How to Choose Between Rigid, Semi-Rigid, and Flexible Borescopes on Hawkeye Borescopes

Choose a rigid borescope when your inspection path is a straight line and you need the sharpest possible image at a fixed diameter. Choose a semi-rigid or flexible scope when the path bends, and step up to a flexible video borescope when you also need live video, recording, or articulation. On Hawkeye Borescopes, the deciding factors are three: the diameter of the access hole, whether the path is straight or curved, and whether you need to capture or share video.

The three families at a glance

Match the scope to the access path

Straight bore, smallest possible diameter

If the hole is a straight line and you want the highest resolution per millimeter, a rigid scope wins. Hawkeye's rigid line spans 6.35 mm (Pro Hardy) down to 1.85 mm (Pro MicroSlim), so you can pick the largest diameter the port allows — bigger optics generally mean a brighter, clearer view. The Pro Slim Prism variant adds a side-view option when you need to look at a wall rather than straight ahead.

Curved or offset path, very small diameter

When the channel bends or the entry is offset, a rigid rod will not reach. Semi-rigid scopes such as the Pro MicroFlex (0.9–1.5 mm) hold a shape you set by hand, which lets you steer around a gentle bend. For the tightest work, the MicroFlex Fiber (0.4–1.5 mm) and Micro Q2 (0.8–2 mm) go smaller still. Expect a trade-off: at these diameters the image is smaller and you are viewing optically rather than on a video screen.

Curved path plus video or articulation

If you need to record, share, or articulate the tip remotely, move to a flexible video borescope. The Q2 HD and Q2 Dual View HD cover 2.8–6 mm; the X-PLOR HD covers 3.9 and 6 mm; the Motorized HD covers 4 and 6 mm. The Dual View option is worth noting when you need both forward and side views from one insertion. For aviation and aerospace maintenance specifically, Hawkeye positions the V3 HD Video Borescope — with HD image, touchscreen, servo joystick articulation, and interchangeable tips — as its most popular choice.

A four-question decision sequence

1. What is the access diameter? Measure the smallest point of the entry. This sets your ceiling. Use Hawkeye's "Choose by Size" groupings (under 2 mm, 2–4 mm, 4–6 mm, 6–8 mm) to narrow the catalog.
2. Is the path straight? If yes, a rigid scope gives the best image for the money. If it bends, go semi-rigid or flexible.
3. Do you need to see around a corner or view sideways? A prism-tip rigid scope or a Dual View video scope handles this; a straight-view scope will not.
4. Do you need video output or recording? If yes, you are in the flexible video category regardless of path shape. If a still visual check is enough, an optical rigid or semi-rigid scope is simpler and smaller.

Common sticking points

• Choosing too large a diameter. A 6 mm scope will not enter a 4 mm port. Confirm the narrowest point, not just the opening.
• Assuming flexible means smaller. The smallest Hawkeye scopes (0.4–2 mm) are optical semi-rigid and micro flexible models, not the video line. If you need both the smallest diameter and video, check the actual spec before committing.
• Overlooking articulation. On a long curved path, a non-articulating scope may reach the area but not point where you need it. The Motorized HD and V3 HD address this with powered articulation.
• Ignoring the viewing direction. Straight-ahead, side-view, and dual-view are different tools. Match the view to the feature you are inspecting.

Trying before buying

Hawkeye offers a free trial request option, which is the practical way to confirm a diameter and articulation choice against your actual hardware before purchase. Contact details and the trial request are available on the site; note the company's address changes to 4647 Jackson Lane, Phelan, CA 92371 as of January 1, 2026, with all other contact information unchanged.