{"id":154091,"date":"2022-01-03T11:07:06","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T16:07:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=154091"},"modified":"2025-11-03T05:49:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T11:49:56","slug":"hunt365-pulsar-thermion-xq38-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-pulsar-thermion-xq38-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Pulsar Thermion XQ38"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Pulsar
Pulsar Thermion XQ38 sitting on top of the Brownells BRN180S<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While being a little late to the party, I will be discussing the Pulsar Thermion XQ38. As of around June 2021 Pulsar released the newest iteration, the Thermion 2 XQ38, and discontinued production of the Gen 1 but I will be writing about my time with the original. Overall, the newest generation is functionally the same, with a few different physical changes such as a different lens cover, longer-lasting internal battery, rubber pattern used for focusing the optic, and a larger lens (35mm for the gen 2, and 32mm for the gen 1) which slightly boosts clarity. It is currently selling for around $3,300 here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many of you reading this and just jumping into the world of thermal optics, do not fret, it is not as complicated as some may suggest. While Thermal scopes are not cheap, they are an absolute game-changer in the world of night hunting. 5 years ago, I would have never believed how powerful of a tool thermal would become in my hunting game<\/a>. Fast forward to today, and 90% of my hunting is at night searching for coyotes and pigs with great success due to the technology utilized in these scopes. The powers of longwave thermals detecting varying levels of IR radiation given off with respect to temperature should not be underestimated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pulsar<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When looking for a thermal scope you need to define what your intended purposes are. Like day optics, there are many brands and models available that fit different situations better than others. Personally, I do most of my hunting up close within 100 yards so I prefer thermal scopes which have a wide field of view. Everyone also prefers to have a scope with a clearer image; however clarity comes at a price, and while it is very nice, it isn\u2019t always necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now back to what I know, what I have used, and what I have loved: the Gen 1 Pulsar Thermion XQ38. The XQ38 has both a low magnification and good clarity for the price. I am a huge fan of Pulsar\u2019s Thermion line of rifle scopes<\/a>. In my opinion, they provide even better controls than most other thermals, while maintaining the same style as a traditional day optic. Even though the lens is made of germanium instead of glass, and the inside is filled with electronics, a battery, and a digital screen, to the untrained eye the Thermion still looks like a typical day scope. The focus on this model is rigid enough to keep from being bumped around and smooth enough to get that perfect image dialed in. It also comes with a built-in forward lens cap which protects your germanium lens and allows you to not have to worry about losing it in the field when hiking, running, or riding around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now for the features specific to the Pulsar Thermion XQ38:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifications:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n