I’ve been interested in Element Optics for some time, but only recently had the chance to test their top-of-the-line Theos 6-36×56 FFP scope! Watch or read on for the results! 

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About the Theos 6-36 x 56 FFP

The Theos is a PRS/long-range oriented first focal plane scope made in Japan. It has an exposed elevation turret and capped windage turret with thread protector ring. Both are tool-free, resettable turrets with a hard mechanical zero-stop and revolution indicator flag. No set screws! 

Aside from the turrets, it  didn’t take me long to notice the smoothness of the magnification knob—stiff enough to hold its position but not stiff enough to torque the scope or bipod when you adjust it.

From Element Optics: 

THEOS has entered the room – Created through a three year process of meticulous planning, careful crafting and brutal testing. With a completely re-engineered turret system, digital illumination control and a magnification range of 6-36x, we’ve raised the bar governing what a flagship should be and placed the Theos firmly on the throne. New features on this model include a revolution flag that provides a visual indication when you pass a full turn, a new zero-stop mechanism that requires no tools, a digital illumination that clears up space around the parallax knob, and an aperture ring that manipulates the depth of field when needed.

As with all our riflescopes, we’ve introduced strict quality control measures to ensure perfect operation under testing conditions. And if something goes wrong? Our Platinum Lifetime Warranty has you covered – No paperwork or registration required.

• • 34mm Main Body Tube
  • Exposed Elevation (12 MRAD per Revolution)
  • Capped Windage with Thread Protection Ring
  • Illuminated, First Focal Plane Reticle
  • Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • Side Parallax: 10m-Infinity
  • Advanced Fully Multi-Coated Lenses with ED Glass and Anti-Fouling Layer
  • Tool-free Resettable Turrets
  • Hard Mechanical Zero-Stop & Revolution Indicator Flag
  • Removable Magnification Throw Lever
  • Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof & Nitrogen Purged
  • Sunshade, Aperture Ring & Neoprene Cover included

What’s in the Box

This striking gray scope comes with a windage knob cover, thread protector, sunshade, aperture ring, neoprene cover, Allen key, decal, lens cloth, instructions and a reticle guide.

The throw lever comes installed, but the Theos also comes with a set screw in case you decide to remove it. 

Reticle Specifications

The APR-2D MRAD reticle has standard illumination as well as an isolated center dot, which is ideal for precise aiming. The “Christmas tree” below the center dot allows for elevation and windage holdovers, but it isn’t so cluttered as to be terribly distracting. 

Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig

The Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig, designed and built in house, measures actual optics performance using precision 100 yard targets (MIL, MOA) and camera positioning to sub -0.0005”. (Our 100 yard targets are verified with a Leica laser rangefinder accurate to ⅛ inch and the target grids have been verified with calipers.) The rig tests tracking, zoom, parallax, and distortion. Note: We do not currently have a way to capture optics image quality in a meaningful way.

To test tracking, we took the scope up, down, left and right 3.0 mil, noting where we landed on the target. To date, this scope had the best results we’ve ever observed. It tracked perfectly. (I also confirmed this during live fire at various distances.)

For parallax, we started with the center of the scope scope and camera collinear. With the parallax set to the testing range (100 yards), we moved the scope left and right 0.050” to simulate varying head position. If you look closely, the point of aim shifted but extremely slightly— almost a perfect result. 

To test image distortion, we took one frame from the video and aligned it with a rectangle to see if there is any pincushion effect. Parallel lines indicated another perfect result! 

Installation and Shooting

I set to work mounting the Theos in 34mm Element Accu-Lite rings on my .22 ARC build featuring a BAT TR action and Ballistic Advantage barrel in an Ultradyne UD5 chassis.

Element sent both medium and high rings, though they are also available in low. The high height (1.22”) worked the best as the mediums didn’t allow for the proper objective clearance. (The torque values are listed on the Element Optics website and on the info-sheet.) I also added a BANISH 30-GOLD suppressor. 

I started out by bore-sighting and zeroing the gun at 100 yards. I shot three different types of Hornady ammunition: 62 grain ELD-VT V-Match, 75 grain ELD-M, and 88 grain ELD-M Match.  With a high BC and the smallest group sizes, the 88 grain ELD-M Match emerged the winner. 

Moving to the ridgeline, I made consistent hits on D-M Targets steel rock chucks at 336 yards.

Next came a first round impact at 660 yards. I missed my first 706-yard shot, reducing magnification on the Theos to increase my field of view.

The satisfying ding of steel returned when I held the left edge of the target. The mirage I noticed coming off the suppressor at 706 yards worsened at 1,390 yards.

I struggled to see a trace at this distance, but worked through it and managed three successive hits on Harold, aiming at his feet.

This is very impressive as .22 ARC is just under supersonic at that distance. Overall, I was extremely impressed by the clarity and quality of the glass. I noticed it most during an unexpected opportunity to shoot a live rock chuck. (I used Hornady’s 22 ARC 62 grain ELD-VT V-Match Ammunition for this purpose.) 

Conclusion

While I was especially impressed by the tracking and  glass clarity, I was also very taken with the smooth magnification ring and tool-less resettable turrets. They were quick and easy to set and eliminated having to find a place to store an Allen key on the go.

I didn’t like that the zero stop goes slightly beyond zero (about negative half MIL on this scope), but there may be a reason for it. I’ve reached out to the Element Optics team for more information. Overall, the Element Theos performed exceptionally well and is a great, high-quality option for long range shooters and hunters. 

Get the Gear

Element Optics Theos 6-36×56 FFP – $2,799.99 MSRP as of 4/13/2024

Element Accu-Lite 34mm High Rings at Creedmoor Sports

Element Accu-Lite 30mm and 34mm Rings at Creedmoor Sports

Hornady 22 ARC 62 grain ELD-VT V-Match Ammunition

Hornady 22 ARC 75 grain ELD-M Ammunition 

Hornady 22 ARC 88 grain ELD-M Ammunition

Silencer Central BANISH 30-GOLD

Order and customize your UD Chassis from UltradyneUSA.com.

D-M Targets (get your Rock Chuck Targets HERE)

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Thanks,
Gavin Gear