I Tested a FLIR Unit to See Through Smoke *VIDEO*

TV-PressPass

TV-PressPass

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 99.1%
115   1   0
Location
Mountains, Alberta
I tested one of the ones sold by GP Tactical (site sponsor)


This is why real militaries use IR smoke. I thought it would be kindof hazy or murky, but the FLIR unit cut right through it. I've used it for dust and snow too but I have yet to try rain. This is why I like FLIR way better than traditional night vision: being able to use it day or night to highlight heat sources.

I just wish I could afford some of Tactical Import's really crazy high end stuff.
 
I liked the way you looked into the end of the canister to see if it lit......................
I used FLIR at work quite a bit, could be cool to use hunting in thick cover though, but all I got to do was chase water in walls and floors.........
 
I liked the way you looked into the end of the canister to see if it lit......................
Click to expand...

Yeah I'm a smart cookie :redface:

Lots of people use them to locate downed game. I've done the trick where you put your hand on a surface for >2 seconds, and then can see your print stay there for another 40-60 seconds. They're pretty slick.
 
So, million dollar question: are they worth it ? If I got $2k to spend, is this a better buy that Swarovski binos ? If I already have the Swaros, is this worth another $2k ?
 
Night vision has better spatial resolution, and there are aiming systems/devices out there. You can use an IR laser(or very low power vis laser for that matter) or tandum a NV optic like EOTech/Aimpoint.

FLIR or thermal vision has supurb contrast, but limited resolution esp at the entry price point. A warm object sticks out like a sore thumb but will be a bright blob, esp at a distance. In addition, units with an aiming point or reticle are ITAR controlled, and expensive. Visable and IR lasers dont' show up on FLIR units, the wave length is to short.

Depending on the lighting, you can use NV though glass, however a layer of glass will insulate the IR thermal wavelength.


GC
 
Thermal's highlight, while NVDs make everything the same tone of green. Its pretty damn cool really. Rifle mounting a FLIR is a pain in the ass, but it can be done.

At 2-3 thousand dollars you're just hitting the tip of the ice berg with FLIR. Lots of other manufacturers charge into the 10K+ mark (tactical imports) for the really gucci kit, but the FLIR units I like are in the 3k-6k mark.

I got my swaro binos, and now I'm waiting on the right FLIR to come into the country (LS64) But I wish I'd just bought FLIR instead of dropping $1800 on a Gen 2+ night vision unit and rifle mount. This is the NVD and its not nearly as good as the FLIR:

 
How do these flir units take to being mounted on a rifle? Are they built to take recoil that you'd be getting off of a .223 or 308 in the event that you get it mounted?
 
Wally, that's tricky. I've been looking into it, and you can do it, but I'm not convinced its the right way to go yet. I actually did a blog post about this a while back.

The Scouts are 2 meter drop tested. So they're tough. But they're not rated for recoil. Personally I wouldn't be putting one on my 300 win mag.

The other issue is mounting them. You need some way to get from a tripod thread to a picatinny rail.

And the final issue is cross-hairs. There's no aim point inside the unit. But, having placed one in front of my Razo1-6, I got a pretty damn good image of the display with the scope on 2-3 power. So that says to me that it could be done. Just needs the time and effort.

The way I figure it, the barebones system would cost about $3500 for a rifle mounted option. The one I'd like to set up is more like $7500, but its still a hell of a lot less than most FLIR units
 
seams a bit overkill when the hunting regs tell me that anything from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunset is unlawful to shoot at......
 
Unless you're a landowner who loses livestock to cougars and coyotes. You can get permission to night hunt in Alberta. From what I understand about Manitoba you're good to go as long as its outside of big-game season. (dont take this as knowing the laws. I don't live in Manitoba)

Or, if like some of us, you take hunting trips to the states where they do hog hunts that last all night. :D

OR sometimes its nice to have cool things. Its a comparison people use all the time, but: any car that can do over 120km is also "a bit overkill"
 
I've done predator control both on land and on water in BC...............I know the laws regarding livestock protection, but never needed much more then sacraficial livestock for bait and a flood light.......but for hog hunting.........well good to go.....
 
Predator control on water?

Jaws-Still-2.jpg
 
TV-PressPass said:
Wally, that's tricky. I've been looking into it, and you can do it, but I'm not convinced its the right way to go yet. I actually did a blog post

And the final issue is cross-hairs. There's no aim point inside the unit. But, having placed one in front of my Razo1-6, I got a pretty damn good image of the display with the scope on 2-3 power. So that says to me that it could be done. Just needs the time and effort.
Click to expand...

I think you will find that your point of aim will be waaaaay off when you mount your FLIR in front of your scope.

GC
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom