When it comes to precision shooting and target acquisition in the world of night vision and thermal optics, the Sightmark Wraith Thermal digital riflescope stands out as a game-changer. This cutting-edge device is renowned for its ability to deliver unparalleled clarity and accuracy in low-light and complete darkness. One of the standout features of the Wraith Thermal riflescope is its versatility in reticle options, offering ten distinct reticle styles that cater to various shooting scenarios and preferences. In this article, we delve into the world of the Sightmark Wraith Thermal's reticle styles, exploring each one's unique advantages and applications, allowing you to make an informed choice for your night vision shooting endeavors. It should be noted that unlike daytime scopes, any MRAD or MOA subtension lines on the reticles are only correct at the base magnification of 2x instead of the max magnification typically expected by users of Second Focal Plane scopes. These subtension lines will not read correctly at higher digital magnifications.
Reticle 1 on the Sightmark Wraith Thermal digital riflescope uses a duplex subtension floating dot design. This particular reticle style is regarded for its simplicity and its ability to provide shooters with an unobstructed view of the target while at the same time giving them the ability to measure target size and distance with its MRAD subtension lines. The reticle’s 0.26 MRAD dot is surrounded by negative space which ensures that it does not interfere with or obscure the target in any way. This design is especially important when target identification and pinpoint accuracy are crucial, such as during hunting or tactical operations.
Reticle 2 is a circle dot reticle. This reticle style is particularly noteworthy for its speed and ease of target acquisition, a feature shared with the Sightmark Ultrashot line of red dot sights. The Circle Dot Reticle comprises a central dot enclosed within a larger circle, creating a distinctive aiming point that stands out in various lighting conditions, including low light and complete darkness.
The Wraith Thermal’s use of the circle Dot Reticle brings the same fast target acquisition capabilities that have made the Sightmark Ultrashot red dot sight a popular choice among shooters. This reticle design allows shooters to quickly center their aim on the target, enhancing their reaction time and overall shooting efficiency thanks to the large point of aim afforded by the 60 MOA circle.
Reticle 3 is a subdued reticle with a simple design. The shortened vertical bars are meant to be unobstructive, while the floating center dot provides a precise aiming point for targets.
Reticle 4 is a classic duplex reticle, bringing a time-tested design to the world of thermal optics. This reticle style is characterized by its simplicity and effectiveness, making it a favorite among shooters for a variety of applications. The duplex reticle consists of thick outer posts that converge toward the center of the reticle. These thick posts serve a dual purpose: they provide a clear and easily visible reference point for the shooter's eye while also helping to quickly locate the center of the reticle. When looking through the scope, the shooter's eye naturally gravitates toward the thicker outer posts, allowing for quick alignment with the center of the reticle. This design is particularly beneficial in fast-paced shooting situations where rapid target acquisition is paramount.
Reticle 5 is the simple and practical 2 MOA dot. This reticle style offers shooters a straightforward aiming point without any distractions. The dot reticle is often favored for its clean and uncluttered design, ensuring that the shooter's focus remains solely on the target.
Reticle 6 features a distinctive chevron reticle design, which not only draws the user's eye but also provides valuable reference points for aiming. The tip of the chevron is designed to serve as a precise aiming point, allowing shooters to place their shots with pinpoint accuracy. The two bottom tips of the Chevron are strategically positioned to represent the approximate width of a man's shoulders at a distance of 300 yards. These reference points could be invaluable for estimating the distance of man-sized steel targets on the range.
Reticle 7 is a variation of Reticle 1 and its familiar duplex subtension reticle. In this alternative version, the central floating dot is replaced by a crosshair, offering shooters a different style of aiming point. The crosshair at the center of Reticle 7 provides shooters with a clear and precise aiming point while maintaining an unobstructed view of the target. It allows for accurate target acquisition and shot placement, especially in low-light and thermal imaging conditions.
Reticle 8 introduces a variation of the BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) crosshair system, similar to Reticle 7, but with a different unit of measurement. Instead of MRAD, this reticle employs an MOA crosshair for distance measurement and compensation. Shooters who are more familiar with the MOA system rather than the MRAD used in Reticle 1 and 7 will find Reticle 8 to be a valuable option. The MOA-based BDC crosshair simplifies the process of range estimation and elevation adjustments for those who think in MOA values.
Reticle 9 draws inspiration from the classics and is designed to resemble a modified German #1 reticle used in the WW2 ZF41 reticle while adding its own unique twist. Like the German original, this reticle design preserves the unobstructed view of the target by not including a 12 o'clock post. However, it diverges from the traditional reticle by incorporating a 2 MOA dot as the primary aiming point.
The three posts surrounding the central dot add to the reticle's overall design, offering additional reference points for quick target acquisition and tracking. Reticle 9 is well-suited for a wide range of shooting scenarios, such as hunting, competitive shooting, or tactical operations. Its thoughtful design allows for rapid and precise aiming while preserving situational awareness.
Reticle 10 takes inspiration from the classic German #4 reticle and offers a sleek and modern interpretation. The original German #4 crosshair pattern consisted of a crosshair with three thick posts that form a simple but highly effective aiming point. The vertical and horizontal posts intersect at the center of the reticle, creating a precise point of aim that is easy to acquire, even in low-light conditions.
The key difference lies in the sleeker and more streamlined design of Reticle 10. The posts are thinner, resulting in less reticle coverage of the target. This design refinement ensures that the shooter's view of the target remains unobstructed and allows for a more precise and cleaner sight picture.
The Sightmark Wraith Thermal digital riflescope presents a diverse array of reticle styles, each meticulously crafted to cater to the unique needs of shooters across various scenarios and preferences. Whether you're a hunter, competitive shooter, or tactical operator, the Sightmark Wraith Thermal digital riflescope ensures that your night vision shooting endeavors are marked by unparalleled clarity, accuracy, and confidence.