Comparing ATN, AGM, and Pulsar Thermal Scopes: Which Brand Offers the Best Features?
There are lots of companies selling thermal lenses, monoculars, and other products. But ATN, AGM, and Pulsar are the three most common names. So picking between them can be difficult.
Are you confused regarding atn vs agm vs pulsar thermal?
ATN, AGM, and Pulsar have great build quality with waterproof products. But ATN and AGM are made using aluminum, and Pulsar is made using magnesium alloy. Pulsar offers the widest range of products, but it has a wider price range. AGM generally makes more expensive products.
There is much more you have to know about the three brands. Fortunately, all the details have been gathered right here in this article.
ATN vs AGM vs Pulsar Thermal: General Overview
Let’s get an idea on where ATN, AGM, and Pulsar thermal products differ.
Aspect | ATN | AGM | Pulsar |
Build | Three years but can be extended to 5 years | Waterproof, some are submersible Aircraft grade aluminum Multi-coated lens Rugged build | High-quality thermal image Longer battery |
Usage | Advanced features Customization | Great image quality Can be used in challenging conditions | High-quality thermal image Longer battery |
Product Line Up | 41 products | 18 products | 13 products |
Image Quality | Varies from product to product | Varies from product to product | Varies from product to product |
Warranty | Three years but can be extended to 5 years | Three years but can be extended to 5 years | 3 years but can be extended to 5 years |
Price | $1,200-$5,000 | $1,200-$7,000 | $800-$7,000 |
ATN vs AGM vs Pulsar: In-depth Comparison
Choosing the right thermal scope is quite complicated. In some cases even more challenging and important than choosing the right thermal rifle. So you will need to know details regarding all the aspects mentioned in the table.
Build:
The thermal imaging equipment that ATN manufactures is distinguished for its reliability and toughness. They use a combination of high-quality materials, such as aluminum and rubber. This helps to provide a sturdy construction.
ATN thermal products are often waterproof and have protective rubber armor that provides additional protection from impacts. Lenses in ATN products are multi-coated to enhance clarity and lessen reflections.
AGM thermal imaging devices are designed to be tough and reliable. They use aircraft-grade aluminum and ruggedized construction to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
AGM thermal scope often features waterproofing, and some models are even submersible. The lenses on AGM goods are high-grade. In addition, in order to get a higher resolution, they are frequently coated.
Pulsar thermal imaging devices are built with high-quality materials and construction features. They use lightweight yet durable materials, such as magnesium alloy and glass-filled nylon, to provide a sturdy construction.
Pulsar products are often waterproof and have protective rubber armor that provides additional protection from impacts.
Overall, all three brands produce high-quality thermal imaging devices that are built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
However, there are some differences in the build quality of each brand. AGM products use aircraft-grade aluminum and ruggedized construction to provide additional durability, and some models are even submersible. Pulsar, on the other hand, products use magnesium alloy and glass-filled nylon to provide a lightweight yet sturdy construction.
Winner: The winner is AGM for having the most rugged build quality. But all three companies have excellent build quality.
Usage:
The products from all three brands can do what you’d expect from any thermal product. These scopes use thermal imaging technology to detect and display heat signatures emitted by objects in the environment. The process of thermal scopes is quite different from night vision. Various lasers can be seen by night vision.
ATN produces thermal imaging devices that are suitable for a wide range of applications, including hunting, security, and outdoor recreation. There are advanced features on ATN products, such as image stabilization, video recording, and ballistic calculators. So they are for hunting and shooting.
These features can help hunters take their shot more accurately and quickly. The high-quality thermal imaging sensors can also detect heat signatures from up to several hundred yards away. This allows hunters to spot and track game animals.
You will even be able to detect antlers with the thermal of ATN products.
In addition, ATN products are ideal for security and surveillance applications. Their thermal imaging devices can detect heat signatures from intruders, even in complete darkness. This makes them ideal for law enforcement or military applications, as well as for home security.
AGM thermal imaging devices are designed for use in a variety of outdoor activities. Such as hunting, wildlife observation, and search and rescue operations.
AGM products often have ruggedized construction and waterproofing. They are good for environments that are harsh. They also have a good battery and are easy to use.
Pulsar thermal imaging devices are designed for use in hunting, surveillance, and search and rescue operations. Pulsar products often have advanced features, such as image and video recording and wireless connectivity. Pulsar products are known for their high-quality construction and excellent image quality.
ATN products are ideal for those who need advanced features and customization options. AGM products are suitable for those who need a durable and reliable device for outdoor activities. It also provides excellent image quality. Pulsar products are ideal for those who need a high-quality thermal imaging device with advanced features and excellent image quality.
Winner: There is no clear winner here because all three brands have products serving different needs.
Product Line-Up:
ATN offers a range of 41 different thermal imaging products. This includes the ThOR 4 riflescope, OTS HD handheld monoculars, X-Sight 4K Pro riflescopes, BinoX 4K binoculars, and LaserBallistics rangefinders.
ATN Corp offers quality Thermal Imaging products, including thermal cameras, heat vision optics, thermal vision scopes, and thermal viewers. They also offer American-made ATN Thermal Scopes and Monoculars
AGM offers a range of 18 different thermal imaging products. This includes the Asp-Micro TM160 miniature thermal monocular and ASP-Mini TM384 handheld thermal monocular. Even ASP-Micro TM384 miniature thermal monocular and ASP-TRM384 thermal rifle scope.
AGM Global Vision Thermal Imaging devices combine the renowned science of infrared technology with cutting-edge optical capabilities and tools.
Pulsar offers a range of 13 different thermal imaging products. This includes the Trail 2 LRF thermal riflescope, Axion thermal monocular, Helion thermal imaging scope, and Accolade thermal binoculars.
Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 PRO was named Night Vision/Thermal Product of the Year at the Great British Shooting Awards 2022.
Winner: ATN has the widest selection of products available.
Image Quality:
ATN thermal scope is known for its high-quality image resolution, clarity, and sensitivity. ATN thermal optics run smoother thanks to a new Quad Core processor with enhanced sensors.
They use advanced thermal sensors and image processing algorithms to deliver crisp, detailed images with a high level of contrast. Even in low light or challenging conditions. The ThOR4 series, for example, offers a resolution of up to 640×480 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 60Hz.
The OTS HD handheld monoculars and X-Sight 4K Pro digital riflescopes also offer high-resolution displays and advanced image enhancement features. Such as color palettes and image polarity settings.
AGM thermal products are known for delivering high-quality images with a high level of detail and contrast. They have sophisticated thermal image sensors and image processing to create crisp photographs in low light or other difficult settings.
The ASP-Mini TM384, for example, offers a resolution of 384×288 pixels. The ASP-TRM384 thermal rifle scope offers a resolution of 640×480 pixels. Both devices also feature a refresh rate of up to 50Hz. This helps to ensure a smooth and responsive viewing experience.
The AGM Python TS50 640 Thermal Scope delivers high-quality thermal imaging. It comes in a resolution of 640×512 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 60Hz.
Pulsar thermal products are known for delivering high-quality thermal imaging with excellent image clarity and sensitivity. The Trail 2 LRF thermal riflescope series offers a resolution of up to 640×480 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 50Hz. This provides users with smooth and responsive imaging.
Winner: All three brands offer very good image quality and the image quality will depend on the product as well. So there is no winner.
Warranty:
ATN thermal products typically come with a warranty of 3 years from the date of purchase. ATN also offers an extended warranty option called the “ATN Obsidian Warranty” that can be purchased separately. This provides coverage for up to 5 years from the date of purchase.
AGM Global Vision provides a 3-year transferable warranty on all 160 and 256-resolution thermal devices. This is against manufacturing defects or breakage associated with the intended normal use of the product.
They also provide a 5-year transferable warranty on all 384 and 640-resolution thermal devices. This is also against manufacturing defects or breakage associated with the intended normal use of the product
Pulsar thermal products typically come with a warranty of 3 years from the date of purchase. Pulsar also offers an extended warranty option called the “Pulsar VIP Warranty” that can be purchased separately. This provides coverage for up to 5 years from the date of purchase.
Winner: All three brands have similar warranty policies, so there is no winner.
Price:
The price of the three brands’ thermal products varies wildly. Pulsar Thermal products have the widest gap between their most expensive and cheapest products.
The most expensive ATN thermal product is the ATN ThOR 4 640 2.5-25x Thermal Rifle Scope. This has a recommended retail price of around $5,000 USD. The cheapest ATN thermal imaging product is ATN OTS LT 160 3-6x Thermal Monocular. This has a recommended retail price of around $1,200 USD.
The most expensive AGM thermal product is the AGM Global Vision Rattler TS50-640 Thermal Imaging Weapon Sight. This has a recommended retail price of around USD $7,000. The cheapest AGM thermal imaging product I found was the AGM Asp-Micro TM160, which cost around $1,199.00.
The most expensive Pulsar thermal product is the Pulsar Thermion XG50 – 3-24×42 Thermal Riflescope for $6,999. The cheapest Pulsar thermal product is the Pulsar Axion Key XM22 thermal monocular. This has a recommended retail price of around $800 USD.
Winner: Pulsar wins because it has the cheapest entry level product available.
Final Verdict: Which One To Choose?
ATN, AGM, and Pulsar, all three brands, offer high-quality thermal imaging products. However, each brand has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The choice ultimately depends on the user’s specific needs, preferences, and budget.
ATN is for people who want advanced features such as built-in rangefinders, ballistic calculators, and image stabilization.
AGM is for those who want rugged build quality and high-quality thermal products with a range of advanced features. Such as high refresh rates and integrated video recording. Its products are generally expensive but offer excellent value for their price.
Pulsar is known for its excellent image quality, long battery life, and cheaper entry level thermal devices. So, if you’re on a budget, new in the game, you can go with Pulsar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Which is better, thermal or night vision scope?
The choice between thermal and night vision scopes depends on the intended use. Thermal scopes detect heat sources in complete darkness, making them ideal for hunting and military operations. Night vision scopes amplify ambient light and are useful for wildlife observation and surveillance.
What country is Pulsar Thermal from?
Pulsar Thermal is from Lithuania. The company is a brand owned by Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide, which is headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Can you use Pulsar Thermion during the day?
Yes, you can use Pulsar Thermion thermal scopes during the day. These scopes have high refresh rates and can produce clear images even in daylight conditions. They also come with color palettes that can be adjusted to suit different lighting conditions.
Conclusion
And that concludes our discussion on atn vs agm vs pulsar thermal. All three are excellent brands with high-quality products. Hopefully, our article will give you an idea about the companies. And help you decide which company you should go for.
Good luck!