Originally Posted By: coyote_thumperjwebster:
what kind of optic do you have on your rifle? Thermal? IR nightvision? gun mount light and regular scope?
I got the 256 monocular having never owned or looked through a thermal scope or monocular. I was really excited about it and I was very impressed with what I could see in the dark. As I noted before, my 2 complaints with the AGM TM-10 right away were the small picture size of the viewing screen, and the refresh rate of 25hz. Instead of constantly panning, I would have to pan, stop and focus, pan, stop and focus, etc. Due to the 25hz refresh rate not being fast enough for a smooth picture when panning back and forth.
I went coyote hunting with a buddy after having the AGM TM10 for about a week. I used his Pulsar Axion XQ38LRF scanner (now mine). I was amazed by how much better it was. The viewing screen was much larger, the refresh rate of 50hz provides a much smoother picture when panning, the higher resolution helps too, and the LRF is a nice feature. Unfortunately the XQ38 doesn't have an internal recording feature. Pulsar since discontinued that model and replaced it with the Axion XQ35, available with and without LRF. The XQ35 has a wider field of view, has built in recording, and has a few other improvements I think.
With the XQ38LRF, I was able to spot and identify a coyote at about 250 yds along a treeline, partially blocked by light brush. I couldn't make it out clearly, but I could identify it and range it. In decent conditions i'm sure you'd be able to spot and possibly identify coyotes out to 500 yds with this monocular. In the heat of the moment I was just focused on the XQ38 and my rifle scope (Digital Nightvision at the time) and I didn't try looking through the AGM TM10. In hindsight I wish I had looked through (and recorded) through the TM10 for comparison.
Overall for me comparing the two:
AGM TM10--Gave me a huge advantage improvement over having no thermal devices. It was awkward/cumbersome for panning large areas, but it worked.
Pulsar Axion XQ-- huge improvement in clarity and usability, now I feel like I own the dark. It greatly boosted my confidence in what I can see. I enjoy looking through it, it's like exploring a whole new world.
I returned my AGM TM-10 to help pay for the pulsar, so I can't make and share any more comparison videos. 06 still has a TM-10 and I'm looking forward to seeing what he captures and shares from that.
Right now, before tax/shipping: AGM TM10 is $550, and Pulsar Axion XQ35 is $2000 ($2500 for LRF model)
Currently running a Sig Sauer scope with coyote light, but wanting to upgrade to good nightvision or a decent thermal eventually. First I want a thermal monocular. I feel like that would be biggest bang for the buck. I have AGM and Pulsar on my radar. Funds will dictate what I get, but I just wanted to know that some of the entry level units still get the job done. I will probably wait until I can get one that has good enough features like the Pulsar you describe.