The Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 handheld thermal monocular is feature-rich and deliberately designed to improve your experience in the field. I have covered what makes this device notable and features to consider if you’re in the market for a thermal handheld. Getting the most bang for your buck is important. You don’t want to waste your time on a sub-par device when you can buy a quality piece of equipment and enjoy it for years to come.

 Detection Range

Extend your range by taking advantage of the Helion 2’s ability to detect adult-sized heat signatures up to a whopping 2,000 yards! The 12.4’ x 9.3’ field of view allows scanning of large areas with ease. Stepped digital zoom up to 8x and 2.5-20x optical magnification provides the capability to identify smaller objects ahead. Use picture-in-picture mode to use a small portion of the screen to zoom in, while still being able to keep your overall field of view on the main area of the screen.

Superior Image Quality

The Helion 2 truly brings darkness to light using thermal imaging technology to change the night hunting game. If this handheld spotter were a TV, it would be at the top of the most wanted list where resolution is considered. 640 x 480px resolution produces an impressive image display, making spotting and recognizing game much clearer. Smaller resolution displays only produce 307,200 pixels with 320 x 240 px, whereas the 640 x 480 px Helion XP50 will deliver 76,800 pixels. Scan from TWICE the distance away with the 640 unit as compared to a 320 unit—literally doubling the resolution.

Why is resolution an important factor to consider when shopping for a thermal handheld? Higher resolution allows the user the ability to spot smaller targets at longer distances, which is always a plus. Enjoy a lightning-fast refresh rate of 50 Hz providing a crisp and detailed image.

This unit also boasts a high-resolution AMOLED display—an Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode, adding a layer of semiconducting film behind the OLED panel allowing it to activate each pixel more quickly. The speed of the display produces images rapidly — 1000 times faster than LCD, and is ideal for higher definition displays.

Battery Pack—Toss Out the Standard Batteries

A handy feature is the rechargeable battery pack which runs for up to 8 hours on one charge. Other options for thermal imagers often run on CR123 batteries, which can really add up in cost if you hunt for any length of time. The battery pack that comes with the Helion 2 is easy to install and remove from the unit. Another convenient element about the battery pack is it being interchangeable between all Pulsar Trail, Helion, and Digisight Ultra units. Plug the battery up to a car charger, portable power source, or a wall outlet to recharge.

Click here to check out the Pulsar Helion.

Color Palettes

Choose what works best for you and the specific environment you’re in with eight different color palettes to choose from. Options include the standard “black hot” or “white hot” as well as  hot red, red monochrome, rainbow, ultramarine, violet, and sepia.

Durable—Built to Last

The Helion 2 XP50 is rated at IP67; what does this rating mean? IP ratings classify and rate the degree and protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion, water, and dust. With this high rating, you can accidentally drop your device into water up to 3 feet in depth and it would be safe for up to 30 minutes without any damage. Any device with a rating of IP67 is considered waterproof, so if you’re out hunting in the rain, you’re covered! Built for use in the field, this unit is fogproof, frost-resistant and ready to perform in even the most rugged terrain.

Technology

In addition to all the base features, stacking this unit up ahead of the competition is the updatable software, built-in Wi-Fi, and an app suited specifically for Pulsar thermals. Updating software is easier than ever with the Helion 2. Simply link the unit to the app using the integrated Wi-Fi and download new firmware and updates seamlessly. Connect to the StreamVision app, which enables you to use your smartphone as a viewfinder, or to download videos from the Helion directly onto your phone for instant playback. Having immediate access to videos proves useful for tracking and locating downed animals in the dark. If you aren’t sure where to start your search for an animal during a hunt, simply download and review the video which should give you a good place to start.

User-Friendly

How hard is it to navigate the device, even in the dark? It is quite simple; the device operates with only five buttons, making it ultra user-friendly. Clear and straightforward instructions are provided in the user manual to get the user-oriented and ready to go. Run the unit one-handed while remaining focused on what’s ahead. The adjustable focus ring around the end of the device allows minor adjustments – producing a sharp, crisp image.

Built-in Video Recording

A stand-out feature that truly sets this device apart from many of its competitors is the built-in video recording option with 16gb of onboard storage. Again, you can easily operate the unit one-handed and start recording a video with the quick touch of a button. Ready to stop the video? Simply hit the record button again to stop recording, and voila, video from your hunt to playback, and relive again and again.

What’s Included with a Helion 2 XP50?

This setup comes with everything you need to hit the field, including a battery pack charging unit, 220-USB plug, hand strap, lens cleaning cloth, user manual, warranty card, and even a padded carrying case for safe storage. To complete this already impressive package, Pulsar boasts top-notch customer service representatives who are always pleasant and ready to assist with any issues or problems you may encounter. Pulsar is well known and well respected for standing by their products and warranties. They want you to have nothing less than a perfect experience with their first-rate products.

In conclusion, I am truly confident you will not find a more reliable, feature-rich device, with a better warranty, and superior customer service than what you’ll get with Pulsar. Taking into consideration the quality and durability of this device, it’s a no-brainer versus other thermal units. Did I mention that it comes with a rechargeable eight-hour battery pack and built-in video recording? I just wanted to make sure I covered those points because those are two of my favorite features. Without a doubt, you get the best bang for your buck with any Pulsar unit, but as far as handhelds go, the Helion 2 XP50 is at the top of my list. When you’re out in the woods, or a field, scanning for animals while hunting, it’s always a great idea to keep all movement to a minimum. This unit allows you to be stealthy and remain low-key while searching for game. Set yourself above the competition by adding this unit to your bag of tricks, you’ll be glad you did when it comes time to hit the field!