Have You Ever Seen A Thermal This Small?

Upfront and to the point—my relationship with this product is simple: I sell these optics, and I use them. Take that information as you will, but I always try my best to provide honest feedback.

Let's get started with the basics: 

• 256x192 resolution – Fairly low by today’s standards, but enough to clearly identify what you're looking at.

• 60Hz refresh rate – Standard. This means the screen refreshes 60 times per second, which is sufficient for most tasks. Higher refresh rates (75Hz or 100Hz) offer more fluidity but come at a higher cost due to increased R&D.

• 13mm F1.0 lens

• 1.4" screen (360x300 resolution) – Think larger than a Tamagotchi, but smaller than an original Game Boy.

• Weight: 4 oz – Incredibly lightweight and comparable to other optics of this size.

• IP67 waterproof – Fully protected against dust and capable of withstanding temporary submersion in water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). “IP” stands for Ingress Protection, the standard for rating protection levels.

• CR2 battery with approx. 5-hour runtime – My personal unit held up close to this estimate.

• RMR footprint – Mounts easily, with adapters available for RMSc, DPP, MOS, etc.
  

➡️ Click here to view the FMP13 product page

So, now that we got the bullet points out of the way, what's this thermal unit for? What role does it fill? 

So, what’s this thermal really for? What role does it fill?

When I met with the InfiTac team at SHOT Show earlier this year, I spent about 30 minutes at their booth testing setups and talking shop. I knew this was a killer product as soon as I got hands-on. I ordered two for myself in addition to stocking inventory.

While this optic is marketed as a pistol optic, it really shines in an offset or top-mounted role, or mounted to a dedicated platform for predator hunting. One law enforcement officer I spoke with doesn’t even use it on a weapon—he rigged it to a lanyard on his kit for scanning areas and locating suspects. A unique but clever application!

Different mounting styles allow this optic to be incredibly versatile—top-mounted for scanning, offset for quick acquisition, or mounted on a pic rail for a thermal-specific setup.

As seen above, the different mounting styles can set your weapon platform up to be much more effective. A top mounted thermal for scanning or shooting, an offset to be used in the same capacity, or just a picatinny rail mount to put it on a dedicated thermal weapon. 

How far out can I realistically see with this? 

The rough detection range for the FMP13 is about 100 yards, though it will vary based on conditions and what setting you're in. With the small screen and the lower quality resolution, you're not going to be reading manuscripts or doing any finite tasks, but you will be able to clearly identify what heat signature you're seeing in the distance (whether it be a dog, human, or other). 

Is robustness an issue with these units? I've heard they break. 

I have personally sold through my initial inventory order and some restocks and have yet to have any returned, or any customers reach out asking to assist with the RMA/warranty process. On the internet, I have heard of a few issues where people have received dead units, or have had other power related issues. Personally, my two units have been fine, and all that I have sold are seemingly fine as well. There is a 3-year standard warranty on these optics, and you can register on the manufacturer's website to receive an additional six months. 

Final thoughts - 

Personally, I do think these are a really cool item, otherwise I wouldn't own two and sell them through my business. This is NOT an item for everyone, this is not a Trijicon RMR or an Aimpoint ACRO - this is a niche item that will only be desirable for a select group of people, which I understand. IF you're in the night vision community, like to do night hunting, want an extra layer of "scan ability" on your weapon system, or just want to watch your dog pee in the yard at night, this is probably a cool buy for you. 

🔗 Check out the FMP13 here — $700–$750 depending on model.