Pulsar Axion 2 XG35
The Axion 2 XG35 is a best-in-class compact thermal monocular that balances high sensitivity and real-world detection range with a pocketable form factor, making it ideal for hunters who need quick target acquisition at dawn or night. It outperforms entry-level units like the FLIR Scout TK and ATN OTS-XLT 160 in image clarity and range while offering most of the Helion 2 XP50 Pro's core performance at a materially lower price, delivering strong technical value for mobile shooters.
35mm clarity — fox magnet
Instant wake — ready-now
35mm clarity — fox magnet
Instant wake — ready-now
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the Axion 2 XG35 for its sharp thermal imagery, compact rugged design and reliable performance for hunting, though many note the premium price and occasional firmware quirks."
Pocket-tough — field tank
35 mm objective lens for extended detection and improved target separation.
Pocket-tough — field tank
35 mm objective lens for extended detection and improved target separation.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Axion 2 XG35 is a best-in-class compact thermal monocular that balances high sensitivity and real-world detection range with a pocketable form factor, making it ideal for hunters who need quick target acquisition at dawn or night. It outperforms entry-level units like the FLIR Scout TK and ATN OTS-XLT 160 in image clarity and range while offering most of the Helion 2 XP50 Pro's core performance at a materially lower price, delivering strong technical value for mobile shooters.
35mm clarity — fox magnet
Instant wake — ready-now
Pocket-tough — field tank
35 mm objective lens for extended detection and improved target separation.
Compact, lightweight design built for fast handheld target acquisition in the field.
35mm clarity — fox magnet
Instant wake — ready-now
Pocket-tough — field tank
35 mm objective lens for extended detection and improved target separation.
Compact, lightweight design built for fast handheld target acquisition in the field.
$3,500-4,500 CAD
FLIR Scout TK
The FLIR Scout TK is the most affordable, ultra-portable option on this list, designed for casual spotting and trail checks rather than long-range identification; its pocket-sized convenience and immediate usability make it an excellent starter tool for hunters. Technically it lags the higher-resolution Pulsar and AGM models in sensitivity and detection distance, but its low cost and strong brand support make it a sensible financial entry point or backup device for field use.
Pocket-sized — stealth bud
Simple tap view — no fuss
Pocket-sized — stealth bud
Simple tap view — no fuss
Review Summary
"Buyers like the FLIR Scout TK for its pocketable size and ease of use as an entry-level thermal for casual scouting, but frequently complain about the low resolution, short detection range, and limited features."
Lightweight roam — backyard scout
Ultra-compact, pocket-sized thermal viewer ideal for short-range scouting and trail checks.
Lightweight roam — backyard scout
Ultra-compact, pocket-sized thermal viewer ideal for short-range scouting and trail checks.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The FLIR Scout TK is the most affordable, ultra-portable option on this list, designed for casual spotting and trail checks rather than long-range identification; its pocket-sized convenience and immediate usability make it an excellent starter tool for hunters. Technically it lags the higher-resolution Pulsar and AGM models in sensitivity and detection distance, but its low cost and strong brand support make it a sensible financial entry point or backup device for field use.
Pocket-sized — stealth bud
Simple tap view — no fuss
Lightweight roam — backyard scout
Ultra-compact, pocket-sized thermal viewer ideal for short-range scouting and trail checks.
Simple one-button operation with basic image capture and on-device display.
Pocket-sized — stealth bud
Simple tap view — no fuss
Lightweight roam — backyard scout
Ultra-compact, pocket-sized thermal viewer ideal for short-range scouting and trail checks.
Simple one-button operation with basic image capture and on-device display.
AGM Taipan TM15-384
The AGM Taipan TM15-384 delivers a compelling mid-tier proposition with a 384×288 thermal sensor and robust optics that provide long detection ranges and reliable target recognition for hunting and precision shooting. Compared with premium 640-class systems like the Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Pro it is more affordable while still offering superior range and image fidelity over entry-level models like the FLIR Scout TK and ATN OTS-XLT 160, making it a cost-effective choice for serious sportsmen who want professional-grade performance without top-tier pricing.
High-res sensor — target whisperer
Long-range reach — horizon spotter
High-res sensor — target whisperer
Long-range reach — horizon spotter
Review Summary
"Owners report the AGM Taipan TM15-384 delivers excellent 384-resolution thermal detail and strong value compared with higher-end brands, while some mention clunky menus, heavier weight, and average battery life."
Weatherproof frame — storm-ready
384×288 thermal sensor paired with a 15 mm lens to balance detection range and image detail for hunting.
Weatherproof frame — storm-ready
384×288 thermal sensor paired with a 15 mm lens to balance detection range and image detail for hunting.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The AGM Taipan TM15-384 delivers a compelling mid-tier proposition with a 384×288 thermal sensor and robust optics that provide long detection ranges and reliable target recognition for hunting and precision shooting. Compared with premium 640-class systems like the Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Pro it is more affordable while still offering superior range and image fidelity over entry-level models like the FLIR Scout TK and ATN OTS-XLT 160, making it a cost-effective choice for serious sportsmen who want professional-grade performance without top-tier pricing.
High-res sensor — target whisperer
Long-range reach — horizon spotter
Weatherproof frame — storm-ready
384×288 thermal sensor paired with a 15 mm lens to balance detection range and image detail for hunting.
Integrated video recording and Wi‑Fi streaming for documenting encounters and sharing footage.
High-res sensor — target whisperer
Long-range reach — horizon spotter
Weatherproof frame — storm-ready
384×288 thermal sensor paired with a 15 mm lens to balance detection range and image detail for hunting.
Integrated video recording and Wi‑Fi streaming for documenting encounters and sharing footage.
Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Pro
The Helion 2 XP50 Pro is the market leader for long-range hunting and precision shooting, thanks to its large-aperture optics and high-resolution 640-class thermal sensor that deliver exceptional target identification and situational awareness at distance. It is the most technically capable unit here—outclassing the Axion 2 XG35, AGM Taipan, FLIR, and ATN in detection and image detail—but it carries a premium price that is best justified for users who need the absolute top performance for professional or serious competitive use.
50mm power — dusk demolisher
Ultra-sensitive view — ghost-clear
50mm power — dusk demolisher
Ultra-sensitive view — ghost-clear
Review Summary
"Reviewers rave about the Helion 2 XP50 Pro's outstanding image clarity, long detection ranges and durable build for serious hunting, with the main drawbacks being its high cost and bulk compared to compact models."
Pro features — toolbox ready
50 mm objective and high-sensitivity thermal sensor for maximum detection and identification at long distances.
Pro features — toolbox ready
50 mm objective and high-sensitivity thermal sensor for maximum detection and identification at long distances.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Helion 2 XP50 Pro is the market leader for long-range hunting and precision shooting, thanks to its large-aperture optics and high-resolution 640-class thermal sensor that deliver exceptional target identification and situational awareness at distance. It is the most technically capable unit here—outclassing the Axion 2 XG35, AGM Taipan, FLIR, and ATN in detection and image detail—but it carries a premium price that is best justified for users who need the absolute top performance for professional or serious competitive use.
50mm power — dusk demolisher
Ultra-sensitive view — ghost-clear
Pro features — toolbox ready
50 mm objective and high-sensitivity thermal sensor for maximum detection and identification at long distances.
Advanced optics and image processing delivering detailed thermal imagery in challenging conditions.
50mm power — dusk demolisher
Ultra-sensitive view — ghost-clear
Pro features — toolbox ready
50 mm objective and high-sensitivity thermal sensor for maximum detection and identification at long distances.
Advanced optics and image processing delivering detailed thermal imagery in challenging conditions.
$4,500-6,000 CAD
ATN OTS-XLT 160
The ATN OTS-XLT 160 is the budget-friendly option that gets hunters into thermal detection with a straightforward feature set and wide availability, making it a practical buy for those prioritizing cost and ecosystem compatibility over top-tier range. While its lower-resolution sensor and shorter detection distances fall short of the Pulsar and AGM offerings, ATN's affordable pricing, aftermarket accessories, and digital feature integration offer clear financial and practical advantages for entry-level shooters or as a dedicated short-range spotting tool.
Budget thermal — wallet-saver
Built-in recording — action keeper
Budget thermal — wallet-saver
Built-in recording — action keeper
Review Summary
"Users appreciate the ATN OTS-XLT 160 as an affordable entry-level thermal with basic functionality, but many call out mediocre image quality, limited range, and inconsistent software/support."
Featherweight carry — field friend
160×120 thermal sensor that offers a budget-friendly, compact thermal solution for hunters.
Featherweight carry — field friend
160×120 thermal sensor that offers a budget-friendly, compact thermal solution for hunters.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The ATN OTS-XLT 160 is the budget-friendly option that gets hunters into thermal detection with a straightforward feature set and wide availability, making it a practical buy for those prioritizing cost and ecosystem compatibility over top-tier range. While its lower-resolution sensor and shorter detection distances fall short of the Pulsar and AGM offerings, ATN's affordable pricing, aftermarket accessories, and digital feature integration offer clear financial and practical advantages for entry-level shooters or as a dedicated short-range spotting tool.
Budget thermal — wallet-saver
Built-in recording — action keeper
Featherweight carry — field friend
160×120 thermal sensor that offers a budget-friendly, compact thermal solution for hunters.
Built-in photo and video capture plus digital zoom for scouting and documenting encounters.
Budget thermal — wallet-saver
Built-in recording — action keeper
Featherweight carry — field friend
160×120 thermal sensor that offers a budget-friendly, compact thermal solution for hunters.
Built-in photo and video capture plus digital zoom for scouting and documenting encounters.