Chad Wallace

July 4, 2026

Optics, Review, Gear

ZeroTech Thrive HD 1x Prism

Chad Wallace

July 4, 2026

Optics, Review, Gear

ZeroTech Thrive HD

1x Prism Review

If you did not already know, ZeroTech Optics has a 1x prism. ZeroTech has recently expanded the Thrive HD 1x Micro Prism with a Flat Dark Earth version. Since I really like prism optics, I had to get one and see how it compared. Plus, the FDE version caught my eye and looks really nice.

As with most prism sights nowadays, the Thrive HD comes with all the normal features. You get soft touch buttons. A side load battery tray. An adjustable diopter so you can see the illuminated reticle clearly. It specs out a 50,000 hour battery life with an auto awake/sleep feature. Plus it comes with a nice little neoprene cover, which I have misplaced.

The Thrive HD prism comes with a pretty standard style reticle. It is a large circle dot etched reticle style with short lines that break up the circle every 90 degrees. It works well for getting on target fast, but does have a few shortcomings. The dot portion of the reticle uses a nice 3 moa dot. The dot gives a good compromise between speed and accuracy. Since the circle portion of the reticle is large, 110 moa, it limits its use on something like an AR style rifle. I say this because there are no good reticle marks for height over bore at 5-10 yards. However, with the dot sighted in at 100 yds, the lower stadia and circle are good for 500-600 yard shots. If you install the prism on a pcc or something that you are only shooting out to 100 yards, just sight the dot in at 25 or 50 and call it good. The Thrive HD is still a good all around 1x prism.

As mentioned previously, the Thrive HD has all the latest tech. Shake awake, 50k battery life, easy battery changes, and soft buttons. It also has red illumination for the etched reticle. There are 13 illumination settings, so you can get it as bright or as dim as you like. Even though it is technically not a daylight bright reticle. It is bright enough to be seen on most days, unless the sun is fairly bright. But since the reticle is etched, you will always see the black reticle, even if your battery dies or you decide to aim at the sun.

Even though the ZeroTech Thrive HD prism is stated to be 1 power, it is not. This is my biggest complaint. It is more like a 1.1-1.2 power optic. This makes you see a double image if you try to look at something close up, with both eyes open. As you get farther out in distance, it is not noticeable. With anything closer than 20 yards, I had to close my non-dominant eye so it didn’t bother me. Besides that, the Thrive HD prism is super clear. I wonder since it is so clear, if that is why, at close distances, I see a slightly magnified image? The 20mm objective lens gives decent light transmission. It also makes finding the reticle fairly easy.

The Thrive HD 1x Prism is in the new style of prism optics. This makes it possible to use back up iron sights. Yes, you can see the sights through the prism, even if they are a tiny bit fuzzy with the Thrive. The other big advantage to these new prisms is that you can put a magnifier behind them, thus giving you more magnification.

When you think about prism optics, weight might be a concern. The Thrive HD tips the scales at 7.55 ounces. This is right in line with other prism sights. A big advantage to the Thrive HD is that it comes with 4 different mounting height options in the box. If one of these heights doesn’t fit you, the Thrive HD is compatible with Aimpoint T2 footprints. Thus giving you endless mounting options.

When testing the Thrive HD prism I mounted it on the MAC IX. I figured this would be a good platform for it, and it was. This also helped show me the not true 1 power magnification. I will probably mount it on a rifle at a later date, since I only use the MAC for closer in shooting. I really liked that it came with a bunch of different height mounts, especially since the brace on the MAC sits a little lower than an AR stock. Part of the reason I like prism optics is that the etched reticle doesn’t flare out because of my astigmatism. The Thrive HD prism’s reticle is super clear for me. I also like the auto awake feature. Not just because it extends battery life, but because I don’t have to remember to turn it off or on. Lastly, the FDE color on the prism looks more burnt bronze to me. I actually like the color. Besides, it adds another shade of FDE to the already 50 shades out there.

The ZeroTech Thrive HD 1x prism, in FDE, is a nice optic. It is super clear and bright. Even if it really isn’t a true 1x power, it is still a nice prism optic. It comes with everything needed to mount it up, sight it in, and go blast some trash. So if you are looking for a new prism sight, take a look through the Thrive HD 1x Prism and see what you think.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

1 power prism optic with etched reticle and auto on/off

Target Market:

Rifle shooters, competition shooters, hunters, and just general plinking

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Magnification: 1x
Footprint: Aimpoint Micro (T1/T2) Compatible
Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm
Reticle type: Etched, Illuminated Prism Dot
Brightness Settings: 13
Controls: Soft buttons on top of optic
Auto Sleep/Auto ON
Illumination: Red
Battery: CR2032
Battery Life: Max 50000 Hours
Turret Index Value: 1 MOA
Windage/Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA
Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
Eye Relief: 3.5in (90mm)
Field Of View: 70ft / 23m
Lens Coating: Full Multi Coated
Operational Temperature: -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
Parallax Adjustment Range: Fixed – 100m (110yd)
Weight: 7.55oz (214g)
Color: FDE
Waterproof Rating: IPX7
Comes with 3 different height mounts

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Original Black

What others are saying?:

4 out of 5 stars on OpticsPlanet

Very solid optic

Really like the reticle. Very eotech like but for people with eye shortcomings. Mount options are cool but the screws are garbage. Came loose on me twice at the range. Now I have to just get an aimpoint mount. I think this is an awesome start. I’d like to see a new gen with a better mount obviously and maybe 25mm with better glass. Even if it’s around the 300-350 msrp. It would rival aimpoint and many other gold standard optics. Definitely recommend though.

Link to other reviews:

Woody Outdoors (in Australia)

Price point:

MSRP = $299.00

Retail = $239.20 with code “GGR” for 20% off

I need it now! Availability:

ZeroTech Optics use code “GGR” for 20% off

Our Rating:

Pros:

Super Clear
Multiple mount heights included
T1/T2 footprint compatibility
Bright etched reticle

Cons:

Not true 1x
More Bronze color than FDE
Larger circle doesn’t suit AR15’s for close range

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link: ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-8x24 Review

Chad Wallace

May 2, 2026

Optics, Review

ZeroTech Thrive 1-10x24

Chad Wallace

May 2, 2026

Optics, Review

Zerotech Thrive

1-10x24 RAR Review

ZeroTech Optics has been releasing a lot of products recently. One of these is a new base model low power variable optic or LPVO. It is a second focal plane (SFP) 1-10 power optic with an illuminated reticle. The official name of this LPVO is the ZeroTech Thrive 1-10x24 - RAR. It offers clear glass as well as a bunch of other features.

As mentioned, the Thrive 1-10 is ZeroTech’s value priced LPVO. It is currently just under 300 dollars. This makes it a great option for someone wanting to see if they want a LPVO, or anyone looking for an inexpensive option that has a 10x magnification. It also comes with a neoprene scope cover, which is way nicer than the plastic flip caps other companies give you.

Being a 1-10 power optic has some advantages. At 1 power, this LPVO has a true 1x magnification, or as close as you can get. When at 1x, the Thrive 1-10 is really close to what looking through a red dot looks like, just with an actual reticle instead of a dot. Don’t get this confused though, it is not a red dot. Then, if you turn the magnification up to 10 power, you can identify targets with ease. Or actually reach out some distance to shoot. 25 years ago, a 10 power scope was all you needed to reach out to 1000 yards and that is still true today.

Now we know what the ZeroTech Thrive 1-10 is capable of, what kind of reticle does it have? The 1-10 uses ZeroTech’s “RAR” reticle. This reticle is a second focal plane MOA reticle. Being a SFP reticle, in this case, means that the reticle's MOA marks and numbers will only be accurate at 10x. It also means that the reticle will stay the same viewable size throughout the magnification range. Okay, let me try to explain the reticle, there is a lot going on, kind of. Pointing toward the center of the reticle are three, 4 MOA thick lines that taper down. One on each side, and one on the bottom. These are to help draw your eye to the center reticle portion. The center reticle has thin lines with hash marks every 2 MOA. These hash marks are 1 and 2 MOA high, depending on where they are on the stadia lines. These can be used for ranging, bullet drop, or windage. Inside the inner reticle is a 0.75 MOA dot. Then surrounding the inner dot and part of the reticle is a horseshoe ring. The horseshoe is 12 MOA in diameter. I really like the RAR reticle as I found it super quick and very useful.

The RAR reticle is semi-illuminated. Basically the horseshoe and center dot illuminate. To turn the illumination on, tap the button on the battery cap. It has 6 illumination settings. To increase brightness, just push this same button again. Once it hits the brightest setting, when you tap the button again, it will start cycling down to the lowest setting. Then when on the lowest, it starts cycling up again. Hold the button down for a few seconds to turn the reticle off. The reticle is not “daylight bright”, but it is fairly bright and can be seen on overcast days.

Now that you know what the reticle of the Thrive 1-10 looks like, it needs to be sighted in. Having the ability to crank the Thrive up to 10 power really helps you be able to see where you are hitting on the target. The adjustment ring, to adjust that magnification from 1-10x, is fairly smooth. It also has a small, removable, throw lever. It's not huge like some others, but it is useful. The Thrive 1-10 uses capped turrets. So to adjust the windage and elevation, you must unscrew them and set them aside. Then you have standard click adjustable turrets. The turret’s clicks are not super positive. They also feel a little mushy to me. This is a base model scope, so I didn't expect them to be crisp. More just a heads up. Once the turrets are adjusted to your satisfaction, you can loosen the center screw, pull the turret up, set it to zero, and re-install the screw. Something else I noticed with the Thrive 1-10 is that each click adjustment is ¼ MOA, which is a more fine adjustment than many of the Thrive's direct competitors in the market.

The clarity of the Thrive 1-10 impressed me. For being a value optic, the clarity at 10x was nice. It didn't have any shadows around the edges, just a clear picture. The eye relief is decent, but a little tight at 10x. I'd say the eye relief falls in the middle of comparably priced LPVO’s. There are better and there are worse. At 1 power, the scopes clarity and eye relief are quite good. I didn't run into any trouble, using the Thrive, anywhere in its magnification range.

I ended up mounting the Thrive 1-10 on a 16” 556 AR. It needed something other than the red dot that was on it and the Thrive fit the bill nicely. After mounting the scope, it was off to the range. This is where I ran into the Thrive's only real problem. I pushed the button to turn on the illumination. Okay, that worked as expected. Then I shot the rifle. Every time the rifle recoiled, the illumination would flicker off and then back on. I contacted ZeroTech and they said that it can do that with certain recoil impulses. Yes, it is an inexpensive optic, but this bothers me. It's not like I was mounting the Thrive on something with heavy recoil. I guess I'll have to move it to a 22lr or not use the illumination. Besides that drawback, I really like the reticle. It is easy to use and draws your eye right to the center aiming point.

If you are looking at getting into an LPVO, the ZeroTech Thrive 1-10x24 is not a bad choice. Yes it has some problems, but it also has some great features. Personally, I think it would be a fantastic optic for a 22lr rifle. Go head over to ZeroTech and take a look at the Thrive 1-10x24 RAR.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Low cost, second focal plane, LPVO with decent reticles

Target Market:

Anyone wanting to get onto the LPVO game

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Focal Plane - Second (SFP)
Magnification: 1-10x
Reticle calibrated magnification power (SFP only) - 10x
Objective Lens Diameter - 24mm
Main tube Diameter - 30mm
Reticle type - RAR Illuminated
Fixed parallax – 125m (137yd)
Turret Index Value - 0.25 MOA
Exit Pupil Diameter - Low: 8mm; High: 2.4mm
Eye Relief - 3.62-3.94in (92-100mm)
Windage & Elevation Adjustments - 120 MOA
Field of View @ 100 Yards - Low: 118.8ft; High: 11.3ft
Main tube Material - 6061-T6
Weight - 17.8oz (505g)
Full multi coated lenses
Reticle - RAR Illuminated
Objective Outer Diameter - 30mm
Ocular Outer Diameter - 44.5mm
Waterproof Rating - IPX7

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

G4 and PHR4 reticles

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $449.00

Retail = $299.00 plus 20% off

I need it now! Availability:

ZeroTech Optics

Our Rating:

Pros:

Great reticle
Inexpensive for 1-10 SFP
Lightweight
Push button brightness adjustment
Clear glass

Cons:

Reticle flashes on recoil
Mushy turret clicks

Score: 6.50 Okay

Favorite Link: ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-8x24 review

Chad Wallace

May 3, 2025

Review, Optics, Gear

ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-8x24

Chad Wallace

May 3, 2025

Review, Optics, Gear

ZeroTech Thrive HD

1-8x24 Review

ZeroTech Optics sent Rusty and I one of their new Thrive HD 1-8x24 Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO). For a bit I was trying to decide what to put it on. Then SRU and Foxtrot Mike made the decision for me, by sending me a bullpup kit. The new Thrive HD was a perfect fit. ZeroTech’s new LPVO has some great features, some clear glass, and some other stuff.

The ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-8 is the first LPVO in the Thrive lineup. The Thrive series of optics is primarily built for hunters, but that does not mean that there is not crossover into other types of shooting. In fact, the bullpup kit I mounted it on probably won’t see a day of hunting in its lifetime. Unless the random coyote pops up when I have it on hand. Being that the Thrive HD 1-8 is a second focal plane optic, it does lend itself nicely to hunting. However, the way the reticle is set up also works well for run and gun type competition. I think it is more of a dual duty style of optic.

Construction on the Thrive HD is somewhat simplistic. ZeroTech constructs the 1-8 using 7075 T6 aluminum. 7075 is stronger and lighter than the typical 6061 that a lot of other scope manufacturers use in their $450 price range LPVO’s. It weighs in at 22 ounces, which also falls right in line compared to other LPVO’s. As with most LPVO’s, the Thrive HD uses a 30 mm outer tube diameter. The adjustment turrets are of the capped style. This gives it a clean look. Since this is not a scope for long range work, the capped turrets do not detract from anything.

ZeroTech throws a few “extras” in the box that are pretty nice. Up first is the Thrive HD’s flip up covers. These are not your everyday plastic ones. They are aluminum and screw on. Using the supplied tool, you can tighten them down to your preferred location. This is especially nice for the ocular lens with the fast focus eyepiece. Since you need to focus the eyepiece to your eye, you can then loosen the flip cap, align it, and re-tighten it, so it works correctly. The 1-8 also comes with a removable throw lever. This throw lever uses a little rail type attachment. So one just slides it on and tightens the little screw. Also included is a neoprene style one piece scope cover. It is a really nice cover.

When looking at optics, the reticle can be really important. The Thrive HD 1-8 uses ZeroTech’s PHR 4 illuminated reticle. This reticle, for some reason, reminds me of the old German #1 reticle. It is not even close, but here is my best explanation. The PHR 4 has 3 fairly thick crosshairs, 1 up from the bottom and then 1 on each side. These then reduce down to 0.5 MOA thick lines. These lines extend 7.5 MOA out toward the center reticle. There is then a 2.5 MOA space until the center reticle starts. Yes, there is a center reticle. The center reticle is also the part that illuminates. They call this a floating reticle and is more akin to a standard small thin crosshair reticle. It measures 5 MOA. It also has a 0.5 MOA dot in the center. Of course all of these measurements are at 8x. There are 5 brightness settings on the Thrive HD. On/Off and adjustment are a little different than what you might be used to. On the left side of the scope is the battery cap. In the center of the cap is a button. This button is pressed to turn on the red illumination, in the last setting that was used. Just push it again to cycle through the 5 brightness levels. It cycles from brightest to darkest, and then repeats itself. Since the Thrive HD does not have any shake awake function, you will want to remember to turn it off when done. To do this you just hold the button down for about 3 seconds and the illumination turns off. The brightness is not daylight bright, but is very useful. ZeroTech does not sell the Thrive HD as daylight bright, so I was not expecting it to be.

The Thrive HD 1-8 has capped turrets for adjustment. To adjust the LPVO, you must first remove the caps. Underneath are some decently nice knobs. These are easily adjusted with your fingers. The ¼ MOA clicks are a tiny bit mushy, but can be heard and felt easily enough. The ¼ MOA adjustments are a nice feature. A lot of 1-8 LPVO’s have ½ MOA adjustments. These windage and elevation knobs can also be set to zero, after the initial sighting in. That way you at least have a reference when making further adjustments.

I was impressed with the clarity on the Thrive HD. Looking through it produces clear images with no detectable color differences. It did not seem to matter if it was at 1x or 8x, nothing seemed distorted. However, the eyebox on the 1-8 is unforgiving at 8x. You have to be in just the correct spot to get a good image. At 1x, I did not notice any problems getting a clear picture through the eyebox. This is my only real complaint about the Thrive HD 1-8.

As mentioned, I mounted up the Thrive HD to a bullpup. This required me to put it in a higher optics mount. I used a Geissele 1.93 scope mount and it was perfect for the 1-8. You can read the SRU review to find out why the mount is turned around. I mention this so you get the idea of how I used the Thrive HD. This LPVO is really clear for its price range. I would compare it to some optics that are priced a couple of hundred more. It really shines at 1x with the PHR 4 reticle. Then the 8x gives you enough magnification to identify targets easily. The adjustment ring, with its optional throw lever, operates super smooth. Those flip covers take a little bit of getting used to, they are a bit stiffer than the normal ones I use. All those little add-ins are a nice touch too. The Thrive HD did everything I wanted it to do.

The Thrive HD 1-8x24 is a good option for those looking for a LPVO. It is decently priced for the quality and clarity you get. It has a very useful illuminated reticle. The throw lever, to adjust the magnification, is super smooth. You really get a lot of optic for your money with the ZeroTech Thrive HD line. Go check out Zerotech’s line of optics, they might have something that fits with your shooting style.