Thermal Clip-Ons vs. Thermal Scopes: Which is the Right Choice for You?

Night hunting has grown exponentially in popularity, thanks in large part to advancements in thermal optics technology. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, the variety of thermal optics available today can be overwhelming. Among the most common decisions you'll face is choosing between a thermal scope and a thermal clip-on. To help you make an informed choice, this article provides a comprehensive comparison between these two options, with a focus on Armasight's cutting-edge offerings: the Jockey 320 and 640 Thermal Clip-Ons and the Contractor Thermal Scope Series.

What is a Dedicated Thermal Scope?

Design and Mounting System: Dedicated thermal scopes, such as those in the Armasight Contractor Series, are standalone optics specifically designed for rifles. They feature a built-in eyepiece, a user-friendly button layout, a front focus ring, and advanced software that allows for multiple zeroing profiles, reticle options, and other customizable settings.

Price Range: The cost of thermal scopes in the Armasight Contractor Series ranges from $2,200 to $5,500, reflecting the wide range of performance levels and advanced features available in these devices.

Key Features and Advantages:

• Zeroing Profiles and Reticle Options: Dedicated thermal scopes offer the ability to store multiple zeroing profiles and choose from various reticle designs directly on the device.
• Onboard Recording: Many models in the Contractor Series include onboard video recording, allowing you to document your hunts or tactical missions.
• Magnification: Thermal scopes provide excellent magnification, combining base magnification with digital zoom, making them ideal for detecting and engaging targets at long distances.
• Compact Design: Dedicated thermal scopes generally take up less space on your rifle's rail, leaving room for other accessories like external battery packs.

Drawbacks:

• Switching Between Day and Night: If you use a single rifle for both day and night hunting, you'll need to remove your daytime scope to mount the thermal scope, requiring re-zeroing when switching back.
• Specific Use Case: Dedicated thermal scopes are typically better suited for those who hunt frequently at night or in low-light conditions, as they are optimized for such environments. But are still usable during day conditions and can help see targets in light foliage, fog and tree lines where visibility is tricky at times.

What is a Thermal Clip-On?

Design and Mounting Systems: Thermal clip-ons, like Armasight’s Jockey 320 and 640 models, are designed to attach directly in front of your existing daytime scope. This allows your day scope to be converted into a thermal imaging device without the need to remove it or re-zero your rifle.

Price Range: Thermal clip-ons from Armasight, such as the Jockey 320 and 640, are priced between $2,200 and $3,500. This range reflects the advanced technology and versatility that clip-ons provide, offering a more cost-effective solution for those who want to enhance their existing setups.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Versatility: The Jockey 320 and 640 can be easily mounted with a variety of scopes using different adapters, making them adaptable to multiple rifle setups.
• Onboard Recording: The Jockey clip-ons include onboard video recording, allowing you to capture and review your shots.
• Quick Transition: Thermal clip-ons enable a seamless transition between day and night shooting without affecting the zero of your daytime optic.

Drawbacks:

• Rail Space and Weight: Using both a day scope and a clip-on can limit available rail space and add additional weight to the front of your rifle.
• Magnification Limitations: The magnification of a thermal clip-on is the limiting factor when paired with a high-powered day scope. For example, using a 5-25x scope with a clip-on will not achieve 25x thermal magnification, as increasing the magnification simply zooms on to the thermal screen, which can lead to pixelation. We recommend LPVO Day scope or scopes in the 3x to 6x range.

Which Option is Best for You?

The choice between a thermal scope and a thermal clip-on largely depends on your specific needs and shooting setup:

• Single Rifle Setup: If you prefer to use one rifle with a dedicated daytime scope, a thermal clip-on like the Jockey 320 or 640 is a flexible and cost-effective choice.
• Frequent Night Hunting: If you regularly hunt at night, a dedicated setup with a thermal scope from the Contractor series offers superior performance and convenience. Many hunters who use AR platforms opt for one upper assembly for daytime use and a second dedicated to thermal night hunting.

Armasight's Advantage

Armasight’s commitment to quality and innovation sets us apart in the thermal optics market. Our Jockey 320 and 640 clip-ons and Contractor Thermal Scopes are designed to meet the diverse needs of hunters, tactical professionals, and shooting enthusiasts. With a focus on providing versatile, high-performance equipment, Armasight delivers the tools you need to succeed in any environment.

Conclusion

Both thermal scopes and thermal clip-ons offer unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Whether you opt for a dedicated thermal scope or a versatile clip-on, Armasight has top-tier options that will elevate your night hunting experience.