Budget-tier infrared thermometers are essential tools for coatings inspectors, HVAC technicians, and industrial professionals who need reliable surface temperature readings without investing in higher-end thermal imagers. The FLIR TG54-2™, Fluke 62 MAX+, and Raytek MT6 are three of the most widely used budget models.

This guide provides a non-biased, side-by-side comparison of these IR guns, showing where each excels and where tradeoffs exist. M-Testco supplies and certifies the FLIR TG54-2™, while also offering NIST-traceable certification for Fluke and Raytek models.

Budget Tier IR Gun Comparison Chart

Feature	FLIR TG54-2™ (Sold & Certified by M-Testco)	Fluke 62 MAX+ (Certified by M-Testco)	Raytek MT6 (Certified by M-Testco)
Temperature Range	–22°F to 1202°F (–30°C to 650°C)	–22°F to 1202°F (–30°C to 650°C)	–22°F to 1202°F (–30°C to 650°C)
Accuracy	±1 °C (32–212 °F), ±2 °C outside that	±1 °C or ±1% of reading	±1 °C or ±1% of reading
Distance-to-Spot	20:1	12:1	~10–12:1
Emissivity	Adjustable (0.10–1.00)	Fixed (0.95)	Fixed (0.95)
Response Time	<250 ms	<300 ms	~300 ms
Laser Targeting	Single laser	Dual laser	Single laser
Display	Backlit digital LCD	Backlit LCD	Basic LCD
Durability Rating	IP20	IP54	IP54
Drop Test	3 m	3 m	3 m
Battery Type	3 × AAA (≈20 hrs runtime)	1 × AA (≈10 hrs runtime)	9V battery
Weight	~0.9 lbs	~0.5 lbs	~0.5 lbs
Warranty	2 years	3 years	2 years
Special Features	Min/Max, Avg, Hi/Lo alarms	Min/Max recording, Hi/Lo alarms	Min/Max recording

❓ Q&A Section

Q: Which budget-tier IR thermometer is most accurate?
A: In the common working range (32–212 °F), all three deliver ±1 °C accuracy. The FLIR TG54-2™ adds adjustable emissivity, making it more versatile for coatings and different surface types. The Fluke 62 MAX+ and Raytek MT6 match baseline accuracy but rely on fixed emissivity and widen in tolerance at extremes.

Q: Which has the best distance-to-spot ratio?
A: The FLIR TG54-2™ leads with 20:1, allowing measurement of smaller targets at greater distances. Fluke and Raytek models run at ~12:1, sufficient for general work but less precise for coatings and detailed inspections.

Q: Which is most rugged?
A: The Fluke 62 MAX+ and Raytek MT6 are IP54 rated with 3 m drop resistance, making them adequate for rough environments. However, this ruggedness comes with tradeoffs: lower distance-to-spot ratios and no emissivity adjustment. The FLIR TG54-2™ is less rugged (IP20) but provides greater measurement flexibility.

Q: Can M-Testco service all three models?
A: Yes. M-Testco supplies and certifies the FLIR TG54-2™ and provides NIST-traceable certification for Fluke 62 MAX+ and Raytek MT6, covering inspectors across all brands.

Best Choice by Application

Precision Coatings & Industrial QC → FLIR TG54-2™ (Sold & Certified by M-Testco)
General Field Environments → Fluke 62 MAX+ or Raytek MT6 (Certified by M-Testco) — durability is adequate, but measurement performance is limited compared to FLIR.
Budget-Friendly Reliability → Raytek MT6 (Certified by M-Testco)

Authority Anchors

Manufacturers: Teledyne FLIR, Fluke, Raytek (Fluke Process Instruments)
Standards: ASTM D3276 surface prep compliance
Calibration: NIST-traceable certification available at M-Testco labs

M-Testco Advantage

M-Testco provides inspectors full support for budget-tier IR guns:

FLIR TG54-2™ → Available for purchase + certification
Fluke 62 MAX+ & Raytek MT6 → Available for certification
Locations: Houston, Corpus Christi, Baton Rouge, Odessa
Same-day calibration turnaround available

Call to Action

✅ Purchase the FLIR TG54-2™ from M-Testco — or send in your Fluke 62 MAX+ or Raytek MT6 for fast, NIST-traceable certification.