Which WAVE Thermal Scope Should You Buy? ATRIS vs. ETHOS vs. Tempest

WAVE Infrared now offers three distinct thermal riflescope platforms: ATRIS, ETHOS and Tempest. All three are built around sensitive thermal sensors, field-swappable batteries and WAVE's five-year transferable warranty, but they are designed for different hunters.

ATRIS models use a traditional tube-style design and keep the buying decision simple. ETHOS adds integrated laser rangefinding and ballistic calculation to a traditional 30mm scope platform. Tempest moves those features into a shorter, lighter thermal weapon sight with an included quick-disconnect mount.

This guide compares every WAVE thermal scope currently available from Thermal Bros and explains which model makes sense for different hunting distances, terrain and budgets.

Quick Answer: Which WAVE Thermal Scope Is Best?

For most buyers, the WAVE lineup comes down to three recommendations:

• Best value: The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF combines a sensitive 384 sensor, 44mm lens, integrated rangefinder and ballistic calculation for $1,999.
• Best all-around WAVE scope: The WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF adds 640 resolution and a wide 2.5x starting view for $2,999.
• Best premium mixed-terrain scope: The WAVE Tempest 660D LRF switches between a wide 20mm lens and a long-range 60mm lens.

Choose ATRIS if you prefer a traditional scope and do not need integrated rangefinding. Choose ETHOS if you want traditional 30mm scope handling with LRF and ballistics. Choose Tempest if you prioritize compact size, an included QD mount and faster weapon-sight-style handling.

All WAVE Thermal Scopes Compared

Prices and availability can change. Visit the individual product pages for current information. Manufacturer detection and rangefinder ratings are not recommended shooting distances.

Understanding the Three WAVE Scope Families

WAVE ATRIS: Traditional and Straightforward

ATRIS is WAVE's traditional thermal riflescope family. These scopes mount like conventional optics and are designed for buyers who prefer familiar positioning, simple controls and a tube-style body.

The ATRIS lineup includes a lower-cost 384 scope, a non-LRF 640 scope and a premium 640 LRF configuration.

Choose ATRIS when:

• You prefer traditional riflescope handling
• You do not necessarily need an integrated rangefinder
• You want a larger 50mm lens on a 640 scope
• You value a simple, purpose-built nighttime rifle setup

WAVE ETHOS: Traditional Handling With Modern LRF Features

ETHOS keeps the familiar 30mm tube design but adds integrated laser ranging, ballistic calculation, a 1600×1200 ViewMax display and WAVE's newer control and image-management features.

The ETHOS series offers the cleanest 384-versus-640 decision in the lineup. Both models use the same 44mm lens, body dimensions, rangefinder, battery system and general feature set.

Choose ETHOS when:

• You want a traditional 30mm tube with integrated LRF
• You want to choose between 384 and 640 without changing platforms
• You need onboard ballistic calculation
• You want approximately 10 hours of expected runtime
• You prefer adjustable ring placement over an integrated QD mount

WAVE Tempest: Compact, Lightweight and Fully Equipped

Tempest models use a shorter thermal weapon-sight-style body with an included premium QD mount. They combine thermal imaging, laser rangefinding and ballistic calculation in a more compact package than ATRIS or ETHOS.

The Tempest family includes a compact 384, a 50mm 640 and a premium dual-lens 640 that covers both close and longer distances.

Choose Tempest when:

• Keeping the rifle shorter and lighter matters
• You want an included QD mount
• You want LRF and ballistic support built in
• You prefer joystick controls and a compact thermal-sight body
• You need long battery life and field-swappable 18650 batteries

WAVE ATRIS Model Comparison

WAVE ATRIS 335: Best Low-Cost WAVE Scope

The WAVE ATRIS 335 is the least expensive WAVE rifle scope currently offered by Thermal Bros. It combines a 384×288 sensor, sub-18mK sensitivity, a 35mm lens and 3.5x base magnification.

It does not include a laser rangefinder or ballistic calculator. That can be an advantage for buyers who hunt at predictable distances and do not want to pay for features they will rarely use.

Best for: Common hog and coyote distances, traditional-scope buyers and hunters who want the lowest-cost WAVE entry point.

Not ideal for: Hunters who need integrated ranging, compact dimensions or cleaner 640-class identification detail.

WAVE ATRIS 650 V2: Best WAVE 640 Without LRF

The WAVE ATRIS 650 V2 steps up to a 640×512 sensor, 50mm lens and 3x base magnification. It is the straightforward choice for hunters who want 640-class detail in a traditional tube scope but do not need an integrated rangefinder.

At $3,299, it sits above the ETHOS E6 even though the ETHOS includes LRF and ballistics. The ATRIS advantage is its larger 50mm lens and higher 3x starting magnification, which may better suit hunters focused on longer sightlines.

Best for: Open fields, longer identification distances and traditional-scope users who specifically do not need LRF.

Not ideal for: Buyers who want the widest field of view or the most features for the price.

WAVE ATRIS 650 LRF V2: Traditional 50mm Scope With LRF

The WAVE ATRIS 650 LRF V2 adds a 1,300-yard laser rangefinder and ballistic calculation to the 640-class ATRIS platform. Its 50mm lens and 3x base magnification favor open terrain and longer-distance predator work.

At $4,699, it is the most expensive WAVE scope in this comparison. Most buyers should compare it carefully with the ETHOS E6 and Tempest 650 before purchasing. The ATRIS makes sense when its traditional tube layout, 50mm lens and higher starting magnification are specific priorities.

Best for: Long-range-first hunters who want a traditional 50mm tube scope with built-in LRF.

Not ideal for: Value-focused buyers or hunters who need a wider close-range field of view.

WAVE ETHOS Model Comparison

WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF: Best Overall Value

The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF is arguably the strongest value in the current WAVE lineup. For $1,999, it combines a 384×288 sensor, sub-18mK sensitivity, 44mm lens, 1,300-yard Class 1 rangefinder, ballistic calculation and traditional 30mm mounting.

Its 3.5x base magnification and 395-foot field of view favor fields, pastures, crop ground and other areas where animals generally appear beyond extremely close range.

Best for: Hunters who want traditional scope handling, LRF and ballistics without paying for 640 resolution.

Not ideal for: Very close-range hunting, ultralight builds or heavy digital-zoom use.

WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF: Best All-Around WAVE Scope

The WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF combines a 640×512 sensor with a wide 2.5x base magnification and a 670-foot field of view at 1,000 yards.

This makes it more than a longer-range upgrade over the E3. It provides more identification detail while also making it easier to locate and track animals at closer distances. At $2,999, it is currently priced below the non-LRF ATRIS 650 and $500 below the compact Tempest 650.

Best for: Mixed terrain, moving hogs, feeders, field edges and buyers who want the most balanced WAVE combination of resolution, field of view, LRF and price.

Not ideal for: Ultralight rifles or long-range-only users who specifically want a 50mm or 60mm lens.

WAVE Tempest Model Comparison

WAVE Tempest 335 LRF: Best Compact 384 WAVE Scope

The WAVE Tempest 335 LRF measures approximately 7.4 inches long and weighs about 1.71 pounds. It combines a 384 sensor, 35mm lens, integrated LRF, ballistic calculation and premium QD mount in a compact package.

Its listed 16-plus-hour runtime is the longest in the current WAVE rifle-scope lineup. Compared with the ETHOS E3, the Tempest costs slightly more but is considerably shorter and includes its mounting system.

Best for: Mobile hunters, shorter rifles and buyers who want the smallest WAVE 384 LRF package.

Not ideal for: Buyers who prefer adjustable ring placement or need 640-class detail.

WAVE Tempest 650 LRF: Best Compact Long-Range 640

The WAVE Tempest 650 LRF combines a 640×512 sensor, 50mm lens, 3x base magnification, integrated rangefinder and ballistic calculation in an approximately eight-inch body.

It includes a premium QD mount, four 18650 batteries and a charging cradle. The 50mm lens and 3x starting magnification make it more long-range focused than the wider-view ETHOS E6.

Best for: Open fields, longer coyote stands and hunters who want a compact 640 with a 50mm lens.

Not ideal for: Buyers who want traditional rings or the widest possible starting view.

WAVE Tempest 660D LRF: Best Premium Mixed-Terrain Scope

The WAVE Tempest 660D LRF uses two objective lenses with one 640×512 sensor.

• The 20mm lens provides an extremely wide 1,170-foot field of view at 1,000 yards for close-range awareness and tracking.
• The 60mm lens provides approximately 3.4x base magnification for open fields and longer-distance target evaluation.

This is the only WAVE model that can fundamentally change its optical setup to match the situation. It includes LRF, ballistics, four batteries, a charger and premium QD mount.

Best for: Hunters who regularly move between close cover and open country and want one premium scope to handle both.

Not ideal for: Buyers who primarily hunt one predictable terrain type or would rarely use both lenses.

Which WAVE Scope Fits Your Hunting?

Should You Buy a 384 or 640 WAVE Scope?

A quality 384 thermal scope is enough for many hunters working common hog and predator distances. The ATRIS 335, ETHOS E3 and Tempest 335 all use sensitive 384×288 sensors and start at 3.5x magnification.

A 640 scope becomes easier to justify when you need:

• Cleaner target identification at longer distances
• More usable detail while digitally magnified
• Better separation between similar-sized animals
• More confidence before taking a shot
• A wider field of view without sacrificing image information

Do not automatically buy the higher-resolution model. Start with your actual terrain and shooting distance. Our guide to 384 vs. 640 vs. 1280 thermal resolution explains where each sensor tier makes sense.

Do You Need an Integrated Rangefinder?

An integrated laser rangefinder is worth paying for when distance regularly changes your hold, shot confidence or decision to shoot. It is especially valuable across crop ground, pastures, senderos and unfamiliar properties.

If most of your shots occur around the same feeder or fixed property location, a non-LRF ATRIS may be enough. If animals can appear anywhere from 75 to 400 yards, the ETHOS and Tempest models provide more useful ranging support.

Traditional Tube or Compact QD Scope?

Choose a traditional ATRIS or ETHOS when you want:

• Familiar riflescope positioning
• Adjustable ring placement
• More flexibility over mounting height
• A conventional scope-like appearance and feel

Choose a compact Tempest when you want:

• A shorter overall rifle setup
• Less weight forward of the receiver
• An included quick-disconnect mount
• Fast joystick-based controls
• A compact thermal weapon-sight format

WAVE Thermal Scope Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best WAVE thermal scope?

The ETHOS E6 is the best all-around WAVE scope for most buyers because it combines 640 resolution, a wide 2.5x field of view, integrated LRF, ballistic calculation and a $2,999 listed price. The right answer can change if compact size, higher base magnification or dual lenses matter more.

What is the most affordable WAVE thermal scope?

The ATRIS 335 is currently the least expensive WAVE rifle scope at $1,799. It uses a 384×288 sensor, 35mm lens and traditional tube-style body but does not include a rangefinder.

What is the difference between WAVE ATRIS and ETHOS?

ATRIS is WAVE's established traditional thermal riflescope line and includes LRF and non-LRF configurations. ETHOS uses a newer shared 30mm platform with integrated Class 1 LRF, ballistic calculation, a 1600×1200 display and a choice between 384 and 640 sensors.

What is the difference between WAVE ETHOS and Tempest?

ETHOS uses a traditional 30mm scope tube intended for compatible rings. Tempest uses a shorter thermal weapon-sight-style body and includes a QD mount. ETHOS favors traditional positioning, while Tempest favors compact handling.

Which WAVE scope is best for hog hunting?

The ETHOS E3 is a strong value for typical field and pasture distances. The ETHOS E6 is better when hogs may appear closer, move quickly or require more identification detail. The Tempest 660D is the premium choice for hunters regularly switching between close cover and open fields.

Which WAVE scope is best for coyote hunting?

The Tempest 650 is a strong compact choice for longer coyote stands because of its 640 sensor, 50mm lens and 3x base magnification. The ETHOS E6 is better if you want a wider view or traditional mounting.

Which WAVE scope has the widest field of view?

The Tempest 660D provides the widest view when using its 20mm lens, rated at 1,170 feet at 1,000 yards. Among single-lens WAVE models, the ETHOS E6 provides a wide 670-foot field of view at 1,000 yards.

Which WAVE scopes have a laser rangefinder?

The ETHOS E3, ETHOS E6, Tempest 335, Tempest 650, Tempest 660D and ATRIS 650 LRF include integrated rangefinding. The ATRIS 335 and standard ATRIS 650 do not.

Do WAVE thermal scopes have a transferable warranty?

WAVE lists a five-year transferable warranty across these thermal scope families. Confirm registration requirements and warranty terms with WAVE.

Can WAVE thermal scopes be used during the day?

Yes. Thermal scopes detect heat rather than visible light, so they can operate during the day or at night. Positive target identification and applicable hunting laws remain the shooter's responsibility.

Shop WAVE Infrared Thermal Scopes

The best WAVE thermal scope is not automatically the most expensive one. The right choice depends on whether you need 384 or 640 resolution, integrated ranging, traditional rings, compact QD mounting or a dual-lens system.

Browse the complete WAVE Infrared collection, compare all thermal rifle scopes or read the Thermal Bros thermal scope buying guide.

If you still are not sure, call 866-464-4461. Tell us what you hunt, your normal distance, terrain, rifle and budget, and we will help narrow the lineup without pushing you into more scope than you need.