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.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

1-8 power LPVO with a hunting style MOA reticle

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a LPVO in the 1-8 power range

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Focal Plane Second (SFP)
Reticle calibrated magnification power: 8x
Magnification Range: 1-8x
Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
Main Tube Diameter: 30mm
Main tube Material: 7075 – T6
Turret Index Value: 0.25MOA
Internal Elevation Adjustment: 90 MOA
Internal Windage Adjustment: 90 MOA
Parallax Adjustment Range: Fixed 100 Meters
Exit Pupil Diameter: Low: 8mm; High: 3mm
Eye Relief: 3.58-3.94 inches or 91-100mm
Field Of View @100 Meters: Low: 41.6 m; High: 5.1 m
Field of view @ 100 Yards: Low: 124.8 ft; High: 15.5 ft
Lens Coating: Fully Multi Coated (FMC)
Weight: 22 ounces or 624g
Illumination: Yes
Waterproof Rating: IPX7
Aluminum flip covers
Adjustment tool
Neoprene scope cover

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

G4 reticle

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Our Rating:

Pros:

Good clarity
Easy to use reticle
Brightness adjustment
Throw lever
Premium flip covers

Cons:

Tight eyebox
Only 5 brightness levels
No shake awake brightness feature

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link: SRU Bullpup Chassis review

Chad Wallace

October 7, 2022

Review

Modern Spartan Systems

Chad Wallace

October 7, 2022

Review

Maintaining your firearm is a key point to keeping them shooting properly. Modern Spartan Systems is in the market to help you with all those needs. If it’s cleaning, oiling, greasing, or anything else you might need to maintain that firearm, they have you covered. I received one of their “Starter Kit Plus”, some Blade Oil, and even an engine additive. I’ll try to inform you about the products and how they worked for me.

Modern Spartan systems uses a Nano Shield technology to make their products. This Nano Shield allows molecular particles to penetrate and fill in microscopic gaps in metal. It does this through heat activation. Some parts, like barrels, will do this under their own heat. Other parts might need to be heated in an oven to obtain this. But mainly, just put it on and use it as normal. It effectively smooths out all the rough spots that one can only see under a microscope.

Another thing that makes the Modern Spartan System products stand out is their “green” labeling. Essentially their products are marked “green” or “earth friendly”. They use the definition of green from the EPA. The EPA standard says that they must be either biodegradable or inert. Modern Spartan Systems does, almost jokingly, say “Although we are not recommending that you ingest our products or use them as salad dressing, our formulas are generally quite safe to work with.” So if you are worried about harsh chemicals, these might be what you need. These products work just as good, better in my opinion, then those caustic ones you are used to.

The Starter Kit Plus is exactly that, a kit that includes all the cleaning and lubrication you need. It comes with the Modern Spartan Systems Accuracy Oil, Carbon Destroyer, Accuracy Grease, Copper/Lead Destroyer, and Crystal Clear.

The Carbon Destroyer and Copper/Lead destroyer are your cleaning products. Use the Copper/Lead Destroyer for cleaning barrels, slides, bolts, etc, as you would any other bore cleaner. It works well on both copper and lead. The best part is that there aren’t any harsh smells. If you have ever tried to get out copper with an old school solvent, you know what I mean. My absolute favorite product in the kit is the Carbon Destroyer. It works like nothing else I have ever used, including other carbon removers. Just soak your carboned up part for a bit and then wipe the carbon off. If it doesn’t all come off, just repeat. Or scrape the carbon off much easier because it has been loosened up from the Carbon Destroyer.

The Accuracy Oil and Grease are where the Nano Shield tech really shows. For our purposes, the grease is just thicker Accuracy oil for parts that need grease. So anything about the oil, also applies to the grease. Now the Accuracy Oil is fantastic! It is called “accuracy oil” because of the Nano Shield technology. By smoothing out the imperfections in your barrel, it makes it more accurate. As a byproduct, the barrel is also easier to clean. The amount of gained accuracy has a lot of variables, but it does have some validity. I just can’t say if it helped my rifle, since I am not as good of a shooter as I once was. The other huge advantage to the Accuracy oil is that it reduced friction by 90%. I can actually feel the difference when cycling my firearms. Since it also bonds to the metal, it protects the surface. I also noticed that it doesn’t become sticky like other oils I’ve used. It stays slick even after sitting for a while.

The Crystal Clear is Modern Spartan’s glass cleaner. It works on plastics also, so you can use it to clean your safety glasses. It is designed to be used on scopes, binoculars, and glasses. In order to get the most accuracy out of a firearm, you need to have the scopes glass clean. Just spritz some of the Crystal Clear on and wipe it off with a cleaning cloth. Since I wear prescription glasses, I used this on them also. My lenses came out super clean. The small bottle is great to keep in your range or hunting bag.

Modern Spartan Systems also sent a bottle of their “Blade” oil. This is their knife oil and protectant. Very similar to the Accuracy oil, it also reduces friction by 90%. The “Blade” oil also creates a slick surface to help sharp things glide through whatever they are cutting. It also bonds with the metal to create that same Nano Shield. On a knife, this helps the blade to effectively be sharper by smoothing out those microscopic imperfections. You can use it on anything that cuts, from scissors to axes, and it will protect them from rusting. I’ve been using the “Blade” oil on all the knives around here. It definitely makes them open easier. I'm terrible at keeping my knives at their sharpest, so if the blade oil makes them cut better, I don’t know, but at least I know they are protected from the elements.

I also was sent the “TVT” engine oil additive. You add this to your engine oil, and using the same molecular bonding as the other oils, it reduces friction. I have no way of actually testing this. Modern Spartan says it will increase fuel mileage by 5-10%. I saw about a 3% gain in mileage. Not a ton, but with overpriced fuel these days, 3% can be a good amount.

The Modern Spartan Systems Starter Kit Plus is great. It has 2 ounce bottles of everything you need to clean and maintain your firearms. The stuff really works, all of it, even the Blade oil. If I were to choose one product to buy, it would be the Accuracy Oil, followed by the Carbon Destroyer. Mainly because the oil does so much, and I use it more often. Do yourself a favor and go check out the products over at Modern Spartan Systems. They have stuff for fishing, automotive, knives, and of course firearms.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Advanced, green, cleaning and lubrication products

Target Market:

Anyone wanting great gun cleaning and oiling products - knives, fishing, and automotive too

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

All products listed below are “Green” and Made in USA

Accuracy Oil

90% reduction in friction
Low stick surface so dirt doesn’t stick to it
Adheres to metal surfaces

Accuracy Grease

The thicker version of the Accuracy oil

Carbon Destroyer

Water based penetrating solvent
Micro-emulsion technology

Copper/Lead Destroyer

Barrel metal safe - won’t damage metal parts
Low to no odor

Crystal Clear

Optical cleaner for scopes, bino’s, glasses, etc
Safe for anything from plastic to glass

Blade Oil

Knife Oil
Reduced friction by 90%
Protects and enhances knife blade performance

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Tons, check them out at Modern Spartan Systems

What others are saying?:

5 out 5 stars at Modern Spartan Systems

Amazing products!

I've tried the Carbon Destroyer and accuracy oil so far and they are a clear step up from every other gun cleaning and lube products out there. I am very particular with my choice of gun maintenance products and only use the best available. Spartan systems are the new King of the hill, by a measurable margin. My go to range gun has over 20K rounds through it already and now it feels better than brand new.