X - Vectronix Shooting Solutions

[carbonbased]

I don't worry about it since there is a large uninhabited area behind the target.

Well, I hope for you and your shooting partner’s sakes that nobody ventures into that area while you’re shooting and everybody gets unlucky.

There’s gps/cell in most cars now, plus of course cell tower ping tracking and cameras all over…

Anyway, I see you’re ranging handheld on top of a hood.

If you’re trying to range tiny targets, for better precision I suggest using the LRF on a good tripod with at least a ballhead. Better yet with a pan/tilt head, and better still if it is geared.

For pdog shooting, we use a regular pan/tilt setup as geared is too slow for our use.

The younger shooter’s rig: what chassis is that? Looks like an AI forend combined with a Sako or something, but I’m sure it’s not as the butt doesn’t look like a TRG.

 

[Megalodong]

This guy is clearly not worth engaging with and further derailing this thread. He wants super specific tests ran on a new product. When a person with arguably currently the most experience with them responds he just wants to argue and nit pick. I don't care what he says... the way he goes about "hunting" birds with his .264 Creedmoor (which is 6.5mm if anyone didn't know) is not safe.

Like I said go fucking buy one yourself and figure out if it works.

 

[NiteQwill]

Shooting anything that is skylined without a clear backstop is kinda crazy... I don't care how MUCH uninhabited land is beyond the target. All it takes is some errant round to hit some kid riding his dirt bike, some lady walking their dog, or some curious bird watcher thinking they're safe and far away with BTX 115s...

Hell no.

 

[alex2x2]

There’s gps/cell in most cars now, plus of course cell tower ping tracking and cameras all over…

not in that area. There's no cell coverage within 100 miles, no cameras, no villages, no kids etc.

Anyway, I see you’re ranging handheld on top of a hood.

we do that most of the time.

If you’re trying to range tiny targets, for better precision I suggest using the LRF on a good tripod with at least a ballhead. Better yet with a pan/tilt head, and better still if it is geared.

it takes more time than handeld ranging.

For pdog shooting, we use a regular pan/tilt setup as geared is too slow for our use.

we use tripods for pdogs

The younger shooter’s rig: what chassis is that? Looks like an AI forend combined with a Sako or something, but I’m sure it’s not as the butt doesn’t look like a TRG.

it's CNC Guns custom chassis

Shooting anything that is skylined without a clear backstop is kinda crazy... I don't care how MUCH uninhabited land is beyond the target. All it takes is some errant round to hit some kid riding his dirt bike, some lady walking their dog, or some curious bird watcher thinking their safe and far away with BTX 115s...

We all understand the responsibility. Don't worry.

This guy is clearly not worth engaging with and further derailing this thread. He wants super specific tests ran on a new product. When a person with arguably currently the most experience with them responds he just wants to argue and nit pick. I don't care what he says... the way he goes about "hunting" birds with his .264 Creedmoor (which is 6.5mm if anyone didn't know) is not safe.

Like I said go fucking buy one yourself and figure out if it works.

Forums like these exist to share experiences and impressions. If you don't want to, don't do it. No one will force you to do it. Just pass by.

 

[Xcount]

Those of you that got a pair of these that already had a good setup, are you happy with your decision? Would you recommend replacing a SLC + TerrapinX + Kestrel 5700 Elite kit with a set of these? All-in-one sounds interesting, but I worry about giving up something by doing so.

You still need the Kestrel for the anemometer input.
I had a Terrapin X and I prefer the 10x Vectors.

 

[point45]

There was a firmware update the last time I connected the binos to the app and it seems to have fixed the issue with selecting a profile and the hud not coming back on under certain conditions.

It still outputs in MRAD if the kestrel profile and vector x selected profile are both in MOA.

Seems to need to do the chicken dance more often when im out hunting vs shooting at the range.

So far very happy with these and I hope future updates fix the few remaining issues.

 

[5Baize]

I got a pair of 12X from a Jun pre-order from EO

DMR types or SMR ones ?

 

[Tex68w]

The DMR are waaaaay backed up and it seems to be the overwhelmingly popular option.

 

[4O6shootist]

These things do not Iike the cold! Pretty much useless other than straight bino sub 5°. All you winter time coyote hunters, prob look for a different option.

 

[Tex68w]

Well that's no bueno

 

[GBMaryland]

FYI, regarding the rumor that Euro Optic sends the orders out that people pay full price for first... vs in the order they came in:

"Thanks for reaching out and I hope this email finds you well. That is absolutely not the case. We have been working as diligently as possible to get these Vector backorders out the moment we receive batches of them from Vectronix themselves.

All orders are shipped in the order they are placed. No one is prioritized for not using a promo code, etc. The in-stock Vectors you are seeing were all fulfilled by EuroOptic, as we're Vectronix's sole distributor in the USA. Those orders were also backorders placed an extremely long time ago, by the retailer themselves.

That being said, if you would like to reply to this email with your order number I would be more than happy to take a look into this for you, to maybe get you a soft update on when you can expect your order to ship.

I hope this email provides you with a little piece of mind, and moving forward if you have any questions at all or would like to get your backordered cancelled please do not hesitate to reach out."

 

[smithjd]

These things do not Iike the cold! Pretty much useless other than straight bino sub 5°. All you winter time coyote hunters, prob look for a different option.

I have experienced this a couple times now. I’ve taken the batteries out (just the 123A’s), warmed them up in my hands or a pocket for a couple minutes, re-installed them and the binoculars work. Has never been really cold, probably teens & 20’s at worst. I will have to see if the 18650’s have the same problem.

 

[4O6shootist]

I have experienced this a couple times now. I’ve taken the batteries out (just the 123A’s), warmed them up in my hands or a pocket for a couple minutes, re-installed them and the binoculars work. Has never been really cold, probably teens & 20’s at worst. I will have to see if the 18650’s have the same problem.

I kept my binos in a chest rig inside my coat and they worked, my buddy had his atop tripod, they did NOT work at all. 5° with 10-15mph winds, so wind chills in negatives. I believe in the manual it says 7° or 9° as minimum temp. Unfortunately such an expensive peice of kit can't be reliable on a larger range on temps.

 

[jthor]

I believe there are 18650s that are designed with cold weather in mind after a quick google search. Might be worth looking into. Seems more like a battery issue than a device issue.

 

[Lowlight]

I'm guessing battery more than unit,

Unfortunately it's cold now, not cold in August. But I bet a different battery fixes this.

I saw Caylen posted he left his out overnight, but it was not that cold

 

[4O6shootist]

Ordering various cold weather batteries to test!

 

[BigPrince]

Just as a data point, can say I've used these in 18deg Wisconsin weather this year in a FHF gear chest rig and 18650 nitecore battery without issue.

 

[tydex21]

Just spent a week hunting high in Colorado. Ran a fenix 18650 the entire time, constantly ranging from 0f to mid-30’s. No issues in this case and excellent battery life. I will note that I contacted Vectronix CS asking their thoughts, they recommended the 18650’s for intense cold.

 

[4O6shootist]

Ordered energizer cr123a that are advertised to -40f and the Nitecore cold weather 18650. Once I get everything and I get on days off, I'll conduct some testing with time in deep freeze, bino temp via laser gun, and where I start having issues. I'll throw my Kilo10k into mix as well just for comparison. I know my zeiss victory rf 10x42 had problems sub 15° when cold soaked 3 years ago, hence the 10k acquisition.

 

[4O6shootist]

While you're waiting for the temps to get cold enough to lasergun your binos you can fill the time weight sorting primers.

I just want to know what temps they actually stop performing as desired. I'll have 3-4 months off for winter season, so have plenty of time on my hands.

 

[lonestar1845]

The minimum operating temperature the've published is -20c/ -5f. I think that may just be the range of the temperature sensor.

When I take the vectors down to -5 in my freezer, they try to wake up but quickly die. Pop in a warm 123a battery and they work. If I put a battery alone in the freezer for 10 minutes, then pop it in room temp binos, they don't work.

Did the same tests with a basic 18650 and the vectors worked every time.

This appears to just be a battery problem with the 123a's. I'm guessing they fail somewhere between 15-F and 0-F. Don't really have a way of finding the breaking point of the 18650. Don't really want to be anywhere that cold anyway.

 

[USP45]

I have a question for those who already have their Vector-X's, does the OLED panel in the display reach to where the aiming reticle is? In other words would there be an option for Vectronix to make a dot or something illuminate where the aiming reticle is? I have a set on order but watched a YouTube video by Paramount Tactical where a good point was made, namely that the etched reticle disappears in low light or against darker objects. One of my uses will be for hunting, and as I am sure many on here know, opportunities are ofter presented at first or last light. He demonstrated this aspect in his review, and sure enough the reticle all but vanished depending on how early/late it was or when looking into deeper shadowed areas. If the OLED panel overlaps the aiming reticle then it could be resolved with a firmware update, the "dot" could even be selectable on/off. Otherwise this sounds like a Vector-X Gen II update.

 

[lead ƒarmer]

Ordered energizer cr123a that are advertised to -40f and the Nitecore cold weather 18650. Once I get everything and I get on days off, I'll conduct some testing with time in deep freeze, bino temp via laser gun, and where I start having issues. I'll throw my Kilo10k into mix as well just for comparison. I know my zeiss victory rf 10x42 had problems sub 15° when cold soaked 3 years ago, hence the 10k acquisition.

Please let us know what you find. Mine have been problematic in the cold too, and I've only had them in the mid 20s so far. I might try an 18650 battery to see if that helps, because I use mine a lot through the winter.

 

[lonestar1845]

I have a question for those who already have their Vector-X's, does the OLED panel in the display reach to where the aiming reticle is? In other words would there be an option for Vectronix to make a dot or something illuminate where the aiming reticle is? I have a set on order but watched a YouTube video by Paramount Tactical where a good point was made, namely that the etched reticle disappears in low light or against darker objects. One of my uses will be for hunting, and as I am sure many on here know, opportunities are ofter presented at first or last light. He demonstrated this aspect in his review, and sure enough the reticle all but vanished depending on how early/late it was or when looking into deeper shadowed areas. If the OLED panel overlaps the aiming reticle then it could be resolved with a firmware update, the "dot" could even be selectable on/off. Otherwise this sounds like a Vector-X Gen II update.

No, that won't be an option with these

 

[USP45]

No, that won't be an option with these

Well hell, not what I was hoping for but appreciate the reply.

 

[lonestar1845]

Well hell, not what I was hoping for but appreciate the reply.

I was worried about this a little too, But I haven't had a problem with that yet and I mostly hunt with mine. I actually prefer it since the lit reticle on my last binos would wash out the whole background in low light. It would be cool if it was an option though.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[smithjd]

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]

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]

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

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]

Well this isn’t promising.

 

[carbonbased]

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]

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.

Loading…

www.safran-group.com

 

[alex2x2]

not extreme-as-hell North Dakota.

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

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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