your sight picture to your preferences. The one-shot zeroing function with a freeze feature makes it easy to sight in your scope quickly and accurately. You can save up to 5 zeroing profiles with 10 distances each, making it simple to switch between different rifles or loads.
Picture-in-Picture Mode: This handy feature displays a magnified image of your reticle area in a small window at the top of the display. It allows you to maintain situational awareness with the wider view while still having a zoomed-in image for precise aiming.
Video and Photo Recording: The XQ38 can capture both still images and video (with audio) directly to its 16GB of internal storage. This is great for reviewing your hunts or sharing your experiences with friends. The recording can be triggered manually or set to start automatically when you fire your rifle.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: The built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect the scope to your smartphone or tablet using the Stream Vision 2 app. This opens up a whole new range of possibilities, including using your device as a second display, adjusting scope settings remotely, and even livestreaming your hunt.
Battery Life and Power Options
The Thermion XQ38 uses a dual battery system with both internal and external power sources. The internal rechargeable battery provides about 7 hours of operation, while the removable APS2 battery adds additional runtime. In my testing, I consistently got between 5-6 hours of use in the field, which is more than enough for most hunting sessions.
One minor criticism is that Pulsar only includes one APS2 battery in the box. I’d highly recommend picking up a spare APS3 battery (which has higher capacity) to ensure you never run out of power in the field. The ability to quickly swap batteries is a significant advantage over scopes with only internal batteries.
The scope can also be powered from an external USB power source, which is handy for extended observation sessions or if you forget to charge your batteries. However, be careful when using this option in the field, as the micro-USB port is a potential weak point if snagged on brush or gear.
Real-World Performance
I’ve used the Thermion XQ38 extensively for hog and coyote hunting over the past few months, and its versatility really shines in the field. The wide field of view at 2.5x is perfect for scanning and tracking moving targets, while the 10x zoom allows for precise shot placement at longer ranges.
On one memorable night hunt, we spotted a sounder of hogs at about 200 yards out. Even at that distance, the XQ38 allowed me to clearly make out individual animals and identify the largest boar. A quick adjustment to 5x magnification, and I was able to place a perfect shot.
The scope’s performance in varying weather conditions has been impressive. Even on humid nights with some light fog, heat signatures remained clearly visible with minimal image degradation. The IPX7 waterproof rating provides peace of mind when hunting in wet conditions, and I’ve used it in light rain without any issues.
One particularly useful feature for ethical hunting is the ability to clearly see details like the teats on a sow at close range. This has helped me avoid taking shots at nursing females, which is illegal in many areas and important for conservation.
Comparison to Higher-End Models
While the XQ38 delivers excellent performance, it’s worth noting how it compares to higher-end models like the Thermion 2 series. The main differences lie in sensor resolution and some advanced features.
The Thermion 2 models use a 640×480 sensor, which provides more detailed images and potentially longer detection ranges. They also offer features like built-in laser rangefinders and higher magnification ranges. However, these upgrades come with a significant price increase – often nearly double the cost of the XQ38.
For most hunters, the XQ38 strikes an excellent balance of performance and value. Unless you’re regularly taking very long shots or need the absolute best image quality available, the XQ38 will likely meet all your needs at a much more affordable price point.
Final Thoughts
After extensive field testing, I can confidently say the Pulsar Thermion XQ38 is one of the best values in thermal riflescopes today. It delivers impressive performance in a compact, user-friendly package at a price point that makes thermal technology accessible to more hunters.
The image quality is excellent for its class, with the new sensor and Image Boost technology providing clear, detailed thermal images in a variety of conditions. The wide field of view at base magnification, coupled with the ability to zoom up to 10x, makes it incredibly versatile for different hunting scenarios.
The traditional scope form factor and easy mounting options make it a great choice for hunters transitioning from traditional optics to thermal. The intuitive controls and feature-rich interface provide plenty of customization options without becoming overwhelming.
While there are more advanced (and more expensive) thermal scopes on the market, the XQ38 hits a sweet spot of performance and affordability that will appeal to a wide range of hunters. Whether you’re chasing hogs, coyotes, or other nocturnal game, the Thermion XQ38 has the capabilities to dramatically improve your success rate.
If you’re ready to take your night hunting to the next level without breaking the bank, the Pulsar Thermion XQ38 should be at the top of your list. It’s a scope that will serve you well for years to come, opening up new possibilities for successful and ethical hunting after dark.
Remember, once you experience the advantage of thermal imaging, you may find it hard to go back to traditional night vision or daylight-only hunting. The Thermion XQ38 isn’t just a scope – it’s an investment in more productive and exciting hunting experiences. So why wait? Check out the Pulsar Thermion XQ38 today and prepare to see the night in a whole new light!