To be honest I can’t say 100%,,, but 2004 is one of the years they made improvements so I wouldn’t buy older than that ideally...
I have not compared brand new 10x42 with mine. I do have 2017 SLC 15x56 and they are def cleaner and crisper. I assume that’s mostly due to letting in more light...
If you love hunting you need to make it a lifestyle to just always be in great shape... there really should be no “getting in shape for a hunt” IMO .. workout ,, hike,, eat healthy,, YEAR ROUND
Put them both on a tripod to compare and you should see a much bigger difference ... esp the edge to edge clarity... also the first and last 30 min of light should be where they are have a noticeable advantage.
Also glassing for a long period of time off a tripod you would probably eventually...
^^ I second the Kifaru game bags.. Iv packed out 3 different Deboned Mule deer with my (2 bags) without a leak. Have washed them each time after as well.
The bucks are more out in the open during archery... but other than that,,, General season is much more manageable all around if you hunt a good distance from the truck in SoCal..Long packouts are brutal enuf of Sept/Oct...I think I might have died tryin to pack out a buck or bear from some of...
Great review man! Ur feet sound like the exact size as mine.. always between an 11-11.5 and frustrating how there’s really almost ZERO consistency in different brands,,, esp with the width and toe boxes. You’re making me want to try some Salewa next.
Most everything has give and take,, lose something to gain something... according to everyone so far these NL sumhow gain advantage in size, weight, field of view, clarity, and comfort..without losing any advantage ? that’s pretty impressive...
I’m semi doubtful that they will show a “better”...
You’d prolly be better off with a Dzone rifle tag than that A18 if you are kinda just tryin to throw it together last min with zero scouting... or even an AO tag which gives you way more time to hunt multiple zones/dates
I posted a review about them a few months ago.. I got ~6 Months out of them b4 the toes caved in/shrunk,, and were about to wear holes right thru them. Granted I put ALOT of miles on them. Like you said,, very comfy to start.. NOT very durable... 2 pairs in a row like that for me... surprised...