WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF 384 Thermal Rifle Scope

WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF 384 Thermal Rifle Scope

The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF is a traditional 30mm tube-style thermal rifle scope designed for hog hunters, coyote hunters, ranchers and predator-control users who want accurate ranging, ballistic support and premium thermal sensitivity without moving into a 640-class optic.

It combines a 384×288, 12-micron thermal sensor, sub-18mK NETD sensitivity, a 44mm X-WAVE objective lens, 3.5x base magnification, a manufacturer-rated 2,000-yard detection range and an integrated 1,300-yard Class 1 laser rangefinder. Onboard ballistic calculation helps turn the measured distance into more useful information when shot distance changes your hold.

Quick Answer

The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF is best for hunters who prefer the familiar mounting position and handling of a traditional riflescope but want modern thermal imaging, integrated ranging, ballistic calculation and recording. Its 3.5x base magnification and 44mm lens favor fields, pastures, crop ground, senderos and mixed terrain more than extremely close-range timber.

Best For

• Hog and predator hunting across fields, pastures and crop ground
• Coyote hunters who regularly encounter changing distances
• Hunters who prefer a conventional 30mm tube-style scope
• Buyers who want integrated LRF and ballistic calculation
• Humid or low-contrast conditions where thermal sensitivity matters
• Ranch and property predator-control rifles

Not Ideal For

• Buyers who primarily need a handheld thermal scanner
• Very close-range hunting where a lower base magnification and wider field of view would be easier
• Long-range users who already know they need 640-class identification detail
• Lightweight rifle builds where a compact thermal sight is the priority

Sub-18mK Thermal Sensitivity

The ETHOS E3 LRF uses Wave's MicroTherm 18 sensor technology with a 384×288 resolution, 12-micron pixel pitch, 50 Hz refresh rate and an NETD rating below 18mK.

NETD describes how well a thermal sensor can distinguish small temperature differences. Lower NETD can produce better separation between an animal and the surrounding terrain during humid nights, warm weather, light precipitation and other low-contrast conditions.

NETD is not the only specification that determines image quality, but the combination of sub-18mK sensitivity, Wave's TrueView image processing and the high-transmission X-WAVE lens gives the ETHOS a strong foundation within the 384 thermal category.

44mm X-WAVE Objective Lens

The 44mm X-WAVE objective lens is larger than the 35mm lenses commonly found on many 384 thermal scopes. Wave describes it as a high-purity, high-transmission thermal lens designed to deliver more thermal energy to the sensor.

The scope starts at 3.5x optical magnification and reaches 14x through rapid or smooth digital magnification. Its field of view is rated at 395 feet at 1,000 yards.

This combination is best suited to hunters who want useful base magnification for identifying hogs and predators across fields without starting at an excessively narrow view.

ViewMax 1600x1200 Wide-Field Display

The ViewMax display has a resolution of 1600×1200 and uses Wave's wide-field viewing technology. A higher-resolution display does not add sensor pixels, but it can make menus, reticles, image processing and the overall viewing experience appear cleaner and easier to use.

Display brightness is adjustable, helping hunters reduce eye strain and avoid an overly bright image during extended nighttime use.

1,300-Yard Laser Rangefinder and Ballistic Calculation

The integrated DeadEye Laser system uses a Class 1 laser with a maximum expected range of 1,300 yards on a reflective target. Actual ranging performance will depend on target size, reflectivity, weather and atmospheric conditions.

The built-in ballistic calculation system is valuable when animals can appear at unpredictable distances. Instead of estimating distance through a thermal image or reaching for a separate rangefinder, the ETHOS keeps ranging and ballistic information inside the optic.

This is most useful for open fields, crop ground, senderos and unfamiliar properties where a target that looks 150 yards away may be considerably farther.

Traditional 30mm Scope Mounting

The ETHOS E3 LRF uses a 30mm scope tube, allowing it to mount in the familiar position of a traditional riflescope. This makes it a natural fit for AR-platform rifles, bolt-action hunting rifles and dedicated nighttime predator rifles equipped with compatible 30mm rings.

Ring height and placement should be selected for the rifle, rail, objective clearance and preferred cheek weld. Confirm whether rings or a mount are included before publishing the final package contents.

GloveGrip Top-Mounted Focus Control

Wave's GloveGrip focus system places the focus control on top of the scope where it can be reached from either side. The ambidextrous position is designed to be easier to locate in darkness and more practical while wearing gloves.

For real hunting use, simple controls matter. The less time spent searching for a small focus ring or navigating menus, the more attention stays on the animal and the surrounding terrain.

Reticles, Gun Profiles and Image Tools

The ETHOS E3 LRF includes a broad set of aiming and image-control options:

• 9 reticle designs plus a no-reticle option
• Black or white reticles with polarity reversal
• 4 illuminated-dot reticle designs
• Red, blue or green center-dot illumination
• Front-focal-plane or second-focal-plane reticle behavior
• Up to 5 saved gun profiles
• Custom profile names using caliber and zero distance
• Picture-in-picture viewing
• Hot tracking
• Outline mode
• 6 thermal palettes: White, Black, Red, Green, Golden and Violet

Recording, Wi-Fi and Onboard Media Management

The scope records photos, video and optional audio. Recoil-activated recording can automatically capture the shot, while adjustable sensitivity helps tailor activation to the rifle and load.

Wave also includes Recoil Activated Zoom Reduction, known as RzR, along with Wi-Fi connectivity and onboard media viewing and deletion. Confirm the final internal-storage capacity and mobile-app compatibility with Wave before publishing those details.

Ten-Hour Field-Swappable Battery System

The ETHOS uses one protected 26650 battery and supports an optionally sleeved 18650 battery. Wave lists an expected runtime of approximately 10 hours.

A field-swappable battery system is useful for long nights because a depleted battery can be replaced without taking the scope out of service to recharge it. Actual runtime will vary with temperature, Wi-Fi, recording, display brightness and battery condition.

Built for Hunting Conditions

• Waterproof rating: IP67
• Recoil rating: 6,000 joules
• Scope length: 13 inches
• Weight: 36 ounces without battery
• Start-up time: Approximately 5 seconds
• Auto shutdown: Off, 30, 60 or 90 minutes
• Warranty: Wave 5-year transferable warranty

ETHOS E3 LRF vs. Other WAVE Thermal Scopes

The ETHOS makes the most sense when you want the traditional feel of the ATRIS but need the rangefinding and ballistic capability associated with the Tempest line.

Browse the complete WAVE Infrared collection or read the Thermal Bros thermal scope buying guide if you are still deciding between 384 and 640 resolution, compact and tube-style scopes, or LRF and non-LRF models.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF?

The ETHOS E3 LRF is a 384×288 thermal rifle scope with a traditional 30mm tube, 44mm objective lens, integrated 1,300-yard laser rangefinder and onboard ballistic calculation.

What is the ETHOS E3 LRF best used for?

It is best suited to hog hunting, coyote hunting, ranch predator control and nighttime hunting across fields, pastures, crop ground and mixed terrain where accurate ranging can improve shot decisions.

How far can the ETHOS E3 LRF detect an animal?

Wave lists a manufacturer-rated detection range of up to 2,000 yards. Detection means noticing a heat source; dependable identification and ethical shooting distances will be substantially shorter and will depend on target size, weather, terrain and the shooter's experience.

How far does the laser rangefinder work?

The Class 1 laser rangefinder is rated for a maximum expected distance of 1,300 yards on reflective targets. Non-reflective animals and poor atmospheric conditions can reduce effective ranging distance.

Does the ETHOS E3 LRF have a ballistic calculator?

Yes. The manufacturer's specifications confirm onboard ballistic calculation and up to five saved gun profiles. Confirm the final app, ammunition-data and ballistic-input workflow when Wave releases the complete user manual.

Is a 384 thermal scope enough for hog and coyote hunting?

For many hunters, yes. A sensitive 384 sensor is a practical fit for common hog and predator distances. Buyers who regularly need fine identification detail at longer distances or rely heavily on digital zoom should compare a 640 thermal scope.

Does the ETHOS use standard scope rings?

The ETHOS has a 30mm tube intended for compatible 30mm scope rings. Ring height and spacing must match the rifle, rail and objective-lens clearance. The current specification sheet does not confirm that rings or a mount are included.

What battery does the ETHOS E3 LRF use?

It uses one protected 26650 battery and can accept an optionally sleeved 18650 battery. Wave lists approximately 10 hours of expected runtime under normal conditions.

What is the difference between the ETHOS E3 LRF and Tempest 335 LRF?

The ETHOS is a 13-inch traditional tube-style scope with a 44mm lens and 1600×1200 display. The Tempest 335 LRF is a smaller, lighter compact thermal sight with a 35mm lens. Choose ETHOS for traditional scope handling and Tempest for a more compact rifle setup.

Is the ETHOS suitable for heavy-recoiling rifles?

Wave rates the ETHOS for 6,000 joules of recoil. Always confirm that the rifle, ammunition, rings and mounting system remain within the manufacturer's published limits.

Is the WAVE warranty transferable?

Wave lists a five-year transferable warranty, which can help protect long-term ownership and resale value. Confirm registration requirements and the warranty start date with Wave.

Need Help Choosing?

If you are comparing the ETHOS E3 LRF with the Tempest 335 LRF, ATRIS 335 or a 640 thermal scope, call 866-464-4461. Tell us what you hunt, your normal shooting distance, terrain and rifle setup, and Thermal Bros will help narrow the choice down without pushing you into more scope than you need.