Rifle Scopes Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

[jaydoski]

Hey guys I'm basically 50/50 between these two scopes... Throwing it on a bolt action 308 (savage 10fcp-k in an XLR chassis and maybe even some double duty on my semi auto 308). Anybody with experience with both? Maybe experience with just one? Maybe you were in the same predicament that I was... Sway me one way or the other... GO!

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

i have the IOR you mentioned and the SS 5-20 HD, for the money I would buy another SS.
just to confuse you some more.

 

[jasonk]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

Razor HD over the IOR for me!!

 

[Terry Cross]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

The Razor HD is the shit and probably has one of the best ratio FFP reticles out there. The glass is super, the adjustments are very positive and overall mechanics are top shelf.

The IOR has super good glass but my opinion is that they are not quite up with the Vortex Razor on features and ruggedness.

Lots of serious PRS shooters winning with them also.

 

[BCP]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

I like both very much.

I would probably get the 4-16 FFP if I went the IOR route. Same features/similar specs/same glass and illumination but less money.

No matter which you choose go with Libertyoptics and tell him you heard about him on sniper's hide.

 

[ranger1183]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Terry Cross</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Razor HD is the shit and probably has one of the best ratio FFP reticles out there. The glass is super, the adjustments are very positive and overall mechanics are top shelf.

The IOR has super good glass but my opinion is that they are not quite up with the Vortex Razor on features and ruggedness.

Lots of serious PRS shooters winning with them also.</div></div>
That is about as stellar an endorsement of a scope as you will ever find!

 

[LibertyOptics]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

Both are great scopes, and often boil down as the last two choices for a prospective shooter b/c they are under $2000 OTD, and are FFP MRAD illuminated scopes

At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference.

The Razor has oodles of reticle travel and a high-end zero stop. Choice of 4 reticles. Currently 5 mils per turn on the mil models. Excellent fit and finish and stoutness. The illumination is not everyone's favorite. Backed by a great company and great service. Tracks and holds zero perfectly. Excellent eye relief, average FOV.

The IOR has 10mils per turn, digital illumination that has worked flawlessly, tracks perfect, holds zero, has a rougher fit and finish and a crude (but effective) zero stop. Better glass than the Razor, IMO. Less reticle travel than the Razor. Excellent eye relief, better FOV, but does tunnel from 3.5-4x Comes with rings. Lifetime warranty.

Take your pick.

Scott

 

[kl3309]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

The IOR has an exceptionally short rear tube. If you shoot from straight back behind the stock, you may not get the scope far enough back for proper eye relief.

 

[Flatland308]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

I have both scopes and they are absolutely outstanding. I currently favor the perceived ruggedness of the Razor but you cannot go wrong with either.

 

[LibertyOptics]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kl3309</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The IOR has an exceptionally short rear tube. If you shoot from straight back behind the stock, you may not get the scope far enough back for proper eye relief. </div></div>

I agree this happens for about 10% of buyers of the 3-18x42...but this has not been an issue with the 3.5-18x50. MUCH longer ocular housing and much longer eye relief solves the problem.

 

[billyburl2]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-5-20x50-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P51653.aspx
Glass is comparable to the IOR, this isn't illuminated, but it can be had for 300 more. And smokes them both on price...

 

[Dsparil]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

I briefly owned the Vortex Razor HD 5-20x. I was NOT impressed for the money. I think Vortex is off to a good start and look foward to seeing their Gen II line coming out. As compared to what is CURRENTLY available, I'd lean towards the IOR.

 

[Guns4570]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

I have owned the original 3-18 Gen 1 IOR and now have the 3.5-18 Illum. And I have two SS 5-20's. Never owned the Razor yet but do have several Vortes optics and they are great. For the money the SS 5-20 is hard to beat. The IOR glass is clearer and much nicer than the SS you can see it immmediately but SS is a helluva scope. I would have no problem with either on my rifle. Razor has more reticle options if that is something you are interested in.

 

[Wade]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Terry Cross</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Razor HD is the shit and probably has one of the best ratio FFP reticles out there. The glass is super, the adjustments are very positive and overall mechanics are top shelf.

The IOR has super good glass but my opinion is that they are not quite up with the Vortex Razor on features and ruggedness.

Lots of serious PRS shooters winning with them also.

</div></div>


You are welcome to draw your own conclusions but the above endorsement by the most respected competitor, rifle builder, and tactician in the long range tactical field trumps all others. Besides, he's a stubborn, old coot that would rather take a beating than try anything new so you know it's good for him to even try it. Although I too would choose the vortex without hesitation there's no need for me to even say it.

Wade

 

[GreatGonzo]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wade</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Terry Cross</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Razor HD is the shit and probably has one of the best ratio FFP reticles out there. The glass is super, the adjustments are very positive and overall mechanics are top shelf.

The IOR has super good glass but my opinion is that they are not quite up with the Vortex Razor on features and ruggedness.

Lots of serious PRS shooters winning with them also.

</div></div>


You are welcome to draw your own conclusions but the above endorsement by the most respected competitor, rifle builder, and tactician in the long range tactical field trumps all others. Besides, he's a stubborn, old coot that would rather take a beating than try anything new so you know it's good for him to even try it. Although I too would choose the vortex without hesitation there's no need for me to even say it.

Wade

</div></div>

And there we have it!

You would be making a grave error to not listen to these 2 gentlemen.

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

i have 2 razors and LOVE THEM, will get at least 3 more. just like terry said their reticles are some of the best out there right now. I have been using one for a couple years now and can't say enough good things about em. Very robust and i beat on my stuff, I have NF and S&B too so i do have stuff to compare them too. they are just great scopes.

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

Terry + Wade = End of the discussion. Looks like you've got your answer already...lol

 

[208Plinker]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

I like the fact vortex is being sold at most sporting stores and comes with a great warranty. Their glass is outstanding in the Razor models, scope is next for me, I have their spotting scope.

 

[mattj]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

I can contribute this re: the IOR...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kl3309</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The IOR has an exceptionally short rear tube. If you shoot from straight back behind the stock, you may not get the scope far enough back for proper eye relief.</div></div>

I experienced this first hand, and it was the primary reason I moved on (to a Vortex, ironically).

It is especially problematic with Savage, as because of the way the bolt throws, you can't really put a scope rail that extends to the rear as you can with a 700.

Given the awesome adjustability of the XLR chassis, you could probably get it to where you can get the eye relief you want, but depending on your body type, etc, it might be to the detriment of other parts of your position.

Having formerly used one of the IORs, and having used a buddy's Razor a bit, I would personally choose the Razor hands down.

 

[springer01]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mattj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can contribute this re: the IOR...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kl3309</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The IOR has an exceptionally short rear tube. If you shoot from straight back behind the stock, you may not get the scope far enough back for proper eye relief.</div></div>

I experienced this first hand, and it was the primary reason I moved on (to a Vortex, ironically).

It is especially problematic with Savage, as because of the way the bolt throws, you can't really put a scope rail that extends to the rear as you can with a 700.

Given the awesome adjustability of the XLR chassis, you could probably get it to where you can get the eye relief you want, but depending on your body type, etc, it might be to the detriment of other parts of your position.

Having formerly used one of the IORs, and having used a buddy's Razor a bit, I would personally choose the Razor hands down. </div></div>

This is not a problem with the 3.5-18x50. As Scott stated in a previous post it was the 3-18x42 that had the short ocular tube.

 

[bward]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Flatland308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Both are great scope so you can't go wrong either way. The only thing that is rough about the Razor is the 35mm tube. Rings are limited due to the off size compared to the 34mm.</div></div>

Both of the scopes asked about have 35mm tubes.

 

[Flatland308]

Re: Vortex Razor HD 5-20x or the IOR Valdada 3.5-18x50

I apologize, my mistake. I used to have one and I thought that I remembered it having a 34mm tube...I stand corrected.