I won't get into politics, but I was looking into what was on the market for thermal imaging sights. This is a world of extremely high priced technology and most of these things are designed so rugged that they can do double duty as an offensive weapon due to size and weight. They also are driven to produce units that can identify heat signatures at hundreds of yards. I stumbled across a very low key company known as Torrey Pines Logic. They do not overtly advertise any equipment as a sight, but they happen to have a reticle that is adjustable for a limited range and they are extremely compact. The key is that these are not made for long range operation, their units are designed for ranges of 50yds, or up to 150yds. Considering that we as air-gunners would likely be trying to nail your average rat at something more like 25ft., now the limited range seems more viable. When I say compact, the T15 is about the same size as a hand-held laser range finder. about 3" wide, 4.5" long and about 1.5" thick. weighing under 1lb. They have some even smaller units (T12 and T20), but probably not a good fit for our needs.
It happens that their production facility is located here in San Diego, I reached out by email to inquire if it would be possible to see the units firsthand and received a reply quickly that they would be glad to arrange a time to meet. I was able to visit their facility yesterday and look through the T12, T20, T15 and a model not yet released. I was helped by Johnathan and he was extremely helpful and explained the product very well. Seeing these firsthand was a world of difference from a poorly shot Youtube video. The T15 had an exellent display and I was impressed to see that I could identify ballast units in the flourescent light fixtures over 80ft away. The only negative was not an issue with the product, but when I realized that I was looking at a screen and I needed my reading glasses to see that close.
I'm not saying their gear is inexpensive, but compared to others, it is priced more competitively for someone who isn't after a unit that can "see" for hundreds of yards. By the way, did I mention these things are COMPACT! This is a company that produces many products and these units are one facet of their product line, so they are diverse enough that they should be around for a while. I just wanted to share my experience and if any of the members here have one, I would appreciate your inputs on performance/success.
Mark
It happens that their production facility is located here in San Diego, I reached out by email to inquire if it would be possible to see the units firsthand and received a reply quickly that they would be glad to arrange a time to meet. I was able to visit their facility yesterday and look through the T12, T20, T15 and a model not yet released. I was helped by Johnathan and he was extremely helpful and explained the product very well. Seeing these firsthand was a world of difference from a poorly shot Youtube video. The T15 had an exellent display and I was impressed to see that I could identify ballast units in the flourescent light fixtures over 80ft away. The only negative was not an issue with the product, but when I realized that I was looking at a screen and I needed my reading glasses to see that close.
I'm not saying their gear is inexpensive, but compared to others, it is priced more competitively for someone who isn't after a unit that can "see" for hundreds of yards. By the way, did I mention these things are COMPACT! This is a company that produces many products and these units are one facet of their product line, so they are diverse enough that they should be around for a while. I just wanted to share my experience and if any of the members here have one, I would appreciate your inputs on performance/success.
Mark
