Night Vision RH25v2 vs. UTM-X

[Gasgun]

I planning on picking up a thermal clip on in the next few months.

I’ve been looking at the RH25v2. I see that used UTM-X are selling for not much more than the Infiray.

Does anyone have time behind both of these? How do they compare? Or do they?

I’m concerned mostly with IQ and detection range. Which one supports more mag?

Any other factors to consider to help make the choice?

I’m aware that the UTM is 10 years old and has no warranty support, but maybe it’s less likely to need it?

 

[Lowdown3]

We have new RH25V2s in stock, call for Sniper Hide prices.
912.375.1480

 

[2Twenty3]

I believe that while the UTM-X is a superior unit to the RH25V2, it's not worth the risk IMO. Technology has come a long way, and so have the Chinese when it comes to copying BAE's work and their 640 sensor they are putting in all these new units. I think that you should look at thermal optics from a long-term standpoint. InfiRay has excellent warranty service with a 5-year commitment from them. So you're really set for the next 5 years no matter what happens with it. I understand that you could go with a UTM-X and may not have to send it in at all, but that is highly dependent on several factors... including how much it's been used, and if it's been sent in for any warranty work while it was still covered. A 10-year-old Oasys with a 5-year-old BAE core with something like 20 hours or so on it, vs a brand new RH25V2 would be a tough call to make. But there is a reason why guys are letting their UTM's go for that price, and that's because it is a very risky unit to field after the warranty is no longer valid. You could buy it for 5k, use it twice and then be forced to drop another 5k in it to have her rebuilt, plus an unreasonably long wait time until it gets back to you (most likely). By that time, you could've picked up a POT Vudoo-S or an Andres TigIR here for about the same money. At the end of the day, it really depends on what you're comfortable with IF the worst-case scenario were to unfold. To me, I think that peace of mind is the most important factor when it comes to investing in this hobby. Buy once, cry once... or buy nice, buy twice. If you really want the best of both worlds, I'd wait just a little while longer for the N-Vision clip-on to release. I really have high hopes that unit is going to be the new gold standard going forward for us normal boys. But if you have to have something right now, i'd go for the RH25V2, it's definitely not a bad unit whatsoever. If you want a real man's opinion, get in touch with @TheHorta, for he really is the man when it comes to this type of debate.

 

[Gasgun]

Good points to consider.
I’m not in a hurry to purchase. I’ve got a NOX 35 that I’m very happy with.
I’m just looking for some more flexibility as far as being able to move it from one gun to another.
The Nvision clip on looks interesting. I look forward to more information about it.
It may be overkill for my application. I live Coastal PNW, lots of dense forest. 300 yards is a long shot here.

 

[Evolution 9]

I have time behind both. If you were just wanting it for handheld scanning they’re similar. As a clip-on, there isn’t much comparison.

UTM-X wins hands down, and by a long way.

Military tough vs China toy

Actual collimation vs sight in for each gun

BAE core STILL beats all others at making the live critters stand out and giving the eyes/brain an image thats easy to interpret

Way better mounting system

Magnification support for day scope blows the china toy away. I’ve used it at 20x but most would say 10 is the comfortable top end

Not. Even. Comparable.

Now… as you’re aware, there’s not much help if it fails, so while there’s no comparison between the two, the trade offs are worth it to some people to get a china toy with a warranty. Definitely an important factor to consider.

 

[CrazyDoc]

Actual collimation vs sight in for each gun

Way better mounting system

Depending on which eye piece it has, yes collimated. Or like most people do, paint pen, hope, and not really collimated?

Same mounting system if you want, so not really a legit down side.

The only real upside is the internal shutter the RH has. It's like using a SkeetIR X side by side with the RH. While the image is better with the SkeetIR X, I'd take the RH just because I don't have to close a damn cap every 5 minutes going up and down 50-100ft elevation changes into and out of swamps causing temp changes that degrade the image quickly. Seriously, it drives me nuts. I absolutely prefer the RH just because of that one feature.

That said, the UTM X does do the thing really well and obviously handles more mag which is always a perk. If I could pick one up for less than the RH, it would be worth getting another just to have another loaner "clip on" for taking guests out.

 

[Crany06]

For you guys using the RH25 as a scanner, how far away can you pick up a coyote, on average?