Pulsar Trail XQ50 base maginification

[Jsfeni]

Wondering if anyone has gotten to use the new XP50 Trail. Specifically if the base mag of 2.7x was limiting for up close use.

Seems it would be ideal for further out identification. Unless my math is wrong, it has higher resolution at 6x than the XP50 with a base mag of 1.6x.

I just wonder how well it will work if you have hogs coming at you in close proximity. Obviously the XP50 1.6x mag would be preferable but I hate to have less resolution at further distances as well as the higher costs.

The majority of my hunting is under 200 yards. Thanks for any insight.

 

[Terry]

I don't have the trail XQ50 , but have owned over a dozen plus thermals and used many more I didn't own over the last several years.

I've already been through asking myself the same question you are asking many, many times before I bought my first 640 system.

"You wonder if I get the lower power 640 model and have to zoom it all the time should I just save my money and get the 384 core same size lens (more magnification)."

This sounds good on paper and yes there is some truth to that. However, through experience I say buy the 640 if you can part with the extra funds.

The reason why it's like having two scopes in one very, very flexible in the field hunting. You have a amazing clarity short to mid range scope with great FOV for running game/shooting shorter range.

Then you can zoom and still have plenty of clarity for longer range shooting at least matching the base 384 core same size lens. Trust me the 640 will nearly always be preferable for most folks.

 

[Jsfeni]

Good points. If my math is correct they are almost the same resolution at 3x and 6x. So it really seems the difference is the wider FOV/less base mag of the 640 model.

So I just have to decide if I spend the money on the XP50 and wait until I can get a PVS-14 or get the XQ50 and PVS-14 now. Decisions, decisions.

Thanks

 

[Terry]

Good quality 320/336/384 cores would all be considered professional grade hunting gear and will kill 95%+ of the critters the 640 cores will. The 640's just are more eye pleasing and in some weather/situations can give you that little extra clarity for better ID.

There is always something better out there even the best right will be second best by next year with new products hitting the shelfs it's just the nature of the business. I would say the XQ50 would be a killing machine with that big lens and nice 384 core. Most all of us have a limited toy/gear budget so you have to maximize your dollar. If it was me I would rather buy a 384 core 38/50mm lens scope and a thermal scanner or pvs-14. I've hunted with a rifle scope alone it's very doable but the rifle gets heavy after a while scanning and it can be a safety issue as anything you look at the rifle is also pointing right at it.

Lens wise how far do you plan to shoot? The 50mm on a 384 core is a lot of lens. I would consider the 38mm better rounded for my normal hunting ranges. That said if your hunting wide open county the 50mm is very nice. I had a 75mm 336 core Armsight Zeus it proved to be way more magnification then worked well around my parts I had to sale it and went to the same model 42mm lens.