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Recon 55XR
Thermal Clip-On (Day Scope Converter)
UPC: 850030459091
Recon 55XR | The Clip-On, Finally Realized
For nearly a decade, thermal clip-ons have promised the perfect solution: deploy thermal capability when you need it, remove it when you don’t, and move it effortlessly between rifles. In theory, it’s the ideal system. In practice, however, clip-ons have long fallen short of their potential—forcing shooters to keep their day scopes at very low magnification levels and limiting the performance they expected.
The Recon 55XR changes everything.
At the heart of the Recon 55XR is our groundbreaking MORE™ (Magnification Optimizing Range Enhancement) optical system, a technology developed specifically to solve the single greatest limitation of traditional thermal clip-ons. Instead of being restricted to low-power settings, the MORE™ system allows shooters to utilize dramatically higher levels of magnification on their day scopes—often doubling the usable magnification range and, in many cases, exceeding that.
The result is a clip-on that finally delivers on the promise enthusiasts have been waiting years to experience. You gain the flexibility and versatility that made the clip-on concept so appealing in the first place, without the compromises that have historically limited its adoption.
True innovation rarely happens overnight. It takes years of obsession, engineering, and relentless refinement to overcome longstanding barriers. With the Recon 55XR, that breakthrough has finally arrived.
If you’ve been waiting for thermal clip-on technology to live up to its promise, your moment may have finally come.
Original price was: $4,999.00.$3,499.00Current price is: $3,499.00.
1 In Stock
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Info
Recon 55XR Description
The Recon 55XR is the product of a simple obsession: building a thermal clip-on that actually performs the way hunters expect it to.
At Fusion Thermal, clip-ons are in our DNA. In fact, the very first product our company ever offered was a clip-on, and we’ve spent years refining and perfecting the platform. The result is the Recon 55XR—a purpose-built thermal clip-on engineered from the ground up to transform your favorite daytime optic into a serious nighttime hunting system.
Unlike many competitive products that are simply repurposed thermal scopes marketed as clip-ons, the Recon 55XR was designed specifically for this mission. Every component, every design decision, and every feature was developed with one goal in mind: delivering the best possible clip-on experience.
At the heart of the Recon 55XR is our revolutionary MORE™ (Magnification Optimizing Range Enhancement) Optical System. One of the biggest frustrations with traditional clip-ons is limited functional magnification. While many systems begin to struggle once a day scope is zoomed beyond three or four power, the MORE™ Optical System was engineered specifically to push beyond those limitations. The result is dramatically improved usable magnification, greater flexibility, and a viewing experience that simply outperforms conventional clip-on designs.
If you’ve been waiting for thermal clip-on technology to finally live up to its potential, your wait is over. The Recon 55XR brings clip-ons into the modern era, delivering the performance, flexibility, and confidence serious hunters have been demanding for years.
Other Important Considerations
Image quality is important, but a truly great clip-on must excel in several other areas as well. Over the years we’ve learned that many of the frustrations owners experience with clip-on systems have very little to do with image quality and everything to do with usability. If you’re evaluating a thermal clip-on, these are some of the most important things to consider.
Fast and Easy Deployment
A clip-on should be exactly what its name implies—a device that can be quickly attached when needed and removed just as easily when the hunt is over.
Whether you’re transitioning from daytime to nighttime hunting or moving between rifles, deployment should take seconds, not minutes. Better yet, it should be simple enough to accomplish in complete darkness without fumbling with controls or hardware.
Point-of-Impact Correction Matters
One of the most misunderstood aspects of clip-on technology is point-of-impact (POI) shift.
Unlike a traditional day scope, a thermal clip-on does not provide a direct optical view of the target. Instead, your day optic is viewing a digital image displayed inside the thermal device. Because there are multiple components involved in the process, it is unrealistic for any manufacturer to guarantee that point-of-impact shift can never occur under all circumstances.
The real question isn’t whether a shift can occur—it’s how easily it can be corrected should it occur. A well-designed clip-on should provide a simple method for making corrections and the ability to save those corrections for future use. The Recon 55XR was designed with exactly this philosophy in mind. The process to correct any POI shift that my occur is very simple and the fix can be corrected and saved with a single shot.
Functional Use Magnification
Perhaps the single biggest disappointment experienced by first-time clip-on owners is discovering that they cannot effectively use the full magnification range of their day scope.
With many clip-on systems, image quality begins to degrade rapidly as magnification increases. A scope that may perform beautifully at 3X can become increasingly difficult to use at higher settings. This limitation exists because your day scope is effectively magnifying the thermal device’s internal display rather than looking directly at the target.
This challenge is precisely why we developed our MORE™ (Magnification Optimizing Range Enhancement) Optical System. By specifically addressing the magnification limitations common to traditional clip-on designs, the Recon 55XR dramatically increases usable magnification and delivers a viewing experience that simply outperforms conventional alternatives.
More Than Just a Clip-On
A great clip-on should also make an outstanding handheld thermal monocular.
The Recon 55XR was designed to excel in both roles. With dedicated monocular functionality, comfortable viewing accessories, and operating modes tailored specifically to handheld use, it quickly becomes one of the most versatile tools you’ll own.
From scouting fields and recovering game to checking livestock, navigating property, home security, or simply observing wildlife, the applications are nearly endless. Deer hunters in particular are often amazed by how much more game they see once thermal technology becomes part of their hunting routine. In many situations you’ll spot animals in seconds that otherwise would have gone completely unnoticed.
Remember, thermal vision is not just a nighttime tool. Any time there is a temperature difference between objects, thermal technology can provide valuable information. Day or night, the Recon 55XR gives you an entirely new way to experience the outdoors.
Fusion Thermal Exclusive Technology
KISS Menu™
You Might Never Read the Manual
Thermal technology is complicated enough. Operating it shouldn’t be.
That’s the philosophy behind our KISS™ (Keep It Simple Stupid) Menu System. Written by Americans for American hunters, the menu uses clear language, intuitive navigation, and straightforward commands that simply make sense. No deciphering strange icons. No hunting through endless menus.
In fact, our products are so easy to use that you’ll likely never need to read the instruction manual. We just figured life was already complicated enough.
T3 Control System™
Don’t Let Your Fingers Get Lost in the Dark
The only thing better than the way our T3™ Three Button Control System looks is how easy it is to use.
Its intuitive Center Tower design divides the control panel into clearly defined zones, making every command easy to locate and execute—even in complete darkness. Every function is right at your fingertips, allowing you to stay focused on the hunt instead of fumbling with controls.
Simple. Fast. Effective. That’s the T3™ advantage.
WAVE Thermal Sensor™
Same Money. Better Performance.
Shopping thermal optics by specifications alone can be a costly mistake.
Our proprietary WAVE™ Thermal Sensor Technology was engineered to deliver performance that consistently exceeds expectations for its class. The result is exceptional image quality, improved target recognition, and performance that often surprises hunters who compare it side-by-side with more expensive alternatives.
Before you make your decision, do yourself a favor and compare. We think the results will speak for themselves.
Arclight Ultra HD Germanium Lens™
High Purity. Maximum Energy.
The most important optical component in any thermal device is its germanium objective lens. If you compromise here, everything else suffers.
Our Arclight™ Ultra HD Germanium Lens is engineered to maximize infrared transmission while minimizing distortion, delivering the greatest possible amount of thermal energy to the sensor. This clean transfer of energy allows the entire system to perform at its full potential.
The result is sharper images, improved detail, and a viewing experience that exceeds expectations.
Micro Click Focus™
Leave the Collars to the Dogs
Getting your target into focus quickly is critical, and that’s exactly what Micro Click Focus™ was designed to do.
Unlike traditional collar-style focus systems that require large hand movements and awkward adjustments, our side-mounted focus control places the adjustment exactly where it belongs. The ergonomic design makes focusing fast, precise, and easy, while the micro-click adjustment system helps you quickly lock onto the perfect focus point.
When opportunity appears, you’ll be ready.
XGEN Armored Housing™
Plastic Is for Toys. Metal Is for Tools.
Thermal devices generate heat, and heat is the enemy of electronic performance.
Our XGEN™ (Next Generation Armored Housing) is constructed from premium AL6082 aluminum alloy, a material chosen specifically for its exceptional strength and thermal conductivity. By efficiently moving heat away from sensitive internal components, the XGEN™ housing helps maximize performance, improve durability, and protect your investment for years to come.
Simply put, serious tools deserve serious construction.
MORE™ Optical System
Magnification Without Compromise
Traditional clip-ons are often limited by usable magnification. As magnification increases, image quality can quickly deteriorate, limiting the effectiveness of the entire system.
Our MORE™ (Magnification Optimizing Range Enhancement) Optical System was developed specifically to overcome this challenge. By dramatically increasing functional use magnification, MORE™ allows the Recon 55XR to outperform conventional clip-on designs and deliver a viewing experience that truly lives up to expectations.
It’s the technology that helps bring thermal clip-ons into the modern era.
ITAR Control Statement
This product is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). You may not export, re-export, resell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of this product to any other country without first obtaining approval from the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade, in accordance with the ITAR, Title 22, and Code of Federal Regulations Parts 120–130. Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited.
View our Export Policy
Features
Recon 55XR Features
- MORE – Magnification Optimizing Range Enhancement Optical System
- T3 – Three Button Control System w/Center Tower
- KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid Simplified Operating Menu
- WAVE12 – 640×512 12 Micron Premium Thermal Sensor
- Arclight – 55mm Ultra HD Objective Lens
- XGEN – Next Generation Armor Housing
- Micro Click Focus – Fast Click-by-Click Precision Focus
- Exceptionally Long 2600 Yard Detection Range
- Blazing Fast 6 Second Start-Up Time
- Monocular Mode for Handheld Viewing Applications
- 5 Year Transferable Warranty
- Made in the European Union
Video
Specs
Recon 55XR Specs
Thermal Sensor: 640 x 512, VOx Uncooled (WAVE12)
Sensor Pixel Size: 12 micron
Objective Lens Diameter: 55 mm (Arclight)
Frame Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
Field-of-View Clip-On & Monocular Mode: ‘460 at 1000 yards (base level magnification)
Base Level Magnification Clip-On Mode: 1X (before any digital zoom)
Digital Magnification Clip-On Mode: none
Base Level Magnification Monocular Mode: 1X (before any digital zoom)
Digital Magnification Monocular Mode: 2x & 4x (2-step digital zoom)
Display Type/Resolution: Super HD OLED RGBW / 3.2 Million Dots
Color Palette Modes: 4 (white hot, black hot, red hot, rainbow)
Multiple Gun Profiles: yes (save up to 5 different zeros)
Detection Range: Up to 2600 Yards
Recognition & Identification Range: none published (see below)*
Start-Up Time/Cold Start: 5 Seconds (logo appearance to functional use)
Start-Up Time/Power Saver Mode: Instant (button press to functional use)
Auto Shutdown Battery Saver: yes, user time selectable
On Board Video Record: no (external recording possible)
Video Output: yes (output video signal via\USB-C port)
WIFI Equipped: no
Battery Type: CR123A 3V Batteries or 3.7V Rechargeable (2x)
Expected Battery Life: 3 hours (typical operation)
External Power Supply Capable: yes (via USB-C port)
Recoil Rating: 300 Win Mag
Nitrogen Purged: Yes
Front Lens Housing Outside Diameter: 59.1mm
Clip-On Adapter Ring Threading: M52x.075 male
Length: 7.75″ (housing front to housing back)
Weight: 19.7oz. (without batteries or lens covers)
UPC: 850030459091
*Please know that there is no industry standardized test to determine a Recognition and/or Identification Range, thus they are meaningless specifications for comparative shopping. Unfortunately, many companies take the liberty of publishing fantasy numbers that only serve to mislead shoppers who are doing good faith research. We do not to participate in this practice.
Downloads
Recon 55XR Downloads
Faq
Questions About Recon 55XR
Does the Recon 55XR utilize the WAVE Sensor Technology and what is it?
Yes, the Recon 55XR does indeed have our proprietary WAVE Sensor Technology and specifically it’s the WAVE12 sensor that we use to power this thermal scope. There is much about this technology that we keep as a closely guarded secret but here is an overview. On each thermal sensor there are hundreds of thousands of pixels on the sensor face, and each of these tiny points are designed to capture the infrared energy brought in by the front objective lens. This is a bunch of sensor pixels to keep functioning properly, and on most thermal units you get a large variation in performance which leads to substandard images. Our WAVE sensors are carefully built and optimized in such a way that every one of these pixel points operates without variation. This dramatically improves infrared wavelength detection uniformity resulting in increasingly precise temperature sensitivity. When it all comes together the result in an explosion in performance and its why our cutting edge 640 WAVE12 sensor will outperform everything else in its class. We live by the slogan Perfecting the Vision of Heat and the WAVE thermal sensor technology is the result of this unyielding obsession.
What is the Arclight Ultra HD Germanium Lens?
The single most expensive and important component of a thermal optic is its germanium objective lens. If you go cheap here it doesn’t matter how good the rest of your components are, the unit will never perform to potential. Arclight Ultra HD Germanium Lenses are painfully expensive for us, but they are key to making everything else perform exceptionally well. The ArcLight Lens pushes the limits of technology and perfects the task of allowing infrared rays to enter our thermal device unhindered by distortion thereby delivering maximum energy to the WAVE thermal sensor. This one two punch unleashes dramatically better image quality over competitive devices.
Are there limits to the number of applications I can use this for and how many different zeros profiles can I save?
The Recon 55XR can be used as a clip-on in front of nearly all traditional day scopes, so the number of applications available to you is generally limited by adapter size availability and your imagination. The firmware has the ability to save up to five different zeroing profiles and these profiles are used to save corrections for POI (Point-of-Impact) shift should it occur. Each of these positions are called Gun Profiles, designated by G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5, and are accessible in the Clip-On menu. If you need to make a POI correction and desire to save this information for use later you should select a specific profile prior to making you POI corrections.
How do I know this unit will work with my scope?
The MORE optical system (Magnification Optimizing Range Enhancement) utilized in this device dramatically increases the number and types of scopes suitable for use with the Recon 55XR, including scopes with higher magnification power ranges, for example 6-24X56 configurations. Of course successful deployment is dependent upon a number of factors including the design and quality of the day scope, so there is always a possibility things might not work out. However, we know of no other clip-on that offers a potentially wider range of use or greater utility than the Recon 55XR.
If I want to use as a clip-on how do I attach it?
The Recon 55XR is threaded to mate with the Rusan ARM52 style clip-on adapter. These adapters are available in a full complement of sizes so its likely that we stock one to fit your scope. We recommend the Rusan adapter as it is of excellent quality and very well engineered. When properly fitted it will securely attach the Recon 55XR to your day scope without fear of harm to your scopes finish or unintended disatachment. It is important to remember the adapter you need is not determined by the size of your front objective lens, but by the size of the outside diameter of the front objective lens housing. As an example, many 50mm objective lens scopes have outside housing diameters of 56mm in size. In this case you would order the ARM52-56 adapter. If you are unsure about what adapter you will need please contact us prior to ordering.
Will my POI (Point-of-Impact) change when I put the Recon 55XR in front of my day scope?
Thermal clip-on devices do not have a direct optical path to the target. If look through your day scope with a clip-on attached what you’ll see is a video image of the target on a display screen, and not the actual target. Thus, you are not looking through your thermal, but looking at a display screen within the thermal. Knowing this is very important as it helps us understand a fundamental fact. It is impossible for any manufacturer to honestly claim that no (POI) (point-of-impact) shift will ever occur when using a clip-on. There are simply too many variables at play. Fortunately, if a POI shift should occur it’s usually a one or two shot fix with the Recon 55XR, and if you assign it to one of the five available gun profiles the unit will remember your correction for future use.
What is the unit’s magnification, and will it zoom to a higher magnification?
The base level magnification of the Recon 55XR is 1X (no magnification). If the device is operating in Clip-On Mode there is no digital zoom, but if your day scope has a optical magnification zoom feature it may be used to magnify the target as desired. If the unit is placed into Monocular Mode the unit has two steps of digital magnification 2X and 4X.
What is the warranty for the Recon 55XR thermal clip-on?
The Recon 55XR is covered by our industry leading 5 Year Transferable Warranty. Warranty registration is simple and easy and may be accomplished at www.fusionthermal.com
What is the recoil rating for the Recon 3?
Well-built thermal devices don’t have the shock sensitivity common with traditional night vision devices. The Recon 55XR is exceptionally well built and has been rated to the recoil level of a 300 Win Mag.
Can I use the unit during the daytime without damaging it?
Yes, absolutely no problem. One of the things new thermal users should learn is thermal technology is much more than just heat sensing night vision. Daytime use, especially with handheld observation devices, is a huge part of how thermal can be used. All you need for successful deployment is temperature differential. Yes, it gets a bit more challenging when things around you heat up, but you will soon find that thermal can be used in daylight under most environmental conditions to good effect. All you need is temperature differential; you don’t need an absence of daylight. Note: The device should never be pointed directly at the sun, on or off, as doing so could damage the internal sensor.
Is the Recon 55XR water and dust resistant?
The Recon 55XR has an IP Rating of 67, which is an excellent rating for an electrical device. Specifically: With all port covers in place and/or firmly tightened the unit is protected against solid objects like dust and sand, and it has been tested to work for a least 30 minutes while under 1M of water. We have gone to great lengths to build a unit very resistant to water and debris, however, this is an electrical device with several ports and penetrations. No user should intentionally use this device in wet environments. Please note, product malfunction or failure by water damage is not covered under warranty.
What should I expect for battery life?
We’ve done extensive testing and can confidently state that you can expect the Recon 55XR to operate continuously for 3.5 hours on a fresh pair of CR123 batteries. You can extend this time period by a good margin if you get in the habit of using the Power Saving Mode feature. Placing the unit into Power Saving mode is simple and easy and is accomplished by quick presses of the Power Button. This feature instantly turns off the power to the display screen without shutting down the entire unit. With another quick press of the Power Button the unit is instantly placed back into full service.
Does the unit take photos or video?
No. We intentionally left out these features to keep the Recon 55XR operationally simple and to maximize battery life. However, it does have the ability to export video via our Video Out feature when connected to an external DVR. If your determined to record your heroic moments it can be done.