Best Helmet Mounted Thermal?

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darrohn801

LSB Member
I am really interested in a little smaller thermal to run on a helmet mount. I have been super interested in the Flir Q14B that is due out this year and I know Pulsar is releasing a bunch of new rifles as well. I guess I should clarify that when I mean "best" I am looking for the smallest unit that will help me identify an object like a coyote out to 200 yards.

I currently run an IR patrol as my spotting piece and on a helemt but I'm looking for something a little smaller if possible, that is why the Q14B interests me.

Did anyone use this at shot show or somewhere else and have any feedback on it? Anyone know when it is due out for release or have a pre order in? Any idea on a range I would expect to be able to identify a fox or coyote out to?

Does pulsar have any smaller units coming out smaller than the IR patrol?
 
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wigwamitus

wigwamitus

LSB Active Member
On helmet I've tried:
Q-14 (nada B)
ODIN
COTI

And thought about
PATROL
SKEETIR

==
COTI is smallest (see it hanging off the side of the PVS-14 in this pic)
H8x1f6oh.jpg

And can see yotes out to 400yds in the rain (3 nights ago) ((that is ODIN on the .22lR these days))
But it is certainly not the best "long range" spotter of the group. Prices run around $6,400

ODIN is the one I use the most, I can ID yotes at 500yds while rolling on 4-wheeler, here it is on helmet side by side with PVS-14
5s51s3ph.jpg
. I got mine on eeebay for $4,300. This is the 320 1x model.

Q-14 I never could get up on the helmet side by side with the pvs-14 like I can with the ODIN and the COTI, so I could never drive the 4-wheeler with the Q-14 up there. The Q-14 is MUM form factor, the ODIN is PVS-14 form factor, so the ODIN can run side by side in any PVS-14 dual bridge. The new Universal Bridge with various interfaces can support MUM devices side by side with PVS-14 but those are not cheap. The Q-14 was very successful for me as a weapons mounted sight on the .22LR.
tHs6zmRh.jpg

With about 160 rats/mice controlled around our buildings and another 20 coons and opossum since Nov 2015. The 5.56s with other NODs have accounted for the other 60 critters controlled around the Coop. But the Q-14 works just fine as a thermal sight for 100yds and under, which is perfect for around the coop and other buildings. Had I kept it, I would've got the 2x magnifier to push the distance out a bit farther. Mine was the 640(30) and was acquired as part of a trade.


The SKEETIR is certainly the best of the bunch, smaller than a patrol, larger than a COTI, but of course, the most expensive, with prices running from $11,500 up to shown price of $18,800, and that is if you can find one you can buy. SKEETIR can be helmet mounted beside a PVS-14, mounted with a projector on the PVS-14 like a COTI, weapons mounted as a stand alone scope (2x digital) and even used as a clipon (up to 4x magnification behind the clipon). The SKEETIR also has a 3x magnifier "available". Also a BAE cored device like the PATROL.

The reason I never got a PATROL is some people say it is 1.45x and I want 1x for a helmet mounted. But then other people have said it is 1.0x so I am not sure. Waiting for someone to bring the stone tablet down from the mountain with the true magnification of the PATROL!
:)
The PATROL has both 2x and 3x front end magnifiers to extend its usefulness.
 
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FrankT

FrankT

Destin FL
LSB TURKEY BUZZARD PRESERVATION SOCIETY
LoneStarBoars Supporter
The new Q14 will be lighter and better than the older ones, one is 2k and another 4K+..I would think the 2K one will be perfect for you but will have to wait and see
 
wigwamitus

wigwamitus

LSB Active Member
Well of these on the list

Q-14 (nada B)
ODIN
COTI

The first three will definitely do coyotes at 200yds under most conditions.

PATROL
SKEETIR

And I believe these two will overkill do coyotes at 200yds under most conditions.

Hecque the only thermals I've looked through that won't do coyotes at 200yds under most conditions are the LEPTONs ...

And all of the 5 are above are smaller than the PATROL except the PATROL.

But if you want something new, then waiting is in order!
 
Z

znztivguy

LSB Member
Ever try a UTM-X? A little heavier but works as well.
 
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