I haven't handled the new pulsars, but I think I could hammer nails with my reap-ir. Any $2000 plus scope should be able to handle a fall. What is the new pulsars housing made out of? Who handles repair or service?
Pulsars have a polymer housing and have a very good reputation for being durable. Service is handled by Sellmark (the importer) out of Mansfield there next to Ft. Worth. They have absolutely the best customer service going.
With that said, the Pulsars are not the top gear going, but they are very functional and will get the job done, no problem at all.
------
Bocephus, if you are in a hurry, then get the Trijicon. If you can wait a bit, then wait to see what FLIR has to offer before deciding.
There is always something new around the corner, so if you aren't careful, you can spend your whole life waiting on the next best thing. After all when you think about it. Shortly after FLIR will have their new offerings, the Shot Show will be coming around and manufacturers will be introducing their new products and if there is something interesting coming out, you will then have to wait the additional time for it as well. In the end, it gets to be a vicious circle. I know guys who have never purchased, waiting on what is coming out next, being afraid that their gear will be "obsolete" and they they won't be fielding the best thing out there.
The problem that I see when it comes to comparing scopes between brands is that the process is not often straight forward. While all the scopes see thermal, they have different firmware, different controls, different ergonomics, and different features. It can make things rather confusing.
Figure out what you want from a scope relative to how you hunt and your budget. Shop for models that will fill you need. Set a time limit on the shopping process, make a decision, by a scope from a reputable vendor, hunt, be happy.