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Pulsar Helion XQ

Introduction

Pulsar Helion XQ is a successor to the Quantum series. After upgrading the Quantum series for three times, Pulsar has decided to introduce a new series. Helion XQ is a giant step forward from Quantum and other models as far as workmanship is concerned. One of its most notable features is definitely its IPX7 standard certification (the device is protected against water immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter). Pulsar used materials of great quality for the housing, and a sole grasp of the device will make the user realize that it is truly a first-rate piece of equipment. Pulsar came up with a new revolutionary system for the battery – it can be changed within a second, and the mechanism does not affect the device’s protection against water. Furthermore, the device is held in such a way that the battery is heated by the user’s hand, which is great in winter. The B-pack is probably one of the most outstanding innovations in the world of thermal imaging cameras and will undoubtedly improve the user experience. The price is expected to be similar to that of Quantum XQ or even a bit lower. With Helion XQ, Pulsar has finally entered the world of multimedia (Quantum XQ series was equipped with an external recording unit, which was somewhat clumsy to use).

Pulsar XQ38F
Pulsar XQ38F

Not only does Helion XQ grant the user with the ability to record videos and take photos over a mobile phone or knobs on the device, it also allows the manipulation of other controls over a mobile phone (changing magnification, contrast, brightness, colours of the display; switching between operation modes etc.). The application to control these features (Stream Vision) is one of the most perfected on the market and will be used on all Pulsar‘s night optics products. It is extraordinary that the device will not have to be held in hand at all times but will allow the user to place it basically everywhere (e.g. on the car) and control it over a mobile phone, which expands the possibility of use to a great extent. Pulsar Helion XQ has got a similarly-sized sensor (384×288, 17um) as Quantum XQ and consequently similar magnifications and slightly improved optical characteristics. Another series, also introduced, is Helion XP. The models from this series have a larger sensor than Helion XQ (640×480, 17um), a better resolution, better detection and a wider field of view (everything that comes with an improved sensor). Regarding optical characteristics, the Helion XQ series are on the same level as the Quantum XQ series but have a visually and technically perfected housing, an improved battery and simplified battery replacement. They also come with better menus and have multimedia capabilities.

Model range

  • XQ19F – range of detection up to 700 m, magnification 1.6x–6.4x, lens diameter of 19 mm)

  • XQ30F – range of detection up to 800 m, magnification 2.5x–10x, lens diameter of 30 mm)

  • XQ38F – range of detection up to 1350 m, magnification 3.1x–12.4x, lens diameter of 38 mm)

  • XQ50F – range of detection up to 1800 m, magnification 4.1x–16.4x, lens diameter of 50 mm)

Pulsar XQ50F
Pulsar XQ50F

Specifications

Red DotProductDetails
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Athlon Midas TSR1
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Docter Sight 2 PlusDiscontinued
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Hawke Reflex 1x25*
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Leica Tempus
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MAKdot 1x25
MAKdot SH
Meopta Meosight IV
Noblex QUICKsight 5.0 VR
Noblex Sight 2 Plus
Noblex Sight 3
Noblex Sight C
Noblex Sight G
Primary Arms SLx RS-10 **
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US Optics DRS 2.0*
US Optics DRS 2.0 Enhanced*
UTG OP3 Micro
Vector Optics Frenzy 1x17x24
Vector Optics Frenzy 1x20x28*
Vomz Pilad 1x20
Vortex Venom
Vortex Viper

New features

Helion XQ comes with an application called Stream Vision. It enables the user to connect a mobile phone to the Pulsar device, providing full control of it. The device is protected against water immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. Another novelty is the B battery pack (Quantum XQ series did not have it).

First impressions

Helion XQ is an outstanding device. The image is sharp, allowing the user to clearly distinguish details. Helion XQ projects a wide range of colours portraying levels of heat. The battery compartment is brilliantly designed, and the application is first-rate – the user is encouraged to manage the device over a mobile phone. The knobs on the device are somewhat stiff to the feel, and the device lacks a rotating button. Pulsar compensated for the lack of this rotating button by introducing a remote control with it which can be bought extra.

Conclusion

Helion XQ series thermal imaging devices have a high value for money rate (at the moment, these thermal imaging devices have the best price/quality ratio on the market). Ergonomically, they are fantastic and without competition on the thermal imaging scopes market. Currently, Helion is a thermal imaging device with the best optical performance in this price class, as regards the civilian market. Pulsar has managed to make a modern device with an up-to-date application that will undoubtedly not let down its buyers.

Pulsar Helion XQ colour modes
Pulsar Helion XQ colour modes

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