The 2 Iray Rico RL25s I have used are poor. Swapped the 1st out for a new unit and it doesn't hold zero either. The software/algorithm is poor. I am convinced it is the processing delay described by others above.
The flaring issue is very bad too no matter what settings you use. I know it isn't just a bad unit or two for me because fortunately owners on the IRAY facebook group posted similar experiences.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1005615346926548/
Vegard Svihus's posts show several examples of the same thing I experienced with a different IRAY unit. Thor-Magne Klingen and Barış Taşdelen say they have the same issue. Go look at the pics, they clearly show the issues Iray thermal scopes have.
Bottom line, the specs might be comparable to other manufacturers but the IRAY software/algo in the 2 units I had struggled in anything but an open field. A lot of review vids are in open fields and don't show the products used in the woods or anything comparable. Add a tree or two and the IRAY software lights everything up. Not all of us hunt or scout in wide open fields.
The form factor, 18650 batteries, and overall design are very good. Unfortunately the software side is lacking. Iray may be pushing the limits on hardware/cores but I am convinced they are behind on the processing side. At this point, I am extremely disappointed I wasted thousands of dollars on the RL25 as it is essentially unusable anywhere but in wide open fields. Even then it won't hold zero so can only be used to scan.
If IRAY can update their firmware/software to correct the flaring and zero problems then the story changes. We will see but right now I am not optimistic because the initial responses I've seen in the owner's group fail to address the product problems. James Hu (the self-described "Technical Support Engineer of Infiray") replied to those guys with this..."how ahout the price?" when discussing the IRAY's poor performance vs the pulsar. Instead of dealing with the flaring issue the "TECHNICAL SUPPORT ENGINEER" basically said our stuff is cheaper so you get what you pay for. That is the response. You can't make this stuff up. It is right there on the facebook IRAY owners link I provided above.
At this point, I wish somebody had warned me before I wasted my money. If future firmware fixes the IRAY issues I will revise my remarks.
On a side note, the customer service from IRAY USA is excellent! But my understanding is IRAY USA is different than the parent INFIRAY company. IRAY USA was quick to respond and tried to solve the issue with a quick swap. They did the exchange in the short time promised by their warranty. Unfortunately I fear the issues are beyond IRAY USA's ability to solve, but who knows.... maybe they have enough sway to get these issues fixed. One can always hope.
