Rifle Scopes What’s the deal with Vortex? Yay? Nay?

[Helislacker]

Upon getting into precision rifle, I began following quite a few pages on social media. A few of these are satirical meme pages, and almost each of them have ragged on Vortex. These pages may be satirical, but many of the guys who run them are active duty or retired mil snipers who believe Vortex and all of their products are hot garbage. On the flip side, guys like Bill Rapier, Kyle Defoor, and many (if not the majority) of top level PRS guys run Vortex and have nothing but positives to say. To top it off, the Army’s premier CT unit runs the Razor for LPVO’s, when they could’ve chosen whatever they wanted.
Ultimately, there is apparently no consensus with this brand and I’ve seen absolutely die hard supporters on one side and absolute haters on the other. Unfortunately, I have neither the experience nor the knowledge to be able to make an informed opinion myself. All I know is that any Vortex product I’ve had has worked well. At the end of the day, I’m curious as to what the truth is here so it can inform future purchase decisions.

Thanks

 

[nn8734]

you answered your own question in the sentence, “All I know is that any Vortex product I’ve had has worked well”

That by itself should be sufficient for future purchasing considerations, all other things equal.

Good luck with getting the “truth” beyond that.

 

[Rob01]

The problem is that Vortex makes a large range of scopes from $199 to $2500. You get a guy who buys a $190 Crossfire II and has an issue and all of a sudden in his mind "Vortex Sucks!" And he yells it from the tower on social media. Then it spreads. You have someone asking about a Razor II and that guy gets on and says "Vortex Sucks" not knowing anything about the scope in question but his Crossfire broke. That's actually something I watched on Facebook.

Flip side there are many people using Vortex optics who are very happy with them and never have issues. They aren't as vocal but you hear from them. This isn't just the higher end but people with Diamondback Tacticals and even Strike Eagles are happy. A lot of people are happy with the VIP warranty also and not due to mechanical issues but the accidental damage part. Good to have if spending hard earned money on a scope.

The more expensive scopes get the more reliable they are as well. This has been pretty much a standard in optics for many years. Vortex sells A LOT of scopes. You can't make everyone happy but they make a lot of people happy. I am sure both the groups above will comment in this thread.

 

[Poorboyr]

Not sure what you’re asking. No matter who answers the question, you are going to get an opinion.

I feel Vortex is a decent scope for the money.... if you get the Razor line. However, I think there are better scopes out there for the same or less/ more money.

the one thing I think everyone can agree on is that Vortex is the master of marketing.

 

[nn8734]

He wants a unified consensus which is not going to happen (with vortex or any other brand). May be driven by analysis paralysis or to validate a recent outsized purchase on a Razor(s).

either ways, I’m in for the entertainment potential.

 

[Gohring65]

I think they are a good choice in each price point when all things considered.
In other words, if you’re after a 200$ scope, vortex makes one of the best, if you’re after a 1000$ scope, Vortex is right in the middle of the pack.
If you’re going for 2k, Vortex seems to be one of the most common choices.
I agree, people always put companies under a umbrella, like someone saying they had a Ford Focus and recommend never buying a Taurus because the focus sucked.

 

[Helislacker]

you answered your own question in the sentence, “All I know is that any Vortex product I’ve had has worked well”

That by itself should be sufficient for future purchasing considerations, all other things equal.

Good luck with getting the “truth” beyond that.

He wants a unified consensus which is not going to happen (with vortex or any other brand). May be driven by analysis paralysis or to validate a recent outsized purchase on a Razor(s).

either ways, I’m in for the entertainment potential.

I’m honestly just curious as to why there is such a polarity of opinions. I’ve never seen the same lack of consensus with NF, Leupold, or other brands

 

[supercorndogs]

Leupold fuckin sucks.

 

[nn8734]

I’m honestly just curious as to why there is such a polarity of opinions. I’ve never seen the same lack of consensus with NF, Leupold, or other brands

There’s not a single high profile scope company, including the above mentioned, that doesn’t have a share of both evangelists and haters, other than perhaps new entrants to the market, such as ZCO (have heard/read nothing but positive things there).

For me, first hand experience is everything-I assign much more weight to that than anything else, especially when it comes to internet memes, etc...I mention this since you stated you were looking to be informed for future purchasing decisions and nothing but positive prior Vortex experiences...The forum here has an encyclopedic record of opinions on Vortex, Leupold, Nightforce, if you haven’t yet searched.

 

[supercorndogs]

If you aren't finding a plethora of positive and negative opinions on a scope brand. I don't think you are looking very hard.

 

[264win]

As with any subjective question there will be lots of opinions, so I will add my .02.
I have used and owned several of their PST and Razor products and thought they were fine optics. 6-8 years ago I think the gen 2 razor was one of the best options for the $

Today there are so many more choices, and imho some of them are better choices for me.
I see used gen 2 razors pop up for $1400 now and then, at that price it is a lot of ( heavy) scope for the money

 

[davsco]

for razors: my 1-6 has been getting thrown in 3 gun barrels for a few years now with no issues. my two 3-18 and one 4.5-27 have each been used in a couple of prs matches with zero issues. i switched over from nf nxs only to go from sfp to ffp.

 

[elmuzzlebreak]

Scopes and actions are like religion. Everyone thinks they are the one true way. Best advice is get behind a bunch and judge for yourself.

 

[rockin randy]

Watching because I’m currently looking between the razor genitals 2 4-27x56 EBT-$7 mrad VS the Leupold Marky Mark 5 7-35 CCH-std positive. Both FFP. Vortex is illuminated. So I’ll be able to see in the dark...

 

[Northernjets]

Watching because I’m currently looking between the razor genitals 2 4-27x56 EBT-$7 mrad VS the Leupold Marky Mark 5 7-35 CCH-std positive. Both FFP. Vortex is illuminated. So I’ll be able to see in the dark...

Will you be placing the genitals 2 in a Griffin sperm mount?

 

[nn8734]

Watching because I’m currently looking between the razor genitals 2 4-27x56 EBT-$7 mrad VS the Leupold Marky Mark 5 7-35 CCH-std positive. Both FFP. Vortex is illuminated. So I’ll be able to see in the dark...

Enjoying the view?

 

[woodsmoke]

Watching because I’m currently looking between the razor genitals 2 4-27x56 EBT-$7 mrad VS the Leupold Marky Mark 5 7-35 CCH-std positive. Both FFP. Vortex is illuminated. So I’ll be able to see in the dark...

I’m in for a status report on what you find between the razor genitals.

 

[DOA]

Not sure what you’re asking. No matter who answers the question, you are going to get an opinion.

I feel Vortex is a decent scope for the money.... if you get the Razor line. However, I think there are better scopes out there for the same or less/ more money.

the one thing I think everyone can agree on is that Vortex is the master of marketing.

Better than Vortex gen 2 for same or less money? Next your going to say all the PRS guys that use Razors got them free.

 

[clcustom1911]

Leupold fuckin sucks.

Negative. If you set your Lee Collet Die correctly, Leupold doesn't suck

???

 

[woodsmoke]

Watching because I’m currently looking between the razor genitals 2 4-27x56 EBT-$7 mrad VS the Leupold Marky Mark 5 7-35 CCH-std positive. Both FFP. Vortex is illuminated. So I’ll be able to see in the dark...

Also wondering if the Leupold Marky Mark is the special Whalberg edition.

 

[rockin randy]

Figured my post would help relieve the built up tension in here. Like a bunch of jocks in the locker room with the coach Sandusky watching them shower... things just got strange.​

 

[nn8734]

 

[forrestgump01]

Watching because I’m currently looking between the razor genitals 2 4-27x56 EBT-$7 mrad VS the Leupold Marky Mark 5 7-35 CCH-std positive. Both FFP. Vortex is illuminated. So I’ll be able to see in the dark...

Also wondering if the Leupold Marky Mark is the special Whalberg edition.

well if it's std positive, no thanks!

so your looking at at scope that's a failed wanna-be ,new kid on the block/back street boy turned actor.

 

[AIAW]

 

[AIAW]

This is your STD edition. You know this vortex needs some penicillin. https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...ules-see-post-1.136401/page-1470#post-8223777

You are taking the general public into a part of the Hide that should be approached with caution - and no wife... or boss looking at your screen!

I think the max dose of Azithromycin is going to be needed there... a lifetime regimen of Valtrex for the "other gift".

 

[rockin randy]

View attachment 7224878

Poor man. don’t have money for those fancy Nazi engineered spectacles

 

[HemiPowrd]

Watching because I’m currently looking between the razor genitals 2 4-27x56 EBT-$7 mrad VS the Leupold Marky Mark 5 7-35 CCH-std positive. Both FFP. Vortex is illuminated. So I’ll be able to see in the dark...

Taint no thang...

 

[rockin randy]

I’m gonna get me one of those fancy scopes with the Illuminati reticles!

I have added zero to this conversation

 

[RTV]

Will you be placing the genitals 2 in a Griffin sperm mount?

Dont be ridiculous griffins arent real he is putting it in the spuhrm mount.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

+1 For Vortex.

Recently lost the windage adjustment dial to my Viper PST out in the field. Emailed customer service, got a response next day asking for a pic and my address. Next day a reply email letting me kn now it shipped. Package arrives a few days later with not only the windage dial but new caps, a nice hat, and some cool stickers.

 

[acudaowner]

I could while away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers,
Consulting with the rain;
And my head I'd be a scratchin'
While my thoughts are busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain.
I'd unravel ev'ry riddle for my
Individdle
In trouble or in pain
With the thoughts that you'll be thinkin'
You could be another Lincoln
If you only had a brain.
another yes if they strike your fancy , no if you are being pushed into one by a pushy sales person

 

[koshkin]

Boy, did this thread go sideways quickly.

Vortex is the largest company in sporting optics at the moment and not by a small margin. They ship a huge number of products varying in price and quality (there is reasonable correlation between the two).

People who have problems with the product are usually a lot more vocal about than people who are out shooting with a perfectly functional scope.

Personally, I like the Razor product lien a lot and PST Gen 2 is very good in my opinion. With the lower priced products, I ahve had good luck with Diamondback and Diamondback Tactical. Crossfires, Strike Eagles, etc are not my cup of tea.

ILya

 

[kriller134]

I have a g2 razor. I have done side by side comparisons with an atacr 7-35 and while I feel that the nightforce is nicer, it wasn’t $1k nicer. That being said a Kahles 5-25 is on my wish list.

 

[CSTactical]

Vortex makes good to great scopes that cover 90% of what most consumers need.
@Helislacker feel free to PM your information and I’ll be happy to have a detailed discussion ?

 

[deersniper]

 

[deersniper]

If you aren't finding a plethora of positive and negative opinions on a scope brand. I don't think you are looking very hard.

Every one knows Nightforce is he most durable dependable best glass riflescope made.

 

[mahlv]

Vortex is an insurance company that sells optics.

 

[supercorndogs]

I bet Vortex percentage of returns is not significantly higher than any other company that sells optics at almost every level of the market. They just don't have anything in the 3K price range yet.

 

[Rob01]

I bet Vortex percentage of returns is not significantly higher than any other company that sells optics at almost every level of the market. They just don't have anything in the 3K price range yet.

You are correct and you would be amazed how many "broken" scopes aren't actually broken and it's just user error in set up but they still help the customer out and treat them well. Yes some are actually broken and have issues but some aren't. As you can see from this site there is definitely a large range of knowledge base and skill sets and when you do sell lower priced scopes up to top tier you do get a larger range of knowledge and skill in the customers.

 

[Mendoza0311]

Upon getting into precision rifle, I began following quite a few pages on social media. A few of these are satirical meme pages, and almost each of them have ragged on Vortex. These pages may be satirical, but many of the guys who run them are active duty or retired mil snipers who believe Vortex and all of their products are hot garbage. On the flip side, guys like Bill Rapier, Kyle Defoor, and many (if not the majority) of top level PRS guys run Vortex and have nothing but positives to say. To top it off, the Army’s premier CT unit runs the Razor for LPVO’s, when they could’ve chosen whatever they wanted.
Ultimately, there is apparently no consensus with this brand and I’ve seen absolutely die hard supporters on one side and absolute haters on the other. Unfortunately, I have neither the experience nor the knowledge to be able to make an informed opinion myself. All I know is that any Vortex product I’ve had has worked well. At the end of the day, I’m curious as to what the truth is here so it can inform future purchase decisions.

Thanks

I think that it really comes down to personal preference with vortex and any other companies for that matter but if its one thing I know after having owned Vortex ,Zeiss, Steiner, Nikon, Burris, Sig, Bushnell and Nightforce they all have they're pros and cons. I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for when it comes to optics. I can vouch for with vortex and there lifetime warranty I purchased a used razor gen1 that I noticed wasn't tracking correctly and parallax would get blurry after firing a few shots. So I call them up they sent me a prepaid label I mailed it and and within two weeks received a brand new scope in the box. Top notch customer service.

 

[Schnyd112]

my razor 11-33x55 spotting scope dropped a lens out of alignment in the field while antelope hunting. I could shake the lens back and still use the scope but it was a pain in the ass. sent to vortex, returned to me for deer season. Haven't had an issue since.

I have seen someone pull the elevation dial off a gen II pst on the firing line, mid match. Broke the stud clean off the erector, not just the cap. Game over. i do not know the outcome of this. I would guess he got a new pst courtesy of Vortex.

i still have a gen ii pst on my match gun. it would cost me double what i paid for it to replace it with anything noticeably better. would love a khales 624i or leupold mark 5hd. But taking the difference and spending it on components makes me a better shooter than the upgraded glass would at this point.

 

[Jerry c]

Better than Vortex gen 2 for same or less money? Next your going to say all the PRS guys that use Razors got them free.

Get yourself a Nightfrorce ATACR FFP pricey but worth it you'll be admired by other shooters and you'll have more confident than ever.

 

[Shootershorty]

I have a high end and low end vortex. AMG and PST. I use them hunting and PRS shooting. Love them.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

I had to send back a PST II for warranty because one of the turrets came off in my hand. That being said I had to send one back to Weaver for the same thing. The Razors are the only models I would consider buying or trusting in the future.

I used to think the PST models were only one step down but it's larger rung on the quality ladder than I thought. Because of group buys here on the site and being able to sell off older hunting SFP scopes, I was able to purchase the SWFA 5-20 and two Bushnells from GAP. Not much more money but a lot more reliable to me.

 

[Klj5150]

Upon getting into precision rifle, I began following quite a few pages on social media. A few of these are satirical meme pages, and almost each of them have ragged on Vortex. These pages may be satirical, but many of the guys who run them are active duty or retired mil snipers who believe Vortex and all of their products are hot garbage. On the flip side, guys like Bill Rapier, Kyle Defoor, and many (if not the majority) of top level PRS guys run Vortex and have nothing but positives to say. To top it off, the Army’s premier CT unit runs the Razor for LPVO’s, when they could’ve chosen whatever they wanted.
Ultimately, there is apparently no consensus with this brand and I’ve seen absolutely die hard supporters on one side and absolute haters on the other. Unfortunately, I have neither the experience nor the knowledge to be able to make an informed opinion myself. All I know is that any Vortex product I’ve had has worked well. At the end of the day, I’m curious as to what the truth is here so it can inform future purchase decisions.

Thanks

 

[Klj5150]

I’m very new to precision rifle shooting and scopes in general, but my trainer is a government Marksman/Observer and has taught me well. While I can afford a night force and want one, my first scope was a Vortex Viper and I have several precision rifles and they are all set up the exact same way with the same exact $700 scope. I will purchase a Nightforce after I figure the math out in the reticle and purchase my 338 Lapua Magnum. I have had a few issues with the entry level Bushnell scopes but my trainer swears by his Millet when not using the Leupold on his Sako at work, or maybe a Tikka.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

I have a gen2 razor on my AI a PST on My tikka and a diamondback tactical on my ar. Love all of them 0 problems

 

[chevy_man]

Not sure what you’re asking. No matter who answers the question, you are going to get an opinion.

I feel Vortex is a decent scope for the money.... if you get the Razor line. However, I think there are better scopes out there for the same or less/ more money.

the one thing I think everyone can agree on is that Vortex is the master of marketing.

I agree with this. Razor/AMG are the only reasons to go vortex.


Their marketing sells a tons of cheap scopes that are hot garbage though. I was at the range last saturday and had a guy ask for help as he was pulling his hair out. Turns out the scope he just got back from vortex (diamondback HST) wasn't tracking windage. It was sent in the first time for no parallax adjustment. He was hot to say the least.

Leupold fuckin sucks.

I love all mine. Never broken one. Never had to send one in. More than I can say for the vortex's I've owned.

 

[wade2big]

I love all mine. Never broken one. Never had to send one in. More than I can say for the vortex's I've owned.

I would wager that Leupold sells more scopes than Vortex. Doesn’t really matter but there is lots of Leupold and Remington hate on the hide. ?

 

[MCHOG]

The Razor Gen II, which is what I run on my AI, is a great value. You give up some weight savings and possibly some level of reliability over scopes that cost $1,000 more (Nightforce, Schmidt, Kahles, etc.) but not much. If my life or a $20,000 hunting trip depended on my scope, I would probably go with a Nightforce. But if the most I will lose is a match or range day (which is most of us), then the Vortex is a smart choice. I have not had any issues with mine.