Hello - I'm looking for recommendations (advice also welcome) on thermal monoculars. I have my eye on an AGM Taipan TM15-384 (approx $1,200). We'll be moving into the mountains soon and would like to be able to identify/detect critters at a good distance. Not knowledgeable enough to know my parameters other than price ($1,000 +/- a few hundred). Would appreciate your insights. Thanks.

Highly recommend you give Jason or Hans a call at https://outdoorlegacygear.com/
They will steer you right and sell all the major brands.

cashag95 said:

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Highly recommend you give Jason or Hans a call at https://outdoorlegacygear.com/
They will steer you right and sell all the major brands.

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THIS. I was looking at a rattler 19-256. Called Hans and he told me basically what I could expect performance wise and the pros and cons.

Ended up going with/ a 25-384.

Super super nice dude

I wouldn't get something with an objective size smaller than 25 mm. If it were me I'd either swing for the 25-384 or wait till I could afford/justify something w/ at least a 25mm lens

Definitely call Hans or Jason at Outdoor Legacy. Those guys are great. I spoke with Hans before I bought my AGM Rattler TS25-384. I was originally going to get it off of Amazon, but decided to send those guys the business because of their customer service. Also check out their show on YouTube. They have plenty of reviews and go into an in-depth analysis on specific models, as well as compare a variety of models in specific price ranges. I also have a AGM Taipan TM15-384. Love both of my AGM's. There are certainly better (and much more expensive) ones on the market, but these get the job done just fine for me for hog and yote hunting.

Whats a "good distance"? Been happy with my 384 for close stuff but might need to step up to a 640 to positively identify stuff at long range.

Id look at a 640 w a higher base mag

Anybody else misread the thread title as "thermonuclear recommendations" like me?

No??

haven't put these through testing yet, but they look good so far, and a good price here.

I was able to pick up a person at 1400 yards with temps in the high 60s, low humidity. Don't know how much above 75 degrees that's possible at that distance.

https://outdoorlegacygear.com/products/pulsar-axion-2-xq35-2x-8x-pro-thermal-monocular

the xm30f is in your price range.

TarponChaser said:

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Anybody else misread the thread title as "thermonuclear recommendations" like me?

No??

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InfantryAg said:

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haven't put these through testing yet, but they look good so far, and a good price here.

I was able to pick up a person at 1400 yards with temps in the high 60s, low humidity. Don't know how much above 75 degrees that's possible at that distance.

https://outdoorlegacygear.com/products/pulsar-axion-2-xq35-2x-8x-pro-thermal-monocular

the xm30f is in your price range.

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The one you linked will be my next splurge

Thanks for the feedback. I was comparing specs of the AGM TM15-384 and the Pulsar XM30f, seems like the AGM comes out on top. Was prepared to order the AGM TM15-384 from Outdoor Legacy Gear, but, unfortunately, it's sold out.

boulderaggie said:

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Thanks for the feedback. I was comparing specs of the AGM TM15-384 and the Pulsar XM30f, seems like the AGM comes out on top. Was prepared to order the AGM TM15-384 from Outdoor Legacy Gear, but, unfortunately, it's sold out.

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Another factor (or two) you may want to consider is that in this price range, all thermals are chinese, except the pulsars.

AGM is supposed to have bad customer service, but the dealers would have better info on that. And if the3 dealer is the middleman, it may mitigate those issues.

In low humidity / cooler environment I would think you could get away with a lower resolution unit relative to what you can get away with here. If I were you, I would just get a thermal scope and use it as a monocular vs getting a dedicated monocular. I have the AGM ts35-640 and it's impressive. I would look at at the ts25-384. Should function really well as a monocular. Wouldn't expect much over 100 yards though on a day to day basis.

Thermals are probably the number one area you won't regret spending too much out of all the random crap you can buy for the great outdoors (Before someone tells me that their tactical swat training while falling from a parachute is the best money they've ever spent...it's just my opinion, not gospel).

I called them and ended up buying an Iray Bolt 50- haha I'm terrible with money

InfantryAg said:

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Another factor (or two) you may want to consider is that in this price range, all thermals are chinese, except the pulsars.

AGM is supposed to have bad customer service, but the dealers would have better info on that. And if the dealer is the middleman, it may mitigate those issues.

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Can't stress this enough! No matter what thermal someone chooses, using a reputable dealer is key. A lot of the importers allowed, or still allow, anyone with a sales and use tax permit to become a dealer. Their selling price may seem like a good idea at time of purchase, but if they aren't there when needed them down the road, the buyer loses out. I routinely take calls in the middle of the nights from customers out hunting who need help with one adjustment or another. Today I picked a scope up from a customer an hour away so I can send it in for him.

I didn't reach out to you, because I am the beneficiary of thermals bought on the govt credit card by our purchasing.

Not a personal purchase.

InfantryAg said:

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I didn't reach out to you, because I am the beneficiary of thermals bought on the govt credit card by our purchasing.

Not a personal purchase.

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Tax dollars hard at work!

Looks like the AGM TM15-384 is back in stock on the Outdoor Legacy site. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and advice. Much appreciated!

boulderaggie said:

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Looks like the AGM TM15-384 is back in stock on the Outdoor Legacy site. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and advice. Much appreciated!

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Assuming you mean 35-384, great choice! You will be plenty pleased

No worries. Always happy to help when I can, whether I make the sale or not. Lots of misinformation out there that is tough to wade through for people new to the game.

The guys over at Outdoor Legacy are good people. They were not what I was referring to about dealers who don't take care of their clients after the sale.