Pulsar Merger vs HIKMICRO Raptor: An Honest Review by Jon Lee Everton

Pulsar Merger VS HIKMICRO Raptor RQ50L: Honest review by Jon Lee Everton

Product competition is wonderful for the consumer; the manufacturers strive to improve their product offerings and use the latest technology to keep their competitive edge. Spoiler alert - as a previously satisfied owner of both the Pulsar Accolade and Pulsar Merger and now a current user of the HIKMICRO Raptor RQ50L, I have to say that for me, HIKMICRO has set a new level when it comes to offering the latest technology in a thermal/night vision spotter. Read on to find out why…

Below is a review of the Pulsar Merger alongside the HIKMICRO Raptor RQ50L, based on my own practical experience and in layman’s terms. For more technical detail on the features of the products and what they have to offer, please refer to the individual manufacturer’s product details. For simplicity I have rated each feature out of 5, based on my perception of their relative value in each area that is important to me; I have included comments below for further clarification. Hopefully, this will be of some help if you are considering making an investment in one or the other by purchasing or trading in your current thermal/night vision spotter.

ID Range short range: Both are very good at short distances (approx. 100 metres).  

ID Range med/long range: Raptor excels here due to its use of the latest specification in terms of the imaging sensor, optical/thermal lens, and display screen.  

Accuracy of Laser range finder: Both have a range out to 1000 metres.  

Ergonomic design: Both are comfortable to use. The Merger focus ring is on the left-hand side near to the objective lens and functions well; personally, I prefer the Raptor option of a focus ring situated near the eyepiece, as the unit feels more balanced when adjusting the focus. The Raptor has more features so is a little bigger; if you like the feel of the Pulsar Accolade then the HIKMICRO Raptor has a similar feel. However, for those who prefer that binocular feel, the Pulsar Merger has the edge.  

Battery System: I have always preferred an external battery system (as used in the Raptor) as if anything goes wrong, they are easy to replace. The Merger has an internal battery (which cannot be removed by the user) as well as an external battery system.  

Access to Program Settings: Once the initial setup has been completed, the Raptor is so easy to flick from program to program with a push of a button. Whilst the Merger buttons are designed well, there is a need to scroll through the main menu to select individual thermal program settings. 

What’s in the Box: Using a carry case is one way of protecting your investment from scratches and knocks in the field. The Merger comes with a carry case and the Raptor does not - while it does come in an extremely strong storage case, this is not something you would use in the field. Should you choose the Raptor, you will need to invest in a suitable carry case to protect your investment. 

Warranty: Both have a three-year product warranty. The HIKMICRO brand allows the warranty (whatever is left from the original purchase date from new) to be transferred to new ownership with the unit, which offers greater security for both the seller and the potential buyer.  

Value for Money: The Merger is an excellent thermal imaging device, however in my opinion, the Raptor offers more for your money: a better thermal image, additional features such as night vision (which really does offer a fantastic picture at twilight), and a transferable warranty. 

Closing Remarks: Brand loyalty stems from having confidence in the product from your experience in using it. What has also become important for me over the years is that manufacturers use the latest technology available to them and this now is key for me in my purchasing decisions. 

Both Pulsar and HIKMICRO are quality brands and leading names in the fields they operate in. Having taken a look at the money you’re spending for what you’re getting in return, at this moment in time, for me the HIKMICRO Raptor RQ50L outcompetes the Pulsar Merger in terms of value for money, image identification (due to the use of latest technology) and useability.

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A huge thank you to Jon for this great comparison. 

If you would like to see OPW's comparison video to find out more, click here or press play below!