INTRODUCTION
In this article I will be discussing thermal imagers for hunting in particular the Pulsar Accolade LRF binocular thermal imager. I will discussing in depth it’s features and why I like it so much. If you follow my articles you’ll know I only recommend gear that I have used extensively or I know are very good products.
Thermal imagers for hunting have taken hunting to the next level. It allows you to see animals that you would have never of seen before. When trying to locate deer you can cover masses of amounts of grounds with a thermal imager far quicker than you ever could with binoculars.
On top of that, you miss far less with a thermal imager when looking. You could be “glassing” an area of land for half an hour with a pair of binoculars and still of missed plenty. Whereas, with your set of thermal imagers you could search the same piece of ground in 2 minuets and you’d miss far less too!
ACCOLADE 2 LRF – THERMAL IMAGERS FOR HUNTING
CAPABILITIES
I have used Pulsar Accolade binoculars now for about 3 or 4 years and overall I have been very impressed with them. I would highly recommend them. They are the perfect thermal imagers for hunting. Pulsar claim that the detection range of the binoculars can go up to 1800 metres. I would have to agree with them. I have found their detection capabilities to be exceptional. More than enough for what you need when hunting. Although, I’ve found that most scanning takes place under a 1000 metres anyway. My father and I have used them for various types of hunting.
The clarity of these thermal imagers for hunting in my opinion is industry leading. I have looked through many different types of thermal imagers and these are some of the best you can get. You’re able to tell the difference between a hair and a rabbit at 300 metres. The detail of animals close up is phenomenal.
ERGONOMICS:
The ergonomics on the Accolades are brilliant. I find them very easy to use, especially when it matters at night. It’s a matter of remembering which buttons mean what (and there’s not many). After you’ve done this the buttons are easy to find and very easy to use. The display screen is easy to navigate through if you would like to change anything at night.
One common theme that I seem to hear again and again is that thermal binoculars are too big to have around your neck. Certainly if you’re going on a long hunt up the hills then some times it can feel like a lot of clobber. Especially if you’re taking your binoculars with you as-well like I always do. But most people who don’t like their binoculars swinging about will have a coat with a binocular pocket anyway. Also, I only find this to be a problem on long hunts, the shorter hunts it’s no big deal in my opinion.
MY OPINION ON THERMAL IMAGERY IN GENERAL
We have mainly used them for culling animals when we need to because they are so effective. Many people would argue they are too effective and I would be one of those. Thermal imagers for hunting are brilliant when used correctly, but have the potential to be devastating if they get into the wrong hands. You’ll pick up animals in places that you never expected to to see or would be almost impossible to see with binoculars. Deer behind thin hedgerows, foxes in dense vegetation and you’ll pick them up in a matter of seconds too.
Even experienced hunters are learning lots with thermal imagers. They give you a lot more information about the behavior and quantity of animals in your area. Simply because you’re seeing so much more, but in a lesser amount of time. See below for all of the the key features that the new Accolade LRF Pro can offer you.
KEY FEATURES:
BUILT-IN PRECISE LASER RANGE FINDER
- Understanding target distance is an essential factor in correct decision- making. A built-in laser rangefinder with a range of up to 1 kilometer enables measuring distances in single measurements and continuous scanning modes with an accuracy of ± 1 meter for quick and error-free assessment of the situation (Pulsar, 2021).
UNPRECEDENTED THERMAL SENSOR SENSITIVITY < 25 mK NETD
- Thermal imaging sensor with NETD <25mK ensures perfect detail recognition even in the hardest weather conditions when thermal contrast is low. The smallest temperature differences will be clearly visible during the rainfall, fog or cold mornings in the most difficult conditions for thermal imager (Pulsar, 2021).
COMFORTABLE FOR LONG OBSERVATION
- The dual eyepiece configuration reduces eye fatigue during longer viewing and enhances the natural look of objects. The human brain is pre-conditioned to receive visual information from two channels simultaneously. The brain then combines the information into a single image. When one eye is used to observe, the brain only receives information a single input. The increased effort from the brain to override the standard algorithm of visual perception can quickly lead to the observer feeling fatigued and uncomfortable (Pulsar, 2021).
IMAGE DETAIL BOOST FUNCTION
- Original software function for improved target rendering in the observation area. Image Detail Boost significantly increases the sharpness of the visual target, clearly identifying contours and displaying small object details (branches, dead wood, wires) in the field of view, and areas with small temperature differences. This function is especially relevant for qualitative determination of trophy animals in the hunting field (Pulsar, 2021).
LONG DETECTION RANGE UP TO 1800 M
- A powerful long-distance objective lens combined with a 640×[email protected]µm highly-sensitive thermal imaging sensor provides exceptional detection capabilities. A standard 1.8 m tall object can be detected up to 1800 m away in complete darkness (Pulsar, 2021).
2.5 x 20 VARIABLE MAGNIFICATION
- Digital zoom, up to 8x, provides improved focus and better overall object recognition at significant distances. The zoom changes either gradually in 2x step or continuously for a truly optimum, customized field of view for specific situation (Pulsar, 2021).
BUILT-IN PHOTO AND VIDEO RECORDER WITH 16 GB MEMORY
- The built-in video recorder is a great asset when it comes to filming or taking photos of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. One press of the REC button captures footage that can be shared easily with colleagues, friends and family (Pulsar, 2021).
WI-FI. INTEGRATION WITH IOS AND ANDROID DEVICES
- Built in Wi-Fi module provides connectivity of thermal imager Accolade 2 LRF XP50 Pro with Android or iOS smartphones or tablets. The smartphone and thermal imager combination offers a set of unique features such as direct image streaming, downloading and sharing recorded files, firmware update and many other (Pulsar, 2021).
IPX7 WATERPROOF RATED
- IPX7 waterproof-rated for protection from heavy rainfall, snow or other precipitation. The unit is designed to run flawlessly, even after submersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes (Pulsar, 2021).
QUICK-CHANGE HIGH CAPACITY BATTERY (UP TO 9 HRS OF OPERATION TIME)
- Quick-change rechargeable battery packs provide enough power for up to 9 hours of non-stop operation. On one battery pack the unit can run the whole night without the need to be replaced. Any ordinary power bank connected via Micro USB can be used as external power supply. The IPS14 Battery Pack, available as a separate item, provides up to 18 hrs. of operation time. A battery cradle for LR6 (AA) batteries is an optional accessory (Pulsar, 2021).
CONCLUSION
To conclude you you will not go wrong if you are looking for a thermal imager to invest in by choosing this Pulsar binocular. Pulsar have been leading the way in this industry now for many years. And they are getting better and better at producing quality products designed specifically for a hunter. I would recommend visiting Pulsars website to see all the products they have available by clicking the link below:
Thank you for reading my review
Thank you very much for reading this review on my best bass lures. And I hope it helps you with selecting the right ones for you. Here at Jake’s Outdoors we are very passionate about our hunting, fishing and all things to do with outdoors. I believe our hunting and fishing community really is special and we experience things that others do not. I think its a very good thing if we can all share out experiences and connect with each other all over the world. This way our community is much stronger. And we can better protect each other in this modern society where so many people have lost touch with the outdoors.
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References
Pulsar. 2021. ACCOLADE 2 LRF PROThermal Imaging Binoculars. Pulsar. [Accessed 11 February 2021]. https://www.pulsar-nv.com/glo/products/33/thermal-imaging-binoculars/accolade-version-2-lrf/
