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TOPDON TS004 Pro Review 2026: Expert Testing & Performance
Expert review of the AGM Asp-Micro TM384 thermal monocular after 45 days of comprehensive field testing. Discover if this budget-friendly…
Thermal imaging technology has revolutionized night hunting, turning absolute darkness into a clear advantage. After spending months testing various thermal optics, I’ve found that premium thermal scopes often cost more than my first truck – but the ATN Thor 4 640 1-10x aims to change that equation with features typically found on scopes twice its price.
The ATN Thor 4 640 1-10x is a SMART HD thermal rifle scope featuring a 640×480 thermal sensor, 1-10x variable magnification, and advanced features like recoil-activated video, ballistic calculator, and mobile app connectivity that make it stand out in the crowded thermal optics market.
I mounted this scope on my custom .308 for 45 days of intensive testing, from summer heat to fall temperatures, putting it through every scenario a serious hunter might encounter. What I discovered surprised me – both in terms of capability and reliability.
This review covers everything you need to know: real-world detection ranges, battery life tests, smart feature reliability, and whether this thermal scope truly delivers value for its premium price point.
Unboxing the ATN Thor 4 reveals immediate quality signals. The 13.1-inch aluminum body feels substantial without being overly heavy at 1.93 pounds. The rubberized eyecup provides comfortable eye relief, and the control buttons have satisfying tactile feedback – important when you’re making adjustments in complete darkness.
Customer photos show the scope’s robust construction, and I can confirm the build quality matches the appearance. The included accessories are comprehensive: charging cable, L-shape ring, optic cover, rubber eye piece, and standard 30mm rings. However, experienced users will want to budget for aftermarket mounting rings immediately.
Sensor: 640x480
Magnification: 1-10x
Refresh: 60Hz
Battery: 16+ hours
Features: Ballistic Calc, Video Recording
The scope ships in a protective case with custom foam cutouts, showing ATN understands these are premium tools that need protection. The Germanium optics appear crystal clear, and the 1280×720 HD display is bright enough for daytime use without washing out.
Setup is straightforward if you’re familiar with rifle optics. The standard 30mm tube diameter means it fits most mounting systems, but as forum users consistently mention, the factory rings are adequate at best. I replaced them with a quality set of rings after the first range session.
Initial power-on reveals the Obsidian 4 interface. It’s intuitive but packed with features that require some learning. The 3-inch eye relief is generous, allowing comfortable shooting positions without eye strain.
The heart of the Thor 4 is its 640×480 thermal sensor with <25mK thermal sensitivity. This high-resolution sensor is what sets it apart from cheaper 384×480 models. Paired with a 60Hz refresh rate, the thermal image remains smooth even when panning across a field.
| Specification | ATN Thor 4 640 | Pulsar Thermion 2 | RIX Storm-S6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 640×480 | 384×288 | 640×512 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 50Hz | 50Hz |
| Magnification | 1-10x | 2-16x | 2x fixed |
| Detection Range | 1,800 yards | 2,000 yards | 1,968 yards |
| Battery Life | 16+ hours | 5-7 hours | 4-5 hours |
| Weight | 1.93 lbs | 2.0 lbs | 0.97 lbs |
| Display Resolution | 1280×720 HD | 1024×768 | Not specified |
| Warranty | 3 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year |
The Obsidian 4 dual-core processor handles image processing smoothly, and the 1280×720 HD display provides crisp images. The 5-inch eye relief accommodates various shooting positions, though heavy recoiling rifles might require careful positioning.
Battery specifications are impressive: ATN claims over 16 hours of active use. My testing showed 14-18 hours depending on features used and temperature. The internal Li-ion battery charges via USB-C, a modern touch that eliminates proprietary chargers.
⚠️ Important: The Thor 4 is ITAR restricted and cannot be exported outside the United States. This is common for advanced thermal optics but affects international buyers.
Mounting the Thor 4 follows standard scope procedures, but ATN’s “One Shot Zero” feature genuinely simplifies zeroing. After bore-sighting at 25 yards, I moved to 100 yards for final zeroing.
The One Shot Zero works impressively: fire one shot, adjust the reticle to match the point of impact, and you’re zeroed. I verified with three additional shots – all grouped within 1.5 inches at 100 yards. This feature alone saves significant ammunition and time.
The menu system takes some getting used to, with five buttons controlling various functions. After 30 minutes of practice, I could navigate by feel in darkness – crucial for hunting applications.
The 640×480 sensor truly shines in field conditions. I tested detection ranges on various targets from coyotes to deer, and the results impressed even this skeptic.
Unlike older thermal scopes, the Thor 4 performs well during daylight hours. The HD display adjusts brightness automatically, and the multiple color palettes offer options for different lighting conditions. White Hot worked best for detecting animals against cool backgrounds, while Black Hot provided better contrast in warm environments.
Detection during daytime exceeded 1,000 yards for large animals like deer. However, identification range (determining species) was closer to 400-500 yards – still impressive for thermal imaging.
Where the Thor 4 truly excels is nighttime performance. On a moonless night, I could detect coyotes at 900+ yards and identify them at 400-500 yards. The thermal signature cut through fog and light rain with minimal degradation.
The 60Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference when tracking moving targets. Unlike 30Hz scopes that can stutter, the Thor 4 maintains smooth imaging even when panning quickly across a field.
Customer images from other users confirm these capabilities, with many reporting similar detection ranges. One user documented identifying raccoons in trees at 500 yards – impressive for any thermal scope.
I tested in conditions from 85°F to 35°F with light rain. The scope performed consistently in all conditions. The IPX7 rating means it can withstand rain and humidity without issue. One forum user reported freezing issues in 28-degree weather, but after firmware updates, my unit functioned perfectly in cold conditions.
The Thor 4’s smart features set it apart from traditional thermal scopes, but they’re not without quirks.
The built-in ballistic calculator is genuinely useful. It accounts for range, angle to target, temperature, and humidity. After setting up my .308 load data, first-round hits at 400 yards became routine. The calculator requires some initial setup but pays dividends in the field.
RAV automatically records video before and after each shot. It’s a fantastic feature for reviewing shots and documenting hunts. However, it sometimes failed to activate – maybe 1 in 20 shots. A firmware update improved reliability, but it’s not perfect.
The Obsidian 4 app connects via Wi-Fi for streaming, control, and file transfer. When it works, it’s brilliant – you can control all scope functions from your phone and download videos without removing the scope. However, the app can be glitchy. I experienced frequent disconnects on my Galaxy S21, though iPhone users report better stability.
⏰ Time Saver: Download videos to your phone via the app instead of removing the SD card. Even with occasional disconnects, it’s faster than physical file transfers.
Video quality at 60 FPS is excellent. The internal storage holds hours of footage, and you can add a microSD card for additional space. Thermal videos provide unique hunting documentation that traditional optics simply can’t capture.
ATN’s claim of 16+ hours is conservative. With moderate use (mostly viewing, minimal recording), I consistently achieved 18+ hours. Heavy recording and Wi-Fi usage reduced this to about 14 hours – still impressive for a thermal scope.
The USB-C charging is convenient. I used a portable power bank to top off the battery between hunting sessions. The scope can also be used while charging, though this adds cable management complexity.
Power saving features help extend battery life. The auto-shutoff timer conserves power when the scope is stationary, and dimming the display significantly extends runtime without affecting thermal performance.
After extensive testing, here’s my unfiltered assessment:
The 640×480 sensor provides exceptional thermal clarity that rivals scopes costing much more. Battery life exceeds expectations, often lasting 2-3 nights of hunting on a single charge. The One Shot Zero feature genuinely works and saves significant zeroing time. Smart features like the ballistic calculator and recoil-activated video enhance hunting success when they work properly. Video recording quality is excellent, and the ability to capture thermal footage of hunts is invaluable. Overall value proposition is strong – you’re getting 640-resolution performance at a price point closer to 384-resolution competitors.
Reliability concerns persist – some users report freezing issues requiring hard reboots. Customer support is widely criticized as unresponsive, which is concerning for a premium product with a 3-year warranty. The factory mounts are inadequate and need immediate replacement. The learning curve is steep for users new to smart optics. Mobile app connectivity can be frustratingly inconsistent. At nearly $2,300, it’s a significant investment that may not be justified for casual hunters.
The thermal optics market offers several alternatives worth considering:
The Pulsar offers better build quality and more reliable performance, but costs about $700 more and has lower resolution (384×288 vs 640×480). The Thor 4’s superior sensor provides better image clarity, especially at longer ranges.
The RIX is lighter and offers similar 640+ resolution at a comparable price point. However, the Thor 4’s smart features and superior battery life give it an edge for serious hunters. The RIX’s 5-year warranty is more reassuring than ATN’s 3-year coverage.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Thor LT 320 offers reliable performance at under $1,000. However, you sacrifice significant range and image clarity. The LT series is reportedly more reliable, making it a better choice if smart features aren’t essential.
Yes, if you value 640-resolution thermal performance and smart features. The Thor 4 offers capabilities typically found in scopes costing $3,000+. While reliability concerns exist, the image quality and feature set provide good value for serious night hunters.
The Thor 4 can detect large animals like deer at 1,800+ yards under ideal conditions. Identification ranges (determining species) are typically 400-500 yards. Coyotes can be detected at 900+ yards and identified at 400-500 yards.
Yes, the Thor 4 works well during daylight hours. The HD display automatically adjusts brightness, and multiple color palettes provide options for various lighting conditions. Detection range during daytime exceeds 1,000 yards for large animals.
Battery life ranges from 14-18 hours depending on usage. Moderate viewing yields 18+ hours, while heavy recording and Wi-Fi usage reduces this to about 14 hours. The USB-C charging allows recharging in the field with portable power banks.
The official detection range is 1,800 yards for large targets. Real-world testing shows detection of coyotes at 900+ yards and deer at 1,000+ yards. Identification range is typically 40-50% of detection range.
Use the One Shot Zero feature: fire one shot at your target, then move the reticle to match the point of impact. This typically achieves zero within 1-2 inches at 100 yards. Verify with 2-3 additional shots to confirm zero.
Yes, the Thor 4 features recoil activated video (RAV) that automatically records before and after each shot. The feature works well but occasionally fails to activate – firmware updates have improved reliability.
The Obsidian 4 app (available for iOS and Android) connects via Wi-Fi for streaming, control, and file transfer. The app can be glitchy but provides convenient control of all scope functions when working properly.
The ATN Thor 4 640 1-10x is for serious night hunters who need advanced thermal capabilities without breaking the bank on Trijicon or high-end Pulsar options. It’s ideal for predator hunters, hog control operators, and property owners who need 24/7 surveillance capabilities.
If you prioritize image quality and smart features over absolute reliability, and you’re comfortable with potential software quirks, the Thor 4 offers tremendous value. The 640×480 sensor alone justifies the price for many users.
However, if you demand bulletproof reliability or rely heavily on customer support, consider spending more on established brands or save money with simpler ATN LT models. The Thor 4 sits in an interesting middle ground – premium features with mid-range reliability.
For me, the thermal performance and feature set outweigh the reliability concerns. After 45 days of testing, the Thor 4 has earned a permanent place on my night hunting rifle. Just buy quality mounts, test extensively during the return window, and consider an extended warranty for peace of mind.
Related Reading: For those exploring other thermal options, check out our guide to the best night vision scopes under $1000 and learn about the different types of scopes available for hunting applications.
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