The RIX Stride ST3 Lite Thermal Monocular is an exceptionally compact and lightweight thermal imager designed for both handheld observation and helmet-mounted thermal imaging.
Built around a highly sensitive 384×288, 12μm thermal sensor with <20mK NETD, the Stride ST3 Lite combines detailed thermal imaging with true 1× base magnification, an exceptionally wide 17.5° field of view and an ultra-lightweight 190g design.
This combination makes the RIX Stride ST3 Lite particularly effective for users who need maximum situational awareness rather than high optical magnification. Use it as a conventional pocket-sized handheld thermal monocular for rapid scanning and observation, or integrate it with a compatible helmet mounting system to create a lightweight hands-free thermal imaging setup.
Ideal for wildlife observation, deer management, search operations, security and professional thermal observation, the Stride ST3 Lite provides an extremely versatile approach to portable thermal imaging.
Handheld Thermal Monocular
At just 190 grams, the RIX Stride ST3 Lite is exceptionally easy to carry and operate as a handheld thermal monocular.
Its compact 120 × 71 × 47mm dimensions allow it to fit comfortably in a pocket or equipment pouch, making it an excellent thermal spotter for users who want capable thermal imaging without carrying a larger conventional monocular.
The 1× base magnification and wide field of view are particularly useful when rapidly scanning woodland, fields and other environments where locating a heat source quickly is more important than starting with high magnification.
Once a heat source has been located, 1–6× digital zoom can be used for a closer look.
Helmet Mounted Thermal Imaging
Where the RIX Stride ST3 Lite becomes particularly interesting is its suitability for helmet-mounted thermal imaging.
The combination of true 1× magnification, wide 17.5° field of view and exceptionally low 190g weight makes the ST3 Lite naturally suited to hands-free thermal observation when paired with a compatible helmet mounting system.
Rather than repeatedly raising and lowering a handheld thermal monocular, a helmet-mounted setup allows thermal imagery to remain immediately available while keeping both hands free.
For professional users, search teams, wildlife managers and others who may spend extended periods observing or moving through an area after dark, this can provide a highly practical alternative to conventional handheld-only thermal imaging.
True 1× Magnification
The 1× optical magnification is a key part of the Stride ST3 Lite's design.
Many conventional thermal monoculars begin at 2×, 3× or greater magnification. While useful for observing distant animals, increased base magnification also narrows the field of view.
The Stride ST3 Lite takes the opposite approach.
Its 1× starting magnification provides a much wider view of the surrounding environment, making it easier to navigate the thermal scene, rapidly locate heat sources and maintain awareness of what is happening around you.
This characteristic is especially valuable when the ST3 Lite is used as a helmet-mounted thermal monocular.
Extra-Wide 17.5° Field of View
The Stride ST3 Lite provides an impressive 17.5° × 13.1° field of view, equivalent to approximately 30.7 × 23 metres at 100 metres.
That means a considerable area can be viewed through the thermal imager without continually moving the device from side to side.
For woodland deer management, wildlife observation, search operations and helmet-mounted use, this wide field of view provides excellent situational awareness and makes locating nearby heat sources considerably easier.
384×288 12μm Thermal Sensor
At the heart of the RIX Stride ST3 Lite thermal monocular is a 384×288 VOx thermal sensor with a 12μm pixel pitch.
The detector provides detailed thermal imagery while allowing the complete device to remain extremely compact.
With <20mK NETD thermal sensitivity, the sensor can distinguish very small temperature differences within the scene, helping reveal animals, people and other heat sources against their surroundings when thermal contrast is reduced.
15mm F1.0 Germanium Lens
A compact 15mm F1.0 germanium objective lens complements the ST3 Lite's wide-angle thermal sensor.
The short 15mm focal length helps produce the Stride's exceptionally wide field of view, while the fast F1.0 aperture allows thermal energy to reach the detector efficiently.
Despite being optimised for wide-field observation, the Stride ST3 Lite still provides a quoted thermal detection range of up to 780 metres.
Smooth 50Hz Thermal Imaging
The Stride ST3 Lite operates at a 50Hz refresh rate, producing smooth thermal imagery when scanning or observing moving animals and people.
This becomes particularly important during helmet-mounted operation, where the thermal image needs to respond naturally as the user's head moves and the direction of observation changes.
1024×768 OLED Display
Thermal imagery is presented through a high-resolution 1024×768 OLED display, providing a clear viewing interface for the thermal image and device functions.
Users can also select from six thermal colour palettes, allowing the display to be adapted to different environments and observation requirements.
Ultra-Lightweight 190g Design
Weight matters considerably when a thermal monocular is carried for long periods — and even more so when it is mounted to a helmet.
At just 190g, the RIX Stride ST3 Lite adds remarkably little weight compared with larger conventional thermal imaging devices.
Its lightweight construction helps reduce unnecessary bulk during handheld use while making it particularly attractive for users building a compact helmet-mounted thermal imaging system.
Replaceable 18650 Battery
The RIX Stride ST3 Lite uses a readily available, replaceable 18650 rechargeable lithium battery.
Runtime is rated at approximately 4 hours, while the replaceable battery system means spare batteries can easily be carried and exchanged in the field.
This is particularly useful for extended night-time observation where waiting for an internally mounted battery to recharge isn't practical.
External 5V USB Type-C power is also supported.
Thermal Photo & Video Recording
With 32GB of internal memory, the Stride ST3 Lite can capture thermal photographs and video directly through the monocular.
Images and footage can be recorded at 1024×768 resolution, allowing wildlife encounters, searches and other thermal observations to be documented.
Built-in Wi-Fi and compatibility with the RIX+ app provide additional connectivity with compatible smartphones.
Built for Field Use
Despite weighing just 190g, the RIX Stride ST3 Lite thermal imager carries an IP67 protection rating, helping protect it against water, dust and demanding outdoor conditions.
With an operating temperature range from -20°C to +50°C, the Stride ST3 Lite is designed for year-round field use.
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