TFB Review: Nocpix MATE Ultra S60R 1280x Thermal Clip-On
The Nocpix Mate Ultra S60R is the flagship model in the company's new Mate series of thermal clip-on attachments, positioned as a high-end option for hunters seeking to convert their daytime riflescope into a thermal-capable system without permanent modifications. Released in 2025, the Mate Ultra stands out as one of the first thermal clip-ons to feature a 1280×1024 resolution sensor, combined with a large 60mm F1.0 objective lens and an integrated 1200m laser rangefinder (LRF). Let’s take a closer look at its performance.
Nocpix Thermals @ TFB:
Overview and Specs
Unlike thermal scopes built into a single housing, the Mate Ultra is a clip-on module that mounts forward of an existing day optic, allowing users to retain their primary sight picture and zero while adding a thermal layer when needed.
With compact dimensions of 140 × 96 × 78 mm (5.5 × 3.8 × 3.1 inches) and a weight of 560 grams (approximately 1.23 pounds), the device remains manageable when mounted forward of a day optic.
The setup in these images is a Schmeisser Pro Hunter with an 18” barrel chambered in .223 Rem., finished in FDE. The main rifle scope is the new Schmidt & Bender 3–18×42 META in a Spuhr QDP-3016 mount. The trigger has been switched to one from TriggerTech, and the original flash hider has a Borelock QD mount for the suppressor instead. Schmeisser’s adjustable gas block is excellent and uis sed by quite a few rifle builders in Europe.
The suppressor is the brand new ASE Utra DUAL556- Mini GEN2. So new in this image that it’s not even been shot yet. With match ammunition, the rifle performed really well at 100 and 300 meters.
Designed primarily for night hunting applications, the Mate Ultra attaches in front of an existing day scope, preserving the original zero while adding thermal overlay capabilities. Key highlights from the manufacturer's specifications include an ultra-sensitive NETD of ≤15 mK (lower is better), a 60 Hz refresh rate (higher is better) for smooth tracking, and features aimed at maintaining image alignment and clarity during magnification changes.
Let’s have a look at the technical specifications (as stated by Nocpix, and not verified by TFB). For beginners, some (or all) of it might look like Greek, but for more experienced users, some of these data points are essential.
- Thermal Sensor: 1280×1024 @ 12 µm pixel pitch, self-developed VOx detector
- NETD: ≤15 mK
- Frame Rate: 60 Hz (shutterless core)
- Objective Lens: 60mm F1.0
- Field of View: 14.7° × 11.7° (linear: 25.6m × 20.5m @ 100m)
- Eyepiece: 35mm with 0.5% distortion
- Laser Rangefinder: Integrated, eye-safe, up to 1200m range with ballistic calculation
- Battery: Single replaceable 18650 lithium-ion
- Battery Life: >4 hours continuous operation
- Build: Two-piece magnesium alloy housing, IP-rated (specific rating not detailed, but designed for harsh conditions)
- Recoil Rating: Tested to 7000 joules
- Accuracy/Zero Retention: 1 MOA claimed, factory-calibrated with high repeat tolerance for mounting/removal
The adapter interface is a M52 × 0.75 thread.
In terms of connectivity, the S60R includes Wi-Fi, app integration, N-Link, RAV, Magic Zoom, onboard gallery, and remote control capability.
Features and Technology
The Mate Ultra's standout attribute is its high-resolution 1280×1024 sensor, which provides significantly more detail than the more common 640×512 sensors found in competing clip-ons. Paired with the large 60mm lens, this setup gathers substantial thermal energy, enabling strong performance in adverse conditions like fog or light rain.
A notable innovation is the "Magic Zoom" system, which is said to use AI (branded as R+ technology) to automatically adjust the thermal image and on-screen interface in real-time as the host scope's magnification changes. This addresses a common issue in clip-ons where zooming the day scope can cause blur, misalignment, or loss of detail in the thermal overlay. The system aims to keep the target centered and sharp across the full magnification range of compatible day scopes (up to 16× tested).
The integrated LRF offers ranging up to 1200m with next-generation ballistic correction that directly overlays holdover information onto the image. I have not had time to play and confirm the ballistics correction. Shutterless operation eliminates the need for manual calibration pauses, and the 60 Hz rate ensures fluid motion without blur during panning or tracking.
Mounting is done either with a quick-detach system (sold separately, with one option being shown multiple times in this review), allowing the unit to be swapped between rifles. The use of standard 18650 batteries is a practical choice, avoiding proprietary packs and enabling easy field replacements.
I don’t really mind proprietary batteries used by other makers, they’re not as expensive as people imagine and they’re needed to improve the IP rating for dust and water protection, but 18650 seems to be preferred by the U.S. market.
Build Quality and Durability
Nocpix highlights the Mate Ultra's two-piece magnesium alloy construction as superior to traditional three-piece designs, reducing potential shift points under recoil and contributing to lighter overall weight. The unit is recoil-tested to 7000 joules, suitable for large-caliber rifles. The Ultra feels like a well-built unit, but the tactile feel of the buttons is an area that can improve. Imagine having the unit some distance from you, you’re prone and trying to reach something that’s ahead of an already long riflescope and you really want those buttons to respond.
Nocpix is a brand backed by InfiRay Technologies, and the unit is made in China. The Nocpix Mate ULTRA S60R has a price around €4,999 in Europe, but you need to add some kind of adapter as well. The IRB-2 Rechargeable Batteries are $49 each.
Performance Considerations
In my own testing and experience, the Mate Ultra excels in long-range detection and identification due to its high resolution and large aperture lens. The wide field of view aids in scanning open terrain, while the sensitive sensor detects subtle heat differences. The Magic Zoom and ballistic LRF features position it as a tool for precise shots in dynamic hunting scenarios. For beginners, it can add to complexity, however, there are many things to learn beyond the hunt.
I found the image quality to be very good, but some of the time it’s as if the “intelligent” algorithms that compute data to image over-impose, and you get an image that’s a bit surrealistic and over-exposed. In some situations, especially when I watched wild boar super-close, the optics felt a bit like a fish bowl. It’s difficult to show this, but I’ll give it a try.
As with most thermals, you need to change the focus as soon as the distance to whatever you want to be focused on changes. That’s the drawback of an f1.0 aperture, or lower.
Every now and then, with fast-moving objects like this super-scared European moose, you get images like this when you use the camera function. I don’t suspect there’s a lot of thermal latency in the S60R, but I can’t measure it.
The image below is from when it’s standing still, and from a video clip. Distance 85 meters, and the image is from the summer time.
Battery life exceeding 4 hours on a single 18650 is adequate for most hunts, with the option for quick swaps extending runtime. Having a battery mounted in-line with the recoil comes with some danger (this is a known issue from other designs, but not necessarily with this one), but I didn’t experience any issues, however I only used 223 Rem and 308 Win. The shutterless design and high refresh rate support uninterrupted viewing.
MATE Ultra S60R Image Gallery
Here are some sample images of wild boar. Note that the distances in these images are about 5 to 60 meters, which is much closer than I normally encounter these beasts.
You don’t want to wrestle with these guys. Note that the image will try to enhance the target in focus and downplay the background.
Final Thoughts - Coming To A Conclusion
The Nocpix Mate Ultra represents a premium thermal clip-on with cutting-edge specifications, particularly its 1280×1024 sensor and so-called AI-enhanced zoom functionality, setting it apart in a market dominated by lower-resolution options. Its robust build, integrated LRF with ballistics, make it appealing for serious hunters who frequently switch between day and night optics or across multiple rifles.
The Mate Ultra S60R is a compelling choice for shooters who want thermal capability without abandoning their favorite day optics. Everyone who’s running a 640x thermal sensor is going to be very curious and willing to have a look if you go for this 1280x setup. The drawback? The obvious one is the price level, almost doubling. A powerful thermal also likes batteries, so make sure you bring plenty of energy.
I wish I could have done this review much sooner, but I had to wait for the clip-on adapter for quite a while to mount it to my rifle(s). Once the adapter finally showed up, it was actually in the form of a “rifle mount” ( Nocpix part number NRM-030-080-Q1), which attaches the MATE Ultra to any Picatinny. Just what I wanted! Unfortunately, it didn’t line-up 100% to my current mount, but it was “good enough” to perform this review and show you guys how it’s intended to work. I prefer this kind of mount over an adapter attached to the front of the rifle scope as it will keep the weight off the rifle's scope itself.
For those prioritizing maximum resolution and advanced features in a clip-on format, the Mate Ultra appears to deliver on Nocpix's promise of pushing thermal technology forward. It will be interesting to see what 2026 brings in terms of thermals.
For more details, check: https://nocpixusa.com and https://www.nocpix.com/mate-ultra/
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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My God, that's awesome. Wish I had the money for one. I'll probably pick up the DNT mini when it comes out later this year in 640.