iRay RL25 vs. RL25 V2: A Comparative Review of Advanced Thermal Imaging Devices

The iRay RL25 series, part of the RICO MICRO family, offers exceptional thermal imaging technology, making it a preferred tool for tactical, hunting, and surveillance professionals. With the release of the RL25 V2, iRay has further enhanced this high-performance thermal optic, refining many of its features while keeping the device compact and versatile. Below, we’ll explore the key differences and similarities between the original iRay RL25 and the new iRay RL25 V2, focusing on design, sensor performance, mounting options, and additional capabilities.

Design and Build Quality: Rugged and Compact

iRay RL25: The original iRay RL25 is designed for durability and portability, weighing less than a pound and constructed from high-quality aluminum. It features a manual-focus f/1.0 objective lens, providing a sharp and detailed thermal image even at a distance. The RL25 can be mounted on both rifles and helmets, making it suitable for a range of tactical and observational tasks.

One of the RL25’s standout features is its high-resolution AMOLED display, which ensures superior image quality. Users appreciate the device’s extended eye relief, offering comfort during prolonged use, whether it’s mounted on a weapon or worn on a helmet. The RL25 also includes a robust onboard recording capability, with 64GB of internal storage that allows users to capture up to 1,600 images and 40 hours of video. Built-in Wi-Fi allows for seamless connectivity to mobile devices via a dedicated app.

iRay RL25 V2: The iRay RL25 V2 continues the tradition of compact and rugged design, but with added versatility. While maintaining the lightweight build, the V2 introduces expanded mounting options, allowing it to be used as a clip-on device for rifles or helmets. This adaptability means users can quickly switch between handheld, weapon-mounted, or helmet-mounted configurations based on their needs.

In terms of durability, the RL25 V2 remains as reliable as its predecessor, boasting the same aluminum housing and ingress protection rating of IP67, which guarantees dustproof and waterproof performance up to one meter for 30 minutes. This makes the RL25 V2 a robust choice for extreme outdoor conditions.

Sensor and Display Performance: Refreshed Technology for Enhanced Imaging

iRay RL25: The RL25 is equipped with a 12 µm InfiRay MICRO II sensor, known for its thermal sensitivity and precise image rendering. The device has a 50Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth image transitions even in fast-paced environments. With a detection range of up to 1,375 yards, the RL25 allows users to detect heat signatures at great distances, making it suitable for long-range surveillance and tactical operations.

The RL25 features a 2x optical magnification and up to 4x digital zoom, giving users flexibility in how they view and track targets. The AMOLED display resolution of 1024x768 provides crisp imagery, and the manual-focus objective lens ensures that users can fine-tune their view for optimal clarity.

iRay RL25 V2: The iRay RL25 V2 comes with several improvements over its predecessor, the most significant of which is the increased frame rate. The V2 now operates at a 60Hz refresh rate, delivering even smoother and more detailed thermal imagery. This improvement is particularly beneficial in fast-moving scenarios, where higher refresh rates can reduce image lag and provide a more accurate representation of the environment.

While the RL25 V2 retains the same powerful 12 µm InfiRay MICRO II sensor, its image quality is comparable to the original RL25, though there may be some differences in sensor sensitivity due to design adjustments. Users can still expect excellent thermal imaging performance with long detection ranges of up to 1,375 yards and the ability to capture precise details, whether identifying a heat signature or tracking a moving target.

Mounting Options and Versatility: Expanding the Possibilities

iRay RL25: The original RL25 offers versatility with its mounting capabilities, being designed for both helmet and weapon use. The standard dovetail helmet mount and the Picatinny rail for rifles provide flexibility for tactical operators and hunters. This feature makes the RL25 highly adaptable to various situations, from static surveillance to dynamic field operations.

iRay RL25 V2: The RL25 V2 takes the versatility of the original model and expands on it. In addition to the helmet and weapon mounting options, the V2 introduces clip-on capabilities, which allow it to be quickly attached and detached from other optics or gear. This added feature makes the RL25 V2 even more practical for users who need to transition between different roles in the field, such as moving from handheld scanning to weapon-mounted engagement.

Onboard Recording and Connectivity: Enhanced User Experience

iRay RL25: With 64GB of internal storage, the original RL25 offers ample capacity for users to capture still images and record video without the need for additional storage solutions. The built-in Wi-Fi module enables seamless connection to a smartphone app, allowing users to review and share footage quickly.

The RL25 supports multiple reticle types and color options, giving users the ability to customize the display to match their preferences or the demands of their environment. The reticle options and color palettes, such as White Hot, Black Hot, and Red Hot, provide tactical advantages in varying lighting conditions and target types.

iRay RL25 V2: The RL25 V2 retains the same robust onboard recording and Wi-Fi connectivity features as the original model but adds user-friendly enhancements for greater ease of use. The intuitive mobile app integration remains a core feature, enabling real-time streaming, control, and image review directly from a connected smartphone or tablet.

In addition, the V2 continues to support multiple reticle profiles, allowing users to save zero settings for different weapons or environments. This is a valuable feature for operators who may need to switch between different setups without the hassle of recalibrating the device each time.

Battery Life and Power Management: Efficient and Reliable

iRay RL25: The RL25 operates using a rechargeable 18650 battery, providing up to four hours of continuous use on a single charge. This runtime is sufficient for most tactical or hunting outings, and the inclusion of two batteries in the package ensures that users can quickly swap out a depleted battery for a fresh one when needed. The device can also be powered by an external source via a 7-pin USB adapter.

iRay RL25 V2: The battery performance of the RL25 V2 is similar to that of the original RL25, offering the same four-hour runtime on a single charge. The V2 continues to use 18650 rechargeable batteries, and the external power options remain unchanged. Users can rely on the RL25 V2 to maintain operational readiness during extended field operations, with the added benefit of improved power management features that extend battery life when the device is in standby mode.

Conclusion: Evolution in Thermal Imaging Technology

The iRay RL25 and RL25 V2 are both high-performance thermal imaging devices, designed to meet the demands of tactical professionals, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. While the original RL25 set a high bar with its compact design, advanced sensor technology, and versatile mounting options, the RL25 V2 takes these features further by introducing a higher refresh rate, expanded mounting versatility, and subtle improvements in user experience.

For those who need a reliable thermal optic with smooth image rendering and robust recording capabilities, both the RL25 and RL25 V2 are excellent choices. However, the added clip-on functionality and 60Hz refresh rate of the RL25 V2 make it the more versatile option for dynamic fieldwork and tactical operations.

Whether you're looking for an upgrade or a new thermal imaging device, the iRay RL25 V2 offers state-of-the-art features that are designed to perform in the toughest conditions, ensuring that you never miss a detail.