RIX Tactical RNV-31S Dual-Tube Night Vision Goggle

Dual-Tube Night Vision Without the $10,000 Price Tag

The RIX Tactical RNV-31S delivers true binocular night vision in a modular, ultralight package that competes directly with night vision systems costing two to three times more. Built around a standardized PVS-31 style interface and RIX's own Spector 40 optics, the RNV-31S is one of the most adaptable Gen 2+ night vision goggles on the market today — compatible with PVS-14 and PVS-31 mounts, accepting NNVT, MX-10160, and MX-11769 EGAC image intensifier tubes, and running on the same AA or CR123A batteries you already carry in your kit.

Whether you're hunting hogs after dark in South Texas, training for tactical applications, running passive aiming with a clip-on thermal, navigating in zero-ambient-light conditions, or just spending serious time behind glass after sunset, the RNV-31S gives you the depth perception, peripheral awareness, and freedom of movement that a single-tube monocular like the PVS-14 simply can't match. Two eyes seeing in the dark beats one — every time.

Why the RNV-31S Is Different

Most affordable dual-tube NVG systems cut corners. They use cheaper housings that crack under hard use, lock you into a single battery type, limit you to one tube format, or skip features like manual gain and bright source protection. The RNV-31S doesn't. RIX engineered this unit with the same modular philosophy that drives the L3Harris BNVD-1431 and PVS-31A platforms — meaning your investment in mounts, helmet brackets, and accessories carries forward as you upgrade tubes or move to higher-end systems down the road.

What you're getting is a goggle that performs at the price point of a high-end PVS-14 monocular, but with two tubes, articulating pods, dual battery compatibility, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty.

Key Features

Dual-tube binocular design — natural depth perception, reduced eye fatigue, full peripheral awareness during extended wear Articulating pods that flip independently — auto power-off when rotated past 90° protects tubes and conserves battery life Modular standardized interface — compatible with PVS-14 and PVS-31 style mounts, J-arms, and dovetail brackets Spector 40 optics — RIX-developed 27mm F1.2 lenses with a 40-degree field of view, sharp edge to edge Multi-tube compatibility — accepts NNVT, MX-10160, and MX-11769 EGAC image intensifier tubes for white or green phosphor builds Dual battery caps — runs on either 1× AA or 1× CR123A, no proprietary cells, no scrambling for chargers Built-in 850nm IR illuminator — invisible to the naked eye, reveals images in zero-ambient-light environments Manual gain control — potentiometer knob lets you dial brightness to match the scene, not the other way around Bright Source Protection (BSP) — automatic tube protection from sudden bright light sources Reinforced polymer housing — military-grade durability without the weight penalty (520g / about 18.3 oz) Operating range -40°C to +50°C — performs in conditions from arctic cold to desert heat Supplemental power port — pairs with the optional BP-31S battery pack for 80+ hours of continuous run time 3-year manufacturer warranty — backed by RIX Tactical's full factory support

Tube Configurations Explained

The RNV-31S is sold in multiple tube grades and phosphor colors. Choosing the right configuration is the most important decision you'll make on this purchase.

Figure of Merit (FOM) is the industry standard for measuring tube performance. It's calculated by multiplying the tube's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by its center resolution in line pairs per millimeter. A higher FOM means a clearer image with less noise, especially in extreme low-light conditions.

1400-1600 FOM tubes — solid mid-tier performance suitable for most civilian and recreational use including hog hunting, property security, and general night navigation. You'll see the image quality difference compared to a budget Gen 2 system but won't pay the premium of milspec-grade tubes.

1800-2000 FOM tubes — high-performance tubes that approach milspec image quality. Recommended for users who operate in very low-light conditions, identify targets at extended range, or want maximum image clarity for extended observation. The jump from 1400 to 1800+ FOM is the most noticeable upgrade most users can make.

White Phosphor vs Green Phosphor

Green phosphor is the classic night vision look — the green-tinted image you've seen in every military movie since the 1980s. The human eye distinguishes more shades of green than any other color, which historically made green phosphor the standard. Green tubes are typically less expensive and have decades of proven track record.

White phosphor displays the image in shades of black, white, and gray. Many users find white phosphor easier on the eyes during extended wear, with better contrast in complex environments like wooded terrain or urban settings. White phosphor also tends to render finer gradients and edge detail, which can aid in target recognition. The tradeoff is a higher price point.

Neither is "better" universally. White phosphor tends to win for long-duration use and detail-intensive tasks. Green phosphor remains a strong, cost-effective choice for shorter-duration use and open-terrain applications.

What's Compatible With the RNV-31S

Helmet mounting — works with any G24 dovetail interface (Wilcox G24, Norotos, Ops-Core VAS shroud and shroud-compatible) Mounts and arms — uses standard PVS-14 and PVS-31 mounting interfaces, including J-arms, dovetail mounts, and bridge mounts Battery extension — RIX BP-31S battery pack adds 80+ hours of run time via supplemental power port Lens protection — RIX RLIF Light Interference Filter provides laser protection and serves as a sacrificial lens Thermal pairing — pairs naturally with clip-on thermal devices like the RIX RENV-C for fusion imaging on one side while maintaining native night vision on the other Counterweight — accepts standard helmet counterweight pouches; the lightweight 520g housing reduces the counterweight needed compared to heavier dual-tube systems

Specifications

Magnification: 1x Objective Lens: 27mm, F1.2 (Spector 40 series) Field of View: 40° ± 2° Focus Range: 0.25m to infinity Eye Relief: 25mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2 Tube Compatibility: NNVT, MX-10160, MX-11769 EGAC Phosphor Options: White or Green (varies by configuration) FOM Options: 1400-1600 or 1800-2000 (varies by configuration) IR Illuminator: 850nm built-in Battery Type: 1× CR123A or 1× AA (dual battery caps included) Operating Time: ~20 hours per single battery (80+ hours with optional BP-31S pack) Operating Temperature: -40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F) Dimensions: 108mm × 106mm × 83mm Weight: 520g ± 5% (~18.3 oz) Housing: Reinforced polymer Ingress Protection: IP rated, water-resistant Warranty: 3 years manufacturer

What's in the Box

RNV-31S device with dual battery caps installed Long eyeshade Portable carrying bag User manual

L4G24 helmet bracket, RLIF light interference filter, and BP-31S battery pack are sold separately.

Who This Is For

The RNV-31S is built for hunters, sport shooters, training professionals, and serious enthusiasts who want genuine dual-tube night vision performance without spending L3Harris money. If you've been running a PVS-14 monocular and you're ready to step up to binocular vision, this is the most logical upgrade path on the market. If you're cross-shopping between premium systems and budget alternatives, the RNV-31S sits in the sweet spot — features and quality that justify the price, without the premium that comes with milspec branding.

Who This Isn't For

If you're operating in milspec environments where Omni VIII contract specifications are non-negotiable, you'll want a milspec-tube system from L3Harris, Elbit, or another DoD-approved manufacturer. The RNV-31S is excellent kit, but it's not a substitute for a full milspec build when contracts require it. Likewise, if you only run night vision for short sessions a few times a year and a monocular meets your needs, the cost of a dual-tube system may not be justified for your use case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the RNV-31S Gen 2 or Gen 3?

The RNV-31S is a Gen 2+ housing platform that accepts a range of compatible image intensifier tubes. Tube generation depends on the specific configuration ordered. NNVT tubes are the most common in this platform.

Can I use the RNV-31S with my existing PVS-14 mount?

Yes. The RNV-31S uses a standardized interface compatible with PVS-14 and PVS-31 style mounts. Most G24-based mounting systems will work directly. Confirm with your specific mount if you're unsure.

Does this come with the helmet mount?

No. The L4G24 helmet bracket is sold separately. The RNV-31S includes the dual battery caps, eyeshade, carrying bag, and manual.

How long do the batteries last?

Roughly 20 hours on a single AA battery and around 25 hours on a single CR123A. Pairing with the optional BP-31S battery pack (which holds two 18650 cells) extends operating time to 80+ hours of continuous use.

Should I choose white phosphor or green phosphor?

White phosphor offers better contrast in complex environments and tends to cause less eye fatigue during extended wear. Green phosphor is more cost-effective and offers the classic night vision look that many users prefer. Neither is universally better.

What's the difference between 1400-1600 FOM and 1800-2000 FOM tubes?

FOM (Figure of Merit) is the most common single number used to gauge tube performance. Higher FOM means a cleaner, sharper image with less noise, especially in extreme low light. The 1800-2000 FOM tubes provide a noticeably better image than 1400-1600 tubes, particularly when ambient light is minimal.

Is the RNV-31S waterproof?

The RNV-31S is built with an IP rating for water resistance, meaning it tolerates rain, splashes, and brief immersion. It is not designed for sustained submersion or diving applications.

Can I use this for hog hunting?

Yes. The RNV-31S is a popular choice for hog hunting, particularly when paired with a thermal monocular or thermal clip-on for target identification. The dual-tube design gives you the depth perception needed for moving through brush and rough terrain at night.

Is this ITAR-restricted?

Yes. The RNV-31S is an ITAR-controlled item under U.S. federal export law. Sales are restricted to U.S. persons as defined under 22 CFR § 120.15. Export outside the United States is prohibited without proper licensing.

How does the warranty work?

The RNV-31S includes a 3-year manufacturer warranty through RIX Tactical covering defects in materials and workmanship. Tube performance is warrantied separately according to the spec sheet provided with each individual unit.

Important Information

The RIX Tactical RNV-31S is an ITAR-controlled item and may only be sold to U.S. persons as defined under 22 CFR § 120.15. Export of this product outside the United States is restricted under federal law. By purchasing, the buyer acknowledges and agrees to comply with all applicable U.S. export regulations.

Image intensifier tube performance varies by individual unit. Specific tube specifications including FOM (Figure of Merit), SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio), and resolution will be provided per individual unit at time of shipment.

Why Buy From Thermal Bros

Thermal Bros is an authorized RIX Tactical dealer with direct vendor support. Every night vision device we ship has been verified for proper function and includes the full manufacturer warranty. We know thermal and night vision because we use it ourselves — for hog hunting, predator control, and ranch security across Texas and beyond. If you have questions about which configuration is right for your use case, reach out before you order. We'd rather help you buy the right unit the first time than process a return because something didn't fit your application.