SIG SAUER Echo1 1-2x30 Graphite Multiple Reticle Thermal Reflex Sight (SOE11001)

This device is a far sight better than some of the commonly used thermals often mounted to military MGs at the squad level. Resolution on the screen is low, but for the intended view distances of 25-300 feet the sensor acuity and screen resolution give you a good idea of what you're looking at, and once you get used to reading a thermal you are able to detect even very small creatures inside the intended range of the device. The number of view modes available is excellent, you can choose from white hot, black hot, gradient, green/black, and TWO settings for different contrasts of red/black. What is NOT excellent is the number of brightness levels. I live in the forest, and I got the Echo 1 to help curb the coyote and beaver problems that are endemic to my region. The optic is great for identifying the creatures, but the limited usable range means your best bet is to eyeball the critter first, check on the optic to make sure it's one of your problem species, and then line up and take a shot. With the minimum dimness and the lowest contrast red/black, the brightness of the Echo 1 is STILL washing out my night vision, meaning when I locate problem animals it's usually by hearing or in random scans of the area i'm expecting them to show up in. The add-your-own reticle feature is a great idea, and if you get the drop data for your ammo you can build out self-ranging reticles with a bit of napkin math and a few pixels in their web-based application. Unfortunately, you can only load and use one custom reticle at a time, so if you want to change ammo types you need to head home, plug the optic back in, and load in a new reticle. The Echo 1 BADLY needs the ability to store more than one at a time and flip freely through them. Even if you had enough memory for one or two more to pick, it would allow those of us that switch from subsonic to supersonic ammo the ability to come prepared.