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Pulsar Talion XQ38 Thermal Riflescope

Pulsar Talion XQ38 thermal riflescope (image source: Pulsar)
Pulsar Talion XQ38 thermal riflescope (image source: Pulsar)

Pulsar Talion XQ38 is the newest thermal riflescope from Pulsar. The 2022 Shot Show in Las Vegas was a perfect opportunity to see what a difference 3 years make in such a fast-paced industry.

Without the fanfare of trade fairs and insider events, it seemed as if many brands took a snooze. New releases were few and far in-between. Top brands especially decided to hold off on announcing new models until supply chains returned to some semblance of normalcy. Thermal sensors and their general market unavailability were a pain in everyone’s neck.

While we’re not out of the woods yet, Pulsar came to Shot Show locked and ready. The Lithuanian brand unveiled 4 brand new devices: Thermion 2LRF XP50 PRO and Talion XQ38 in the category of thermal riflescopes and two versions of Axion 2 XQ35 monocular.

Set on Target

  • magnesium alloy
  • multi-point base rail → precise positioning on a rifle
  • IPX7 waterproof
  • integrated fin lever with tactile marker set at 70m
    • correct focusing in the dark
  • withstands hard recoil → 6000 Joules
  • 5 shooting profiles

Yes, Thermion 2 LRF XP50 PRO is clearly the big gun here. But that doesn’t mean the more affordable Talion XQ38 should be completely overlooked. It offers almost all the same features, only scaled back and with slight tweaks to satisfy different audiences. It’s good to have options. Pulsar is gaining ground in the US market and this riflescope meets the needs of pest control hunters who shoot at shorter distances.

Pulsar Talion XQ38 thermal riflescope (image source: Pulsar)
Pulsar Talion XQ38 thermal riflescope (image source: Pulsar)

Without the bulky LRF, the Talion XQ38 is obviously sleeker (and almost 300g lighter) than the newest Thermion. The ergonomics are superb – the oversized controls near the eyepiece, precise focusing ring with fin lever, and multi-position rail give great comfort of use. The housing is made of magnesium alloy and charged with nitrogen against liquid damage.

This thermal riflescope is rated for high caliber recoil resistance: 12 gauge, 9.3×64, .375H&H. The flexibility of  Pulsar Talion XQ38 is amplified with 5 shooting profiles (50 zeroing distances). Once you zero the Talion on a particular rifle, you can enjoy hassle-free re-installations every time afterward.

Technical Specifications

Pulsar Pulsar Talion XQ38 Thermal Imaging Riflescope
Sensor: 384×288 @ 17 µm (NETD <40 mK)
Field of view (HxV), degrees / m@100m: 9.8х7.3 / 17.2х13
Objective lens: F38 F/1.2
Magnification: 2.5 − 10 (x4 zoom)
Display: 1024×768 AMOLED
Detection range:  1350m

Solid Optical Performance

  • <40 mK Lynred sensor
  • variable magnification from 2.5x to 10x
  • fine brightness and contrast adjustments → 3 sensitivity amplification levels
    • clear rendering of objects, correct game assessment
  • top-notch 1024×768 AMOLED display
  • 8 color palettes

As far as the optical performance is concerned, there’s nothing that stands out. The Lynred sensor with NETD below 40mK is what drives the price point downwards. For anything below 30 or 25mK, you’ll simply have to reach deeper into your pocket. But in all honesty, wild hog hunting does not require super-sensitive sensors – what with the sheer size and warmth of these tusked creatures.

50Hz frame rate guarantees smooth, fluid observation that won’t tire your eyes. The removable 4900mAh  APS5 battery gives you 9 hours of use, more than enough for a successful hunt.

Pulsar Talion XQ38 thermal riflescope (image source: Pulsar)
Pulsar Talion XQ38 thermal riflescope (image source: Pulsar)

Three sensitivity amplification levels will be of help when the air is especially humid and thermal contrasts are low. This device can detect game up to 1350 meters and offers variable magnification from 2.5x to 10x.

Pulsar didn’t skimp on the usual extras like 16GB internal memory, photo and video recording, PiP mode, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Stream Vision 2 mobile app support.

All in all, Talion XQ38 is gives you more for less. It will be available for purchase in the spring of 2022, priced below the Thermion range.

Pulsar Talion XQ38 Thermal Imaging Riflescope | IWA 2022 Report

Optics Trade paid a visit to Pulsar’s exhibition booth at 2022 IWA OutdoorClassics. Here’s everything you need to know about Pulsar Talion XQ38!

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Pulsar Talion XQ38 Thermal Riflescope
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Pulsar Talion XQ38 Thermal Riflescope
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Pulsar Talion XQ38 is the newest thermal riflescope from Pulsar. The 2022 Shot Show in Las Vegas was a perfect opportunity to see what a difference 3 years make in such a fast-paced industry.
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