ZeroTech have expanded their Thrive HD line with the addition of the new 1-8×24 Thrive HD LPVO. For those unfamiliar, LPVO stands for Low Power Variable Optic and their commonly used for hunting, competition and tactical use. Previously the only other LPVO on offer from ZeroTech was the 1-6×24 Vengeance. I just picked up this scope and thought I would share the differences between the two and my initial thoughts on the Thrive HD now that I have it out of the box and on the rifle.
Choosing an LPVO depends a lot on your own goals, preferences, and budget. I needed an LPVO for a .223 with a 16.5” barrel and for distances out to around 300-400m. I prioritise glass and durability in my scopes, so I look for optical clarity and build quality for an LPVO. I have some friends who want the lightest setups they can get and opt for smaller magnifications like a 1-6 or 1-4 so they can keep the weight down. The appeal for me however is the 1-8x magnification range, bright illuminated crosshair and the large eyebox on 1x magnification.
1-6×24 Vengeance Vs 1-8×24 Thrive HD
I borrowed my mates ZeroTech 1-6×24 Vengeance that he runs on his .223 so I could compare the two. The first difference is the price point, with the Vengeance coming in at $549 and the Thrive HD at $699. So what can this scope do that the Vengeance cant? Firstly, you are getting a higher magnification range, from 1-6 on the Vengeance to 1-8 on the Thrive HD. A rule I use for LPVO’s is basically you need 2x magnification per 100 meters for hard to spot targets. So, if I’m looking at making a shot at 400 meters on a low contrast target, I’m going to want 8x magnification.
Looking through both I can see there’s also an improvement on glass quality with the Thrive HD delivering a slightly sharper image. I found the eyebox on the Thrive HD is better also. There’s a larger field of view on the Thrive HD, with 41.6m at 100m compared to 30.7m on the Vengeance. Eye relief on the Thrive HD is listed as 91 to 100mm compared to 100mm on the Vengeance.
There’s also a difference in reticles between the two with the RAR MOA reticle in the Vengeance having an illuminated circle around the crosshair and a lot of hashmarks on the vertical and horizontal stadia lines. The Thrive HD has two reticle options, the PHR4 & G4. I opted for the PHR4 which has as simple point and shoot design which will suit my .223 well. The G4 reticle is an even simpler duplex style featuring a floating dot, more on the reticles further below.
Overall, there’s a difference between the two especially in the glass and build. The Thrive HD is noticeably a little better quality than the Vengeance which you would expect given the extra $150 difference between them.
Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO)
So why use an LPVO? These scopes are the kind of the Swiss Army knives of the shooting world, great for anything from close quarters to mid range. LPVO’s can give you a good field of view at low magnification also. This can make it easier to spot targets faster.
Crank up the zoom, and you’ve got a better view for those longer shots. Whether you’re in a comp or hunting, LPVOs are a versatile scope that come in a compact package.
Construction and Quality
I’m not disappointed with the overall fit and finish of the scope, straight out of the box there’s a fair bit included. There’s an adjustment tool, mag throw lever, lens cloth, reticle guide and card with a QR code to the scopes manual. They even throw in some stickers.
No need to worry about rain as it’s IPX7 rated, meaning its waterproof, so it’ll hold up to bad weather. Mounting is simple thanks to the 30mm maintube. I used a set of Warne Scope Mounts and locked it into place. The magnification throw is smooth, and the turrets feel good, with positive, tactile clicks that don’t feel mushy.
It also comes with scope caps, which is a nice bonus since many companies charge extra for a set and its usually an added expense I have to budget in when buying a scope. Built from 7075-T6 aluminum and weighing 624g, it’s a tough, well balanced LPVO that doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to my rifle. ZeroTech’s strength is on show here with solid value for the price.
Optical Clarity
For an LPVO, I want good clarity in the glass and its one of my must haves. The ZeroTech Thrive HD does a respectable job here and it was the one feature you cant really be sure of without getting behind it. With a 24mm objective lens, light transmission can be tough, especially in low light conditions, but the multi coated lenses used in it help get the most out of the scope and reduce glare.
I am keen to get this on the range for some comprehensive tests but so far the contrast and resolution look good, with a crisp sight picture that holds up well from 1x through to the max magnification of 8x. The eyebox is forgiving at lower power, and tightens up as you increase magnification. Overall my initial observations looking through the glass its clear, sharp, and performs well.
Reticle
In LPVO’s I prefer a point and shoot reticle, where ill be doing minor holdovers if needed rather than dialing up on the scope. The reticle I chose on the Thrive HD is the PHR4. Its a very straightforward reticle with some hashmarks to help when pushing out past the 300m range.
One thing I wanted to be sure on is if the reticle was going to be usable at 1x magnification. It looks good so far with the thick outer lines on the reticle helping to quickly get a good sight picture, perfect for the hunting ill be doing in the scrub. For my .223 I just need to hold center and squeeze the trigger under 200m. Past that I have some spots to hold 1 MOA and 5 MOA.
The center crosshair and floating dot are also Illuminated, so if its early morning or late afternoon ill have a better view of the reticle.
Turrets
I tend to use the reticle for holdovers rather than dialing in LPVO’s but when you are spending the cash you want to make sure you are getting good value. The elevation turret is located on top and has a total range of 90 MOA of elevation. The windage turret on the right side also has a total range of 90 MOA adjustment. So there’s plenty of room for dialing up.
The turrets are capped, meaning there is a screwed on cap over the top of the turret. Once removed changes can be made to the elevation and windage. Capped turrets are common on hunting focused scopes as it prevents your zero from changing out in the field. The illumination button is located on the left hand side, pressing it cycles through the brightness levels. You can change out the battery by unscrewing the cap.
Overall Thoughts
The ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-8×24 looks to deliver the value that I have come to know from ZeroTech. Its packing good features at a great price. It sits in a nice price bracket in the LPVO world offering good glass, two reticle options, and a wide magnification range, while staying far more affordable than the high end options.
I like its build quality, smooth magnification throw with the included throw lever, turret adjustment range, and the choice of reticles. For me it looks like its going to do what I need, being a versatile, durable LPVO without breaking the bank. The PHR4 reticle, illuminated center, and solid eyebox at 1x make it well suited for hunting in the scrub out west or at the range for a plinking session.
If you are looking at LPVO’s for hunting, comps, or just need a reliable optic for your rifle, this scope offers up some good features at an attractive price. I am heading to the range soon to sight it in and give it a run so check back soon to see how it goes.
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