Vortex Bubble
Level 30mm & 1"
Tubular level is embedded in a ring which is held together by two stainless screws (top and opposite bottom corner)
The bubble, having less air, appears more circular and rides slower and smoother than the traditional oval types. It does not seem to wobble or be as sensitive. The spirit, or whichever liquid it contains has enough dye for good visibility.
For some reason I was anticipating something a bit different...
I was expecting a nicely designed ring (sans the base) with a level molded into the top. It was my error to make that presumption... For what I paid, I received a nice level that happens to attach and appear similar to a scope ring. Not that a perfectly concentric shape and finish is critical for this type of application, and for the price I really don't have any complaints. The finish appears somewhat glossy.
In the pictures, the level is not completely snugged down and I completely unscrewed the tops to the rings on my base to show the gap/fit I was expecting to see. One side of the scope rings were closed (not tightened) to show how much space there was before screws are torqued. I thought there would be less on the level as it does not require as much force to hold in place.
My initial impressions with this model are favorable. Overall, I believe it is well thought out and solidly built. I like the placement of the level as it allows for easy viewing without moving or losing a cheek weld. However, the ring that hold the level in place is quite large and may interfere with reading turret indexing marks if installed in front (depending on setup). For me, the best spot has been right behind the last ring (I'm still tinkering though). The bubble will split from vibration but that was expected.
I think it would be interesting if Vortex developed a higher end offering in addition to this model.
I think it would be nice to have available:
-Closer and thicker level markings
-Darker dye
-Some form of illumination (tritium or led as offered in some levels)
-maybe a small coin battery?
-A removable slope indicator
-A foldable rail version as a compact option
I know other companies are offering some of these features...
Just happen to be a growing fan of Vortex and would be happy to spend a little extra for a model taken a step further or for a rifle where a different style would be better suited.
Level 30mm & 1"
Tubular level is embedded in a ring which is held together by two stainless screws (top and opposite bottom corner)
The bubble, having less air, appears more circular and rides slower and smoother than the traditional oval types. It does not seem to wobble or be as sensitive. The spirit, or whichever liquid it contains has enough dye for good visibility.
For some reason I was anticipating something a bit different...
I was expecting a nicely designed ring (sans the base) with a level molded into the top. It was my error to make that presumption... For what I paid, I received a nice level that happens to attach and appear similar to a scope ring. Not that a perfectly concentric shape and finish is critical for this type of application, and for the price I really don't have any complaints. The finish appears somewhat glossy.
In the pictures, the level is not completely snugged down and I completely unscrewed the tops to the rings on my base to show the gap/fit I was expecting to see. One side of the scope rings were closed (not tightened) to show how much space there was before screws are torqued. I thought there would be less on the level as it does not require as much force to hold in place.
My initial impressions with this model are favorable. Overall, I believe it is well thought out and solidly built. I like the placement of the level as it allows for easy viewing without moving or losing a cheek weld. However, the ring that hold the level in place is quite large and may interfere with reading turret indexing marks if installed in front (depending on setup). For me, the best spot has been right behind the last ring (I'm still tinkering though). The bubble will split from vibration but that was expected.
I think it would be interesting if Vortex developed a higher end offering in addition to this model.
I think it would be nice to have available:
-Closer and thicker level markings
-Darker dye
-Some form of illumination (tritium or led as offered in some levels)
-maybe a small coin battery?
-A removable slope indicator
-A foldable rail version as a compact option
I know other companies are offering some of these features...
Just happen to be a growing fan of Vortex and would be happy to spend a little extra for a model taken a step further or for a rifle where a different style would be better suited.
