WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF 640 Thermal Rifle Scope

WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF 640 Thermal Rifle Scope

The WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF is a wide-field 640 thermal rifle scope built for hog hunters, coyote hunters, ranchers and predator-control users who want premium thermal detail with the familiar mounting position of a traditional riflescope.

It combines a 640×512, 12-micron thermal sensor, sub-18mK NETD sensitivity, a 44mm X-WAVE objective lens, 2.5x base magnification, a manufacturer-rated 2,900-yard detection range and an integrated 1,300-yard Class 1 laser rangefinder. Onboard ballistic calculation adds useful support when changing target distance affects the shot.

Quick Answer

The WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF is best for hunters who want 640-class image detail, a wide field of view and traditional 30mm tube-style scope handling. Its 2.5x base magnification and 670-foot field of view make it more versatile at closer and intermediate distances than many long-range-focused 640 scopes, while its 15x maximum digital magnification, integrated LRF and ballistic calculation retain useful capability across larger fields.

Best For

Best for hog and predator hunters who want 640-class detail, a wide 2.5x field of view, traditional 30mm scope handling, built-in rangefinding and ballistic support.

Not Ideal For

Not ideal for ultralight rifle builds, buyers who mainly need a handheld scanner or long-range-first users who prefer higher base magnification and a larger 50mm or 60mm lens.

640x512 Thermal Detail

The ETHOS E6 LRF uses a 640×512 thermal sensor with a 12-micron pixel pitch and 50 Hz refresh rate. Compared with a 384 thermal sensor, the 640 sensor provides more image information for target identification and retains more usable detail as digital magnification increases.

That difference matters when distinguishing a coyote from a domestic animal, evaluating a group of hogs or following a partially obscured target along a field edge.

Wide 2.5x Base Magnification

The ETHOS E6 starts at 2.5x base magnification and extends to 15x through rapid or smooth digital magnification. WAVE rates its field of view at 670 feet at 1,000 yards.

The wider starting view makes it easier to:

• Locate animals quickly after bringing the rifle up
• Track moving hogs and coyotes
• Maintain awareness around multiple animals
• Hunt feeders, timber edges and smaller fields
• Transition between closer and longer targets

This makes the E6 more of an all-around 640 thermal scope than a narrow-view optic designed only for long-range work.

Sub-18mK Thermal Sensitivity

WAVE rates the MicroTherm 18 sensor below 18mK NETD. NETD describes how well a thermal sensor can distinguish small temperature differences within a scene. Lower NETD can help preserve target separation during humidity, warm weather, fog, light precipitation and other low-contrast conditions.

NETD is not the only factor affecting image quality, but the combination of sub-18mK sensitivity, 640 resolution, TrueView image processing and the high-transmission X-WAVE lens gives the ETHOS E6 a strong imaging foundation.

44mm X-WAVE Objective Lens

The 44mm X-WAVE objective is described by WAVE as a high-purity, high-transmission thermal lens. Paired with the 640 sensor, it produces the E6's wide 2.5x starting view while retaining a manufacturer-rated detection range of up to 2,900 yards.

Detection means recognizing that a heat source is present. Reliable identification and ethical shooting distances will be considerably shorter and will depend on the animal, weather, terrain, magnification and the user's experience.

ViewMax 1600x1200 Display

The ViewMax display has a resolution of 1600×1200 and uses WAVE's wide-field viewing technology. The high-resolution display is designed to provide a clean viewing experience for thermal imagery, reticles, menus and picture-in-picture use.

Display brightness is adjustable, allowing hunters to reduce excessive brightness and eye strain during extended nighttime use.

1,300-Yard Class 1 Laser Rangefinder

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

An integrated rangefinder is especially useful across crop ground, pastures, senderos and unfamiliar properties where estimating distance through a thermal image can be difficult.

Onboard Ballistic Calculation

WAVE confirms that the ETHOS E6 LRF includes onboard ballistic calculation and supports up to five saved gun profiles. This allows the scope to combine measured distance with the shooter's saved rifle information.

The final ammunition-input process, ballistic app workflow and reticle-solution behavior should be confirmed when WAVE publishes the complete ETHOS operating manual.

Traditional 30mm Scope Mounting

The ETHOS E6 uses a 30mm scope tube, allowing it to sit in the familiar position of a traditional riflescope. It is 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 must account for the rifle, rail, objective clearance and preferred cheek weld. WAVE's specification sheet does not confirm that rings or a mount are included.

Top-Mounted GloveGrip Focus

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.

Reticles and Saved Gun Profiles

• 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

Thermal Palettes and Image Tools

• White, Black, Red, Green, Golden and Violet palettes
• Picture-in-picture viewing
• Hot tracking
• Outline mode
• Rapid or smooth digital magnification
• Adjustable display brightness

Recording, Wi-Fi and Media Management

The ETHOS E6 records photos, video and optional audio. Recoil-activated recording can automatically capture the shot, while adjustable sensitivity helps match activation to the rifle and ammunition.

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

Ten-Hour Field-Swappable Battery System

The scope uses one protected 26650 battery and can also accept an optionally sleeved 18650 battery. WAVE lists an expected runtime of approximately 10 hours.

Field-swappable batteries allow a depleted cell to be replaced without taking the scope out of service for charging. Actual runtime will vary with temperature, recording, Wi-Fi use, display brightness and battery condition.

Built for Field Use

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

ETHOS E6 LRF vs. Other WAVE Thermal Scopes

The E6 makes the most sense when you want the detail of a 640 sensor but do not want to give up the wider view and familiar mounting position of a traditional scope.

Browse the complete WAVE Infrared collection or read the Thermal Bros thermal scope buying guide if you are comparing sensor resolution, lens size, magnification or rangefinding features.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF?

The ETHOS E6 LRF is a 640×512 thermal rifle scope with a traditional 30mm tube, 44mm objective lens, 2.5x base magnification, integrated 1,300-yard laser rangefinder and onboard ballistic calculation.

What is the ETHOS E6 LRF best used for?

It is best suited to hog hunting, coyote hunting, ranch predator control and nighttime hunting across fields, feeders, pastures, crop ground and mixed terrain where both field of view and target detail matter.

How far can the ETHOS E6 LRF detect an animal?

WAVE lists a detection range of up to 2,900 yards. Detection only means recognizing that a heat source is present. Identification and ethical shooting distances will be substantially shorter and depend on the animal, weather, terrain and user 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, precipitation, fog and other atmospheric conditions can reduce effective range.

Does the ETHOS E6 LRF have a ballistic calculator?

Yes. WAVE confirms onboard ballistic calculation and up to five saved gun profiles. The complete profile-entry and firing-solution workflow should be confirmed when the ETHOS operating manual is released.

What is the difference between the ETHOS E6 and ETHOS E3?

The E6 uses a 640×512 sensor with 2.5x base magnification and a 670-foot field of view. The E3 uses a 384×288 sensor with 3.5x base magnification and a 395-foot field of view. Choose the E6 for more detail and a wider view. Choose the E3 when a 384 sensor better fits the intended use and budget.

Is the ETHOS E6 good for close-range hog hunting?

Yes. Its 2.5x base magnification and wide 670-foot field of view make it easier to locate and track animals at closer ranges than a higher-magnification thermal scope with a narrower starting view.

Is the ETHOS E6 suitable for longer-range coyote hunting?

The 640 sensor, 15x maximum digital magnification, integrated rangefinder and ballistic calculation provide useful capability across larger fields. Hunters focused almost entirely on longer ranges should also compare higher-base-magnification optics with 50mm or 60mm lenses.

Does the ETHOS E6 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 clearance. The current specification sheet does not confirm that rings are included.

What battery does the ETHOS E6 use?

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

Can the ETHOS E6 record video?

Yes. It supports photo, video and optional audio recording, recoil-activated recording, Wi-Fi connectivity and onboard media viewing and deletion.

Is the ETHOS E6 rated for heavy recoil?

WAVE rates the scope for 6,000 joules of recoil. The rifle, ammunition, rings and mounting system must also remain within their manufacturers' published limits.

Is the WAVE warranty transferable?

WAVE lists a five-year transferable warranty. Confirm registration requirements and the official warranty start date with WAVE.

Need Help Choosing?

If you are comparing the ETHOS E6 LRF with the ETHOS E3, Tempest 650 LRF, ATRIS 650 LRF or another 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 you choose without pushing you into more scope than you need.