Quantum Leap: Nocpix Raises the Bar with the new Rico 2 s75R Thermal Riflescope

Rico 2 S75r Specs

For years, the 640x480 sensor sat atop the civilian thermal hierarchy. It was a real upgrade from the 384x288 sensors, providing much sharper images at longer distances than the 384.

“The RICO 2 S75R 1280x1024 sensor has four times the resolution of 640 devices, with 1,310,720 pixels,” says Matthew Farris, product line manager for Nocpix, which is distributed exclusively by iRay USA. “This equals better detail, increased image quality, and now combined with a 3X base magnification, this thermal has an impressive 4,250-yard detection range.”

The S75R sensor is 1,280 pixels by 1,024 pixels, resulting in the 1.31 million pixels referenced by Farris. Compare that to a 640 sensor, with 640 pixels by 480 pixels, for a total of 307,000. That is a quantum leap, the result of which is superior detail and much sharper images—attributes that are especially important when a target is several hundred yards away. At these distances, a lower-grade sensor can make a target blurry or even non-recognizable. The RICO 2 S75R also features an integrated 1,200-yard-capable laser rangefinder, a 60z refresh rate, and increased sensitivity to an impressive ≤15 mK.

Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) measures a sensor's ability to detect small temperature differences. An NETD below 25 is considered very good. At ≤15 mK, the S75R’s NETD is simply outstanding, allowing it to shine in low-contrast scenarios where an object and its background have similar temperatures. So, consider this scenario: a warm-bodied wild Texas hog standing in front of a rocky slope that’s been absorbing 95-degree sun all day. A thermal with a weak NETD might not be able to differentiate that pig from the hot rocks behind it.

At the rear of the unit is an ultra-high contrast 2560×2560 AMOLED HD display. Coming in at slightly over one inch across, the display offers an unprecedented 2.75 inches of eye relief. This distance will not only provide extended use without eye strain, but it will also help keep the end of the scope out of the shooter’s face when pulling the trigger on magnum calibers like  a .300 Win. Mag.

More Features

For super-clear images, the RICO 2 S75R uses Nocpix’s Advanced Image Correction and Automatic Image Optimization via the unit’s Reality+ processor. That very large 75mm/F1.0 objective lens allows for greater magnification compared to thermals with smaller objectives. With the optic’s 3X base magnification and 10X digital zoom, the unit will identify targets at many hundreds of yards. 

Digital zoom magnification is standard with many thermals. That zoom function usually requires a press of a button to get the zoom to jump up to the next setting. A thermal unit I recently tested had a zoom that stepped up from 3.5X to 7X to 10.5X to 14X. It worked. But what if an 8X setting was precisely what was needed? Out of luck.

The S75R has a better option: a “step-less” LPVO-style zoom lever. Magnification is fine-tuned rapidly and seamlessly for precision engagement at any distance.

RICO 2 Battery Tech

To run all this tech, the RICO 2 riflescope comes with two long-lasting and rechargeable lithium-ion IBP-5 battery packs. Each pack allows for up to five hours of operation.

The IBP-5 battery packs use a cam-locking mechanism to secure the packs into the side of the thermal. The mechanisms also ensure quick and secure battery changes in the field.

The packs are recharged with the included battery charger. Using the USB/USB-C cable, the charger connects to an included 5V–2A USB power adapter. Charging can also be accomplished through any standard USB 3.0 port on a laptop or computer.
The thermal also offers a unique Magnetic Charging Port at the left rear of the housing. To use this, the magnetic charging cable (included) connects to the port. The USB end of that cable connects to the 5V–2A USB power adapter, any standard USB 3.0 port on a laptop or computer, or an external power supply such as a USB power bank. There is one more charging option: remove the top of the magnetic charging port to reveal a USB-C port beneath. Charge on!

The Pro Night Hunter

With a SRP of $7,999, the RICO 2 S75R isn’t a likely buy for the casual or newbie night hunter. “This unit is designed for the serious, professional night hunter who demands the absolute best in performance and features,” Farris says. “Once footage from the unit begins to show up online, customers will be able to see how high quality the thermal resolution is and why the unit is a premium optic.”

Field-testing by iRay USA employees confirms the unit’s ability to home in on long-distance targets with unusual clarity. Farris is one of those field testers, and he took a coyote at 450 yards. Such long-range shots are even easier to achieve given the built-in laser rangefinder and the on-board ballistics capability to determine a shooting solution.

Media Blitz

To help retailers sell this premium optic, the the RICO 2 S75R is experiencing a media blitz. Posts and videos are regularly showing up on the iRay Instagram (@iray_usa) and Nocpix Instagram (@nocpix.usa) accounts, both Facebook pages, as well as the iRay USA YouTube channel (YouTube.com/@iRayUSA). Social media influencers are also using the scopes, and many night hunting social media groups are running S75R video clips. All this exposure will help drive customers to iRay dealers.

The company likes to say that the RICO series of scopes allows a user to “hunt beyond boundaries.” Believe it.

Sidebar: A Newer Thermal Line

Nocpix USA (nocpixusa.com) is a new thermal line imported and distributed by iRay USA. In addition to the RICO 2, Nocpix offers hunters and other consumers a thermal binocular, three lines each of thermal handhelds and thermal riflescopes, and the MT thermal Dome Camera that mounts atop a vehicle.

Interested retailers can stock Nocpix units either directly from the company or through distribution. To explore becoming a dealer, check out irayusa.com/become-a-dealer/.

Because Nocpix units are distributed in the United States by iRay USA, these thermals boast one of the very best warranties in the industry at five years. And Nocpix dealers have access to a full array of in-store help from the company that includes sales staff education. Co-op ad funding and sales staff incentive programs are also possible.