PARD Predator 640 LRF Thermal Clip-On
A game changer under the stars
By Robert Mori (aka @hunt.aus)
After years of using a wide range of night optics from entry-level thermals to more advanced and high-end thermal optics, I decided to upgrade my kit to include the PARD Predator 640 LRF Thermal Clip-On.
I’d been keeping an eye on this model since it was announced, intrigued by its combination of high-resolution thermal imaging, built-in laser rangefinder, and true clip-on capability. After spending several nights out in the bush with it mounted on my rig, I feel confident calling it one of the most practical and field-ready thermal optics I’ve used to date.
The PARD 640 LRF Clip On Ready to go.
Getting set up
My primary motivation for choosing a clip-on system over a dedicated thermal scope was flexibility. I wanted to retain the quality and familiarity of my day scope while gaining thermal capability without having to re-zero every time. The Predator 640 delivers on that front perfectly. It also allows me to keep my day scope ready to go on my .300 Win Mag for a hunt in a state forest by simply removing the clip on in seconds.
Mounting it was very simple and straightforward. I’m using it in front of a 3-12 x 56 Steiner Ranger day optic and with the adapter I chose, it mounted securely with zero play. One of my biggest concerns was whether the point of impact would shift, something that can happen with cheaper clip-ons. I ran a few test shots on the range before heading out into the field, and the results were solid. No noticeable shift in point of impact at 100m, even after repeated mounting and unmounting.
That peace of mind was worth its weight in gold, especially when you’re nowhere near a bench to send some confirmation shots.
First night out – impressions in the field
On my first night out with the Predator 640, I found myself glassing a series of paddocks bordered by light bush. The air was cool and dry, perfect conditions for thermal. Within minutes of identifying potential targets, the Predator started proving its worth. The 640×512 VOx sensor paired with the OLED display is exceptional. Animals pop out with high contrast and definition; no more guessing whether you’re seeing a log, a kangaroo or a fox moving through the grass.
The sambar dee had no ideas it was caught on camera.
I was honestly surprised by how much detail the image revealed. I’ve used a few 384×288 clip-on thermal units in the past, and while they can do the job, the difference here was like comparing a VHS to a DVD. You could make out the movement of ears flicking, limbs shifting and even see heat from footprints in the grass, something I’d only previously seen in much more expensive military-grade optics.
That kind of resolution builds confidence, especially when identifying targets at distance. At one point, I picked up a heat signature at around 700–800 meters. Using the onboard laser rangefinder, I confirmed it was a flock of sheep moving steadily toward a dam. Without the LRF, I’d have had a hard time estimating distance in the dark, especially across uneven terrain.
What stood out to me most wasn’t just the detection range, but the clarity of recognition. It’s one thing to see heat, it’s another to understand exactly what you’re seeing.
The farmer’s favourite horse through the Predator 640 LRF.
Ease of use
The controls are intuitive once you get a feel for them. There’s a small joystick-style interface on the top of the unit, and while it took a bit of muscle memory to operate in total darkness, I found it quick to learn. After an hour or two, I was flipping between image modes, adjusting brightness and contrast, and tagging targets with the LRF like second nature.
Speaking of image modes, there are six colour palettes including white hot, black hot, and edge, which outlines heat sources in red. I found myself sticking mostly to white hot for long-range detection and switching to red hot or edge for closer scanning. Each has its use, depending on ambient temperature and terrain.
Another feature which I absolutely love is the recording function. The Predator has onboard video recording with recoil-activated and manual options. I was initially more interested in the hunting performance than in capturing footage, but reviewing the videos afterward gave me a completely different appreciation for how useful it can be. You can see exactly how animals react to the shot, track their movement and verify shot placement. For anyone serious about honing their craft, it’s a brilliant learning tool.
Practical considerations
The battery life has also been reliable. The unit runs off a standard 18650 lithium-ion battery, which I always keep spares of in my gear bag. On average, I got about 4.5 hours of continuous use before swapping out, and in standby mode, it lasted even longer. Changing batteries in the dark is quick and painless thanks to the accessible compartment design.
Weight-wise, it’s not feather-light but it’s extremely manageable. I expected it to make my rifle feel a bit nose-heavy, but in practice, it wasn’t a problem, certainly not enough to interfere with offhand shots or tracking moving animals.
As for durability, the unit is built tough. It’s rated IP67 waterproof, and it handled a light drizzle and plenty of bush-bashing without issue. One night, I slipped on some wet rocky terrain and the rifle itself took a bit of a knock, but the Predator didn’t skip a beat and zero stayed rock solid.
Limitations and areas for improvement
No piece of gear is perfect, and the Predator 640 isn’t an exception. One minor aspect is the initial learning curve with the menu system. It’s not overly complicated, but the font size is a bit small and navigating it in pitch-black conditions with gloves on can be fiddly at first until you get the hang of it.
The price tag may also force some people to pause and consider its price point. This is a premium optic with a price tag of roughly $4000 depending on where you buy it but compared to other high-resolution clip-ons with similar specs (some of which cost double), the Predator sits in a very reasonable sweet spot in terms of price vs performance.
Another thing worth mentioning is that while the clip-on works well with most day scopes, you do need to make sure your optic has a low magnification on the low end…ideally 1–4x for best results. Beyond that, you may lose some image clarity, which is typical for clip-ons, but worth keeping in mind when planning your setup.
Final thoughts: Worth the investment?
All said and done, the PARD Predator 640 LRF has exceeded my expectations. It has enhanced every aspect of my night hunting experience from making more ethical shots at longer distances to capturing useful post-hunt footage for analysis.
If you’re a hunter who spends serious time in the dark, particularly after pigs, foxes, deer or any other nocturnal game, this device gives you a huge advantage. Between the crystal-clear thermal image, built-in rangefinder and rock-solid reliability, it’s become a trusted part of my gear.
It’s not a gimmick, and it’s not just for tech-heads. This is a legitimate, hard-use tool that earns its place in the field.
