Difference Between a RIgid Borescope and a Flexible Borescope

Basically, most borescope can be categorized into two categories of either having a rigid or flexible probe. The rigid borescope is just like it sounds, it offers a stiff probe that is straight and offers viewing at different angles. A flexible borescope probe is malleable and allows for free movement similar to a rope. Although the flexibility is beneficial for bending and manipulating the probe, it is not conducive for pushing. However, many of these flexible borescopes offer articulation at the tip. This articulation in most flexible borescope systems is controlled by steel cables that run from the tip of the probe up into the handle body where the articulation controls are located. This advanced feature allows you to manipulate or steer the tip of the probe inside your inspection area.

Is Borescope length really a factor?

A significant point to make when talking about the endoscope probe length is that longer is not necessarily better. If your inspection requires that you have a borescope wand that is 3 feet in length and as you shop around for a borescope you may find one that offer similar features with a much longer length. You may reason to yourself, “Hmmm, let’s get the longest borescope probe I can get so no matter what comes up, I’ll have something that will work.” In some applications this may seem reasonable however, if you only require a borescope camera with 3 feet to complete your inspections and you purchase what you feel is the best borescope camera with 20 feet, you now have 17 feet of borescope probe that you are going to have to work with. In most cases this makes the borescope inspection much more cumbersome and difficult. In addition, the longer length will most likely be laying on the ground which creates an opportunity for