ZeroTech Trace ED 1-10x24 LPVO — Field-Tested & Reviewed by Woody Outdoors
G’day legends, Woody here.
It was a beautiful day out on the range recently, and I finally got my hands on something I’ve been itching to test — the ZeroTech ED 1-10x24 LPVO. This optic is ZeroTech’s new flagship LPVO offering, and after putting it through its paces on my Wedgetail MPR Mini in .300 Blackout, I can confidently say… this thing slaps.
🧐 First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Trace ED has that rugged, chunky, premium look I love. It runs a 34mm main tube, giving it a seriously tough presence and letting in an impressive amount of light. Everything about it screams durability — and it looks the part too.
The finish is top-notch, the turrets and controls are tight and deliberate, and it just feels like a scope you can beat up and rely on.
🔭 Optical Performance
Glass clarity? Absolutely elite — this is probably the clearest LPVO I’ve used to date.
The center segmented circle and illuminated aiming dot are sharp and very usable, with plenty of brightness settings to suit any lighting condition. Even on max brightness in the sun, it was perfectly visible. I liked that I could even click it down one level and still retain clarity.
The 1x to 10x magnification range gives you that close-to-mid-range flexibility we all want in an LPVO, and the field of view on 1x is massive. It really shines in fast, dynamic environments.
🛠 Features & Functionality
Here’s where the Trace ED really earns its place on the rifle:
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Pop-Lock Turrets: These are a game-changer. Pull up to adjust, push down to lock. No more bumping turrets accidentally while getting in or out of vehicles, or running through thick scrub.
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Zero Stop: Already dialed in, and it’s brilliant. If I’m spinning the turret back in a hurry, I don’t even have to look — just turn it till it stops and I’m back at zero. Simple.
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Throw Lever Included: Love that this comes standard. It’s firm but smooth, and makes adjusting magnification under stress much easier than trying to get a grip on a bare ring.
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Flip-Up Lens Caps: Thoughtfully designed. They can be repositioned to avoid clashing with a top-mounted red dot or other accessories. Lock solidly into different positions, and I personally prefer them flipped all the way back — out of the way, no flapping.
🎯 Zeroing & Range Performance
I ran 110gr Hornady V-Max through the .300 Blackout, and the Trace ED helped me print tight groups during zeroing — confirmation shots were nearly touching.
After zeroing, I set up a few practical shooting drills: targets at 50m and 100m, some transitions from the buggy, some roof shooting off the back of the ute. Not only did I not miss a shot, but the clarity and responsiveness of this optic made it a joy to shoot with. It handled everything I threw at it — both in magnification changes and fast transitions — without a hiccup.
🧠 Use Case & Final Thoughts
This optic is perfect for fast-handling guns — lever actions, pumps, short-barreled rifles — anything where quick target acquisition and a wide FOV are crucial.
For me, the Trace ED is like the big brother to the Thrive HD 1-8 I reviewed recently. It has all the strengths of the Thrive — brightness, robust build — but turned up a notch with unreal clarity, extra magnification and features like the pop-lock turrets and zero stop.
Oh, and let’s not forget: ZeroTech is an Aussie brand, and their optics are backed by a lifetime warranty. Whether you’re running their top-tier Trace or the more hunting-focused Thrive HD, you’re covered.
💬 Final Word
If you're in the market for a high-performance LPVO that punches well above its weight — with outstanding clarity, tough construction, and Aussie-backed reliability — the ZeroTech Trace ED 1-10x should be at the top of your list.
It's now sitting proudly on my rig, and I don't see it going anywhere soon.
