Pulsar Helion Thermal Monocular

The Helion is a dedicated observation monocular, not a scope, and its naming tells you the sensor class. XQ-series models such as the XQ38 and XQ50 use a 384x288 sensor for a lighter, more affordable spotter, while XP-series models such as the XP38 and XP50 use a 640x480 sensor for more pixels on target and cleaner detail at distance. The number after the letters roughly tracks the objective lens, so an XP50 pairs the 640x480 core with a larger lens for longer reach.

The Helion 2 generation refreshed the line with sharper displays and updated electronics over the original Helion. Within Pulsar's handheld range, the Helion sits as the long-range spotter, above the pocket Axion 2 and in the same observation tier as the Telos.

The Helion is a strong fit for anyone whose main job is finding and reading game or activity at range: scouting fields before a hunt, confirming an animal's position and species, or scanning terrain in low light. The XP50 in particular is the pick when you want the most detail the line offers, since the 640x480 sensor separates faint heat from a cool background better than the XQ cores.

Because it is a monocular, it is light and quick to deploy one-handed, which many spotters prefer over a heavier binocular. It connects to the Stream Vision 2 app over Wi-Fi for streaming, recording, and firmware, the same ecosystem used across the current Pulsar range.

The Helion is a mature line, and the newer Telos succeeds it with an upgradeable, serviceable platform and a built-in laser rangefinder on its LRF variants. If you want ranging in the same device, a longer support runway, or the latest sensor options, the Telos is the more future-proof buy. Many standard Helion models do not include a rangefinder, so buyers who range frequently should weigh that gap.

Like every Pulsar monocular, the Helion is an observation tool and cannot be rifle-mounted, and one-eyed viewing tires the eyes on very long watches - a binocular such as the Merger is easier there. To place the Helion against current options, see our best thermal monoculars shortlist.