Vortex Advice and Opinions

[kglacken]

Looking for all the vortex guys out there. Im in the market this off season for 3 Main things...... I love my Vortex Diamondback binos for the price and Vortex has earned my business with the way they took care of me as a customer last fall. Im pretty set on giving them my money if they have what I'm kinda looking for. Here is what I need....

1. New Scope for my Remington Model 700 7mm. I have an old Redfield 10X that came with it when I got it and I can't stand it. Your eye has to be just the right distance from the glass, the clarity isn't great in lower light and it has cost me a shot opportunity, so its time for a change! I want something 12-16x. Im not looking to spend 1000 on a rifle scope, but I want something with good glass, and a little more zoom. Is there a giant difference between the Diamondback and the Viper lines? What do you have, and what do you like? pros and cons?

2. New Spotting scope. Im looking for something that is somewhat smaller and lighter. I don't use a spotter a ton, but I had too many times last season where I wish I would of had one to tell if a buck was worth the stalk or not. And I also have some hunts planned for this year, where my eyes could do some walking before I did, if you know what I mean. It doesn't necessarily have to be a "backpacking" scope, but i don't want something big and bulky. Which one do you recommend?

3. New Range finder. Just curious what people thought of their 1000 yard range finder. Anyone have it? Work well?

Thanks in advance everyone!

[Mxracer532]

I have experience with the Crossfire, Viper and just did purchase a Viper PST 6-24x50. My Sendero (also 7mag) is at the Smiths getting a CSR brake and a trigger job so I haven't got it mounted up yet but initial observation is it can't be beat for the price. A friend just put a Viper HST-LR on a Tikka 22-250 in 4-16x50 and it is also a very nice scope.
My brother has a Viper spotter and the Ranger 1000 and loves them both. (Myself I prefer my Leica rangefinder)

[HntnFsh]

Might look at the Sig Kilo range finder that's being talked about in the other thread.

[Karl Blanchard]

Viper HD 48x spotter would be a mid range option that's not too bulky.

Viper HS LR or a PST would be better options than the Diamondback line.

Like anything Vortex, warranty is second to none, but expect to use it.  They have 3 pieces of my glass in their repair shop as I type this.   

[yorketransport]

Like anything Vortex, warranty is second to none, but expect to use it.  They have 3 pieces of my glass in their repair shop as I type this.   

Slow learner.......

[mountainman]

Like anything Vortex, warranty is second to none, but expect to use it.  They have 3 pieces of my glass in their repair shop as I type this.   

Slow learner.......

:
Personally love my Vortex glass. Stay above the Viper level and you will be good to go!

[Karl Blanchard]

Like anything Vortex, warranty is second to none, but expect to use it.  They have 3 pieces of my glass in their repair shop as I type this.   

Slow learner.......

:
Personally love my Vortex glass. Stay above the Viper level and you will be good to go!

  well my spotter is a Razor HD

[Karl Blanchard]

Like anything Vortex, warranty is second to none, but expect to use it.  They have 3 pieces of my glass in their repair shop as I type this.   

Slow learner.......

  Hey now!!!  I prefer the term special

[Sakko300wsm]

I have a viper on my Tikka 7mm-08 and had a Ranger 1000 - both are great and zero problems. Just sold the ranger and ordered up a new Sig Kilo , but not because the ranger had any issues- it performed absolutely perfect, I just wanted to check out the sig so hopefully I made the right choice. I also have a pair of 10x50 diamond back binos that I think is good glass for the price

[Wingin it]

I have a Viper HS LR that has been great so far. I also have a set of Razor HD 12X50 binoculars that are great. I even bought my wife a set of crossfire ii in 8x42 for around the house and bird watching.  She does a little hunting too. No complaints with any of the Vortex stuff here, at least not yet.

[Buzz2401]

I would have to think that with all the returns to Vortex for warranty issues they will eventually figiure out how to make a reliable one.  I think they spend all their money on glass then throw in some bargain hardware to keep at price point while having great glass.  Sell a bunch of product and then just fix the ones that break.  Its a good business model until people decide they are tired of missed opportunities and quit buying their products.

[jackelope]

Half of their " warranty" repairs are not related to anything that should be considered a manufacturers defect. I.e. Throw them off a cliff, let a bear chew on them. The downsides to the manufacture's side of a "no fault" warranty.
I've got  a vortex spotting scope, 3 scopes. All on the lower price range. I put a cheap scope on a heavy recoiling rifle and broke it. Not their fault, but they replaced it for free. I put it on a .22 when I got it back, replaced for free. I've had no issues with anything else. 

[Stein]

I bet 75% of the warranty returns are not due to defects in the products.

[mountainman]

I bet 75% of the warranty returns are not due to defects in the products.

[CAMPMEAT]

I'd like to see ALL the return warranty excuses sent into Vortex. My PST is very, very clear, plus, I do not abuse my stuff just to be able to send it back to give a poor review or be a pain.