Description
RIX Stride ST6
The RIX Stride ST6 is thermal imaging monocular that features amazing clarity and comes in at a VERY reasonable price in order to get you out into the darkness quickly. This helmet-mountable, 640 core unit is great for dual band systems in order to help identify potential targets quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I buy a RIX Stride ST6?
In short, the RIX Stride ST6 is an incredibly capable unit that comes in at an extremely reasonable price. In comparison to many thermal monocular units on the market, this unit is very competitive. The 4 things that set it apart is the resolution, price, detection range, and zoom.
Resolution
If you’re in need of very high resolution thermal monocular, the ST6 is probably for you. It features 640×512 core resolution, 12 micron sensor. When it comes to thermal, having the ability to easily identify potential targets is crucial. The 640 core sensor allows you to see much more detail than you could with a 384 core sensor.
Price
One of the biggest considerations for potential buyers would be price. As you already know, the world of thermal and night vision has a high barrier of entry… but it doesn’t have to be so high. The RIX Stride ST6 comes in at around $3,000 with a lot of similar features that many $4,000+ units have. If you want a high-quality, potent unit that doesn’t cost 4k+… the ST6 might be for you.
Detection Range
The ST6 has a detection range of 1,969 yards (1,800 meters) which is slightly above average compared to similar units. Enough said.
Zoom
Digital zoom in the thermal realm can be useful in certain situations. Digitally zooming in decreases picture quality (hence why it’s only helpful in certain situations) but it can help you pin-point something you think you see in the distance. The ST6 features a 1-6x digital zoom which is more than the typical 1-4x digital zoom in thermal monoculars.
Where can helmet-mounted thermal be used?
Helmet-mounted thermal can be used in a wide variety of scenarios. Thermal gives you the unique ability to identify anything emitting heat whether it is pitch black, sunny, rainy or any other condition. That being said, thermal is critical to have in your kit for any scenario. We personally run Helmet-mounted thermal a lot for predator hunting and any other night activities. We typically recommend people to work towards a dual band system (PVS-14 or some flavor of Night Vision + thermal) so they can navigate (night vision) at night as well as quickly identify (thermal).
Kaleb (verified owner) –
First time purchasing a thermal. I am satisfied and have zero buyer’s remorse for the price tag. My woods came to life at night with this and I intend to take it to a MSW event soon. I put it on a PGD ARCH helmet with a wilcox g24. It mounts well, but needs a counterweight to avoid adjusting the helmet every now and then. I can see the foot prints of people and animals for a time when I use it in the house. The Arkayne team was very friendly and well informed on thermals & NV. Their Youtube channel played a big part in my choice and their site has a better description of this thermal than competitors. I plan on using Arkayne when I get the funds to buy NV as well. To someone who has never used a device like this, I want to remind you that you are viewing a screen inside a tube. It is a different feeling than the video the device records, but your brain adapts so you don’t notice it. 5/5 product and company.
Justin Kramer (verified owner) –
Another fantastic experience with the Arkayne Team. Ethan goes above and beyond when trying to determine your needs in a system. I don’t have much run time on the unit thus far, but customer service alone makes consumer confidence high.
Gman (verified owner) –
First time owning anything Thermal, especially one on a helmet paired with NV. So that being said any first time buyers like myself having decision making issue this unit right here is pretty badass!! And if you haven’t gotten schooled yet, or clueless, speak with Ethan, he is sharp, patient, and will have you up to par quick! No offense to others companies but ARKAYNE OPTICS is where your money should go if you want 360° quality and supperb customer service! ! 5 Stars all day!
gcbraden72 (verified owner) –
Before rating the RIX Stride ST6 I would like to shout out to Arkayne for a professional website the way a picture is painted for every item that I have looked at, and gave opinions from personal use and getting to the honest point so users new to Night Vision and Thermal can decide easier on making purchases versus winging it and throwing money out the window.
Now on to the Stride ST6!! Being about as new to this stuff as anyone could possible be I had spoken to a few other companies and almost went with one until this thing called Timing landed me on a phone call with Ethan after dropping an email about products. That one phone call contained alot of questions I am sure get annoying but Ethans professionalism shined, we went back and forth, changed my mind a few times and within no time made my purchases with high confidence that this device paired with the NV unit I purchased would be a perfect dual band fit for me. So far I have spent 1-2 hrs a night getting acclimated, climbing uneven terrain, going through brush, scouting around and this STRIDE ST6 is a No Brainer. I have never looked through another thermal unit prior to this one and let me say, for anyone scratching their head on what route to go personally I would look no further, this lil unit is a Beast! So for anyone out here looking and stuck in a Decision Hole go for it you won’t be disappointed one bit. Lastly, Cudo’s to the crew at Arkayne, especially Ethan for his selfess long hours of educating and bringing me up to speed in no time! Train, Train, Train, Practice, Practice, Practice! Nuff Said!