RIX STORM V2 Launch What Changed in the S3R V2 and S6R V2

Quick answer: The new RIX STORM V2 lineup includes the 384-resolution STORM S3R V2 and the 640-resolution STORM S6R V2. Both models add <15 mK thermal sensitivity, a 2,187-yard laser rangefinder, onboard ballistics, a 1920 × 1080 AMOLED display, 64 GB of storage, and a redesigned rail while retaining the compact STORM format.

RIX officially launched the STORM S3R V2 and STORM S6R V2 on September 14, 2026. The S3R V2 has a MAP price of $1,999, while the S6R V2 has a MAP price of $2,999.

The short answer is that V2 is more than a new housing. RIX upgraded the parts that affect an actual hunt: thermal sensitivity, ranging, display quality, rifle fit, storage, controls, reticle precision, and ballistic support.

RIX STORM S3R V2 vs. S6R V2

The choice between the two models is straightforward. Buy the S3R V2 when 384 resolution and 3.5× base magnification fit the distances you actually hunt. Buy the S6R V2 when a wider view, more image detail, and better performance under digital zoom justify the additional $1,000.

Both models are part of the RIX STORM thermal scope collection and include the major V2 upgrades. The decision comes down primarily to sensor resolution, field of view, base magnification, and price.

Both Models Move to <15 mK Thermal Sensitivity

The original STORM S3R carried a published NETD below 25 mK, while the original STORM S6R was rated below 20 mK. Both V2 models are now listed below 15 mK.

NETD measures how well a thermal detector can distinguish small temperature differences. A lower number is generally more useful when the ground, vegetation, and animal are close in temperature.

This matters most during humid nights, changing weather, and other low-contrast conditions where the thermal image can become flat or washed out. The lower NETD specification should help preserve more background and animal detail when conditions become difficult.

RIX pairs the upgraded detector with Sun and Rain image modes. Rain mode changes contrast and noise reduction for humidity, mist, and rain. Sun mode is designed for clear and dry conditions.

Weather still matters, and solid cover still blocks thermal. The benefit is more information in a difficult scene—not a claim that STORM V2 can see through everything.

The New Laser Rangefinder Reaches 2,187 Yards

Both STORM V2 models include a Class 1 laser rangefinder with a published maximum range of 2,000 meters or 2,187 yards in clear conditions. RIX lists ranging accuracy at plus or minus one meter.

That is a significant increase from the 1,312-yard rangefinder found on the original STORM models. RIX also states that updated sensitivity and rain and fog algorithms help maintain ranging performance in challenging weather.

The rangefinder number needs context: laser range is not the same as thermal identification range.

A scope may return the distance from a large or reflective object well beyond the point where the thermal image contains enough detail to confidently distinguish a coyote from a dog, calf, hog, or deer. Use 2,187 yards to describe the reach of the laser—not the responsible shooting distance.

You can compare other thermal scopes with built-in laser rangefinders if ranging is one of your main requirements.

Onboard Ballistics With Five Profiles

The integrated rangefinder feeds an onboard ballistic calculator. Users enter their ballistic information through the RIX+ app, and the scope displays suggested aiming guidance based on the measured distance.

Five zeroing profiles allow the scope to store settings for different rifles, ammunition, or loads. This is useful for hunters who move the scope between rifles using its quick-detach Picatinny mounting system.

The display also provides pitch and roll information. Pitch supplies angle information for uphill or downhill shots, while roll helps the shooter notice rifle cant. Cant becomes increasingly important as distance increases.

A New Full HD AMOLED Viewing System

Both STORM V2 models use a 0.49-inch 1920 × 1080 AMOLED display with 52mm eye relief. This is a major upgrade from the 1024 × 768 display specification of the original STORM generation.

The new viewing system also includes a larger exit pupil and a semi-circular viewing design intended to improve comfort while keeping the reticle clear and distortion-free.

The S3R V2 uses fine 0.26 MOA zeroing increments, while the S6R V2 uses 0.43 MOA increments. Both models use a thinner reticle that covers less of the target.

Nine reticle styles are included. Several are scalable, and the ninth reticle can be customized through the RIX+ app.

Picture-in-Picture and Recording

Picture-in-picture mode enlarges the aiming area while allowing the primary screen to retain a wider field of view. This gives the hunter a closer aiming image without completely losing awareness of the surrounding scene.

Both models record 1744 × 1072 photos and video to 64 GB of internal storage. That is twice the 32 GB capacity of the original STORM generation.

When enabled, Recoil Activated Video saves approximately 10 seconds before and 30 seconds after the shot. Recoil-to-Zoom can move the main display to a preset digital magnification after recoil for a closer follow-up view.

Available color palettes include White Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot, Red Monochrome, Green Monochrome, and Color.

Better Fit on Bolt-Action Hunting Rifles

The new rail is approximately half an inch higher and one inch longer than the original STORM rail. The added mounting travel provides more flexibility on rifles where stock length, action design, or eye position makes a short rail difficult.

RIX also relocated the laser rangefinder module to reduce interference while cycling a bolt-action rifle. This solves a real fit problem for hunters who liked the original STORM’s compact design but struggled to find a comfortable mounting position.

The new housing measures approximately 6.4 × 2.9 × 2.6 inches and weighs about 1.16 pounds. It is slightly larger and heavier than the original STORM, but it remains compact for a thermal rifle scope with an integrated rangefinder.

Improved Controls, Battery System and Durability

The four-way physical control layout mirrors the on-screen interface. This is designed to make common functions easier to locate by touch in darkness or while wearing gloves.

Both models use replaceable 18650 batteries, with two batteries and a charger included in the package. RIX publishes runtime of up to four hours per battery at 72°F. Temperature, recording, Wi-Fi, display settings, and other operating conditions can affect actual runtime.

USB-C external power is also supported. The housing is IP67 rated, operates from -4°F to 122°F, and carries a published recoil rating of 1,000 g or 6,000 joules.

Which RIX STORM V2 Should You Buy?

Choose the STORM S3R V2 if:

• Most of your shots are between approximately 50 and 200 yards.
• You hunt feeders, fields, wooded edges, or familiar properties.
• You prefer a tighter 3.5× base image.
• You want the new rangefinder, display, ballistics, and mounting system at the lower price.
• You do not regularly struggle to identify animals before taking a shot.

For the distances most Thermal Bros customers describe, the RIX STORM S3R V2 should be the starting point when price matters. It offers the major V2 upgrades without requiring buyers to pay for 640 resolution they may not use.

Choose the STORM S6R V2 if:

• You hunt smaller predators or animals that can be difficult to identify.
• You cover open pastures or mixed terrain.
• You want a wider field of view for moving animals or groups of hogs.
• You regularly use digital zoom.
• Retaining image detail matters more than saving $1,000.

The RIX STORM S6R V2 earns its higher price when identifying smaller targets, covering open ground, or preserving image detail under digital zoom is the limiting factor.

Consider another thermal platform if:

Neither model should be selected only because its laser reaches 2,187 yards. If your real requirement is identifying animals at 500 to 800 yards, compare scopes with a larger objective lens or true optical zoom before assuming either 35mm STORM is the final answer.

The RIX LEAP thermal scope collection is worth considering when optical zoom and long-distance identification matter more than keeping the scope as compact and affordable as possible.

You can also use our 2026 thermal scope buyer’s guide to compare sensor resolution, lens size, magnification, detection distance, and identification distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Recommendation

The STORM V2 is a meaningful upgrade where it matters: image separation, ranging, display quality, ballistics, recording capacity, and rifle fit.

That does not mean every hunter should automatically buy the S6R V2. Start with the hunting problem you need to solve. For many 50-to-200-yard hog and predator setups, the S3R V2 will be enough. Move to the S6R V2 when identification and image detail are the limiting factors.

If you already own a thermal scope, review the Thermal Bros trade-in and consignment program. We also offer a layaway option for buyers who want to reserve the right setup over time.

Contact Thermal Bros for a direct recommendation. Tell us what you hunt, your terrain, typical distance, rifle, and budget. We will tell you which STORM V2 fits—and when another thermal scope would serve you better.

Shop all thermal rifle scopes at Thermal Bros.