The Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 is Pulsar’s premium thermal monocular. New for 2020, the Helion “2” has a new “Highly Sensitive Thermal Imaging Sensor” that is said to be even better than the sensor of the previous Helion XP50. It also has the new Super AMOLED display screen and longer battery life.
If you are new to the world of thermal imaging, a thermal optic’s image is not derived from light that is visible or non-visible to your eyes as does a night vision scope. The image is created by a thermal sensor in the optic that forms an image based upon the heat of everything in view. The warmer an object is in view, the brighter it appears. For example, the temperature of an animal in an open field is usually hotter than the earth and vegetation around it. The image displayed on the screen will look similar to a black and white movie. The higher the temperature of an object in view, the brighter it will appear on the screen. Consequently, an animal in a relatively cool field will appear much brighter than the vegetation around it, and make it easy to detect.
The Pulsar Helion 2 series of thermal optics is not a riflescope. It is only used for observation, target detection, and target identification. It is basically a very rugged thermal camera used for hunting, search and rescue operations, and security. Hunters use it for finding wildlife at night, security personnel use it for observation, and rescue teams use it for searching for lost people.
The Pulsar Helion XP series Thermal Monocular is recognized industry-wide as one of the best thermal monoculars on the market. Thanks to Jason Robertson, owner of Outdoor Legacy Gear, we got to put the new Helion 2 XP50 to the test in the field and compare it to last year’s Helion XP50. Let’s take a look at the features of the new Helion 2 XP50.
Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Features
The heart of the Helion 2 XP50 is the new 640×480 resolution micro-bolometric sensor, at 17 μm pixel pitch for highly detailed imaging. The new thermal core’s Noise-Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) <40 mk rating is about 10% better than last year’s model. The lower NETD rating means it has better heat separation between all the objects in view for a sharper image. In addition to the new thermal core, it also has a new high-resolution Super AMOLED display screen. Together they combine to provide an improved image in all types of weather conditions.
Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Controls
Hunting With the Helion 2 XP50
I have hunted with several very good thermal monoculars in the past year, but nothing I have used compares to the new Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 for image quality or ease of use. When you have a thermal optic this good, your confidence goes up and the enjoyment of the hunt goes up exponentially. There is just something about having such a great optic that takes your hunt up to a new level. You see more game, identify game quicker, capture better videos, and are more successful on every hunt.
My first hunt with the Helion 2 did not disappoint. The conditions were poor with misting rain and the Helion 2 XP50 cut through it like it was a perfectly clear night. Bedded deer were easily identified at over 500 yards. The first hog I spotted was through a treeline at about 200 yards. The young boar glowed like a Christmas tree ornament and was easily identified. A few minutes later it was lights out with one round from the Grendel.
When you first look through the Helion 2 XP50, you will be pleasantly surprised at how sharp images are. The details of the image are so good that you can see the hair on animals. This is especially obvious in white hot color palette. I think the new <40mk thermal core separates object temperatures so well that the “hots” actually look brighter in some modes than they do on the older Helion models. Some thermals highlight the animal and flatten the cool background to a point that you lose the three-dimensional effect. The background details in the image of the Helion 2 XP50 give you more depth perception and much sharper details.
The Helion 2 has four observation modes. The purpose of different observation modes is to offer the most suitable settings depending on the current natural conditions of your hunting area. The modes include Forrest mode, Rocks mode, Identification mode, and Personal User mode. Each mode offers different settings designed for forested or more open, rocky terrain.
Pulsar hit the nail on the head when they set the base power of the Helion XP50 at 2.5X. No matter if the optic uses a 640 or 388 thermal core, or what you are hunting, 2.5X is enough, but not too much magnification for any hunting situation. When scanning, you need a wide field of view to see as much of your hunting area as possible without moving and panning so much. The XP50 gives you a wide 72′ field of view at 100 meters, and the clarity of the 640×480 premium thermal core is powerful enough to identify coyotes past 500 yards.
Having the four observation modes at the touch of a button lets you quickly find the best image at that moment. On some nights, I found I may change from one mode to another mode several times on every stand. Superior image quality is what we are all looking for in a thermal monocular, but having all the extra features that are so easy to access, make the Helion even better. I found myself scanning the area first in Forrest mode for detection, then toggling to Rocks or ID mode for identification. Quick and easy control of the unit is another thing that sets it apart from other brands of thermals.
Pulsar Helion 2 Video Excitement
Pulsar Helion Specifications
- 640×480 Resolution
- 50 Hz Refresh Rate
- 17 µm Pixel Pitch
- Updated Thermal Core w/ <40 Milli Kelvin temperature sensitivity
- Greater temperature sensitivity than previous units
- 1800 Meter Detection Range
- Field of View of 72 feet @ 100 meters
- 2.5-20x Magnification
- 15mm Eye Relief
- IPX7 Waterproof
- 10-12 Hours Continuous Operation Time (Rechargeable)
- Helion 2 can also be power externally from a USB power source
- Stadiametric Rangefinder
- Firmware updates at home through the Pulsar Stream Vision App
- 3 Year Factory Warranty
Items Included
- Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Thermal Monocular
- Soft Tactical Carrying Case
- IPS7 Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Charger
- Charging / Data Cable
- Hand Strap
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
Visit Outdoor Legacy to purchase the Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 or other quality thermal optics. If you have questions, please call Jason Robertson at (877)350-1818.
Also please visit Outdoor Legacy on Youtube and HansETX for great hunting videos and thermal optic reviews.
If you’re looking for great reviews and commentary on the latest in the night vision and thermal industry be sure to tune into The Late Night Vision Show, a weekly podcast hosted by Jason Robertson and HansETX.
To learn more about the author of this review, check out Col. Cupp’s bio HERE.
