X - Vectronix Shooting Solutions

Night Vision Viking · Dec 12, 2024

Here's my take on it. Also includes various mounting options from RRS or Area 419.

Lots of images, 10x42 EU version and 12x42 US version, with range extenders.

TFB Review: Vectronix Vector X - Premium Laser Rangefinder Binocular

I’ve had the opportunity to try out the new Vectronix Vector X, from Vectronix Shooting Solutions (VECSS).This is a premium laser rangefinder binocular, available in a variety of magnifications and configurations, with an ecosystem of gadgets and ballistics applications to predict and improve...

www.thefirearmblog.com

point45 · Dec 12, 2024

The latest firmware update seems to have solved the few issues I had with displaying mrad vs moa and the incorrect profile being shown as selected.

Pretty happy with the response from vectronix switzerland on the fix, was surprised they actually gave me a detailed response to the issue and updated me when they pushed the update to fix it.

Alec Cochran · Dec 16, 2024

I’ve had the 10x42 SMR version out in the field a few mornings now. The glass has accurate color and good resolution - very pleased with the glass overall. The buttons are a little strange to get used to, but after using them for a few hours, they became more natural and not much problem now. Getting the reticle and HUD diopter set correctly to have them in focus with the image took me some time and doesn’t work well inside 100 yds in my experience. Past 100 yds I can get the reticle, HUD and image all clear and easy to read quickly. When set like this the depth of field is very good and rarely needs adjusting. I did not have the issue with my focus knob that others have had - there is a little play but I only notice it if I’m trying to. It took some time getting used to the black aiming reticle instead of an illuminated reticle. In the SMR model, the lower measuring reticle is about useless because it’s never in focus with the aiming reticle/HUD and requires changing diopter to get it clear with the image downrange, at least for my eyes. I personally don’t mind this because I wanted more open FOV and don’t intend on using the lower reticle anyway. The etched aiming reticle provides enough detail for the milling I will be doing. The DMR reticles are much higher in the image and look like they are the better choice if you want to mil targets and spot with measurements. The AB solver in the Vector gives you the option for “-:30” options on wind direction which mattered to me - Revic and Sigs only do full hour increments for wind direction is my understanding. Changing wing direction and value is quick and easy in the menu. Overall, I really like them for glass quality and solver capability which were my two priorities. I could do a version with illuminated reticle, no milling grid, and ability to collimate the laser to the reticle and they’d be ideal.

alex2x2 · Dec 17, 2024

Night Vision Viking said:
Here's my take on it. Also includes various mounting options from RRS or Area 419.

Lots of images, 10x42 EU version and 12x42 US version, with range extenders.

TFB Review: Vectronix Vector X - Premium Laser Rangefinder Binocular

I’ve had the opportunity to try out the new Vectronix Vector X, from Vectronix Shooting Solutions (VECSS).This is a premium laser rangefinder binocular, available in a variety of magnifications and configurations, with an ecosystem of gadgets and ballistics applications to predict and improve...

www.thefirearmblog.com

Great article! Where did Vectronix send you binoculars from ? From the US or Europe ?

StrayDog · Dec 20, 2024

Got my EO notice today--May pre-order, 12x DMR.
Come on Big Brown Santa!

smithjd · Dec 21, 2024

Cold Wx update. I installled a new, charged 3500 mah 18650 battery and left it in my truck to cold soak. One morning at about 20 degrees it seemed to work the few times I tried it. This morning at about 10 degrees it woke up and I got one reading, then nothing.

I have one of the Nightcore NL1835HPLT’s currently touring the US on the way to my house via USPS and will report back after using that.

NiteQwill · Dec 21, 2024

I have a buddy recently used his in the cold weather mountains of the PNW. He said it didn't work at all during the last weekend; changed batteries and brands as well. It was basically useless for 48 hours. He switch back to a backup Terrapin X and it was fine. He said it would turn on for 5 seconds, then turn off. If he brought it inside the truck to warm-up for 30 mins, it was fine. But then die after 1+ hr of cold exposure.

Needless to say, he is sending his back for a fix, replacement, or refund.

alex2x2 · Dec 21, 2024

smithjd said:
This morning at about 10 degrees it woke up and I got one reading, then nothing.

NiteQwill said:
I have a buddy recently used his in the cold weather mountains of the PNW. He said it didn't work at all during the last weekend; changed batteries and brands as well. It was basically useless for 48 hours. He switch back to a backup Terrapin X and it was fine. He said it would turn on for 5 seconds, then turn off. If he brought it inside the truck to warm-up for 30 mins, it was fine. But then die after 1+ hr of cold exposure.

Needless to say, he is sending his back for a fix, replacement, or refund.

Exactly the same problem was with Vectronix PLRF 10 .It looks like Vectronix has stepped twice on the same shit.

jthor · Dec 21, 2024

Well this isn’t promising.

carbonbased · Dec 21, 2024

I know BMW used to put out cars with weak blower motors for the heat/AC. I assumed it was because they only tested their cars in mild-ass Germany, not extreme-as-hell North Dakota.

My hunch was born out by their mid-90’s v8 engines. They were made with some fancy cycliner liners made of something called Nikasil.

Well, US gas is crappier than German gas, with lots more sulfur tending to be in it. US gas ate into that Nikasil quick, causing the engines to lose compression and fail. Not testing extensively/long enough in their largest market at the time was dumb.

Not testing extensively in cold (sub-zero) weather sounds like a recurring issue with Vectronix. Probably some hard-headed program manager or VP is to blame.

carbonbased · Dec 21, 2024

Ah, starting to make a little sense. Safran is located in Switzerland. January to February the average temp range is 28° - 45° F (lololol) with mountain low temps around 14° F. It appears it has gotten much colder in select areas, but that’s sorta the average temps.

Talk about wussy, jeez.

https://www.safran-group.com/locations/switzerland/safran-vectronix-ag-headquarter-2077875

alex2x2 · Dec 21, 2024

carbonbased said:
not extreme-as-hell North Dakota.

you forgot to say about Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden Finland and Russia.

carbonbased said:
Not testing extensively in cold (sub-zero) weather sounds like a recurring issue with Vectronix. Probably some hard-headed program manager or VP is to blame.

If this is confirmed by other users, then it is a complete failure for Vectronix . Comlete idiots.

My friends (5-7 people) who are planning to buy Vector X will change their minds. Nowadays, rumors will spread quickly and no one in their right mind will pay $2800 out of their pocket for this.

elmerdeer · Dec 21, 2024

Soon as I saw that silly battery compartment i envisioned the cold weather headaches, I hunt in saskatchewan and -30c happens often, so cold will kill the battery if not insulated or kept against the body.
I did not like that design.
I think new sig would fare better!
Elmer

carbonbased · Dec 21, 2024

alex2x2 said:
you forgot to say about Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden Finland and Russia.

My apologies. I wasn’t trying to exclude any other hellhole lol.

I only bring up North Dakota as it’s the craziest weather place I’ve ever lived.

For example, in the 1980s droughts, I lived through literal 1930’s style dust storms which deposited 4” of dirt on our lawn. Temps were about 105°-110°F (40.6°-43.3° C) for many, many days.

In the winter, I remember lots of -40° F days. A particularly memorable day added on a 20mph wind, which became (at the time) about a -92°F wind chill (-68.9°C).

With the updated NOAA wind chill chart that recalculates to about -78°F (-61.1°C).

I believe the air temp record cold in both North Dakota and Minnesota is -60°F (-51.1°C).

These numbers aren’t from tops of mountains or in deserts. They come from population centers.

In eastern ND, you add in a zillion mosquitoes, wind that never stops, land that is as flat as a pancake, yearly floods that require sandbagging to save towns, ice storms that coat cars with 1/4” of ice, and tornados…well, I wish my relatives had just kept on moving to the west coast or to the mountains!

I know there are places that are colder (Siberia, -89°F) and hotter (Death Valley, 134.1°F), or with worse bugs (Yukon, fucking evil white flies!!!), but I don’t know of anywhere else that combines extreme heat with extreme cold plus extreme wind. Plus extreme flatness lol (nothing to do).

Maybe a place like that exists outside of eastern ND. You got me?

4O6shootist · Sunday at 10:45 AM

carbonbased said:
My apologies. I wasn’t trying to exclude any other hellhole lol.

I only bring up North Dakota as it’s the craziest weather place I’ve ever lived.

For example, in the 1980s droughts, I lived through literal 1930’s style dust storms which deposited 4” of dirt on our lawn. Temps were about 105°-110°F (40.6°-43.3° C) for many, many days.

In the winter, I remember lots of -40° F days. A particularly memorable day added on a 20mph wind, which became (at the time) about a -92°F wind chill (-68.9°C).

With the updated NOAA wind chill chart that recalculates to about -78°F (-61.1°C).

I believe the air temp record cold in both North Dakota and Minnesota is -60°F (-51.1°C).

These numbers aren’t from tops of mountains or in deserts. They come from population centers.

In eastern ND, you add in a zillion mosquitoes, wind that never stops, land that is as flat as a pancake, yearly floods that require sandbagging to save towns, ice storms that coat cars with 1/4” of ice, and tornados…well, I wish my relatives had just kept on moving to the west coast or to the mountains!

I know there are places that are colder (Siberia, -89°F) and hotter (Death Valley, 134.1°F), or with worse bugs (Yukon, fucking evil white flies!!!), but I don’t know of anywhere else that combines extreme heat with extreme cold plus extreme wind. Plus extreme flatness lol (nothing to do).

Maybe a place like that exists outside of eastern ND. You got me?

Worked ND oil industry for 20 years, live on Montana high line. Temp extremes from 100° to -40° seasonally are normal up here. Believe Cut Bank, Montana is on average the coldest place in the 48. To get colder you gotta go way north Alaska. People up here either tough or dumb! I think I got a little of both in me.

alex2x2 · Sunday at 11:18 AM

carbonbased said:
My apologies. I wasn’t trying to exclude any other hellhole lol.

4O6shootist said:
ive on Montana high line. Temp extremes from 100° to -40° seasonally are normal up here. Believe Cut Bank, Montana is on average the coldest place in the 48

If it is true that Vector X refuses to work at -10, then this is a huge failure.

smithjd · Sunday at 12:43 PM

Just checked again this morning. Weather says it is 23f out and they are working well. Much better with the 18650 than the CR123.

At elk hunting camp I can hang them closer to the stove, and wear the bino harness under a jacket if I had to.

Winter coyote hunting might be a problem.

J_D · Sunday at 12:55 PM

Not really comparable but at the start of the match yesterday it was 32 degrees here in DFW and no issues at all, although I don’t use the CR123.

I’m sure we’ll see a few colder days coming soon, but I’m loving these binos and the glass is amazing.

elmerdeer · Sunday at 2:25 PM

LMAO that sounds brutal.
But if vectronix botched like that wow. I had the original terrapin which at the time was a great rangefinder and I remember sitting outside in -32c for 5hrs and it worked np, the atv i was borrowing didn't though had to walk back couple of miles. The real cold weather will show you what works that's for sure!
Elmer.

4O6shootist · Sunday at 2:32 PM

alex2x2 said:
If it is true that Vector X refuses to work at -10, then this is a huge failure.

-20 socialist anti gun degrees is -4° American screaming eagle style. This fn thing should be rated for 100% functionality to -20° F.

Conrad · Sunday at 3:58 PM

smithjd said:
Just checked again this morning. Weather says it is 23f out and they are working well. Much better with the 18650 than the CR123.

At elk hunting camp I can hang them closer to the stove, and wear the bino harness under a jacket if I had to.

Winter coyote hunting might be a problem.

Take this for what its worth, but did a little googling, and read that lithium CR123A's are better in the cold than rechargeable 18650's. I'm not sure if there are non-rechargeable 18650's but it appears that chemistry isn't as robust. Maybe someone else can chime in? Thanks.

lead ƒarmer · Sunday at 4:36 PM

Conrad said:
Take this for what its worth, but did a little googling, and read that lithium CR123A's are better in the cold than rechargeable 18650's. I'm not sure if there are non-rechargeable 18650's but it appears that chemistry isn't as robust. Maybe someone else can chime in? Thanks.

I read the same thing which is why I started with 123s. Unfortunately I've had problems with the factory battery and temps in the mid 30 and 20s which isn't even very cold in my opinion. I have an Energizer 123 in now, and a Surefire 18650 on the way to test out. My use is 95% setting up and shooting PRS matches, so these live on a tripod all the time. Sitting out in the wind and weather they have shown to be very temp sensitive. I hope to find a battery that solves this problem, we'll see.

carbonbased · Sunday at 4:44 PM

4O6shootist said:
Worked ND oil industry for 20 years, live on Montana high line. Temp extremes from 100° to -40° seasonally are normal up here. Believe Cut Bank, Montana is on average the coldest place in the 48.

So out in far west ND, right? Near Teddy Roosevelt Nat’l Park?

If so, that tends to be the warmer part of ND. The far eastern bit of ND is so brutal and much worse than the far western part.

A huge part of it is the wind. A large part of the far east is on the bottom of Lake Agassi, which is an ancient dried-up flat lakebed that extended up into Canada. But the east colder too.

Here’s a typical map of ND avg temps in Feb:

Fargo is bad, but Grand Forks and Minot are even worse. Plus there’s nothing to do!

The -70°F record in Montana is on top of a continental pass…nobody lives there. ND inflicts its pain on regular towns of 25k to 150k people. It’s crazy that people live there and don’t move.

But I’ll give you that Cut Bank, MT (pop. ~3000) sounds like it sucks. At least you’re closer to mountains and beautiful scenery.

Not so sure Cut Bank is the coldest town in the lower 48 either. Maybe on average? Can’t find stats.

Coldest Place in The Nation

When driving into Cut Bank, it's hard to miss the giant penguin statue. The sign says that it is the coldest place in the nation, but is it? That is

www.montanarightnow.com

As I mentioned, there’s a number of towns in ND with -60° or -59° records. Cut Bank’s record is -47°F.

carbonbased · Sunday at 5:02 PM

Btw if you want some laffs here’s a TV video news report on the 1996 Minnesota cold record of -60° F in Tower. There were unofficial readings of -73°F!!! (Again, not some high mountain pass)

KARE Classic: The coldest day in Minnesota history

On Feb. 2, 1996, two Minnesota towns had their sights set on breaking the state's all-time record low temperature. KARE 11 was there as supporters in Tower and Embarrass waited to see who would win the battle to the bottom of the thermostats.

www.kare11.com

4O6shootist · Sunday at 7:15 PM

carbonbased said:
So out in far west ND, right? Near Teddy Roosevelt Nat’l Park?

If so, that tends to be the warmer part of ND. The far eastern bit of ND is so brutal and much worse than the far western part.

A huge part of it is the wind. A large part of the far east is on the bottom of Lake Agassi, which is an ancient dried-up flat lakebed that extended up into Canada. But the east colder too.

Here’s a typical map of ND avg temps in Feb:
View attachment 8575192

Fargo is bad, but Grand Forks and Minot are even worse. Plus there’s nothing to do!

The -70°F record in Montana is on top of a continental pass…nobody lives there. ND inflicts its pain on regular towns of 25k to 150k people. It’s crazy that people live there and don’t move.

But I’ll give you that Cut Bank, MT (pop. ~3000) sounds like it sucks. At least you’re closer to mountains and beautiful scenery.

Not so sure Cut Bank is the coldest town in the lower 48 either. Maybe on average? Can’t find stats.

Coldest Place in The Nation

When driving into Cut Bank, it's hard to miss the giant penguin statue. The sign says that it is the coldest place in the nation, but is it? That is

www.montanarightnow.com

As I mentioned, there’s a number of towns in ND with -60° or -59° records. Cut Bank’s record is -47°F.

Spent a lot of time from Canada border to Stanley region, Bowbells, McGregor Tioga. Fn cold windy country with nothing to stop that wind. I think cut bank is the coldest on average. It's not uncommon for me to leave Kalispell in the teens/twenties midwinter and drop into other side of pass and it's -25 over near browning cut bank, all in a 80 mile drive, shits nuts. ANYWAYS no more talking bout the weather, more about the vectronix! I'll be home from work in a few days and hopefully my batteries have shown up.

kingston · Monday at 12:35 PM

My 12x SMR arrived last week. I'm still testing, but my first impression is that the glass is good, ranging through rolling hills is very good, ergos are sus (both handling and optical), ER is lacking for use with glasses, IPD is fussy and lacks graduation or lock, tripod mount location further undermines handling ergos.

I'm coming from the Geovid (HD-B 3000), but don't use the ballistic function as it's severely limited on this model. Workflow involves Geovids used to glass and range, range is manually entered into Kestrel 5700 4DOF. Geovid glass is great, ergos are great both handling (except button resistance) and optical, but accurate ranging is hampered by reticle and tech. I shoot a lot of woodchucks. They can be difficult to accurately range in rolling hills with the Geovid HD-B 3000 at ranges over 350yrds, the range when bullet drop and wind drift start to be a critical factor.

Regarding the Vector-X I was excited to have a unit that could truly integrate atmospheric data, ballistic computation, highly accurate and reliable LRF and observation. A cursory look at the Vector-X HUD and menus is promising. Switching to AB is still a wild card and reading social media threads on their Quantum rollout has been less than inspiring. I want a solution that works in perpetuity without being connected to the internet or a smart phone. AB seems to be going the other way, but I won't claim to really understand where they're going and they won't say until SHOT.

My biggest concern with the Vector-X's are its optical ergos. I'm finding them to be very optically taxing to use and cause a headache almost immediately. Just now thinking about it, the only other time I've had this happen with binoculars was when they were out of collimation. Maybe that's at play here. I should go check.

Edit: No collimation issues as far as I can tell. I did find that correct IPD is critical and difficult to achieve and maintain. Much of this is likely due to my wearing glasses and the device's 17mm eye relief and 3.5mm exit pupil. I'd really like to try the 10x and even 8x to see if I'm experiencing the same issues.

NiteQwill · Monday at 12:54 PM

AB doesn't require Internet to use... So I'm confused by that statement.

Kestrel Elites have been putting solutions on targets for years, without issues.

kingston · Monday at 4:49 PM

Does anyone have the 8X SMR? I'm not even sure it landed yet. I think the 10x came first and then the 12x.
Edit: I see Eurooptic has the 8x in stock.

alex2x2 · Monday at 5:43 PM

NiteQwill said:
AB doesn't require Internet to use..

it asks to turn Bluetooth ON every time I launch it.

NiteQwill · Monday at 7:05 PM

alex2x2 said:
it asks to turn Bluetooth ON every time I launch it.

Yea, because it's looking for devices. Annoying, yes... But whatever.

Natestreo · Wednesday at 7:27 AM

Interested if anyone has tried the nitecore cold weather 18650’s yet.

alex2x2 · Wednesday at 2:17 PM

Natestreo said:
Interested if anyone has tried the nitecore cold weather 18650’s yet.

This won't help because the problem is most likely with the electronic components, not the battery. This has already happened with the Vectronix PLRF 10. It doesn't matter what battery is installed. It didn't work at -10 Celsius (14 F)

lonestar1845 · Thursday at 11:45 AM

alex2x2 said:
This won't help because the problem is most likely with the electronic components, not the battery. This has already happened with the Vectronix PLRF 10. It doesn't matter what battery is installed. It didn't work at -10 Celsius (14 F)

No, it's the battery for sure. Or at least the battery is what fails first.

My binos worked down to -5° F (lowest I've tested) with a warm battery. Cold battery into warm binos, they won't work.

The only 18650 I've tested is a rechargeable streamlight. I can leave it installed in the binos in my freezer at -5° F for an hour, fire them up and they work just fine.

The 123 batteries that come in the vectors definitely fail not too far below freezing temperatures.

My guess is that these binos have a higher startup current than others, which the 123's can't handle when they're frozen.

alex2x2 · Thursday at 11:53 AM

lonestar1845 said:
My binos worked down to -5° F

lonestar1845 said:
I can leave it installed in the binos in my freezer at -5° F for an hour, fire them up and they work just fine.

Could you please to test it again? You can place Kestrel and Vector X in the freezer then try to laze something .

lonestar1845 · Thursday at 3:07 PM

alex2x2 said:
Could you please to test it again? You can place Kestrel and Vector X in the freezer then try to laze something .

Yep. Even took a video, but i guess I'd have to upload it to YouTube or something before I can post on here.

Included some screen shots though. Kestrel and binos in the freezer for over an hour. Double checked freezer temp with thermoworks air probes.

Kestrel with a new battery doesn't even work that cold (see pic) it would never start up. Binos fired up and operated as they should.

Edit: Looks like the pictures wouldn't upload. Link to video-->

alex2x2 · Thursday at 3:43 PM

lonestar1845 said:
Kestrel with a new battery doesn't even work that cold (see pic) it would never start up.

you should reach Kestrel support for warranty replacement. It should operate with no issues.

lonestar1845 said:
Binos fired up and operated as they should.

Thank you so much. I really appreciate that.

lonestar1845 · Thursday at 3:50 PM

Just realized I had an alkaline battery in the kestrel. Alkaline really doesn't like cold weather. I'll try a lithium.

alex2x2 · Thursday at 5:05 PM

lonestar1845 said:
I'll try a lithium.

It's a good idea.

Natestreo · Thursday at 11:13 PM

I ordered the nitecore cold weather 18650 today to test. Will report back.

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