Post by: yakimanoob on August 28, 2017, 07:22:13 PM
I've been looking at things like the Aculon by Nikon and the RX-650 Leupold, but after looking over warranties I realized that not even Leupold offers their usual lifetime warranty on their rangefinders.
So my choice now is to spend ~$150 on a Nikon or Leupold and live with the fact that I might have to replace it, or blow a little more $$ and get the ~$300 Vortex Ranger 1000, knowing Vortex will fix or replace it for any reason ever.
What do you think? This will be my first rangefinder. I'm a rifle hunter for deer/elk/bear and currently use a 7mm-08 so I don't mind the 500-650 yard range limits on the cheaper units--I won't be shooting that far anyway.
Post by: dscubame on August 28, 2017, 07:32:51 PM
Leupold for archery and Leica for rifle.
Then the Sig Kilo came out and I would have gone that route in place of the Leica.
Post by: yakimanoob on August 28, 2017, 07:41:51 PM
You won't get 500 to 600 on the cheap units even though they claim it.Why not the Vortex? Is there something about it I should know?
Leupold for archery and Leica for rifle.
Then the Sig Kilo came out and I would have gone that route in place of the Leica.
Post by: kselkhunter on August 28, 2017, 07:46:45 PM
Post by: dscubame on August 28, 2017, 07:48:08 PM
Post by: dscubame on August 28, 2017, 07:49:09 PM
My Leica has been reliable for years.
Agree. Don't regret the Leica at all.
Post by: dscubame on August 28, 2017, 07:50:35 PM
Post by: Dan-o on August 28, 2017, 07:57:17 PM
In my experience you get about 50-65 percent of the optimal range claim.
I went cheap the first time. Wish I'd saved the money.
I do like the longer range Vortek.... but I'm a Vortek fan.
If you'rer interested in Vortek, hit up elknut1 on here. He sells it, and I have found him to be very knoledgeable and totally trustworthy.
Post by: JoeE on August 28, 2017, 07:59:30 PM
Post by: G-S on August 28, 2017, 08:13:20 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 28, 2017, 08:28:02 PM
Post by: Bob33 on August 28, 2017, 08:37:13 PM
Post by: dscubame on August 30, 2017, 05:58:49 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 30, 2017, 06:27:58 AM
Sig Kilo. $209 on Camofire right now.FYI, I don't believe that one has lite up redicles.
Post by: dreadi on August 30, 2017, 06:39:46 AM
Post by: scottcrb on August 30, 2017, 07:54:33 AM
Post by: PolarBear on August 30, 2017, 08:02:40 AM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 30, 2017, 08:11:46 AM
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on August 30, 2017, 09:06:28 AM
Post by: yakimanoob on August 30, 2017, 10:33:52 AM
Leupold or Leica. Had great luck with Leupold. Wouldn't touch anything Vortex.Why the ban on Vortex?
Post by: dscubame on August 30, 2017, 11:42:20 AM
Post by: Bluemoon on August 30, 2017, 11:54:13 AM
Post by: PolarBear on August 30, 2017, 12:03:28 PM
Every single person that I personally know has had issues with their Vortex stuff wether it is a scope, binocs or range finder. It is a good thing that their warranty is so great because you will more than likely need it. There is a reason that you see a lot of Vortex stuff for sale on this site and many others.Leupold or Leica. Had great luck with Leupold. Wouldn't touch anything Vortex.Why the ban on Vortex?
Post by: Tenkara on August 30, 2017, 12:19:10 PM
My Leica has been reliable for years.:yeah:
Post by: yakimanoob on August 30, 2017, 01:57:06 PM
Post by: huntandjeep on August 30, 2017, 06:52:03 PM
:yeah:x2My Leica has been reliable for years.:yeah:
Post by: cboom on September 08, 2017, 12:04:59 AM
I have a Leica 1600 and a Sig Kilo 2000. The Sig gets more use.
Sig is pretty amazing for the money. Leupolds work well in good conditions, a little fog or haze they don't so much. Vortex are by far the worst of the bunch, so painfully slow.
Post by: wsmnut on September 08, 2017, 01:02:45 AM
:yeah:x2My Leica has been reliable for years.:yeah:
X3
Love it.
Post by: Maligator on September 19, 2017, 09:35:59 PM
Post by: pashok23 on September 19, 2017, 10:28:53 PM
Post by: follow maggie on September 20, 2017, 12:50:31 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on September 20, 2017, 06:58:00 AM
Post by: Duckslayer89 on September 20, 2017, 07:05:31 AM
Here's my Leupold range finder from this past weeks elk hunt. I got sick of it not working so decided to use it for a practical purpose.
They still make aluminum arrows?!
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 20, 2017, 07:05:42 AM
Sig 2000
Leica 1600
Everything else
I bought a Sig 850 and I love it, but I don't like the black display. Wish it was red.
Post by: h2ofowlr on September 20, 2017, 07:08:26 AM
Post by: follow maggie on September 20, 2017, 04:07:17 PM
Here's my Leupold range finder from this past weeks elk hunt. I got sick of it not working so decided to use it for a practical purpose.
They still make aluminum arrows?!
Yep. I'm thinking of switching to carbon to get a flatter trajectory at closer ranges, though
Post by: Stein on September 20, 2017, 04:22:56 PM
Post by: frazierw on September 26, 2017, 11:41:24 AM
Post by: 2MANY on September 26, 2017, 11:43:48 AM
Post by: bighorn1 on September 26, 2017, 11:48:49 AM
Post by: TheHunt on September 26, 2017, 12:25:55 PM
Sig Kilo 2400ABS
I have read good things about the 2400. Have you had it out in the fog?
Post by: 2MANY on September 26, 2017, 12:56:39 PM
I guess I cannot say in the fog.
Post by: Bushcraft on September 27, 2017, 09:07:01 AM
Compact. Lightweight. Works.
Post by: blackpowderhunter on September 27, 2017, 12:45:12 PM
Post by: TheHunt on September 27, 2017, 12:51:03 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on September 27, 2017, 09:48:01 PM
Ranges up to 2200 yards consistently.
Post by: jaymark6655 on September 28, 2017, 03:37:22 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on September 28, 2017, 02:53:22 PM
Post by: Bob33 on September 28, 2017, 02:58:24 PM
Post by: Elknut1 on October 02, 2017, 09:43:06 AM
It doesn't matter to me who owns what but those considering the 2200 may want to check out other units first!
ElkNut/Paul
Post by: dscubame on October 02, 2017, 10:21:59 PM
I picked up two of the Sig Silo 2200, very disappointed for sure! I read so much hype about them being hands down better than the Vortex 1500 -- Simply not true! I talked to the Sig rep & he mentioned it could be the batteries that were used so he sent me two upgraded ones that are used in the 2400 models. (Duracell's) No difference in them. Our 2200's are best used in 0-900 yards at best, in most cases 800 yards is the best it will do & that's after you click the button a 1/2 dozen times! Once we did get a skosh over 1000 yards. The 1500 is brighter & will laser ranges side by side if not better than the Sig. I sold one of the Sigs & will be selling the other shortly. I have no idea how some here claim 2000 yards+ with this model. It simply is not true for us, as I mentioned I was very disappointed with them. Too, they have no way to attach them to your pack? The Vortex have a metal belt clip & slides perfectly on my packs horizontal chest strap.
It doesn't matter to me who owns what but those considering the 2200 may want to check out other units first!
ElkNut/Paul
Your experience is definitely different than the majority of the experiences shared around here.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on October 02, 2017, 11:08:56 PM
Leica 1200 is what I have now. I sure like the new G7 BR2500 Ballistic Rangefinder 7x reviews that came out.Like the “shoot to” correction it does to correct yardage to your turret conditions. Was surprised sig didnt have this - I wrote them twice suggesting simple table lookup feature. Going to be a shootout with sig 2400 and G7 with both $1499 street price for king of the rangefinders.
Post by: Elknut1 on October 03, 2017, 05:33:28 AM
Do you own a 2200? If so what ranges are you consistently receiving?
ElkNut/Paul
Post by: Thenewguy on October 03, 2017, 05:51:35 AM
Post by: TRD1911 on October 03, 2017, 06:09:58 AM
I have a Leica 1600 and a Sig Kilo 2000. The Sig gets more use.
+1
The Leica 1600 was a wedding gift from my wife and has a bit of sentimental value attached to it. If that wasn't the case I would have two Sigs.
Post by: dscubame on October 03, 2017, 07:04:06 AM
dscubame, no doubt about it, this is why I picked them up. I read many good reviews here on them. I believe guys are exaggerating the heck out of them. The two I had (still have one) aren't getting 1/2 the distances some here are claiming? What gives? I talked with the Sig Sauer Rep & he said I should easily get 1500-1800 yards. These haven't came close to it. They are at best an 800-900 yard unit. I f I were to purchase a new unit that needed to range 1500 yards consistently in would be the Leupold 1600 B -- Just sharing my honest findings!
Do you own a 2200? If so what ranges are you consistently receiving?
ElkNut/Paul
I have the Leica and was skeptical of the Sig due to price as I have found the less expensive ones not work as advertised, not even close.
I would expect what you experienced but with so many folks raving about them, over time I came to think maybe there is something there.
I most definitely trust what your saying just goes to remind a guy that once again you get what you pay for and do good research for yourself. With your experience and background I consider a product review from you part of good research unless you have a business relationship or some other reason to be hyping Vortex.
A little off topic and not to be accusatory here but so many relatively higher profile folks in the hunting industry giving good reviews to not so good products or not so good reviews to good products to help encourage the companies to continue flooding them with free gear and other perks, it's too bad. Can't blame a guy for being skeptical with reviews and not just in this industry but most if not all others as well.
Post by: Elknut1 on October 03, 2017, 07:47:58 AM
Sorry, I meant Leica 1600 B. As far as research goes no I didn't go to any extreme looking for the perfect unit, I went by what I read here & on Rokslide. Many raved about it getting well over 2000 yards consistently, there were some that had the same issues I'm having but I decided what the heck I'll pick them up & see for myself. I even sent one back to Sig to check out, they sent it back saying it was perfectly fine along with the new duracell battery.
I wish it would perform like some say it does! I've tried it on mountain sides, trees, rocks, buildings, roof tops, you name it, it's like pulling teeth to get it to range 900 yards. No way will it do it on 3-4 clicks or holding down on scan mode.
Who here is reputable/trustworthy? I will send him this unit to check out for a week, I'll even send a pre-paid shipping label to send it back. I would like someone else here to see what this unit does for them!
ElkNut/Paul
Post by: dscubame on October 03, 2017, 07:55:00 AM
Post by: TheHunt on October 03, 2017, 08:17:40 AM
I picked up two of the Sig Silo 2200, very disappointed for sure! I read so much hype about them being hands down better than the Vortex 1500 -- Simply not true! I talked to the Sig rep & he mentioned it could be the batteries that were used so he sent me two upgraded ones that are used in the 2400 models. (Duracell's) No difference in them. Our 2200's are best used in 0-900 yards at best, in most cases 800 yards is the best it will do & that's after you click the button a 1/2 dozen times! Once we did get a skosh over 1000 yards. The 1500 is brighter & will laser ranges side by side if not better than the Sig. I sold one of the Sigs & will be selling the other shortly. I have no idea how some here claim 2000 yards+ with this model. It simply is not true for us, as I mentioned I was very disappointed with them. Too, they have no way to attach them to your pack? The Vortex have a metal belt clip & slides perfectly on my packs horizontal chest strap.
It doesn't matter to me who owns what but those considering the 2200 may want to check out other units first!
ElkNut/Paul
Your experience is definitely different than the majority of the experiences shared around here.
I have heard others say the Sig Quality Assurance is not up to snuff. He is not alone.
Post by: jaymark6655 on October 03, 2017, 08:40:43 AM
-Shaky hands and no tripod = reduced range (I am convinced this is my problem)
-Target composition: the larger, harder, flatter, and more perpendicular it is too you the better (grass, deer fur, anything dew covered, and evergreens seem to be the best at diffusing the beam).
-Sunlight, Fog and Rain = reduced range (If sunny try shooting something in the shade from a shaded position or wait for a cloud to cross over the sun. It will help, but your range will still be reduced.)
-Dirt or Scratched lens = reduced range
-Beam divergence (KILO2200 is 1.3MILRAD so its 4.68" at 1000 yards, most range finders are even bigger which can make ranging a distance target difficult to impossible if not enough laser is hitting the target or its hitting something else.)
-Not 100% sure on this, but I bet humidity has an impact too.
I did not get to try the Vortex outside the store, so my choice was based solely on the reticle difference and the menu layout. Previous to that I was going to get one or the other due to price, claimed performance, and what reviews had said about them.
Post by: Elknut1 on October 03, 2017, 08:41:18 AM
I sadly agree that with so much Pro Staff B/S out there these days it's tough to know who & what is legit & what's not! This is a big reason I buy these certain items so I can make my own comparisons. At 62 I'm not interested in lying to folks, I like to see products stand on their own merits. This is what I did with the Sig unit, it does not stand up to what the actual hype is, at least not in the two units I had! How many more will it take to find that one that does? It shouldn't be that way.
I'm serious about sending a trustworthy guy this one I still have, it's 2 months old, he will see what I see! Thanks!
ElkNut/Paul
Post by: Thenewguy on October 03, 2017, 08:43:57 AM
Post by: dscubame on October 03, 2017, 08:45:35 AM
Dialogue on forums can be difficult at best sometimes and was a pleasure with you.
Post by: OLYTAX on October 03, 2017, 08:48:54 AM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on November 21, 2017, 01:38:08 PM
Post by: dan11011 on November 21, 2017, 02:09:48 PM
Post by: idahohuntr on November 21, 2017, 03:08:06 PM
Post by: jdb on November 21, 2017, 07:35:19 PM
as usual I agreeEvery single person that I personally know has had issues with their Vortex stuff wether it is a scope, binocs or range finder. It is a good thing that their warranty is so great because you will more than likely need it. There is a reason that you see a lot of Vortex stuff for sale on this site and many others.Leupold or Leica. Had great luck with Leupold. Wouldn't touch anything Vortex.Why the ban on Vortex?
Post by: fillthefreezer on November 21, 2017, 07:46:27 PM
had leupold rx1000?i before that, was very serviceable as an archery unit, lacked much for rifle.
Post by: Naches Sportsman on November 21, 2017, 07:47:27 PM
Agree x2.as usual I agreeEvery single person that I personally know has had issues with their Vortex stuff wether it is a scope, binocs or range finder. It is a good thing that their warranty is so great because you will more than likely need it. There is a reason that you see a lot of Vortex stuff for sale on this site and many others.Leupold or Leica. Had great luck with Leupold. Wouldn't touch anything Vortex.Why the ban on Vortex?
As soon as I can afford it, I am switching over to another brand of binoculars. Had to send a pair of binos in 5 times in 3 years before they replaced them. My other pair fell apart after 3 years of use everyday and a going to send them in for a new pair. Don't own any vortex rifle scopes or range finders and never will. A buddy is selling a pair of Leica binos and is going to give me a hell of a deal on them. Binoculars first then a step up in range finders will follow. I bought a Leupold rx 850i TBR off of a member and love it.
Post by: GurrCentral on November 21, 2017, 08:17:28 PM
Post by: b23 on November 21, 2017, 08:25:32 PM
Post by: spoonman on November 21, 2017, 08:39:55 PM
Post by: tlbradford on November 22, 2017, 10:21:39 AM
I do like the compact size, clear optics, reticle, ballistic comp, and battery life. It has also been very durable and immune to horrible weather.
I am pretty old school though with my hunting. I know the ballistics of my rifle, and don't dial in ranges. I don't shoot anything further than 400 yards with a rifle (unless I am lobbing bullets at a running coyote), and I bowhunt with a longbow so I can eyeball up to 40 yards pretty easily. I do stretch my barrel turkey hunting so it's nice to know how far out my field of fire is. My brother in law had Leica Geovids and those seemed to work on everything you pointed them at. So take this review for the :twocents: it's worth.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on November 22, 2017, 10:42:21 AM
One more day left on the Cabelas sale for the Sig Kilo 2200 $349 (regular is $499). My furthest so far with the Sig 2200 has been 1849 yards.
:yeah:
tough to beat at that price !!!
Post by: grundy53 on November 22, 2017, 02:53:18 PM
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Post by: NRA4LIFE on November 22, 2017, 03:59:46 PM
Post by: yorketransport on November 22, 2017, 04:43:34 PM
I’ve settled on a two rangefinder set. I have the Terrapin for extreme ranging when I’m just out messing around and a used Leica 1600 that I picked up for a good price that comes hunting with me. Since very few people have a real, consistent use for a rangefinder capable of giving a range beyond 1200 yards I don’t think there’s much reason for the average shooter to worry about the ability to range a rock at 3000 yards. Even though I smile every time a get a reading on my stump at 4489 yards, I don’t have any practical use for that information. I do however have a use for a small and portable rangefinder that will give good readings to 1000-1200 yards max. Heck, I’m happy with 400 yards for my hunting rangefinder. I’ve never shot a big game animal beyond 360 yards!
Post by: Buzz2401 on November 23, 2017, 08:06:40 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on November 23, 2017, 08:45:53 AM
I do use the 2400 for its longer range and ballistics but for general use I think the Leica even at less than half the price is an easier unit to use for 800 yards and under.
Post by: W_Ellison2011 on December 14, 2017, 06:07:58 PM
Post by: lokidog on December 14, 2017, 08:31:30 PM
Post by: birddogdad on December 15, 2017, 06:39:08 AM
Post by: jjhunter on December 15, 2017, 07:02:22 AM
Post by: frankhunter on December 26, 2017, 10:13:15 PM