Once I’d zeroed the Nocpix SLIM L35 thermal sight, I started my accuracy testing at 50 yards, the unit mounted on a SIG MCX-Spear LT rifle. I shot several sub-MOA three-shot groups, the last one of which appeared to be under .50 inches (later measured at .45 inches.)
Too easy. Well, heck, it was only 50 yards.
So, I moved my heat signature targets to 100 yards, loaded up the magazine of my SIG and took a couple of shots. The rounds were slightly off the heat pack, as I had zeroed the thermal and rifle at half that distance. I made a quick manual adjustment and then shot two groups of three rounds.
They measured .95 and .65 inches.
This was my first time using a Nocpix thermal. I was damned impressed by the accuracy, of course. But I also really liked how easy it was to use the thermal, the quality of the images and the ability to quickly turn the thermal scope into a thermal handheld.
A New Player
Nocpix USA is a new thermal line distributed by iRayUSA. Nocpix offers consumers a thermal binocular, three lines each of thermal handhelds and thermal riflescopes, and the MT thermal Dome Camera, which mounts atop a vehicle.
The SLIM line is composed of the SLIM L35 I tested with a 384x288 thermal sensor, and the SLIM H35 with the more powerful 640x512 sensor. Both are built into the same sized magnesium-alloy housing, and both employ a 35mm objective lens.
The L35
In addition to the 35mm objective lens, the L35 features an 1024x768 OLED display. That display is covered by a rubberized eye piece.
A single replaceable, low-temperature resistant 18650 battery powers the unit. Nocpix rates the battery at up to 4 hours of run time. The battery loads into a compartment atop the scope, and the unit comes with two batteries, a charging station and charging cord.
Additionally, the L35 sports a magnetic charging port on the right side of the housing. The user places the magnetic charging cable (included) on the magnetic port, with the USB end of the cable connected to a. 5V–2A USB power adapter, any standard USB 3.0 port on a laptop or computer or an external power supply, such as a USB power bank.
Also, the user can easily remove the magnetic charging port to reveal the USB-C port beneath. Simply connect the charging station cable to the USB-C port and the USB end to any of the above-mentioned power sources.
Zeroing
As every night hunter wants to know: Yes, that all sounds great, but how do you zero the thermal? With the L35, it’s easy.
As with many thermal scopes on the market today, the L35 allows a shooter to zero both manually and through the Freeze application.
First, the user needs to access the Main Menu and select the Reticle icon, second from the top. Here, the Rifle Profile is selected (up to six profiles can be created), plus the reticle style and reticle color.
Next, go back to the Main Menu and select the Zeroing icon, third from the top. First, select the distance for the initial zero shooting. Then, the hunter takes his or her initial shots at the target and determines where the bullets have impacted.
At this point, the hunter can use the manual adjustments to the X and Y reticle axis to zero the scope or the Freeze application.
To use the Freeze for my initial 50 yard zero, I shot twice, and my rounds impacted well off to the left and down. I then held the rifle very steady with the SLIM reticle centered on my target, and pressed Freeze. Then, I used the X and Y adjustments to shift the Freeze reticle to when my first shots impacted. Last, I long pressed the M button and that information was saved.
I shot twice more and was on my heat target but high and right. So, I did the Freeze once more. My next two shots were on. As noted, once I moved to my 100 yard targets, I needed to re-zero the unit somewhat, and for that I used the Manual function.
Easy.
Shooting
Nocpix includes small circular heat packets for zeroing with the L35. I peeled off the back of one packet to expose the sticky side and affixed it to a large cardboard backing.The heat section of it measured 1.75 inches across.
For my 100-yard shooting I used a HotHands Super Warmer heat pack, which measured 3.5- x 4.75 inches. I also taped this to a larger piece of cardboard.
I ran the SIG MCX-Spear with Remington UMC .223 Rem. ammunition loaded with 55-grain full metal jacket bullets.
From past reviews, I knew the Sig was an MOA or better rifle, and it definitely lived up to past shooting in my testing of the L35.
At 100 yards, the HotHands showed up very clearly with sharp edges. While the L35 runs what’s considered a lower level 384 thermal sensor, I have to note that the images, menu functions and zeroing abilities were easily equal to 640 sensors I ran five and six years ago.
Selling L35’s
Given how well the L35 worked for me, I hesitate to term it a “bargain-priced” thermal, as the word “bargain” is frequently equated with sub-standard. But as Pliny Gale, director of marketing for iRayUSA, pointed out to me, “This is a great product for thermal beginners or to those shopping on a limited budget. The comparatively low price and the dual functionality offer an amazing value.”
That price is $2,200 suggested retail. And, considering the L35 is indeed a quality thermal, I would also rate the price as representing an amazing value.
“It always looks great to have the thermal on a gun and even on a tripod,” Gale added. “Be able to show users the quick detach feature, too. One of the most common questions we get is about the mount and its ability to return to zero. Let your customers know it has a 1-MOA return to zero guarantee.”
As with any thermal, sales staff need to be able to run the potential customer through several of the menu functions to show them ease of use. Focus on the zeroing process as that is always a key concern of thermal users, especially new ones.
Because the SLIM line is distributed in the United States by iRayUSA, it has one of the very best warranties in the industry at 5 years.
Dealer Info
For its dealers, Nocpix/iRayUSA can provide in-store or zoom training for sales staff. Co-op ad funding and sales staff incentive programs are also possible.
“We have done all of these, but it varies store-by-store,” Gale explained. “We always want to empower dealers to be successful so that we can win together. Training is always available. For additional marketing support, reach out to your sales representative so we can tailor a plan to fit your product assortment and business needs.”
Buying through distribution, he noted, is a great option for customer-requested special orders or for dealers who don’t yet sell many thermal optics. Sports South, RSR, Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, & Bill Hicks, and Zanders are Nocpix’s top distributors.
“For dealers looking to be a little more serious about thermals, it is always beneficial to be a direct dealer,” Gale added. “Direct to dealer means better product availability, priority allocations, and typically better margins.”
To explore dealer possibilities, go to: https://irayusa.com/become-a-dealer/
Media
Both SLIM models have received a good number of positive YouTube reviews, and a selection of print and web-based written reviews are on the calendar, too.
Nocpix has also created a larger marketing campaign to promote the SLIM line, including social media, digital and print advertising.
Additionally, all Nocpix dealers have access to a folder of Nocpix product images, text, specifications, and other product information to be able to create their own content as needed.
