With hog and coyote populations spiraling out of control and night hunting opening up in more and more states, more hunters than ever are turning to thermal optics to give them an edge. Thermal can be used day or night to help hunters find game and track downed animals. Because thermal optics read heat signatures, it’s almost impossible for quarry to hide from hunters who are well-equipped with thermal scopes or scanners. (You can check out more details about how thermal works here.)
If thermal has one down side, it’s traditionally been the price. Although thermal technology has been around for some time and prices have continued to slide downward as the tech evolves, quality thermal scanners have stayed in the $1,000-plus arena. While we could argue that’s still an incredible bargain considering the advanced technology built into even simple thermal devices, not every hunter can casually drop a thousand bucks on an extra device on top of the money they’ve invested in their firearm, optics and other gear.
ATN is offering budget-minded hunters a lifeline when it comes to dipping their toes into the thermal waters. The all-new OTS XLT thermal monocular will get you up and running with thermal for an MSRP starting at just $599. Based on ATN’s outstanding OTS line that includes the high-end OTS 4T and the more affordable OTS LT, the OTS XLT takes the cost savings further to give you a functional, quality thermal scanner without the bells and whistles that drive up the price tag. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Two models of the OTS XLT are available: The 160 2-8x, priced at $599, and the 160 2.5-10x, priced at $699. Both models have a smart design with a manual focus, the ability to take photos and record video with 8 GB of internal storage, and several color modes — including white hot, black hot, red hot or color. They charge via a USB type C and weigh less than a pound. For imaging, the OTS XLT uses ATN’s Obsidian LT Core and a new thermal sensor. It’s also ultra-low power consumption, with a battery life around 10 hours. No more fumbling with dead batteries and extra battery packs! The high-sensitivity built-in thermal detector provides you a clear view even in total darkness.
A built-in rangefinder makes ranging targets simple, and an ergonomic design makes the OTS XLT comfortable to handle and use. Detection range is up to 850 yards, and identification range is up to 210 yards. It’s simple to use, too, with only a few buttons to learn. Charge it up, turn it on and start scanning your environment. You’ll be surprised at what you can “see” that’s previously been hidden from view.
If you’ve been itching to try thermal but have been hesitating because of the price, you don’t have to jump straight into the deep end of the pool with a high-end optic. Wade into the shallows with ATN’s OTS XLT, which offers function and quality with a much lower investment. A two-year warranty is included, so what do you have to lose?
