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Posted By: hh4whiskey Thermal best deals/prices? - 08/11/21
If there’s a better package than the the Bering Super Hogster, for the $, I’d like to hear about it.

Also, anyone know where the best deal on them is?

I think the AGM rattler is my 2nd choice, for value, right now.
I’d suggest doing some research on, and look at the reviews of, Pulsar compared to those other brands. Pulsar may be a bit more money on some units, but overall from the unit itself to customer service, you will be much more satisfied, in my opinion, in the long run. Pulsar thermal scopes price range anywhere from $2,300 up to $6,000 so there is broad range and variety to choose from. Buy once, cry once and get quality
Posted By: SKane Re: Thermal best deals/prices? - 08/11/21
In the price range you're looking - I'd throw the Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ38 in the mix.

You'll get a rechargeable battery (and external power availability - same for Hogster), a wee less magnification on the bottom end and a bit more refined menu/user interface with both video in/out. The downside to the XQ38? Availability.

There are no flies on the Super Hogster though - if you do some searching, I'm sure someone has done a head-to-head review on the two.
Go over to predator masters and go to the night calling forum. Lots of info and reviews there.
Thanks….just sort of a final check here for any known specials. I’m not enamored with the looong, Pulsar stuff that resembles a Chinese air soft scope…..plus, the combination of specs on the Bering Super is a bit unique and will likely perform better in my conditions than other, typical 384 devices. I don’t normally track latest, greatest civilian stuff. I do spend a lot of time behind some other thermals. I’ll check again with the predator forums, to see if there’s anything new…..but reviews were a wash, and there’s an upside to the Bering in regards to size vs performance potential in bad conditions vs base magnification, that I’m not seeing in other stuff right now.
I have a Bering Hogster 35 and absolutely love it. Looking to purchase either a super hogster or super yoter this year and turn the 35 into a scanner.
In that niche, the iRay stuff is pretty impressive, also….but it’s so new, not sure I’ll take a chance.
Posted By: SKane Re: Thermal best deals/prices? - 08/12/21
I'll travel a short limb and assume you're mounting on an AR?
Among others. I have a couple of bolt rigs that get predator duty at night, and some 22s.
Posted By: SKane Re: Thermal best deals/prices? - 08/12/21
Originally Posted by hh4whiskey
Among others. I have a couple of bolt rigs that get predator duty at night, and some 22s.


Getting the optic back far enough (on bolt gun) is the reason I went with the one that resembles a Chinese air soft scope. smile
The extended rails and bolt action adapter mounts have worked fine, across all my platforms, thus far. They may grow on me, eventually…..but none of the thermal stuff I use is limited to just sitting on a gun, either. That could change, too. It’s as much what I’m used to over the last 4-5 years, I’m sure. I also run a clip on quite a bit, as well. A 384 sensor, with 12 micron pp, 35mm objective, PIP, 50-60hz refresh, and 3.9x native, could act more like a 640 than some 640s….at least in the field and in less than optimal conditions. That’s what’s been interesting me lately.
Posted By: GTC22 Re: Thermal best deals/prices? - 08/27/21
Pulsar Thermion. You'll not be disappointed.
Posted By: 240NMC Re: Thermal best deals/prices? - 08/29/21
I just got a Trijicon REAP-IR V2 60mm. Paying for it hurt a lot, but that went away once I fired it up and started looking through it. I replaced a Pulsar Trail RXQ30 and wanted an upgrade and skipped over the midrange.
I use an original UTM a lot, as a scanner and a clip on. I’m not going to spring for anything of that caliber, just yet. I may later, if I see the 640 stuff really gaining me much for my use. When I do, it’ll be interesting to see who offers what and if Trijicon keeps up with features and cores.
Originally Posted by GTC22
Pulsar Thermion. You'll not be disappointed.


I have binos and have played around with a rifle scope. To say I’m impressed would be an understatement. Quality is never cheap….
What (exactly….by the specs, materials, service, and warranty) makes pulsar ‘quality’ vs (say) iRay, Bering, or others? They definitely beat everyone on advertising/websites, etc. I-still can’t find their sensor material (silicon vs VOx), in their spec lists. I think it has always been silicon, but maybe they’ve switched?
I've been using pulsar NV and thermal optics for a long time.
You need to figure out your cheek squeeze price limit and requirements before making a decision.
There are a lot of scope options that need to be taken into account before making the purchase.
I currently have a Thermion Xp38 and it's a great scope.
I prefer the traditional tube style design of the Thermion, as it fits into my Eberelstock gunslinger backpack without issue.
Not so with the box style scopes.
I had an Apex and Trail before the Thermion.
The Thermion also enables the use of very zero repeatable QD scope mounts.
In a side x side comparison, the super hog beats the Iray.
The super yoter is another great choice, but it's on backorder and costs more, but it's really a one and done scope, if it fits your requirements.
It was easier to pick out scopes in the early days, as you only had a few scopes to choose from.
Not so now a days, which is a blessing or a curse.
Actually, I think some things about the newer scopes make it easier to part with my $, vs what has been typical: the materials, specs, and sensors of the mid range thermals are FAR closer to the higher end, military stuff of the last 7-10 years, that I’ve been spoiled with…..at least in some makes, than the $3-$6k commercial thermals of 3-5 years ago. I may get a Super Yoter next…..I don’t mind the form factor, if the specs/sensors are better vs other make packages in the same range…..35mm vs 25mm, 12um vs 17um, vanadium vs silicon, etc. I think there’s gonna be some leap-frogging, but I’m no expert…..just think Trijicon will start adding features and lower $ options, Pulsar will upgrade some components/specs, etc…..to gain back turf these newcomers are cutting into…..but (again), that may not be the right angle for the thermal market.
If your used to using high end thermals, skip the BS and save your pennies for one of the newest Nvision X thermal's or eat no frill crackers for a year and go fusion.
Originally Posted by hh4whiskey
What (exactly….by the specs, materials, service, and warranty) makes pulsar ‘quality’ vs (say) iRay, Bering, or others? They definitely beat everyone on advertising/websites, etc. I-still can’t find their sensor material (silicon vs VOx), in their spec lists. I think it has always been silicon, but maybe they’ve switched?


I put this question to my Pulsar Rep and this was his reply:

"To start with Pulsar, the customer service an end user will receive is top of the line. A person wanting a Pulsar thermal can call up and just about anyone at Sellmark (the parent company) is going to point them in the best direction of what Pulsar thermal fits their needs. Next would be we are ISO certified meaning we have a less than 2% defective rate on every single unit we send out on the market. We also have a three year warranty with any Pulsar unit sending it directly back or through your dealer. Pulsar is also a European brand in which every single unit is hand put together in three different European factories unlike some other Chinese brand thermal. Pulsar continues to stay ahead of the game with new releases and some of the latest/newest technology. To get into specs, I would recommend looking at pictures and videos on the internet comparing Pulsar units to other thermal units on the market."

Please feel free to reach out to us to discuss this or any other topics, thanks
Well, what I’m used to vs what I really need for personal use, are pretty far apart. Being happy with what I need vs want, is the goal.

Thanks Doug. I have no brand (dog) in this fight. I’m just not sold on Pulsar STILL being better in any way. Maybe they are, and they were, for a while…..they left a gap in specs and price, and I think a VOx sensor is preferable to a silicon version, regardless of which other continent it came from…..at least in my viewing. I’m not writing off Pulsar or any other brand, but I don’t see $3k going nearly as far for quality or capability, with Pulsar’s current stuff vs some others…..and that’s the point of the original post. In 6mos-a yr, I may be able to afford to own 3-4 different commercial models, and do my own comparisons. Until then, I get one shot for MY $. wink
Originally Posted by hh4whiskey
If there’s a better package than the the Bering Super Hogster, for the $, I’d like to hear about it.

Also, anyone know where the best deal on them is?

I think the AGM rattler is my 2nd choice, for value, right now.

Originally Posted by hh4whiskey
If there’s a better package than the the Bering Super Hogster, for the $, I’d like to hear about it.

Also, anyone know where the best deal on them is?

I think the AGM rattler is my 2nd choice, for value, right now.

Originally Posted by hh4whiskey
If there’s a better package than the the Bering Super Hogster, for the $, I’d like to hear about it.

Also, anyone know where the best deal on them is?

I think the AGM rattler is my 2nd choice, for value, right now.


By a Pulsar. Well, well worth the money,
LOL….I don’t want a silicon based sensor….I want vanadium oxide.


Based on optics/IR engineers:

Until they get optical sensors/TLV to market, vanadium is the best thing going, and silicon is cheaper but less effective.
A lower resolution vanadium will show better detail than a higher resolution silicon, due to sensitivity/contrast. Vanadium is more durable. Vanadium is what all mil stuff uses.

AFAIK, Pulsar uses only the French ULIS sensors, which are not as good as the vanadium stuff.

That doesn’t mean Pulsar isn’t good….just not what I want to pay for until they upgrade. In open country and good conditions, you may never know a difference though.
I have 2 Bering Super Hogsters.

Solid choice. I have not been sorry. They are rugged, lightweight, and give the best picture for the buck, by far.
There's so much more to a thermal image, than just the sensor base material.
If VOX is your preference, then your going to have to save some more $$$ to get what you want.
While most of the newer thermals are made with totally useable SI based sensors, their images don't look great because of the lack of quality lenses, processors and displays they use to keep the prices down for the little people.
Pulsar is popular, because they offers more choices + options to the consumer and their always striving for more.
The Thermion and Krypton XG50 are the only products they make that use a BAE VOX based sensor and their price reflects that.
The ULIS sensor is silicone based and is used in their XM,XQ and XP scopes.
I can tell you that you'll be hard to find a scope with a better image than the XP50 2 scope for the money right now.
The Pulsar engineers married the perfect combination of components when making that scope.
I don't know what type of sensor Bering optics uses, but the image seen in the Super Yoter is amazing too.
Of course, both of those scopes are 640 resolution.
I do know that Pulsar scopes offer higher recoil rating than most all of the other thermals scopes out there.


Posted By: 5spd Re: Thermal best deals/prices? - 09/12/21
I've been using a pulsar xp38 for a long time now, great thermal. I bought it over others as it records vs having to add more weight with a separate unit to do that, 640 core is tops.
Not 1 single issue to date.
My pal ran a flir ps32 from 2012, then just a few months back bought a super hogster. Those are great units as well, light, short, record but you have to push button whereas the pulsar is pretty much automatic record.
The 384 core is almost as sharp as my 640, very nice thermal.
If I was to buy another it would be a thermion or super hogster.
I have the Bering optics Hogster 35 and I am completely satisfied with it. I will probably buy the Super Hogster next.
Posted By: kcks Re: Thermal best deals/prices? - 10/15/21
What did you end up with? I’m leaning towards the Rattler
35 with either the tripod or asp micro included with the current deals

I did a thermal hunt with a couple guys that guide locally. I took my ATN 4KPro and my Flir PTS233. Both of the guides had the Super Hogster.

I ordered the SuperHogster the next day.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

It was not above my pain threshold.

Did a 12 month no interest on PayPal, no tax.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

I'm now using the SuperHogster on a 6.5 Grendel for my main thermal, and the Flir PTS 233 as a thermal spotter.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

native magnification @ +/- 120 yds.(2.9x)


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Same @ 2X (5.8 X)

I'm jazzed!

ya!

GWB
Posted By: Biebs Re: Thermal best deals/prices? - 10/16/21
Go git 'em, GW!

ya
Tag
Originally Posted by geedubya

I did a thermal hunt with a couple guys that guide locally. I took my ATN 4KPro and my Flir PTS233. Both of the guides had the Super Hogster.

I ordered the SuperHogster the next day.



Lucky none of them had a Super Yoter, as you'd be out some more $$$$$$

Keep us posted

SJC
Originally Posted by shoots100
Originally Posted by geedubya

I did a thermal hunt with a couple guys that guide locally. I took my ATN 4KPro and my Flir PTS233. Both of the guides had the Super Hogster.

I ordered the SuperHogster the next day.



Lucky none of them had a Super Yoter, as you'd be out some more $$$$$$

Keep us posted

SJC



It's a game.

Lots of people playing it.

Clearer picture, more features, streaming, audio, and on and on.

The ones winning the game are the manufacturers. They'll come out with something "better" each year.

There's so many dealers now, they have to wear badges to keep from selling to each other... wink

Pick one you like and does what you want.

I'm happy with my SH's. They do what I want them to do. No need for me to lay down more money.
Well, I wanted to get enough time behind the Super Hogster to really get a feel for how it compared in field use. I haven’t done any videoing or taken pics yet, as I’m just not used to having that on the issue 640 devices I’d been running.

From my use:

New users and some users of older 640 devices with 19um, weaker viewer resolution and processors will likely not be able to tell they’re using a 384 device…at least at the native magnification. I’m used to manual nuc when I need it, so the auto nuc sometimes bugs me with how often it is, but you can turn that off and go pure manual. I’m used to a larger FOV, but less native magnification, so I’ve had to adjust to that a bit. Those are not really negatives, just differences in specs. For hunting, I am giving up ZERO in performance or effectiveness vs the 1x 640s I’m used to, and can probably ID animal species (especially smaller varmints) and make shots much farther, due to the magnification and PIP, coupled with the 12um and additional viewing modes…..in most conditions. I do see a slightly noticeable degradation in fog and rain vs a 640 with a similar objective for the sensor, but not nearly as much as other 384s I’ve gotten behind. A yoter is DEFINITELY on my wish list, because it’ll have to be crazy good, too. Do 90% of night hunters need more than a Super Hogster gives them? Doubtful. This thing is a helluva lot of performance for the $. Headshots on rats past 50 yards are no problem. Center mass on coyotes at 300 is on the shooter, not the device. Just my take this far.
Originally Posted by hh4whiskey
Well, I wanted to get enough time behind the Super Hogster to really get a feel for how it compared in field use. I haven’t done any videoing or taken pics yet, as I’m just not used to having that on the issue 640 devices I’d been running.

From my use:

New users and some users of older 640 devices with 19um, weaker viewer resolution and processors will likely not be able to tell they’re using a 384 device…at least at the native magnification. I’m used to manual nuc when I need it, so the auto nuc sometimes bugs me with how often it is, but you can turn that off and go pure manual. I’m used to a larger FOV, but less native magnification, so I’ve had to adjust to that a bit. Those are not really negatives, just differences in specs. For hunting, I am giving up ZERO in performance or effectiveness vs the 1x 640s I’m used to, and can probably ID animal species (especially smaller varmints) and make shots much farther, due to the magnification and PIP, coupled with the 12um and additional viewing modes…..in most conditions. I do see a slightly noticeable degradation in fog and rain vs a 640 with a similar objective for the sensor, but not nearly as much as other 384s I’ve gotten behind. A yoter is DEFINITELY on my wish list, because it’ll have to be crazy good, too. Do 90% of night hunters need more than a Super Hogster gives them? Doubtful. This thing is a helluva lot of performance for the $. Headshots on rats past 50 yards are no problem. Center mass on coyotes at 300 is on the shooter, not the device. Just my take this far.



That's been pretty much my experience as well. Good review!
If anyone is looking for Super Hogster or Super Yoter R.
I am a small time dealer but have sever of each.

Several folks from LRH and The Hide can vouch for me.
I was a Bering customer before becoming a ddealer.



Please text me for the best price
903 three one six 777 five
Posted By: Ready Re: Thermal best deals/prices? - 11/15/21
Originally Posted by rockinbbar
It's a game.

Lots of people playing it.

Clearer picture, more features, streaming, audio, and on and on.

The ones winning the game are the manufacturers. They'll come out with something "better" each year.

There's so many dealers now, they have to wear badges to keep from selling to each other... wink

Pick one you like and does what you want.

I'm happy with my SH's. They do what I want them to do. No need for me to lay down more money.


The Force is strong in this post. Tells it as it is.
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