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Posted: 3/11/2025 9:53:58 AM EDT
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Have any of you got your hands on one ? This really checks the boxes for my price point and use. The warranty is three years. It was recommended by a Snipers Hide member, but as I understand it’s new to the market. The number of choices is overwhelming. With that there is very little info on many. What brands do you stay away from ATN ? https://us.dntoptics.com/products/hs635-hydra-640x512-35mm-multi-function-thermal-scope-standalone-scope-clip-on-handheld-monocular |
"Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience."
| I looked through/ spent some time with the 384 Hydra and it was pretty impressive especially for the price. The build quality feels solid, the image was great in the conditions I used it in, there was no choppiness when panning and the button/menu layout is intuitive, The things that I would have like to see or changed is our a lanyard on the battery carry, beef up the threads on the battery cap (decent, but not PVS14 good), upgrade the USB-C cap so it doesn't undo when it's slightly grazed, come out with a QD mount or have a similar mount pattern for aftermarket support. |
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Originally Posted By MunnyShot: I looked through/ spent some time with the 384 Hydra and it was pretty impressive especially for the price. The build quality feels solid, the image was great in the conditions I used it in, there was no choppiness when panning and the button/menu layout is intuitive, The things that I would have like to see or changed is our a lanyard on the battery carry, beef up the threads on the battery cap (decent, but not PVS14 good), upgrade the USB-C cap so it doesn't undo when it's slightly grazed, come out with a QD mount or have a similar mount pattern for aftermarket support. Mounting pattern fits with an adm-170. So you can at least low mount qd things. |
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Originally Posted By na1lb0hm: Mounting pattern fits with an adm-170. So you can at least low mount qd things. I've read that on DNT FB page, but mounting it ontop of a riser is way too much monkey motion going on for me. I've seen pic of it using that mount ontop of a Knights RAS II rail with an Elcan topped with a RMR. While it seemed like a very capable setup all it seemed like the only thing missing was an expresso machine. IDK for me a day optic on a good RTZ mount so you could switch between optic or as a stand alone TWS is a better option. |
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Has the same footprint as eotech magnifiers too. I have mine mounted on a knockoff flip to side with the dovetail shoe so I can remove it for handheld use. RIW custom makes a 3 pack of different height dovetails so you can get it at the right height for most optics/mounts too. Also just received a sotac kvc bride with the dual pvs adapter. The flip to side dovetail slides right in so I can run this thermal and my pvs14. Gonna try them tonight to see how they work together. These 3 things together actually working make this thermal pretty damn sweet. Especially when you consider DNT 635- 1800 Sotac kvc bridge and mount kit- 180 Aeroworx flip to side mount- 80 |
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Originally Posted By Stylz: Moved forums  I should have assumed they were Chinese. I ended up getting what I believe was a really good deal on a Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 from PSA. It included a ADM QD mount and Pulsar is a well established company. I was at $2 even so with the $300 mount included I thought it was a safe choice. It’s a 384 so the spec is lower, but at least according to snipers hide sensors are not all created equal. Maybe the DNT is a great choice, but since I’m green to thermal ownership a safe choice seems appropriate. I think if I wanted to upgrade later it would be easier to sell as well. |
"Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience."
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Originally Posted By na1lb0hm: Mounting pattern fits with an adm-170. So you can at least low mount qd things. Yep, DNT has an American Defense mount on sale that is compatible with it: https://us.dntoptics.com/products/adm-american-defense-manufacturing-ad-170-s-bsae I was impressed with the YouTube reviews and there are some good discounts out there making it real attractive. IP67 rated and recoil rated for a .50 cal means it can take some punishment as well. |
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I just picked up the 384 Hydra as a loaner/backup. First impressions are good. Feels well built, image is good for a 384 and FOV is decent. Menu is intuitive. Small enough to throw in a bino pack for a monocular too. The ADM mount is too low so you need a half inch riser rail. Will put it through its paces but if it holds up it seems like a good value for the money. |
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Originally Posted By Smokehouse_83: Has the same footprint as eotech magnifiers too. I have mine mounted on a knockoff flip to side with the dovetail shoe so I can remove it for handheld use. RIW custom makes a 3 pack of different height dovetails so you can get it at the right height for most optics/mounts too. Also just received a sotac kvc bride with the dual pvs adapter. The flip to side dovetail slides right in so I can run this thermal and my pvs14. Gonna try them tonight to see how they work together. These 3 things together actually working make this thermal pretty damn sweet. Especially when you consider DNT 635- 1800 Sotac kvc bridge and mount kit- 180 Aeroworx flip to side mount- 80 I’m attempting to do the same thing, but I’m having trouble sourcing bolts that sit flush in the dovetail. Did you have the same issue, and if so how did you deal with it, or what bolts did you end up using? @Smokehouse_83 |
| I too have the 384 model and for the price I am pretty impressed. I paid a little under $1200 and for a multi-purpose thermal that can be a clip on, c=scanner, or dedicated scope that seems like quite a bargain. I have looked through other peoples thermals costing much more that did not impress me as much. Mine is on my 308 in front of a PA1-6 scope. So far I have been pretty happy with the purchase. |
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Originally Posted By KC-ROUGHNECK: Any issues using these as a clip on? I'm reading mixed reports about the base 1.5 Magnification being an issue. It's useable but limited. I've put it in front of a steiner H6Xi 2-12x42 and a PA SLX 1-6. It fairs better with the LVPO. However it's really only useable to 4x and that is pushing it. It's decent enough that 200yds is very doable in clip on mode. I thought about selling but for $2100 to the door for a 640 unit that has such versatility it's kinda hard to think that I wouldn't wanna keep it. I ended up snagging a Guide TB630LRF for dedicated clip on use. This is with the steiner at 2x tree is 200yds on the dot. Second pic is the current roll i'm using it in with my brothers PSA build I set up for him. 70gr TSX at 2630 |
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Originally Posted By 5RWill: It's useable but limited. I've put it in front of a steiner H6Xi 2-12x42 and a PA SLX 1-6. It fairs better with the LVPO. However it's really only useable to 4x and that is pushing it. It's decent enough that 200yds is very doable in clip on mode. I thought about selling but for $2100 to the door for a 640 unit that has such versatility it's kinda hard to think that I wouldn't wanna keep it. I ended up snagging a Guide TB630LRF for dedicated clip on use. This is with the steiner at 2x tree is 200yds on the dot. Second pic is the current roll i'm using it in with my brothers PSA build I set up for him. 70gr TSX at 2630 https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachments/img_3607-jpeg.8744017/ https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachments/img_3623-jpeg.8744732/ Thanks for the reply! I’ve been keeping an eye on the TB630 since they came out with a picatinny mount. I haven’t seen very many reviews on these units yet. Not to Hijack but do you have any issues with lag or latency while panning with the TB630? They list a good refresh rate but I’m curious. |
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Originally Posted By GenoGS: I’m attempting to do the same thing, but I’m having trouble sourcing bolts that sit flush in the dovetail. Did you have the same issue, and if so how did you deal with it, or what bolts did you end up using? @Smokehouse_83 Originally Posted By GenoGS: Originally Posted By Smokehouse_83: Has the same footprint as eotech magnifiers too. I have mine mounted on a knockoff flip to side with the dovetail shoe so I can remove it for handheld use. RIW custom makes a 3 pack of different height dovetails so you can get it at the right height for most optics/mounts too. Also just received a sotac kvc bride with the dual pvs adapter. The flip to side dovetail slides right in so I can run this thermal and my pvs14. Gonna try them tonight to see how they work together. These 3 things together actually working make this thermal pretty damn sweet. Especially when you consider DNT 635- 1800 Sotac kvc bridge and mount kit- 180 Aeroworx flip to side mount- 80 I’m attempting to do the same thing, but I’m having trouble sourcing bolts that sit flush in the dovetail. Did you have the same issue, and if so how did you deal with it, or what bolts did you end up using? @Smokehouse_83 Sorry I didn’t see this post. Did you end up finding screws? I bought mine at Ace hardware I think they were 6mmx100. I did have to cut one of them down to work. I’m sure shorter screws could be ordered online. |
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Originally Posted By KC-ROUGHNECK: Thanks for the reply! I’ve been keeping an eye on the TB630 since they came out with a picatinny mount. I haven’t seen very many reviews on these units yet. Not to Hijack but do you have any issues with lag or latency while panning with the TB630? They list a good refresh rate but I’m curious. Originally Posted By KC-ROUGHNECK: Originally Posted By 5RWill: It's useable but limited. I've put it in front of a steiner H6Xi 2-12x42 and a PA SLX 1-6. It fairs better with the LVPO. However it's really only useable to 4x and that is pushing it. It's decent enough that 200yds is very doable in clip on mode. I thought about selling but for $2100 to the door for a 640 unit that has such versatility it's kinda hard to think that I wouldn't wanna keep it. I ended up snagging a Guide TB630LRF for dedicated clip on use. This is with the steiner at 2x tree is 200yds on the dot. Second pic is the current roll i'm using it in with my brothers PSA build I set up for him. 70gr TSX at 2630 https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachments/img_3607-jpeg.8744017/ https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachments/img_3623-jpeg.8744732/ Thanks for the reply! I’ve been keeping an eye on the TB630 since they came out with a picatinny mount. I haven’t seen very many reviews on these units yet. Not to Hijack but do you have any issues with lag or latency while panning with the TB630? They list a good refresh rate but I’m curious. I’d think to have a clip on that worked at higher magnifications you’d need a unit with a larger absolute top of the line screen since you are zooming in on it. I wish dnt would have used their thermnight screen in atleast the 640 hydra model to achieve this. |
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Originally Posted By KC-ROUGHNECK: Thanks for the reply! I’ve been keeping an eye on the TB630 since they came out with a picatinny mount. I haven’t seen very many reviews on these units yet. Not to Hijack but do you have any issues with lag or latency while panning with the TB630? They list a good refresh rate but I’m curious. Haven't gotten to use it yet I'll know next weekend. Guide is actually a large OEM for many thermals, from my understanding it's basically them and infiniray that are it in the chinese market. Guide makes thermal for Steiner, Athlon, Burris, Bering, and AGM allegedly. I know for fact they make athlon's. So while the brand in the market is new the OEM is not actually new at all. Derek Duncan has an excellent review on the TB1250LRF in which for a little moment he mentions he absolutely loves the TB630lrf and that it's about a 500yd unit if you practice with it. He's supposed to be making another video review on it allegedly. Guide's biggest issue to me is that all their clip ons don't have Picatinny QD. Athlon has gotten a lot of great reviews over at the hide for the ATS 640, but the screen resolution is less than the TB series from guide which is why i went with Guide. Here are the video reviews  Guide Sensmart; Thermal Worth Looking Into  Guide TB 1250 LRF PRO | World's 1st HD Sensor Thermal Clip-on |
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I just picked one up. Threw it on my cz 22 and it was pretty easy to zero. Going to use it as a clip on in front of my ACOG as well on a couple bolt guns. It has A-Z zero profiles so up to 26 rifles/ammunition profiles. It looks to be decently made, the battery cap is a little finicky. As far as resolution it isn't as good as my pulsar helion 640 but for a cheapish thermal with clip on ability it seems to be gtg so far. My only complaint is no mrad reticle option and I wasn't able to download the update from their website as the file was corrupted. ETA- I'm going to mess around some with it next weekend, I'm curious of the zero repeatability moving on and off different platforms. |
 Failed To Load Title The 225, looking at a steel plate at 50yds. |
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The HS219 I ordered last week arrived this week. Overall impressed with this entry-level thermal. Currently using it while walking the dog late at night as we've spotted a few coyotes recently. Main complaint is the 2x base magnification, which makes looking thru the monocular while walking odd. However for what this device cost, can't complain too much. For just over $700 shipped with MIL discount, this offers a great starting point into thermals for me. Even my wife was impressed with it as we went out walking. She spotted some cranes nesting in a nearby pond, which couldn't be seen in the darkness. |
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They're good for the price as long as you understand their limitations. A dedicated thermal scope will have more capability and bang for your buck. Plan on going up to about 6X magnification max on your day scope. They'll get real pixelated after that. Not a ton of mounting options out there for them. The ADM mount gets them to 1.125" centerline height, not great. ADM has a new mount for them to get them to 1.5" which is a lot more useful. Other mounts, exist     Im a DNT dealer and would be happy to answer any questions I can. |
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Originally Posted By Pavelow16478: They're good for the price as long as you understand their limitations. A dedicated thermal scope will have more capability and bang for your buck. Plan on going up to about 6X magnification max on your day scope. They'll get real pixelated after that. Not a ton of mounting options out there for them. The ADM mount gets them to 1.125" centerline height, not great. ADM has a new mount for them to get them to 1.5" which is a lot more useful. Other mounts, exist https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/86377/IMG_9562-3639844.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/86377/IMG_9563-3639845.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/86377/IMG_9565-3639846.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/86377/IMG_9567-3639848.jpg Im a DNT dealer and would be happy to answer any questions I can. DNT just came out with their own QD (not FTS though) mount which puts it right around 1.5”.  Failed To Load Title |
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Originally Posted By bluedog82: DNT just came out with their own QD (not FTS though) mount which puts it right around 1.5".  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcm5P_jrMukFinally! Been in the works for awhile. |
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sine there is life in this thread - noted they released an interesting new LRF version with ballistic correction. Now I don't see it as a world changing thing, as native magnification of thermal means you are never really going to be doing any real long range shooting - but in the world of subs, it could be a bit of a game changer. Crazy, but I was thinking on an air rifle, it could be the ultimate thermal rat scope. On a 300blk, it could make that 75 yard shot (that is actually 95 yards) a clean kill rather than a clean miss. I don't have it on order, noticed it a day after I ordered a Zula for my rat rifle. But if the electronics work well with the digital scope, I might give the thermal version a chance (and bleed for the 640 core). I have a 44 mag with fast spin (for 44 mag subs), it will need a scope too. I really need to play with it first to see its groups at 100 yards (I purchased it as a 50 yard rifle). |
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