Wilcox RAID Xe (Quick View)
| Best For | Night Vision Rifle Setups, Civilian Training, Tactical Shooters, Precision Aiming Under NODs |
| Laser Class | Class 1 Eye-Safe IR Laser + Visible Red/Green Laser + IR Illuminator |
| Mounting | Tool-Free MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Mount (Recoil-Rated) |
| Key Feature | Multi-Laser System with IR Pointer, IR Illuminator & Visible Laser in Ultra-Rugged Housing |
Suppose you’re searching for a civilian-legal multi-laser system that delivers elite-level night vision performance without breaking legal boundaries or your bank account. In that case, the Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power stands in a class of its own. Unlike consumer-grade IR tools that compromise on build or beam quality, the RAID-Xe offers a true Class 1 IR pointer, dedicated IR illuminator, and visible red or green laser — all in a battle-tested housing trusted by professionals worldwide.
Where most entry-level or even mid-range IR devices feel like compromises, the RAID-Xe brings real-world military design and precision into the civilian space. The eye-safe IR laser is crisp and holds zero reliably under recoil. At the same time, the built-in illuminator gives you controlled flood for passive aiming under night vision — no need for an extra DBAL or helmet light to get a functional IR setup.
Mounting is fast and rock solid thanks to the tool-free Picatinny interface, and activation is streamlined with onboard controls plus compatibility with popular remote switches like the Wilcox ERGOCTO and Unity ModButton. Whether you’re running a dedicated night vision rifle or building out a high-end training rig, the RAID-Xe Low Power is one of the most capable and future-proof Class 1 units available today.
At Voodoo Firearms, we’ve seen countless shooters frustrated with cheap lasers that lose zero, bloom under night vision, or simply don’t survive hard use. The Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power solves all of that with clean beam geometry, intuitive controls, and unmatched durability. If you’re serious about training, home defense, or night ops, this is your next-level upgrade — and one you’ll never regret.
📜 Quick Navigation
RAID-Xe Low Power vs High Power – What’s the Difference?
Wilcox manufactures two main variants of the RAID-Xe aiming laser: Low Power and High Power. While they may look identical externally, they differ significantly in beam output, intended use, and legal accessibility.
| Feature | RAID-Xe Low Power (Civilian) | RAID-Xe High Power (MIL/LE) |
|---|---|---|
| IR Laser Output | Class 1 (<0.7mW – Eye-Safe) | Class 3B (>50mW – Restricted) |
| IR Illuminator | Lower Intensity Flood with Adjustable Focus | Blindingly Bright IR Illuminator with Extended Throw |
| Visibility Range | 100m+ Under Gen 3 NODs | 600m+ Beam Range Under NODs |
| Legal Status | ✅ Civilian-Legal / Available for Commercial Sale | ❌ ITAR-Restricted / Military & Law Enforcement Only |
| Intended Use | Civilian Night Vision Users, Trainers, Prepared Citizens | Military Combat Use, Direct Action, Tier 1 NVG Operations |
Why is the High Power version restricted? Devices exceeding Class 1 IR output levels are considered unsafe for unregulated use and fall under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). This means the RAID-Xe High Power is legally treated as a military-grade weapon component and cannot be sold to civilians.
On the other hand, the RAID-Xe Low Power stays under the 0.7mW IR laser threshold, making it fully legal for civilian ownership. You still get professional-tier durability, beam alignment, and modular controls, just without the excessive irradiance that can damage vision or violate export controls.
Bottom line: Unless you’re active-duty MIL/LE and have access to restricted gear, the Low Power RAID-Xe is your best — and only — legal option. And it’s still one of the most advanced Class 1 IR laser units on the market today.
Wilcox RAID-Xe (Low Power) Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Laser Type | Class 1 Eye-Safe IR Laser + Visible Red or Green Laser (Model Dependent) |
| White Light | ❌ No – Laser System Only (No Integrated White Light) |
| IR Illuminator | ✅ Yes – Focusable IR Illuminator with Adjustable Divergence |
| Housing Material | Rugged 6061-T6 Aluminum with MIL-SPEC Hardcoat Anodizing |
| Mounting | Tool-Free MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Interface (Recoil-Rated) |
| Activation | Onboard Fire Button + Remote Port (Compatible with Wilcox ERGOCTO, ModButton, etc.) |
| Battery | 1× CR123A Lithium Battery |
| Battery Life | ~10 Hours (Dual Laser Use) / ~20+ Hours (IR Pointer Only) |
| Laser Visibility | IR: 100m+ Under Gen 3 NODs / VIS: Daylight Visible up to 25m |
| Adjustments | Tool-Free Windage & Elevation for All Beams |
| Weight | 11.3 oz (320 g) with Battery |
| Dimensions | 4.0″ × 2.8″ × 1.4″ |
| Water Resistance | IP67 – Submersible to 1 Meter for 30 Minutes |
| Operating Temperature | -40°F to +149°F (-40°C to +65°C) |
| MSRP | $2,499.99 |
| Best Use Case | NVG Rifle Builds, Tactical Training, MIL/LE Simulations, Home Defense with NODs |
🆚 Comparison Table: Wilcox RAID-Xe vs ATPIAL-C vs DBAL-A3
| Feature | Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power | L3 ATPIAL-C (Full Review) | Steiner DBAL-A3 Civilian (Full Review) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Class 1 IR + Visible Red/Green (Model Dependent) | Class 1 IR + Visible Red Laser | Class 1 IR + Visible Red Laser |
| IR Illuminator | ✅ Yes – Adjustable IR Flood | ❌ No – IR pointer only | ✅ Yes – Fixed IR Illuminator |
| White Light | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Night Vision Compatible? | ✅ Yes – Full IR functionality under NODs | ✅ Yes – IR pointer compatible | ✅ Yes – Dual-beam for night ops |
| Mount Type | Tool-Free Picatinny Clamp (Recoil-Rated) | Thumb-screw Picatinny mount | Auto-locking Picatinny mount |
| Activation | Top Fire Button + Remote Port | Fire Button + Remote Port | Dual-Mode Fire Button + Remote Port |
| Battery Type | 1× CR123A | 1× CR123A | 1× CR123A |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hrs (IR pointer only) | ~6 hrs (IR only) | ~8 hrs (IR only) |
| Housing Material | 6061-T6 Aluminum (MIL-SPEC Anodized) | Polymer/Aluminum Hybrid | 7075-T6 Aluminum |
| Adjustments | Tool-Free Windage & Elevation | Flathead Tool Required | Tool-Based with Click Feedback |
| Daylight Visible? | ✅ Yes – VIS Laser Daylight Visible | ✅ Yes – VIS Laser Visible | ✅ Yes – Red Laser Visible |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 – 1m for 30 mins | IP65 – Dustproof & Splash Resistant | IP68 – Waterproof / Fully Submersible |
| Weight | 11.3 oz (with battery) | 7.5 oz (with battery) | 12.5 oz (with battery) |
| Size (L×W×H) | 4.0″ × 2.8″ × 1.4″ | 4.6″ × 2.8″ × 1.6″ | 4.3″ × 2.8″ × 1.75″ |
| MSRP | $2,499.99 | $2,299.00 | $2,495.00 |
| Best Use Case | High-End NVG Rifle Builds, Tactical Night Training | General Civilian NV Use, Range Training | Dual Beam Entry-Level NVG Setups |
| Buy Link | 🔗 Check Price | 🔗 Check Price | 🔗 Check Price |
🛡️ Why We Recommend the Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power
- 💥 Combat-Tier Beam Performance – Class 1 IR pointer + fully adjustable IR illuminator offers precision flood control for CQB and distance, with perfect alignment between all beams for zeroed performance under nods.
- 💥 Mission-Ready Controls – Includes a tactile fire button and remote port compatible with Unity ModButton, Wilcox ERGOCTO, and other top-tier controllers — built for active use on real rifles.
- 💥 Uncompromising Build Quality – Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and sealed to IP67 spec, the RAID-Xe survives harsh recoil, weather, and night drills with zero shift or failure points.
- 💥 Best Civilian-Legal Setup – Delivers true MIL-spec form and function while staying fully Class 1 compliant and ITAR-legal — no clone parts, no compromises.
Bottom line: The Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power is hands-down the best full-featured IR laser + illuminator system you can legally buy. Built like Tier 1 gear, optimized for NODs, and trusted by professionals — it’s the ultimate upgrade for serious night vision shooters.
Wilcox RAID-Xe Review
Key Features:
- Integrated IR Laser + Adjustable Illuminator – Combines a Class 1 eye-safe IR pointer and fully adjustable IR flood in a compact, zero-retaining chassis. Ideal for rifle setups under night vision.
- Remote & Manual Fire Control – Offers a top-mounted fire button and rear port compatible with Unity, ModButton, and Wilcox ERGOCTO tape switches for mission-ready activation options.
- Military-Grade Durability – CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and sealed to IP67 specs, the RAID-Xe shrugs off recoil, rain, dirt, and daily hard use with zero compromise.
- Laser-Coaligned Beam Geometry – All beams (IR pointer, illuminator, visible laser) are factory-coaligned and adjustable, offering surgical precision for CQB or passive aiming under dual-tube NODs.
- Trusted Wilcox Engineering – Made by one of the most respected names in military optics and mounts. Fielded globally by special operations and now available in a civilian-legal Class 1 variant.
- Civilian-Legal, Tier 1 Performance – Offers a true MIL-grade experience for night vision shooters without violating ITAR laws. If you’re serious about nighttime capability, this is the upgrade path.
Most IR lasers claim to be “night vision capable,” but under nods, many show their flaws — weak Class 1 beams, poor alignment, or unusable spill. The Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power skips the marketing fluff and delivers a true dual-laser platform with co-aligned IR pointer and adjustable illuminator. Built to military standards and now available for civilian purchase, it gives serious shooters pro-level function in a legal, reliable, and compact footprint.
Whether you’re building a professional-grade NVG rifle, outfitting a home defense setup with IR capability, or upgrading from entry-level lasers, the RAID-Xe Low Power stands above anything else in its class. It’s not cheap, but it’s the only Class 1 aiming solution that performs like its high-power, ITAR-restricted cousin.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we like and dislike about the Wilcox RAID-Xe:
✅ Pros
- Full-Spectrum IR Capability – Includes both a Class 1 IR aiming laser and a fully adjustable IR illuminator with focus control for CQB or mid-range use under NODs.
- Battle-Proven Construction – Built from 6061-T6 aluminum, IP67 sealed, and designed to survive recoil, weather, and real-world field conditions.
- Tool-Free Beam Adjustments – Offers intuitive, zero-retaining windage and elevation dials for both the IR pointer and illuminator — no tools needed.
- Compatible with ModButton & Tape Switches – Top fire button + rear remote port supports modern laser controls like Unity Hot Button and Wilcox ERGOCTO.
- Best-in-Class for Civilians – Offers professional-tier IR performance without breaking ITAR rules, making it the most capable civilian-legal aiming laser available.
❌ Cons
- High Cost – At ~$2,500 MSRP, the RAID-Xe Low Power isn’t budget-friendly, despite justifying the price with performance.
- Heavier Than Pistol Lasers – At over 11 oz with battery, it’s best suited for rifles and will overwhelm most handguns or micro platforms.
- No White Light Integration – You’ll need a separate weapon light to run PID in visible light — this is strictly an IR/laser unit.
Is the Wilcox RAID-Xe Worth It?
Yes — if you want the most capable civilian-legal IR laser + illuminator on the market.
The Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power brings true military-grade laser technology to the civilian world — with a Class 1 eye-safe IR pointer, fully adjustable IR flood, and co-aligned visible laser in one compact, bombproof unit. While it doesn’t include a white light, it delivers exceptional passive aiming and illumination performance for night vision shooters who want serious, professional-grade tools.
It won’t fit everyone’s budget, but it will outperform everything else that’s legally available to civilians — including the ATPIAL-C and DBAL-A3 — in terms of beam quality, alignment, and rugged field use. If you’re building a rifle for home defense under NODS, force-on-force training, or real-world readiness, this is a buy-once, cry-once upgrade.
If you’re committed to mastering night vision and want gear that won’t hold you back, the RAID-Xe Low Power is absolutely worth it — and stands alone at the top of the civilian market.
What Sets the Wilcox RAID-Xe Apart?
The Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power isn’t trying to be budget-friendly — it’s engineered to be the most capable, reliable, and professionally spec’d civilian-legal IR aiming system available today. Where other Class 1 lasers compromise on durability, beam clarity, or illuminator strength, the RAID-Xe delivers a true multi-laser package with military lineage and zero fluff.
Unlike entry-level units that force you to choose between an IR pointer or a flood, the RAID-Xe includes both — co-aligned, tool-free adjustable, and field-proven. You also get an optional visible laser for daylight use, along with a rear port compatible with real-world tape switches used by law enforcement and special operations alike.
This is not a toy. It’s a combat-rated laser housing built for rifle use under night vision, engineered from 6061-T6 aluminum, sealed to IP67, and designed to stay zeroed through recoil, drops, and environmental abuse.
The biggest advantage? You’re getting MAWL-like functionality and DBAL-level build quality — in a Class 1, fully civilian-legal package. No ITAR headaches. No clone parts. Just a bombproof laser system trusted by professionals — now available to you.
Personal Experience
We’ve run the Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power extensively on suppressed 10.3″ SBRs, 14.5″ pinned rifles, and NVG-ready home defense carbines — always paired with Gen 3 dual-tube night vision and SureFire or Modlite visible lights. Compared to other Class 1 units, the RAID-Xe stands out immediately for its beam clarity, precision alignment, and sheer durability.
The IR pointer stayed dead-on through recoil, sling abuse, and full days of range work. The adjustable IR illuminator offered usable spill out to 100+ meters, especially when dialed in for flooded CQB interiors or tight outdoor lanes.
The fire button was responsive with gloves, and pairing it with a Unity ModButton gave us full tape switch control with zero lag or bounce. Unlike budget lasers, we never experienced flickering, bloom, or point-of-impact shift — even after hard drops or suppressed mag dumps.
Simply put: no weird zero shifts, no guesswork, and no “training-only” limitations. The RAID-Xe Low Power gave us professional-grade performance without the paperwork, and it’s earned a permanent spot on our dedicated NV rifle setup.
It’s ideal for:
- Dedicated NVG Rifle Builds – The RAID-Xe is purpose-built for full-size carbines and SBRs used with dual-tube night vision. It’s ideal for users who need professional-grade IR aiming and illumination with zero compromise.
- Home Defense Under NODs – For serious preparedness, the RAID-Xe delivers clean IR pointers and a tunable illuminator that performs indoors, in hallways, and across large residential yards without blooming or splash.
- Force-on-Force & Tactical Training – Whether you’re running low-light classes or advanced NVG courses, the RAID-Xe’s rugged construction and consistent beam alignment ensure confidence during reps, reloads, and reps under pressure.
- Tier 1 Performance for Civilians – If you want MIL-level hardware without breaking ITAR laws, the RAID-Xe is unmatched. No clones. No shortcuts. Just elite-level IR capability now legally available to the public.
Why We Like It:
The Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power is in a league of its own — a professional-grade IR aiming system that gives civilians access to the same form factor and controls trusted by elite military units. It’s rugged, precise, and built to run hard in night vision conditions — with fully adjustable IR illumination, a co-aligned Class 1 IR pointer, and visible laser all in one bombproof housing.
What makes it stand out:
- Adjustable IR Illuminator – Unlike fixed-beam systems, the RAID-Xe lets you dial in your IR flood for CQB, outdoor lanes, or mid-range passive PID under nods.
- Tool-Free Windage & Elevation – Co-aligned lasers with field-adjustable turrets make zeroing fast, intuitive, and repeatable — no screwdriver required.
- Mission-Ready Build – Machined 6061-T6 housing, IP67 waterproofing, and ModButton-compatible controls make this a trusted tool for serious night vision shooters.
- Civilian Legal, Zero Compromise – You’re getting a full-featured, MIL-tier laser/illuminator that stays Class 1 compliant and ITAR-free — a rare combo at any price point.
If you’re running a real NVG setup and need a laser system that won’t hold you back — the Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power is the top choice. It’s built to last, performs like restricted gear, and offers unmatched beam control and durability. Ideal for dedicated night vision rifles, home defense setups under nods, or professional training platforms, the RAID-Xe gives you operational-level functionality with full legal compliance.
Wilcox RAID-Xe Setup & Zeroing
Mounting and zeroing the Wilcox RAID-Xe is straightforward, but extracting peak performance requires thoughtful rail placement, flood adjustment, and IR pointer alignment — especially when running dual tubes for passive aiming. This isn’t a plug-and-play budget laser — it’s a tuned system that rewards precision setup and serious training time.
Here’s how to get it set up right:
- Mounting Placement – The RAID-Xe uses a tool-free locking clamp for standard MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails. Mount it as far forward as your setup allows to minimize barrel shadow and maximize IR flood coverage. Left- or right-side mounting at 3 or 9 o’clock works best with support-hand tape switch integration.
- IR Laser Zeroing – Zero your IR laser at night using dual-tube NODs. 36 yards is ideal for most AR platforms. Co-alignment with the visible laser makes daytime rough zeroing possible — finish under nods for precision.
- IR Illuminator Use – Rotate the front bezel to adjust flood width. Wider settings are perfect for CQB and structures, while tight focus provides throw for longer outdoor lanes. Remember: this is one of the only Class 1 lasers with a real, adjustable IR flood.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair the RAID-Xe with a Unity ModButton or Wilcox ERGOCTO switch for remote activation. For white light, run a SureFire or Modlite on the opposite side — this unit focuses purely on IR aiming and illumination. Also, keep a fresh CR123A battery on hand for winter use — cold temps reduce runtime slightly.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy?
If you’re building a serious night vision–capable rifle and want the best civilian-legal IR system on the market, the Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power is it. You’re getting military-grade precision, adjustability, and beam clarity — without crossing the ITAR line or relying on clone-tier gear.
It’s not cheap, but neither is replacing broken optics or trusting your life to weak lasers. The RAID-Xe delivers real-world capability trusted by professionals, with zero corners cut and every feature built to perform in hard-use environments.
Whether you’re preparing for low-light defense, high-level NV training, or just want the best legal gear you can buy, the RAID-Xe is a no-compromise solution that outclasses every other Class 1 unit on the market.
| Best For | Night Vision Rifle Setups, Civilian Training, Tactical Shooters, Precision Aiming Under NODs |
| Laser Class | Class 1 Eye-Safe IR Laser + Visible Red/Green Laser + IR Illuminator |
| Mounting | Tool-Free MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Mount (Recoil-Rated) |
| Key Feature | Multi-Laser System with IR Pointer, IR Illuminator & Visible Laser in Ultra-Rugged Housing |
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❓ FAQ – Wilcox RAID-Xe Laser Questions
Q: How does the Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power activate?
A: The RAID-Xe features a top-mounted fire button for manual activation and a rear remote port compatible with standard tape switches like the Unity ModButton, Wilcox ERGOCTO, and other common laser control systems. The mode selector toggle allows you to switch between IR pointer, IR illuminator, visible laser, or combinations depending on your mission profile.
🔥 Tactical Insight: Most users assign IR-only activation to the remote pad and keep VIS laser control manual to avoid white light or signature errors under nods.
Q: Is it hard to mount the RAID-Xe on a rifle?
A: Not at all. The Wilcox RAID-Xe Low Power uses a tool-free Picatinny clamp that locks down tightly on any standard 1913 rail. It offers a low-profile, rock-solid interface that won’t loosen under recoil or sling tension.
🛠️ Pro Tip: Mount the unit as far forward as possible to reduce barrel shadow when using the IR flood. Side rail positions (3 or 9 o’clock) work well when running a white light on the opposite side.
Q: Does the RAID-Xe include a visible laser?
A: Yes. The RAID-Xe Low Power is available with either a red or green visible laser in addition to the IR pointer and IR illuminator. The visible laser is co-aligned with the IR beam and is daylight-visible for training, zeroing, or daylight applications.
🎯 Bonus Tip: Zero your visible laser in daylight at 36 yards, then confirm your IR laser under nods — they’re precisely aligned, which makes the process faster and more ammo-efficient.
Q: What battery does the RAID-Xe use, and how long does it last?
A: The RAID-Xe runs on a single CR123A lithium battery. Runtime varies by mode: ~20 hours for IR pointer only, and ~10–12 hours with dual-beam use. Using the IR illuminator at full power will reduce battery life faster.
🔋 Real-World Insight: Always carry spare batteries for extended range sessions or cold-weather conditions. The IR illuminator draws the most power and should be managed accordingly.
Q: Is the RAID-Xe Low Power durable enough for duty or hard use?
A: Absolutely. The RAID-Xe is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, sealed to IP67, and designed to survive recoil, drops, and harsh environmental abuse. It’s built to military specs and is used in training environments by professionals who demand zero failure.
💪 Hard Use Insight: Whether on a suppressed SBR or a duty carbine, the RAID-Xe Low Power holds zero, resists shift, and performs flawlessly. It’s the closest civilian-legal unit to MIL-grade lasers like the MAWL or full-power RAID-X.
Written by the Voodoo Firearms Team
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