Rifle Scopes Safran Vectronix Not Making it Right: I STAND CORRECTED!

[Lngrngdoc]

Long story short my Terrapin went down in 2014, and sent it back to Vectronix for repair. Like many others after several years of emails, phone calls and broken promises the unit was never returned. When I heard another Terrapin was being rolled out and a "new" company was going to cover distribution and warranty repair I was skeptical.

At SH Team Challenge in June, was finishing Friday train up day with my partner, and happened to see the Vectronix tent go up getting ready for start of match. Walked up and met the Product Manager for Tactical and LRS Solutions. Told him straight up that based on prior poor customer service and down right deceit it would be impossible for me to purchase another Vectronix product. He admitted that the prior US distributor had problems, and he would try to find out about my unit and make it right.

Sounded encouraging, and we exchanged contact information. Followed up with an email and included my Terrapin SN for him to track down. He said the unit had been repaired in Europe and sent back but could no longer be found. He offered a new Terrapin X for my troubles, and said it would be sent with the first shipments. That was 5 months ago and no Terrapin X. Last 3 emails not returned so business as usual for Vectronix.

 

[diverdon]

Too darn bad. Why is it that only Euro Skum seem to be able to make a decent LRF.

 

[308pirate]

Vectronix is owned by Group Safran of France. From prior experience with that corporation, I would cut my losses and move on.

 

[Lngrngdoc]

Good advice 308 Pirate. Moving on, but we really need other manufacturers to step up and fill this market need.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

At SH Team Challenge in June, was finishing Friday train up day with my partner, and happened to see the Vectronix tent go up getting ready for start of match. Walked up and met Philip Noack who is the Product Manager for Tactical and LRS Solutions. Told him straight up that based on prior poor customer service and down right deceit it would be impossible for me to purchase another Vectronix product. He admitted that the prior US distributor had problems, and he would try to find out about my unit and make it right.

Reps at events are notorious for saying anything to give the impression that they care, want to help, and have the authority to make it happen. It is not unusual for it to be nothing more than lip service. Unfortunately, for those of us that have the Vectronix PLRF's it's just a reality that when they break, they are pretty much disposable. I would be skeptical that the info that your unit was repaired and then lost is accurate, as it directs responsibility to Safran/Vectronix or the carrier. I would bet it's as much BS as claiming to provide you with a new unit.

 

[Lngrngdoc]

Reps at events are notorious for saying anything to give the impression that they care, want to help, and have the authority to make it happen. It is not unusual for it to be nothing more than lip service. Unfortunately, for those of us that have the Vectronix PLRF's it's just a reality that when they break, they are pretty much disposable. I would be skeptical that the info that your unit was repaired and then lost is accurate, as it directs responsibility to Safran/Vectronix or the carrier. I would bet it's as much BS as claiming to provide you with a new unit.

You're absolutely right. It was all BS from the start. Same story different day with Vectronix. Unfortunately you're also right that any older unit goes down will not be supported. Question is what'll be the customer service for the new units? I would not be surprised if it's the same.

 

[Rlb40x]

I'm glad I didn't buy one now. I had one in my cart several times. I also heard the stories of them not repairing the old units and that spooked me off. I just went 2700B, it's more than enough me anyway.

 

[Lngrngdoc]

I'm glad I didn't buy one now. I had one in my cart several times. I also heard the stories of them not repairing the old units and that spooked me off. I just went 2700B, it's more than enough me anyway.

Hear the glass is awesome. What distance can you consistently range with your unit?

 

[Rlb40x]

The glass is very good. I've ranged the back side of angled stop signs out to 1900. Mine returns on dirt berms out to 2200 or so. I haven't been in a place where I could try it between 2200 and 2700. Most of my shooting is only just past 1000 and under. It will return off nearly anything at that distance. I got a good deal on mine from Bo tach in Nevada. $729 delivered with a free tripod mount. I couldn't pass it up and I'm glad I didn't, very nice tool.

 

[One1Bravo]

The glass is very good. I've ranged the back side of angled stop signs out to 1900. Mine returns on dirt berms out to 2200 or so. I haven't been in a place where I could try it between 2200 and 2700. Most of my shooting is only just past 1000 and under. It will return off nearly anything at that distance. I got a good deal on mine from Bo tach in Nevada. $729 delivered with a free tripod mount. I couldn't pass it up and I'm glad I didn't, very nice tool.

Speaking of terrible customer service, Botach should be up there at the top of the list. Glad you got your stuff. A lot of people don't. They have really good prices on a lot of things but it's always a coin toss if you'll actually receive what you ordered. My last order sat as status 'Picking Process 24-48hrs' for over a week. They would not respond to emails and when you call the customer service number you get an answering machine telling you to leave a message and they'll call you back. Never got a returned phone call. Submitted a request online to cancel my order and it was cancelled within a few hours. Eff those guys.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Vectronix is owned by Group Safran of France. From prior experience with that corporation, I would cut my losses and move on.

I work for the US subsidiary of a German company. We won't even deal with our French counterparts (same company).......

 

[gnatmm]

They are too focused on their mil customers and products, I have heard that the X is made by a third party, maybe behind a Great Wall...another good reason to make ourselves a great favour and move on and not look back.

 

[DetroitRearView]

Just another perspective: I have owned the PLRF05/10/15 and now the T-X. All performed fabulously and never a problem. Elk hunting in snow and fog - everyone had leica CRF’s - nobody could range the bulls. I ranged them at 2300 yards through snow and fog.

I have also owned several Sigs, Leica’s, Swaros, Bush, Leupold etc. On most of my Leicas beam was not even close to center of the reticle. I also had a new CRF 2000B / 2200 10x42 - returned them same day as I opened the package because neither could range deer at 600 yards on an RRS tripod. I took a 10% hit from the dealer aand paid my own return shipping because they were “used”.

To be fair - I just sold a 3000 10x42 and it was great. I just don’t need it and the T-X so I sold it to a SH member. Excellent glass and the beam was centered in the upper portion of the reticle.

I have heard and seen better reports on the 2700B, Leica has great glass and I hope their QC will improve. It is also claimed by some that Leica is in bed with the design / manufacturing of the new Terrapin X unit.

 

[nfoley]

DetroitRearView - have you had much experience with the Nikon 4K? Been hearing really good stuff about it. I tried the new terrapin X and was disappointed on how accurately it would hit steel (and not surrounding material) even out at 6-800 yds.

 

[DetroitRearView]

No experience with the Nikon...really surprised your T-X experience. Great beam divergence specs and mine is spot on center. I can range deer (steel easier) @ 2400 plus and hit the one visually closer or further and see the + or - 3 or 4 yard differentials.

I know Euro will take care of whoever owns that unit because I certainly wouldn’t keep it!

 

[Rlb40x]

Speaking of terrible customer service, Botach should be up there at the top of the list. Glad you got your stuff. A lot of people don't. They have really good prices on a lot of things but it's always a coin toss if you'll actually receive what you ordered. My last order sat as status 'Picking Process 24-48hrs' for over a week. They would not respond to emails and when you call the customer service number you get an answering machine telling you to leave a message and they'll call you back. Never got a returned phone call. Submitted a request online to cancel my order and it was cancelled within a few hours. Eff those guys.

You are correct in the bad reviews with bo tach. I was a little worried after reading them, so I opted for two day shipping to cut through the bull and not give them any room for excuses. I did have to call when I didn't get tracking info the first day, and explained that I payed for two day shipping and I would cancel if they didn't have the unit to send. They did come through for me.
I tested mine out on a power line about 100yds away, then turned it 90 degrees and tested the other direction and mine seems to be in the center of the aiming circle. I may have been lucky on both. I've heard of the beam not being centered on other 2700s. I'm not bashing the terapin, I'm sure they are nice units, but it was more than I wanted to spend for a potential paper weight.

 

[DetroitRearView]

Everything electronic is a potential paper weight. Leica certainly cost me a lot of money.

 

[Rlb40x]

Yea no stinking trash

 

[Strykervet]

Wow, you mean you guys paid thousands of dollars ($5k-$10k) and sent it in for warranty repair and they just kept it? Wow. Speechless. I'd be super pissed.

 

[18Echo]

I have an original Terrapin I bought back when they were 2K. Has been sitting in my safe since I took delivery. I think I put batteries in it twice just to play with it. Hope when I finally get around to using it that it works for a while and was worth the cost.

 

[Lngrngdoc]

Well, My new Terrapin X just arrived, and want to thank Safran Vectronix and Eurooptic for coming through with a replacement. Unit looks awesome and hope this will be a turning point for US customer relations going forward. PM me if you need contact information.

 

[_Windrider_]

Well, My new Terrapin X just arrived, and want to thank Safran Vectronix and Eurooptic for coming through with a replacement. Unit looks awesome and hope this will be a turning point for US customer relations going forward. PM me if you need contact information.

Good stuff.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Hey, great to hear...............I was wrong again. Now on to the field test!

 

[plidenbrock]

Thanks for the update. Good that they came through.

 

[LawnMM]

After being called out on the internet ?

Never should have come to that. Sold my original Terrapin for about $100 less than I paid for it. Still worked great, awesome laser, but no trust in the company.

Bought a set of Leica 2200 binos and haven't looked back.

 

[Primus]

Yeah I'm sure a big call out thread that the majority of their customers frequent, had nothing to do with them finally making it right. Glad you got what you needed but doesn't mean the next guy won't get fucked raw like all the other dudes have been in the past. I cannot fathom why anyone would do business with this entity based on how they screwed over so many people. Never forget never forgive.