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

RIX Tactical RNV-31S Night Vision Binocular Overview

The RIX Tactical RNV-31S is a dual-tube night vision binocular built for users who want true binocular night vision without moving into the $10,000-plus price range. It gives you depth perception, better peripheral awareness, and a more natural viewing experience than a single-tube monocular.

The RNV-31S uses a modular PVS-31-style design with articulating pods, RIX Spector 40 optics, manual gain control, bright source protection, and compatibility with common night vision mounting systems. It is designed for hunters, ranchers, training users, and serious night vision buyers who want a capable dual-tube setup without paying for a full milspec system.

Compared to a monocular like a PVS-14, the biggest advantage is using both eyes. That matters when moving through brush, navigating uneven ground, driving awareness around livestock or property, or spending long sessions behind night vision.

Why the RNV-31S Is Different

Many lower-cost dual-tube night vision systems cut corners on housing design, battery flexibility, tube compatibility, or controls. The RNV-31S keeps the things that matter: articulating pods, standardized mounting compatibility, dual battery options, manual gain control, and a reinforced lightweight housing.

The result is a goggle that fits the practical middle ground: more capable and comfortable than a single-tube monocular, but without the price jump of premium military-grade dual-tube systems.

Key Features

• Dual-tube binocular design: Improves depth perception, peripheral awareness, and comfort during extended use.
• Articulating pods: Each pod flips independently and powers off when rotated past 90° to help protect the tubes and conserve battery life.
• Standardized mounting interface: Compatible with common PVS-14 and PVS-31-style mounting setups.
• RIX Spector 40 optics: 27 mm F/1.2 lenses with a 40° field of view.
• Multi-tube compatibility: Accepts NNVT, MX-10160, and MX-11769 EGAC image intensifier tubes.
• White or green phosphor options: Configuration depends on selected tube package.
• Dual battery compatibility: Runs on either one AA battery or one CR123A battery using the included battery caps.
• Built-in 850 nm IR illuminator: Supports use in zero-ambient-light environments.
• Manual gain control: Allows brightness adjustment for changing light conditions.
• Bright Source Protection: Helps protect the tubes from sudden bright light exposure.
• Lightweight reinforced polymer housing: Approximately 520 g, or about 18.3 oz.
• Wide operating temperature range: Rated from -40°C to +50°C.
• Supplemental power port: Compatible with the optional BP-31S battery pack for extended runtime.
• 3-year manufacturer warranty: Backed by RIX Tactical factory support.

Tube Configurations Explained

The RNV-31S is available in multiple tube grades and phosphor options. This is the most important buying decision because the tube configuration determines image quality, low-light performance, and price.

What FOM Means

FOM, or Figure of Merit, is a common performance measurement for image intensifier tubes. It is calculated by multiplying signal-to-noise ratio by center resolution. Higher FOM usually means a cleaner, sharper image with less noise, especially in very low light.

• 1400-1600 FOM: Best for most recreational and civilian users, including hog hunting, property security, and general night navigation. This is the value-focused option.
• 1800-2000 FOM: Better for users who operate in very low ambient light, need more image clarity, or spend longer sessions behind night vision. This is the noticeable performance upgrade.

White Phosphor vs. Green Phosphor

Green phosphor is the classic night vision look. It is proven, familiar, and typically more cost-effective. It remains a strong choice for shorter sessions, open terrain, and buyers who want to control cost.

White phosphor displays the image in shades of black, white, and gray. Many users find it easier on the eyes during extended wear, and it can provide better perceived contrast in complex terrain.

Neither option is automatically better for everyone. Choose white phosphor for comfort and detail during longer use. Choose green phosphor when cost control and traditional night vision performance matter more.

Compatibility

• Helmet mounting: Works with common G24 dovetail-style interfaces, including Wilcox, Norotos, and compatible helmet shrouds.
• Mounting accessories: Uses standard PVS-14 and PVS-31-style mounting interfaces, including compatible J-arms, dovetail mounts, and bridge mounts.
• Battery extension: Compatible with the optional RIX BP-31S battery pack for 80+ hours of runtime.
• Lens protection: Compatible with the RIX RLIF Light Interference Filter for added lens protection.
• Thermal pairing: Can pair with clip-on thermal devices such as the RIX RENV-C for users who want thermal assistance alongside night vision.
• Counterweights: Accepts standard helmet counterweight pouches. The lightweight housing helps reduce the amount of counterweight needed.

Who the RNV-31S Is Best For

• Hunters who want better movement, depth perception, and awareness after dark.
• Hog hunters and predator hunters working fields, ranches, and rough terrain at night.
• Ranchers and property owners who need hands-free night vision for navigation and security.
• Sport shooters and training users who want dual-tube performance without premium milspec pricing.
• Current PVS-14 users who are ready to upgrade to binocular night vision.
• Buyers who want a modular system with common mounting and battery compatibility.

Who Should Consider Something Else

The RNV-31S is not the right choice if your use case requires specific milspec contract tubes or a DoD-approved night vision system. In that situation, look at a milspec build from a manufacturer that meets the required specification.

This system may also be overkill if you only use night vision a few times per year and a single monocular already handles your needs. A dual-tube binocular is more comfortable and capable, but it costs more than a basic monocular setup.

Specifications

• Magnification: 1×
• Objective lens: 27 mm F/1.2, RIX Spector 40 series
• Field of view: 40° ± 2°
• Focus range: 0.25 m to infinity
• Eye relief: 25 mm
• Diopter adjustment: -6 to +2
• Tube compatibility: NNVT, MX-10160, MX-11769 EGAC
• Phosphor options: White or green, depending on configuration
• FOM options: 1400-1600 or 1800-2000, depending on configuration
• IR illuminator: Built-in 850 nm
• Battery type: One CR123A or one AA battery
• Battery caps: Dual battery caps included
• Operating time: Approximately 20 hours per single battery
• Extended runtime: 80+ hours with optional BP-31S battery pack
• Operating temperature: -40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F)
• Dimensions: 108 mm × 106 mm × 83 mm
• Weight: 520 g ± 5%, about 18.3 oz
• Housing: Reinforced polymer
• Ingress protection: IP-rated, water-resistant
• Warranty: 3-year manufacturer warranty

What's Included

• RIX Tactical RNV-31S night vision binocular
• Dual battery caps
• Long eyeshade
• Portable carrying bag
• User manual

Sold separately: L4G24 helmet bracket, RLIF Light Interference Filter, and BP-31S battery pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The RNV-31S is a night vision binocular housing platform that can be configured with compatible image intensifier tubes. Tube generation depends on the specific configuration ordered. NNVT tubes are 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 common PVS-14 and PVS-31-style mounting systems. Most G24-based mounting systems should work, but compatibility should be confirmed for your exact mount.

Does the RNV-31S come with a helmet mount?

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

How long do the batteries last?

Runtime is approximately 20 hours on a single battery. The optional BP-31S battery pack extends runtime to 80+ hours of continuous use.

Should I choose white phosphor or green phosphor?

Choose white phosphor if you want better perceived contrast and more comfort during longer sessions. Choose green phosphor if you want a more cost-effective option with the traditional night vision look.

What is the difference between 1400-1600 FOM and 1800-2000 FOM?

Higher FOM generally means a cleaner image with less noise, especially in very low light. The 1800-2000 FOM option is the better choice for users who want stronger low-light performance and sharper image quality.

Is the RNV-31S waterproof?

The RNV-31S is IP-rated for water resistance and can tolerate rain, splashes, and field conditions. It is not designed for sustained submersion or diving use.

Can I use the RNV-31S for hog hunting?

Yes. The RNV-31S is a strong fit for hog hunting because the dual-tube design improves depth perception and movement in the dark. Many users pair night vision with thermal for locating and identifying animals.

Is the RNV-31S ITAR-controlled?

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 may be covered 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, SNR, 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 is 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. If you are unsure which configuration is right for your use case, reach out before ordering. We would rather help you buy the right unit the first time than process a return because the setup did not fit your needs.