I have an older set of Leica HD-Bs, and I've been looking to find something worth replacing them with. Like a lot of people here, I use them for hunting and general glassing, but I also want a solid laser that can reliably hit small steel targets at distance with an integrated ballistics solver (that does not need to BT to another device). I'd prefer AB, but it's not a deal killer. I was set on picking up a pair of the Vector X's when they became available, and my hope was that the Vectors would bridge the gap between the gamer options and the hunting options, but I'm re-evaluating. Potential options that I'm considering are (not necessarily on this order):
I saw some conflicting info on some of these units regarding beam divergence, so maybe this table is not completely accurate
Vectronix Vector X ($2,799 + $600 enhancers)
Not a ton of info out yet regarding general production units. Pre-production and influencer type reviews indicate that the laser is great, I like the display readout, and it sounds like glass is good (probably not on par with alpha bino RF?).
Currently they are unobtanium. Previous comments related to civilian sales support is poor. I don't care that much about the etched reticle - it will get occasional use, but I'll glass more than I use the reticle so I'd probably prefer clean optics. Some of the comments in the Vector X threads so far have me second guessing quality of these units (but that's probably not a fair assessment at this point). I like the prospect of throwing the enhancers in my backpack to use while tripod mounted.
Revic BLR10b ($2,425.50)
A little more info on these than the Vectors, but still not a ton. Sounds like laser is good, I'm okay with display, and glass sounds like it's okay (but not competing with the top 3). I don't want to rely on a BT connection for the ballistics, and my understanding is that these can function independently, is that right? I'm luke warm on this option, but can't actually say why. I haven't used a set myself, but part of me thinks if I were to go this route, I should just grab the vortex AB option for almost half the price and wait for a future option with better optics.
Leica 3200.com OR PRO ($2,000 - ~$2500 + AB upgrade)
I've been really happy with the optics in my older HD-B's, so I'm inclined to grab another set of Leica's. The .Coms have better beam divergence than the Pros, but I'd prefer the AB solver in the Pros as well as the ability to receive a solution beyond 1,000 yards (I'd upgrade the Pros to AB Elite). The Leica solver I use in the HD-Bs is workable, but honestly it's kinda shit. I believe the Pros have the largest beam divergence of any option I'm considering. I also don't like how long you have to wait for the range display to cycle to the ballistic solution display (why wouldn't they display both on the initial screen?!). My understanding is that these Leica's will be optically superior to the Vector & Revics, which is appealing.
If Leica would upgrade their laser and provide additional display options, I'd happily pay more to have high level optics with a high performing laser/ballistics solver.
Swaro EL Range TA ($3,150)
I haven't looked into this option too much. Previously, Swaro's lasers seemed to be lacking and their in-house ballistic app was shit. Optics should be among the best of the group. I'm most leary of the ballistics solver and display at this point. I've looked at some of the specs, and I don't see anything that would steer me towards Swaro over Leica, but maybe I'm missing something.
Zeiss Victory RF ($3,099)
Similar to the Leica & Swaro, I think the pro with these will be the optics, and the potential con is going to be the ballistic solver, readout, and the laser is not as good as other options.
Vortex Fury 5000 AB ($1,350)
These would be a place holder until 'something better' came along. You could probably substitute these Vortex units with a host of other options. There's a pretty low probability that I'd go this route especially since I haven't heard of anything concrete on the horizon.
I've watched a handful of YouTube videos, I've read some reviews, and I've had hands on with only a couple of these units, but nothing really jumps out as THE choice. It's kinda crazy that Sig or Vortex (or some other company) doesn't offer a high quality optics choice or that Swaro/Leica/Zeiss doesn't offer a better laser/readout option.
Anyone have any great insights?? I know a lot of people are in the same boat, what did you pick and why?
I saw some conflicting info on some of these units regarding beam divergence, so maybe this table is not completely accurate
Vectronix Vector X ($2,799 + $600 enhancers)
Not a ton of info out yet regarding general production units. Pre-production and influencer type reviews indicate that the laser is great, I like the display readout, and it sounds like glass is good (probably not on par with alpha bino RF?).
Currently they are unobtanium. Previous comments related to civilian sales support is poor. I don't care that much about the etched reticle - it will get occasional use, but I'll glass more than I use the reticle so I'd probably prefer clean optics. Some of the comments in the Vector X threads so far have me second guessing quality of these units (but that's probably not a fair assessment at this point). I like the prospect of throwing the enhancers in my backpack to use while tripod mounted.
Revic BLR10b ($2,425.50)
A little more info on these than the Vectors, but still not a ton. Sounds like laser is good, I'm okay with display, and glass sounds like it's okay (but not competing with the top 3). I don't want to rely on a BT connection for the ballistics, and my understanding is that these can function independently, is that right? I'm luke warm on this option, but can't actually say why. I haven't used a set myself, but part of me thinks if I were to go this route, I should just grab the vortex AB option for almost half the price and wait for a future option with better optics.
Leica 3200.com OR PRO ($2,000 - ~$2500 + AB upgrade)
I've been really happy with the optics in my older HD-B's, so I'm inclined to grab another set of Leica's. The .Coms have better beam divergence than the Pros, but I'd prefer the AB solver in the Pros as well as the ability to receive a solution beyond 1,000 yards (I'd upgrade the Pros to AB Elite). The Leica solver I use in the HD-Bs is workable, but honestly it's kinda shit. I believe the Pros have the largest beam divergence of any option I'm considering. I also don't like how long you have to wait for the range display to cycle to the ballistic solution display (why wouldn't they display both on the initial screen?!). My understanding is that these Leica's will be optically superior to the Vector & Revics, which is appealing.
If Leica would upgrade their laser and provide additional display options, I'd happily pay more to have high level optics with a high performing laser/ballistics solver.
Swaro EL Range TA ($3,150)
I haven't looked into this option too much. Previously, Swaro's lasers seemed to be lacking and their in-house ballistic app was shit. Optics should be among the best of the group. I'm most leary of the ballistics solver and display at this point. I've looked at some of the specs, and I don't see anything that would steer me towards Swaro over Leica, but maybe I'm missing something.
Zeiss Victory RF ($3,099)
Similar to the Leica & Swaro, I think the pro with these will be the optics, and the potential con is going to be the ballistic solver, readout, and the laser is not as good as other options.
Vortex Fury 5000 AB ($1,350)
These would be a place holder until 'something better' came along. You could probably substitute these Vortex units with a host of other options. There's a pretty low probability that I'd go this route especially since I haven't heard of anything concrete on the horizon.
I've watched a handful of YouTube videos, I've read some reviews, and I've had hands on with only a couple of these units, but nothing really jumps out as THE choice. It's kinda crazy that Sig or Vortex (or some other company) doesn't offer a high quality optics choice or that Swaro/Leica/Zeiss doesn't offer a better laser/readout option.
Anyone have any great insights?? I know a lot of people are in the same boat, what did you pick and why?