Vortex Scopes

SThomas3791 · 12-03-2014, 07:57 PM

About a year ago I was looking into getting a Vortex Diamondback scope for one of my hunting rifles. I read very good reviews on them and heard they have a very nice warranty program. My question is, I noticed recently that the Vortex prices have dropped a good bit. Usually when I see this happen its because companies are trying to burn off inventory or closeout items. Has the love affair people had with Vortex fallen off? Are they having quality issues that are hurting them making them drop their prices? I'm just concerned here since I am in the market for a new scope and I don't want to waste my time on a Vortex if they are having issues. As comparisons go I am looking at either the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40, Burris Fullfield II in 3-9x40, and Leupold VX-1 3-9x40. Recently someone on this site recommended a Redfield Revolution to me also, so that could be in the mix as well.

**LoneWolf** · 12-03-2014, 08:19 PM

Where did you see these price drops. I don't think Vortex has fallen off at all. If anything they are claiming a larger stake in the optics market after this year.

SThomas3791 · 12-03-2014, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

Where did you see these price drops. I don't think Vortex has fallen off at all. If anything they are claiming a larger stake in the optics market after this year.

you can get a crossfire ii for $140 and diamondbacks for $190 now. i remember pricing crossfires at around $180 sometime around january and diamondbacks were well over $200, that's why i never got the diamondback. that's almost 25% off the price i was seeing almost a year ago. just was wondering what was up and why the price drop that's all. i'm not saying there is a problem with them just wondering if there is so i don't fall victim to what i think may be a good deal.

**stomp442** · 12-03-2014, 08:30 PM

I believe that they are falling off and for good reason. Every vortex I have ever had was total junk. Everyone of them needed to be sent off for repair and while the service was great I would rather of not had the pleasure of using it. For the money a leupold is way better. Might cost a bit more but you won't have to send it off multiple times.

**LoneWolf** · 12-03-2014, 08:41 PM

Must be their lower end lines then because the razor's and PST's are sweet

**darkker** · 12-03-2014, 08:46 PM

I once relied upon the "warranty" bit as a selling point also, so this isn't an affront to those who like the notion.
Personally all the lower-than-Razor scopes I have seen/shot/heard of, they(friends and dealers) start the pitch with "Hey it's warranteed!!". That in my book these days is code for, "You Gonna need it!!"

**big honkin jeep** · 12-03-2014, 09:42 PM

I have a Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40 on one of my shorty rigs. I put it on there because it's what I had sitting on the shelf and I wanted to shoot it. They are decent enough hunting scopes, hold zero with decent resolution and clarity.
I actually have all of the scopes you mentioned except the VX1 I do have an older Vari x 2 which if I understand correctly is virtually the same thing.
If you place them side by side my preference would be for the Burris. From what I have seen shooting them side by side the Burris seems to have the edge on resolution and features. I also have found the ballistic plex recticle to be very useful in the field. Though they have a lifetime warranty, I've never needed one on a Burris. There are many other differences in the scopes you mentioned and when you weigh it all out I'd give Burris the nod. I believe they are still running rebates on em right now too.
I usually keep the Diamondback sitting around on the shelf because it holds zero and is a decent enough as a backup if I suspect a problem.
Good luck and any of the scopes you mentioned are decent enough for putting meat in the freezer.

**mattri** · 12-03-2014, 11:39 PM

I have a 2.5-10 PST on a hunting rifle that is so bright and clear that I have an easier time making out small targets @ 600 with it than I did with my Weaver T36 that is often lauded by the br crowd. It has also seen some fairly abusive conditions, not just from the field but from heavy hitting 338s among others.

A buddy of mine has a rifle with a Nightforce 8-32 br that he is absolutely in love with. After looking through my PST he bought a 6-24 for his new build.

My next build is also getting a 6-24. I've looked through Nightforce, Zeiss, S&B, Leupold and other scopes- For optics and features I couldn't beat the Vortex. Their price point is often used as a selling point- I was prepared to spend quite a bit more and just never found a better combo. In their defense I only looked through one Swaro and no March's.

It all depends on what you're after, what kind of hunting, what ranges, what rifle etc.

**yobuck** · 12-15-2014, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by mattri

I have a 2.5-10 PST on a hunting rifle that is so bright and clear that I have an easier time making out small targets @ 600 with it than I did with my Weaver T36 that is often lauded by the br crowd. It has also seen some fairly abusive conditions, not just from the field but from heavy hitting 338s among others.

A buddy of mine has a rifle with a Nightforce 8-32 br that he is absolutely in love with. After looking through my PST he bought a 6-24 for his new build.

My next build is also getting a 6-24. I've looked through Nightforce, Zeiss, S&B, Leupold and other scopes- For optics and features I couldn't beat the Vortex. Their price point is often used as a selling point- I was prepared to spend quite a bit more and just never found a better combo. In their defense I only looked through one Swaro and no March's.

It all depends on what you're after, what kind of hunting, what ranges, what rifle etc.

Would you consider a nice used one? Original box, all paperwork including the great warranty. No ring marks and as you said clearer than my Nightforce.

**hafejd30** · 12-04-2014, 12:07 AM

For what it's worth I own 2 Fullfield 2's and several vortex. Had to use vortex warranty a few times. Elevation and focus knobs crapping out. Great warranty...if you enjoy mounting/remounting scopes. The knobs failed within 50 rounds. This was a 4-16 hs and 6-24 pst.

No idea what the burris warranty is like.

**mattri** · 12-04-2014, 12:10 AM

Mounted on what?

**hafejd30** · 12-04-2014, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by mattri

Mounted on what?

Both 308

**stomp442** · 12-04-2014, 01:02 AM

I have lower end Crossfire's to the higher end PST's mounted on nothing bigger than 6.5-284s none lasted more than 100 rounds down range. I had one viper I sent off three times the last time I got it back I just through it in the trash.

**J.Baker** · 01-30-2015, 02:21 AM

Originally Posted by stomp442

I believe that they are falling off and for good reason. Every vortex I have ever had was total junk. Everyone of them needed to be sent off for repair and while the service was great I would rather of not had the pleasure of using it. For the money a leupold is way better. Might cost a bit more but you won't have to send it off multiple times.

Originally Posted by stomp442

I have lower end Crossfire's to the higher end PST's mounted on nothing bigger than 6.5-284s none lasted more than 100 rounds down range. I had one viper I sent off three times the last time I got it back I just through it in the trash.

Doesn't matter what brand someone's talking about or what forum it's on, there's always that ONE GUY that's had every one he ever bought be bad and he's always the first one to chime in badmouthing the brand whenever their name comes up. Not saying you're lying, exaggerating, stretching the truth or anything like that, just making the distinction that you're obviously THAT GUY here on this forum when it comes to Vortex.

However, given my personal experience with several products from them over the years and the hundreds of favorable comments, posts and reviews for them on this and hundreds of other forums I think it's safe to say your experience is a rare exception rather than the rule. Conversely, I've had several suspect Leupold scopes over the years and know several people who have had to send their Leupy back in for repair or replacement. Even so you don't see me running around badmouthing Leupold every time someone mentions them, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Leupold if I thought it offered the best bang for the buck and was the best suited for what I needed it for.

As for the original question as to why they prices have dropped, that's typical for December/January as the retailers are trying to clear our last years models to make room for next years models. There's nothing wrong with the product, there's just a new/maybe improved version on the way. Often times the manufacturers will even give the retailers a credit/discount to move them out at reduced prices to ensure they will place orders for the new models. As others have noted, if you're patient and don't need the latest/greatest it's a great way to get much more scope for your money that you would waiting for the new models.

Twinsen · 01-30-2015, 03:23 AM

I had my Vortex love shaken recently. I installed a new 4-16 on my FN and put up the best groups I've ever shot. Then I did a tracking test and one shot was very far off of where it should have been. If it was me, it was the only shot I made that day that wasn't amazing. It was very far off though, like 3-4 inches from where it should have been. I dunno. I have to retest.

**keith1** · 12-04-2014, 01:23 AM

I have a 6.5X20 Viper that's been back for repairs 2 times. The elevation knob goes out. It was mounted on a 30/06. It's now laying on the shelf.

Regards, Keith

**limige** · 12-04-2014, 01:40 AM

I have a 5-15x44 HST and a 4-16 x50 pst and both have been problem free..
Shooting a 22-250 and 6.5 creedmoor. Im in the process of moving the pst to my 300wsm

**chukarmandoo** · 12-04-2014, 08:33 AM

I guess I really don't know. I have three; 1 HS for about 3 years, 1 razor for almost 2 years and a PST for 6 or7 months. 1 issue with the razor. Unfortunately it turned out to be user error! Never had anything in a vortex that was less than a viper. The Razor and the HS have been through hell. Every time I think about it all I can see is a brand new scope for free!
The price drop comes from competition. There has to be an ungodly amount of profit in scopes and vortex is going to compete with all the manufactures at the high end and the low end.
Oh I forgot to mention the spotting scope- razor 16-48x60.

sav250 · 01-29-2015, 05:21 PM

I have the PST-210S1A 2.5=10 x 44 EBR-1 on my .204:

It is 30mm instead of an inch in tube diameter.

I have two Swarovsky scopes on other rifles. One is the 1" tube 3-9X on my .250 Savage 14 and the other is the 30mm tube Swarovsky on a Mannlicher made in Austria.

Swarovsky is Austria, Mannlicher Steyr is Austria.

The most expensive scopes I have compete with the Vortex. I have no idea what people are saying about Vortex when they come from the negative side.

**FEENIX** · 02-01-2015, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by sav250

It is 30mm instead of an inch in tube diameter.

Swarovsky is Austria, Mannlicher Steyr is Austria.

She's a beauty!

**roscoe69** · 12-09-2014, 10:49 AM

we have three vipers mounted on 270 browning, 257 weatherby mag, 300 wsm savage. no problems with any of them.

palerider338 · 12-14-2014, 05:39 PM

No problems here either with the 6-24x 50 PST FFP EBR-1 MOA mounted on my 112BVSS in 30/06.........600 rounds down the pipe and dead on. 5 shot groups the size of a quarter @

200 yards with HSM 180's VLD's. Has even been knocked off the rifle rack at the club by a noob with 2 left feet with no ill effects. No complaints so far.

**tomme boy** · 12-15-2014, 09:32 AM

6.5-20 Viper and never had a problem. Usually it is the person behind the scope that is a problem. Or how it is mounted.

Rob44 · 12-19-2014, 12:44 AM

I've got several Vortex Scopes in various powers as well as Nikons, Leupolds, early Redfields and even a Balvar8 .I trusted a 2.5x10 Vortex to put on my Africa Carbine and a late day shot of 200 yds gave me plenty of light to see my target,,the scope took a pretty good beating but always held Zero, I just bought a 6.5x18 to mount on my M1A

**GaCop** · 12-19-2014, 08:01 AM

I've just boxed up my cheap Crossfire 8X32X50 because it started acting up after four years of use. Talked to Brian at Vortex and they will take a look at it either fixing it or replacing it. Considering the original Crossfire is no long made for Vortex, I guess I'll most likely upgrade to a Crossfire II.