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ATN Thor LT 160 3-6x Thermal Scope Review


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No-frills. Simple. Easy to use.

That about sums up the ATN Thor LT.

The best thing about it?

The ridiculously low price for a thermal scope. 

Far from the jaw-dropping prices of high-end thermal scopes we’re accustomed to seeing, the Thor LT almost makes thermal technology look affordable.

While low prices and thermal tech don’t go hand in hand, ATN made it possible with the LT entry-level series.

If you’re a close-range hunter, on a budget, and value an easy-to-use thermal scope, this is the kind of unit best suited to you.

Quick Overview...

What We Like: Price

What We Don’t Like: Not long-range

Best Uses: Night Shooting, Day Shooting, Hunting, Scouting, Varmint Control, Surveillance, Close to Mid-Range Detection, Light to Heavy Caliber Rifles, Standalone Scope

  • Thermal Resolution: 160x120
  • Pixels: 17 microns
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Eye Relief: 90mm
  • Color Modes: White Hot/Black Hot
  • Battery: 10+ hours
  • Dimensions: 11.5 x 2.2 x 2.2”/1.4 lbs
ATN Thor LT 160 3-6x thermal riflescope review
Image Credit - ATN Corp

Our Verdict: We recommend the Thor LT thermal scope every day. It’s best suited to close-range hunting distances and provides visibility on targets and blood trails for both daytime and nighttime hunts. It’s a basic scope that provides exactly what you need to get it done - nothing more, nothing less.

Who is the ATN Thor LT 160 3-6X Best Suited to?

The Thor LT 160 is a thermal that caters to the entry-level market and comes in at a price point that is doable for most buyers.

Due to the thermal specs of the scope, it’s limited when it comes to long-range use. This is obvious with its low resolution and limited, digital power range.

However, for most hunters that are accustomed to getting closer to their prey, hunt sub-200-yard ranges, and need that boost in visibility for nighttime hunting, the LT model is perfect.

How Does the ATN Thor LT 160 3-6X Perform?

YouTube video

One of the best things ATN has done most recently is bring out the LT series of thermal and LTV series of night vision scopes. It’s scaled-down, simplified, and most importantly, affordable. Few would rather spend thousands of dollars more on a decked-out, all-the-bells-and-whistles digital scope with features they’ll likely never use. The LT series brings back practical and functional features with an extremely attractive price point.

While imaging won’t be as impressive as a 320 upgrade, let alone a 640, it’s better suited to close-range detection anyway. ATN rates its detection range at 475 meters, recognition at 240 meters, and identification at 160 meters.

While it’s detection range may seem limiting, the scope specs are well-suited to each other. As a 160 resolution thermal, it has a limited 3-6x digital zoom and makes obvious why we think it’s better for short-range thermal use. But, with a 60 Hz refresh rate, the scope is completely comfortable with keeping up with moving targets.

The Thor LT 160 3-6x scope is an affordable option for new thermal buyers and those who have a tight budget. Covered by a 3-year warranty, the scope is an absolute deal. If you’re not convinced, good luck finding a thermal cheaper than this.

Features & Benefits

ATN Thor LT 160 3-6x Thermal Scope
Image Credit - ATN Corp

Price

The ATN Thor LT series is one of the most affordable, if not the most affordable, thermal line of scopes currently available.

Compared to even just ATN’s Thor 4 line, Pulsar, and AGM thermals, the Thor LT provides an economical solution to those who want thermal but are on a strict budget.

Since the LT models start well below $2000, they are extremely viable options for those looking to save money in the thermal imaging industry. Ha! How ironic that is, right? Save money and thermal imaging in the same sentence. Thanks to the Thor LT series, it’s a true statement.

Only the Basics

To bring such low price points to consumers, the Thor LT scope lacks pretty much everything the Thor 4 scope has. The whole idea of the LT scope is to provide only the essential features which happen to be what many buyers want anyway.

What are you missing out on? Video recording, streaming, rangefinder, ballistics, etc. What you do get is a scaled-down thermal that has long battery life, One Shot Zero, zoom, and reasonable resolution.

After all, why should you pay more for a 160x120 resolution, 17-micron, 3-6x zoom thermal? Today, this is an excellent price. Not so long ago, this same technology would have cost you far more.

Standalone Scope

ATN Thor LT 160 Thermal Scope One Shot Zero
Image Credit - ATN Corp

The Thor LT is a standalone thermal scope. It’s not a clip-on and not a monocular made to be rigged to a rifle scope. The low price may be deceiving making you think it’s too cheap to be a real thermal imaging rifle scope – but it is. As a standalone scope, it has multiple reticles to choose from, and this is something that both clip-on and monoculars both lack.

The thermal comes with an eyecup, scope cover, USB cable, and lens tissue, but it lacks an included mount for the scope. You will need to purchase a mount for it, and ATN has a Quick Detach Mount with 30mm rings that fit the 30mm tube.

Since it’s a thermal, it doesn’t need to be removed from the rifle during daylight hours. It can be used to shoot, hunt, and track during the day. However, it doesn’t have a “normal” color palette as you would see through a daytime optical scope with glass lenses.

Build Quality

The Thor LT 160 is just as robust as any of ATN’s scopes. The LT is made from the same hardened aluminum alloy as its higher-end cousins, is recoil-rated to withstand the pressures of high caliber rifles, and is weather-resistant.

The thermal is also incredibly lightweight – another iconic feature of LT scopes across the board. The Thor LT 160 weighs a featherlight 1.4 lbs. This is excellent for any rifle setup where weight is a concern or when you’re hiking and stalking as part of the hunt or stake-out.

Another legitimate benefit to its light weight is that you can use it to glass for longer periods when the rifle is to your shoulder. More often than not, buyers can only afford to pull the trigger on one thermal or night vision optic.

If you don't have a great thermal monocular, goggles, or night vision binocular as part of your gear for glassing, you must depend on your scope to get your sights. A lightweight scope means you can put optic and rifle to shoulder longer than you would a large 56mm, 2 lb+ alternative.

Limitations

ATN Thor LT 160 3-6x thermal scope is light weight
Image Credit - ATN Corp

Not Long-Range

One major benefit of thermal over night vision is its detection range. Because thermal is not dependent on light to function but reads heat signatures instead, its effective detection range is a lot further than what is capable with night vision.

In this case with the low resolution and limited zoom specs of the Thor LT, it’s not a long-range thermal scope. Its specs are best suited to close-range distances with an identification range at 160 meters.

Fortunately for many hunters, the basic features and shorter range is not limiting as it’s exactly what matches their hunting style. The Thor LT 160 is a functioning thermal platform that’s affordable and is for hunter that knows their spread and hunting grounds.

Popular Questions

What Type of Batteries does the Thor LT 160 Take?

The ATN Thor LT thermal scope has an internal lithium-ion battery. The charging cable is included in the box. When fully charged, the scope provides over 10 hours of operation.
The internal battery can be replaced upon failure with ATN.

Can the Thor LT Thermal Scope be used with the ATN Obsidian App?

The Thor LT lacks WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity for use with the Obsidian app for remote control.

Does the ATN Thor LT 160 3-6x Work in Cold Weather?

The Thor LT 160 is rated to operate between -20 to 120-degrees Fahrenheit. Buyers report that it works well in cold conditions even in -5-degree F temperatures.

Where is the ATN Thor LT 160 Made?

The ATN Thor LT line of thermal rifle scopes are manufactured in China.

What is the Difference Between the Thor LT VS Thor 4 Thermal Scopes?

The Thor 4 and Thor LT are very different series as the Thor LT is designed to be a budget, simplified version of the Thor 4.
The Thor 4 has a dual core processor, multiple digital features, longer lasting battery life, and resolution that starts at 384.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for high-end quality that can get you identification ranges past 500 yards with smart technology, you’re in the wrong review. Besides, you’ll need a very generous budget to afford that type of thermal scope. The Thor LT is about basic features with a low price point and performance you can depend on for close ranges.

When you know what you need and it matches with what you want, the Thor LT is likely the most appropriate choice.

Further Reading

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Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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