WAVE ETHOS E3 vs. E6 LRF: New 384 and 640 Thermal Scopes Explained

WAVE Infrared has introduced a new thermal riflescope platform for hunters who want modern thermal imaging without giving up the familiar position and handling of a traditional scope.

The new WAVE ETHOS series launches with two models: the WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF 384 thermal rifle scope and the WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF 640 thermal rifle scope.

Both use a traditional 30mm tube, a 44mm X-WAVE objective lens, sub-18mK thermal sensitivity, an integrated 1,300-yard laser rangefinder and onboard ballistic calculation. The real decision is whether the E3's lower price and higher 3.5x starting magnification or the E6's 640 resolution and wider 2.5x view better match the way you hunt.

Quick Answer: What Is the WAVE ETHOS Series?

The WAVE ETHOS series is a new family of traditional tube-style thermal rifle scopes with integrated laser rangefinding and ballistic calculation. The ETHOS E3 uses a 384×288 sensor with 3.5x base magnification. The ETHOS E6 uses a 640×512 sensor with a wider 2.5x starting view and more image detail.

Choose the ETHOS E3 if you hunt primarily across fields and pastures at common hog and predator distances and want strong 384 performance without paying for resolution you may not need.

Choose the ETHOS E6 if you want cleaner identification detail, more usable digital magnification and a considerably wider field of view for mixed terrain, moving animals and closer encounters.

WAVE ETHOS E3 vs. E6 LRF Specifications

Manufacturer detection and rangefinder figures are maximum ratings, not recommended shooting distances. Pricing and availability can change; visit each product page for current information.

What the ETHOS E3 and E6 Have in Common

The two ETHOS scopes share almost the entire physical platform and feature set. The meaningful differences are sensor resolution, base magnification, field of view, detection rating and price.

Traditional 30mm Tube Design

Unlike a compact thermal weapon sight, the ETHOS uses a traditional 30mm scope tube. This lets the optic sit in a familiar riflescope position and allows ring height and placement to be adjusted around the rifle, rail and shooter's preferred cheek weld.

This configuration makes sense for AR-platform rifles, bolt-action hunting rifles and dedicated predator rifles. The current manufacturer specification sheets do not confirm that rings or a mount are included, so compatible 30mm rings should be planned as part of the rifle setup.

Sub-18mK Thermal Sensitivity

Both models use WAVE's MicroTherm 18 sensor technology with a listed NETD below 18mK. NETD measures how well a thermal sensor distinguishes small temperature differences. A lower number can help preserve animal-to-background separation in humidity, warm weather, fog and other low-contrast conditions.

Resolution still matters, but sensitivity can be just as important when the weather becomes difficult. Read our guide to understanding NETD in thermal scopes for a deeper explanation.

DeadEye Laser Rangefinder and Ballistic Calculation

Both ETHOS models include WAVE's integrated DeadEye Laser system. The Class 1 rangefinder is rated for a maximum expected distance of 1,300 yards on reflective targets. Actual ranging distance on animals will depend on target size, reflectivity, weather and atmospheric conditions.

Onboard ballistic calculation and up to five saved gun profiles help make the measured distance more useful when changing range affects the shot. Exact distance can be difficult to judge through a thermal image, particularly across open fields, crop ground and unfamiliar properties.

ViewMax Display and Image Controls

The E3 and E6 use a 1600×1200 ViewMax display with adjustable brightness. Both also provide:

• Rapid or smooth digital magnification
• Picture-in-picture viewing
• Hot tracking
• Outline mode
• Six thermal color palettes
• Nine reticle designs plus a no-reticle option
• Front- or second-focal-plane reticle behavior
• Five saved gun profiles

Recording and Wi-Fi

Both models support photo, video and optional audio recording. Recoil-activated recording can capture the shot automatically, while Recoil Activated Zoom Reduction can reduce magnification during recoil. Wi-Fi and onboard media viewing and deletion are also included.

Field-Swappable Battery Power

Each ETHOS runs on one protected 26650 battery and can accept an optionally sleeved 18650 battery. WAVE lists approximately 10 hours of expected runtime. Actual battery life will vary with temperature, recording, Wi-Fi, display brightness and battery condition.

WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF: Best Value for Typical Hunting Distances

The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF uses a 384×288 sensor, 3.5x base magnification and a 44mm objective lens. WAVE lists a 2,000-yard detection range and a 395-foot field of view at 1,000 yards.

The E3's higher starting magnification gives it a tighter, more target-focused image than the E6. That makes it a practical choice for hunting fields, pastures, crop ground and senderos where animals are normally encountered at moderate distances.

Who Should Choose the ETHOS E3?

• Hog and predator hunters working typical field distances
• Coyote hunters who prefer more base magnification
• Buyers who want integrated LRF and ballistics at the lower ETHOS price
• Hunters who prefer traditional 30mm scope mounting
• Ranchers and landowners managing predators around fields and livestock
• Buyers who do not need the added detail or wider view of a 640 sensor

Who Should Skip the ETHOS E3?

The E3 is not the better choice if you regularly need cleaner identification at longer distances, use digital magnification heavily or hunt close cover where a wider starting field of view would make target acquisition easier. Those are the situations where the E6 earns its additional cost.

WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF: More Detail and a Much Wider View

The WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF steps up to a 640×512 sensor while retaining the same 44mm lens, 13-inch length and 36-ounce listed weight.

Its most important advantage is not only resolution. The E6 starts at 2.5x and provides a manufacturer-rated field of view of 670 feet at 1,000 yards—275 feet wider than the E3.

That wider view can make it easier to locate animals after bringing the rifle up, follow moving hogs, maintain awareness around multiple animals and transition between closer and farther targets. The 640 sensor then provides more image information as magnification increases.

Who Should Choose the ETHOS E6?

• Hunters who want 640-class identification detail
• Hog hunters working feeders, fields, timber edges and mixed terrain
• Coyote hunters who want a wider starting view for locating moving targets
• Buyers who use digital magnification and want more detail retained while zooming
• Hunters who encounter both close and intermediate-distance shots
• Buyers who want one versatile 640 scope rather than a long-range-only setup

Who Should Skip the ETHOS E6?

The E6 may be more scope than necessary if nearly every shot is at a predictable distance and a quality 384 sensor already provides enough identification detail. It is also not the lightest WAVE option, and long-range-first hunters may prefer a scope with higher base magnification and a larger 50mm or 60mm lens.

384 vs. 640: Is the ETHOS E6 Worth the Upgrade?

The E6 is worth the additional cost when its two primary advantages solve real problems for you:

1. You need more identification detail. The 640×512 sensor contains substantially more detector pixels than the E3's 384×288 sensor. That provides cleaner target edges and more usable detail as digital magnification increases.
2. You need a wider field of view. The E6 starts at 2.5x and provides a 670-foot view at 1,000 yards. The E3 starts at 3.5x with a 395-foot view.

If you hunt open fields from a fixed position and most animals appear at moderate distances, the E3's 3.5x starting magnification may be the more efficient choice. If you hunt mixed terrain, follow moving animals or regularly need better identification confidence, the E6 is the stronger all-around optic.

For a broader explanation of sensor tiers, read our comparison of 384 vs. 640 vs. 1280 thermal resolution.

Which WAVE ETHOS Scope Should You Buy?

How ETHOS Fits Into the WAVE Infrared Lineup

The ETHOS series sits between WAVE's established traditional ATRIS scopes and its compact Tempest thermal sights.

• Choose ETHOS when you want traditional 30mm mounting, integrated LRF, ballistic calculation and a shared choice between 384 and 640 sensors.
• Choose ATRIS when you prefer a traditional scope and want to compare LRF and non-LRF configurations.
• Choose Tempest when compact size, lower weight and a weapon-sight-style body matter more than traditional scope-ring mounting.

You can compare the entire WAVE Infrared thermal scope collection or browse all thermal rifle scopes for hog and coyote hunting.

WAVE ETHOS Frequently Asked Questions

What is the WAVE ETHOS thermal scope series?

The WAVE ETHOS series consists of traditional 30mm tube-style thermal rifle scopes with sub-18mK sensitivity, a 44mm lens, integrated 1,300-yard laser rangefinder, ballistic calculation, recording and approximately 10 hours of expected runtime.

What is the difference between the ETHOS E3 and E6?

The E3 uses a 384×288 sensor with 3.5x base magnification and a 395-foot field of view. The E6 uses a 640×512 sensor with 2.5x base magnification and a much wider 670-foot field of view.

Is the ETHOS E3 good for hog and coyote hunting?

Yes. The E3's 384 sensor, sub-18mK sensitivity, 44mm lens and 3.5x base magnification are well suited to common hog and predator distances across fields, pastures, crop ground and senderos.

Is the ETHOS E6 only for long-range hunting?

No. Although the E6 provides more identification detail and a longer manufacturer-rated detection range, its 2.5x base magnification and wide field of view also make it especially useful around feeders, timber edges, moving animals and mixed terrain.

How far can the ETHOS laser rangefinder work?

WAVE rates the Class 1 laser rangefinder for a maximum expected distance of 1,300 yards on reflective targets. Actual performance on animals will vary with target size, reflectivity, weather and atmospheric conditions.

Does the WAVE ETHOS have a ballistic calculator?

Yes. Both the E3 and E6 include onboard ballistic calculation and support up to five saved gun profiles.

Do the ETHOS scopes include a mount?

WAVE's current specification sheets do not confirm that rings or a mount are included. Both scopes use a 30mm tube intended for compatible 30mm scope rings. Ring height must be selected for the rifle, rail, objective clearance and desired cheek weld.

What batteries do the ETHOS scopes use?

Both models use one protected 26650 battery and can accept an optionally sleeved 18650 battery. WAVE lists approximately 10 hours of expected runtime.

Can the ETHOS scopes record hunts?

Yes. Both support photo, video and optional audio recording, recoil-activated recording, Wi-Fi and onboard media viewing and deletion.

Are WAVE ETHOS scopes waterproof?

Both scopes carry an IP67 waterproof rating and a 6,000-joule recoil rating.

What warranty comes with the WAVE ETHOS?

WAVE lists a five-year transferable warranty for both ETHOS models.

Should I buy the ETHOS E3 or E6?

Choose the E3 if a quality 384 sensor, 3.5x base magnification and lower purchase price fit your normal hunting distances. Choose the E6 if you need 640-class detail, a wider field of view or better image retention while using digital magnification.

Shop the New WAVE ETHOS Series

The ETHOS series gives WAVE buyers a straightforward decision: choose the E3 for practical 384 performance and more starting magnification, or step up to the E6 for 640 detail and a significantly wider view.

• Shop the WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF 384 Thermal Rifle Scope
• Shop the WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF 640 Thermal Rifle Scope

If you are still comparing the ETHOS series with ATRIS, Tempest or another thermal scope, read the Thermal Bros thermal scope buying guide or call 866-464-4461. Tell us what you hunt, your normal distance, terrain and rifle setup, and we will help you choose the right optic without pushing you into more scope than you need.