Vectronix Vector X vs Sig Kilo10K Gen 2 Initial Impressions

stevenc23

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  • Oct 21, 2013
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    Denver, CO
    Sig Kilo10K Gen 2 vs Vectronix Vector X

    I have owned the Vectronix PLF-15 and Terrapin X in the past and was impressed with both but much prefer binos to monoculars. So when Vectronix announced the Vector X I immediately put in for a pre-order. Got my Vector X last week and while I was impressed with some aspects, I was disappointed with others. Kind of long winded but here are my thoughts FWIW

    First the positives. Optical clarity IMO was EXCELLENT. I would put them in the same ballpark as Leice Geovids (which are the best rangefinder binos I have had the opportunity to look through). Depth of field was GREAT. So nice to be able scan long distances without having to adjust focus knob.

    But despite the excellent glass and great depth of field the Vector X were not without issue. There were several minor but annoying issues with them.

    1) First thing I noticed was the focus knob is not smooth. Not sure how to describe it but kinda feels a little sloppy. Talking with others with the Vector X I found this was not unique to my Vector X.

    2)Second issue was the Laser button. It is recessed and I found it hard to find the center of the button with my bare finger. I am guessing it would be very difficult to find with gloves.

    2A) Also found the button to be very stiff requiring significantly more pressure than any other ranging binos I have used. Even when mounted on a tripod pressing the range button caused the aim point to shift slightly.

    3)Another annoying quirk was having to depress the range button twice to get a range if the display has gone to sleep because the first press only “activates”the binos after the display goes to sleep.

    4) Was excited to have an etched ranging recticle but found the SMR reticle difficult to use. You obviously don’t want the ranging reticle to interfere with your main viewing area but I found the reticle too far off center making it akward to use for spotting. Also could not get the SMR recticle and center cross hair to be in focus simultaneously (although that may be due to my astigmatism)

    5) Lastly, although the binos ranged well, I did not find them to range any better than my Kio 10ks Gen 1 and they were a little slower

    These issues may not be a deal breaker for some, but for me there were too many annoyances to justify the price.

    Hoping to find a better solution I bought a pair of Sig Kilo10K Gen 2. I have had the Gen 1 for a while and have been reasonably happy with them. Almost bought the Gen 2 when they came out, but went with the Vectronix thinking the Vector X would be a better product.

    Overall I am really liking the Gen 2. First off, I no longer see any blue tint. With the blue tint gone they appear clearer than the Gen 1. Not sure if they actually have better resolution but glassing with them is significantly more comfortable. Optically not as nice as the Vectronix but not far behind. So what do I like about the Sigs compared to the Vector X

    1)Range button easy to index with finger and press without undo pressure
    2)Fast accurate ranging similar to Gen 1
    3)No need to hit Range button twice to get reading
    4)New Wind buttons that are intuitive and easy to use
    5)Ability to center aiming reticle on the laser beam
    6)Lifetime warranty on glass AND electronics

    Both are great units with pros and cons and not going to say one is “better” than the other. Depending on what is important to you will determine which you will be happier with.

    Bottom line is that the Sigs check more boxes for me than the Vectronix and that is what I will be keeping.
     
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    Thank you for what strikes me as an uncluttered review. There are a number of reviewers who give us extensive feedback of optical performance and the guys that are good at it are valued at it have certainly earned their place.

    The purpose for range finding binoculars, in my view, is to arrive at a firing solution in the least possible time. That's why there was a demand for combining rangefinders with binoculars that have a ballistics solver onboard that is tailored to a specific rifle and load. Now we can have multiple loads for multiple rifles stored in the memory. The ranging ability has reached a level that is beyond any practical need. I didn't buy a chrono until the OG Magneto Speed came out. It was in use until the Garmin C-1 pro came out.

    My range finding binoculars are OG Bushnell Fusion One Mile Arcs. I've been using them forever and just limping along as their performance has become more outdated. It's time for a change and your post has landed me solidly on the Gen 2 10ks.
    I like the warranty, the features, the specs., the reviews, etc. With the Vectors there is a warranty question, past performance. From your review ease of use is the reason I've settled on the Sigs. The ranging button kills the Vectors for me. Find the ranging button, having to put inordinate pressure on it, etc. throws them off the end of the pier for me. My hands have a lot of permanent damage to them and that ends it for the Vectors.

    Now, all that remains is to find a pair. I might wait until black Friday hoping that their is some discounting.
     
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    I have the Vector X’s and I agree with your points.

    Great glass, great HUD, good menu, funny focus, stiff button that’s hard to find and offsets aim when depressed, annoying. Class 1M laser, really? Expected more range.

    Is it at the top of the heap of consumer grade LRFs. Yes, should it be better, yes.

    How would you rank Sig 10K gen2 laser in terms of distance (good conditions) and have you tested inadverse conditions?

    I have only gotten about 2300 yds out of the X. That is on a tripod and in LRM mode. Big targets that should return. Harsh light makes 2000+ difficult. Cheaper units can do this and 10ks triple this. I won’t shoot game past 1000 but have steel to 2500. Distance on LRFs is a confidence thing in my opinion.

    Thoughts? Comments?
     
    How would you rank Sig 10K gen2 laser in terms of distance (good conditions) and have you tested inadverse conditions?

    Thoughts? Comments?
    I was not able to compare the Sig vs Vectronix in exact same conditions but my impression is they are very close in ability (which is to say they are both VERY good).

    Another point I did not make in original post is that I actually like the circle aiming reticle on the Sigs much more than the etched black crosshairs on the Vector X. With the open circle you never block out your target or lose the reticle unlike the X where if your target is dark and not large the crosshairs can get lost in the target. Also love the fact I can center the circle on the actual laser using the app instead of having to hold off center to compensate for laser being slightly off reticle center.
     
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