The 30mm tube of VX-R is needed for the circuitry of the illumination.
If you need/want illumination, I'd go that route. Otherwise, I'd go with the better glass and lighter weight of the VX-3.
what he said. I own two vxrs and would not get them again unless you are doing late and early hunting (predator & pig). I suspect the vxr may be a vx2 grade optic so consider vx2's also.
I do like my vxrs a lot though.
