RIX Optics Storm S6R V2 640 Thermal Scope
The Next Generation of RIX’s Compact 640 LRF Thermal
The RIX Optics Storm S6R V2 takes the compact design of the original Storm S6R and upgrades the image, display, laser rangefinder, eyepiece, zeroing system and mounting platform.
At its core is a new 640×512 VOx thermal detector with a 12-micron pixel pitch and thermal sensitivity rated below 15 mK. RIX pairs that sensor with a 35mm F/1.0 objective lens, 2.5× base magnification, RET Resolution Enhancement Technology and a larger 1920×1080 AMOLED display.
The result is a highly versatile 640 thermal scope with the field of view needed for hog hunting, the detail needed for coyotes and a compact design that does not overwhelm the rifle.
The Storm S6R V2 also features an upgraded 2,187-yard laser rangefinder and onboard ballistic calculator, giving hunters accurate distance information and a calculated aiming solution without adding a separate rangefinder to the rifle.
What Changed on the RIX Storm S6R V2?
The Storm S6R V2 is a substantial update over the original S6R.
| Feature | Storm S6R V1 | Storm S6R V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Resolution | 640×512 | 640×512 |
| Thermal Sensitivity | NETD under 20 mK | NETD under 15 mK |
| Image Processing | Previous-generation detector | New detector with RET |
| Base Magnification | 2× | 2.5× |
| Display | 0.39-inch 1024×768 OLED | 0.49-inch 1920×1080 AMOLED |
| Laser Rangefinder | 1,312 yards | 2,187 yards |
| Zeroing Adjustment | 0.69 inch at 100 yards | 0.45 inch at 100 yards |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Eye Relief | 48mm | 52mm |
| Eyepiece | Previous-generation design | Upgraded distortion-resistant viewing |
| LRF Position | Right side | Left side for improved bolt clearance |
| Picatinny Mount | Lower and shorter | Raised and extended QD mount |
| Rifle Compatibility | Primarily AR-oriented | Improved AR and bolt-action compatibility |
| Weight | Approximately 1 pound | 1.16 pounds |
The V2 is slightly larger and heavier than the original Storm S6R, but it remains remarkably compact for a 640 thermal scope with an integrated laser rangefinder.
New 640×512 Sub-15 mK Thermal Sensor
The Storm S6R V2 uses a new 640×512 VOx uncooled thermal detector with a 12-micron pixel pitch, 50 Hz refresh rate and NETD rating below 15 mK.
The original S6R was already a strong compact thermal, but its detector was rated below 20 mK. The lower sub-15 mK rating allows the V2 sensor to detect smaller temperature differences between the animal and its surroundings.
That improvement becomes especially valuable during:
- Warm and humid nights
- Fog, mist and light rain
- Rapid temperature changes
- Hunting around crops and heavy vegetation
- Low-contrast backgrounds
- Early morning and late evening conditions
- Situations where animal and ground temperatures are similar
The higher thermal sensitivity helps reveal body shape, legs, ears and other identifying details that can become difficult to distinguish when thermal conditions deteriorate.
RET Resolution Enhancement Technology
RIX equips the Storm S6R V2 with RET Resolution Enhancement Technology. RET applies additional image processing when using 2× or higher digital zoom to improve perceived detail and help reduce the image degradation commonly associated with electronic magnification.
This does not change the scope’s native 640×512 sensor resolution, but it can provide a cleaner, more usable image when magnification is needed for smaller or more distant targets.
That makes RET particularly useful for coyote hunters who may need additional magnification for positive identification or precise shot placement across larger fields.
35mm F/1.0 Lens with 2.5× Base Magnification
The 35mm F/1.0 objective lens gives the S6R V2 a useful balance between field of view, target detail and optical magnification.
The V2 starts at 2.5× base magnification, compared with 2× on the original S6R. Digital zoom ranges from 1× to 4×, creating a total magnification range of 2.5× to 10×.
At its base magnification, the S6R V2 provides a 12.5° × 7.7° field of view, covering approximately 21.9 × 13.5 yards at 100 yards.
That field of view is wide enough to follow groups of moving hogs, scan field edges and maintain situational awareness while still providing enough base magnification for coyotes and smaller targets.
The rated thermal detection range is up to 1,969 yards under favorable conditions. Actual identification and shooting distance will depend on the target, weather, terrain and environmental conditions.
Upgraded 2,187-Yard Laser Rangefinder
One of the biggest improvements to the RIX Storm S6R V2 is its new integrated laser rangefinder.
Maximum advertised ranging distance increases from 1,312 yards on the original S6R to 2,187 yards on the V2. Measurement accuracy is rated at approximately 1.09 yards.
RIX also added improved sensitivity and weather-optimized algorithms intended to provide more dependable ranging in rain, fog and challenging atmospheric conditions.
The laser rangefinder can operate in continuous-ranging mode, allowing the displayed distance to update as the target moves.
The new 2,187-yard rating represents the maximum laser measurement capability. Actual ranging distance will depend on weather, target size, angle and surface reflectivity.
Built-In Ballistic Calculator
The onboard ballistic calculator works with the integrated laser rangefinder to provide a calculated aiming point based on target distance and the shooter’s saved ballistic data.
Ballistic information is configured through the RIX+ mobile app. Shooters can enter the required firearm, ammunition and environmental information and then save it to one of five available zeroing profiles.
This allows the Storm S6R V2 to store independent settings for:
- Different rifles
- Different ammunition loads
- Supersonic and subsonic ammunition
- Suppressed and unsuppressed configurations
- Multiple zero distances
The integrated attitude system can display both pitch and roll angle. Pitch information helps the ballistic calculator account for uphill or downhill shots, while the roll indicator helps the shooter identify rifle cant before taking a longer shot.
Finer Zeroing Adjustment
The Storm S6R V2 provides a finer 0.45-inch adjustment at 100 yards, compared with approximately 0.69 inch on the original S6R.
That smaller adjustment value allows the shooter to make more precise corrections during the zeroing process.
The scope also includes a Freeze Zero function. After the first shot, the shooter can freeze the thermal image and move the secondary zeroing reticle from the original point of aim to the actual point of impact without holding the rifle perfectly still.
This can simplify the sight-in process and reduce the amount of ammunition required to establish a precise zero.
Larger 1920×1080 AMOLED Display
The original S6R used a 0.39-inch 1024×768 OLED display. The Storm S6R V2 upgrades to a larger 0.49-inch 1920×1080 AMOLED display.
This delivers:
- Higher display resolution
- Improved reticle visibility
- Better contrast
- Sharper perceived detail
- A larger and more comfortable viewing area
- A more refined overall sight picture
The display does not increase the thermal sensor’s native resolution, but it allows the shooter to see the information produced by the 640 detector with greater clarity.
Redesigned Eyepiece with 52mm Eye Relief
RIX also redesigned the eyepiece and increased the eye relief to 52mm.
The upgraded optical system is intended to maintain a stable, consistent image when the shooter’s eye moves slightly away from the center of the eyepiece. This helps reduce distortion and makes it easier to establish a clear sight picture quickly.
The improvement should be especially useful when shooting from a standing tripod, moving between targets or using an unconventional shooting position where perfect head placement is difficult.
The diopter adjustment ranges from -5D to +5D.
Redesigned for AR and Bolt-Action Rifles
The V2 uses a raised and extended quick-detach Picatinny mount that provides more fore-and-aft adjustment than the original Storm mount.
This gives shooters additional flexibility when establishing proper eye relief and positioning the controls where they are easiest to reach.
RIX also moved the laser rangefinder module from the right side of the scope to the left. The new position creates additional clearance around a bolt-action rifle’s action and bolt handle.
These changes make the Storm S6R V2 a more flexible option for:
- AR-15 and AR-10 platforms
- Traditional bolt-action hunting rifles
- Compact rifles
- Tripod-mounted hunting rifles
- Rifles with limited available rail space
The battery-cover locking position has also been changed for easier access when the scope is mounted on an AR-style rifle.
Compact 640 Thermal Scope
The RIX Storm S6R V2 measures only 6.4 × 2.9 × 2.6 inches and weighs approximately 1.16 pounds without an external battery.
That is exceptionally compact for a 640×512 thermal scope containing both a laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator.
The smaller design helps maintain the rifle’s balance and reduces the amount of weight sitting above the receiver. This is especially noticeable when carrying the rifle between stands, hunting from a tripod or tracking multiple hogs through the scope.
Thermal Scope and Handheld Monocular
The Storm S6R V2 can also be removed from the rifle and used as a handheld thermal monocular.
Its compact size and included quick-detach mount make it possible to scan by hand and then return the scope to the rifle. This gives hunters a practical two-in-one option when they do not want to carry a separate thermal scanner.
A dedicated thermal monocular remains the preferred choice for constant scanning, but the S6R V2 provides valuable flexibility as a backup scanner or compact all-in-one thermal system.
Replaceable 18650 Battery System
The Storm S6R V2 operates on one replaceable 18650 rechargeable battery and has a rated runtime of approximately four hours at 72°F.
Two rechargeable 18650 batteries and a battery charger are included. This allows one battery to remain in the scope while the second stays charged and ready for a quick field replacement.
The scope also supports a 5V USB-C external power source for extended operating time.
Actual battery life will vary based on temperature, Wi-Fi, recording, display settings and other operating conditions.
Recoil-Activated Video and 64 GB Storage
Internal storage has been doubled from 32 GB on the original S6R to 64 GB on the Storm S6R V2.
Photos and videos are recorded at 1744×1072 resolution in JPG and MP4 formats.
When Recoil-Activated Video is enabled, the scope automatically saves footage from approximately 10 seconds before the shot through 30 seconds after the shot. This allows the hunter to capture the entire encounter without remembering to begin recording manually.
The S6R V2 also includes Recoil-to-Zoom. When enabled, the scope can automatically change to a preset digital magnification after the shot, helping the hunter evaluate the animal’s reaction or make a more precise follow-up shot.
Independent Picture-in-Picture Magnification
The Picture-in-Picture window can be magnified independently from the main thermal image.
This allows the hunter to maintain the full 2.5× field of view on the main screen while applying additional magnification only to the aiming window.
The result is a closer view of the target without completely sacrificing awareness of nearby animals or the surrounding terrain.
Six Thermal Color Palettes
The Storm S6R V2 provides six thermal color palettes:
- White Hot
- Black Hot
- Red Hot
- Red Monochrome
- Green Monochrome
- Full Color
White Hot and Black Hot provide familiar high-contrast hunting views. Red Hot helps highlight the warmest objects during rapid scanning, while Green Monochrome is designed to reduce eye strain during extended nighttime observation.
Sun and Rain Weather Modes
The S6R V2 includes two weather-based image-processing modes.
Sun Mode is optimized for clear, dry conditions and emphasizes background texture, object outlines and fine detail.
Rain Mode is designed for humidity, mist and rain. It adjusts thermal contrast and noise reduction to help prevent the image from becoming washed out when atmospheric moisture reduces thermal separation.
This is an important feature for hunters in Georgia and across the Southeast, where humidity can significantly affect thermal image quality.
RIX+ Mobile App
Connecting the Storm S6R V2 to the RIX+ app provides access to additional functions and customization.
App features include:
- Live thermal streaming
- Remote control
- Photo and video management
- Ballistic profile configuration
- Custom reticle design
- Reticle color and style settings
- LRF icon customization
- Ballistic impact-point customization
- Screen brightness and contrast settings
- Weather mode selection
- Recoil-Activated Video settings
- Wi-Fi name and password changes
- Firmware updates
The scope includes nine reticle styles. Styles one through four are static reticles, while styles five through nine are smart or scalable reticles. Reticle number nine can be customized through the RIX+ app.
Built for Real Hunting Conditions
The RIX Optics Storm S6R V2 carries an IP67 protection rating and an operating temperature range of -4°F to 122°F.
It is rated to withstand recoil up to 1,000 g or 6,000 joules when properly mounted.
Every Storm S6R V2 is backed by RIX Optics’ five-year manufacturer warranty.
Who Should Buy the RIX Storm S6R V2?
The Storm S6R V2 is an excellent choice for:
- Hog hunters needing a wider field of view
- Coyote hunters wanting 640-resolution target detail
- Hunters frequently dealing with humidity and poor thermal conditions
- Shooters wanting an integrated LRF and ballistic calculator
- Hunters using AR or bolt-action rifles
- Shooters who prefer a compact thermal scope
- Hunters upgrading from a 256 or 384 thermal
- Anyone wanting premium 640 performance without a large, heavy optic
Its 2.5× base magnification makes the S6R V2 a versatile choice for woods, pastures, crop fields and mixed hunting terrain.
