To be fair, it was a loaner from our Rep, but to my knowledge it was not a pre-production model. We will be doing another comparison this spring, with all new models, including the ATX that did not fair well in our comparison. I have done some side by side comparisons since then with the 553...
Yes, you will be able to have some limited success without a tripod with either. Range and zoom will play a big role, and I personally would not rely on it. But it could be useful for quick checks when time is limited.
There is really no way to know for sure.. I can say that based on our almost annual comparisons, that it wasn't until early this year that we really felt like the ATS was improved.
We'll have to take another look at the 80mm. In the past it did not perform near as well as the Kowa 77mm. Same weight, much better performance, and $900 less.
Our understanding is that its performance increase is simply due to improved manufacturing processes. But i also suspect that coatings have improved over time as well.
Thats a great question, and something we'll have to re-visit. In the past we haven't been a fan of the ATS 80.. especially with the superior performance of the Kowa 77mm, and a $900 price difference. So for now i would stick to your ats 65 if its a newer model. Otherwise that Kowa 77mm is...
Hey Roksliders!
What makes S&S Archery stand out from the rest of the industry? We test, and test, and test. And then we post honest, REAL reviews and opinions of our findings. Our goal is to get you into the gear that's going to work best for you. Period.
With that said...Here is our no BS...
Sounds like our comparison is getting pushed out till next week.. too many hunting trips! But that will give us the opportunity to add a buddy's atx 65mm to the comparison.
Hey guys,
We have been using the STC for a couple weeks now. Steve has had quite a bit of time in the field and we have also been testing here in our office. We are planning a long range test later this week that will include the STC, the ATS 65 w/ 25-50x, the Kowa 553 and the kowa 77mm. Should...
We did get some time with these earlier this week. Exactly what they say they are. Optically they seem to be as good as the TSN-550's but Swarovski focused on the eye piece. Its very comfortable, even if its not as good optically as the Kowa, and it will be close if not better, this will better...
We have a ton of inventory that is tough to find anywhere else! Here is what we have available to ship today!
Spot Hogg:
ALL TRIPLE STACK SIGHTS AND COMBOS ARE IN STOCK!
Spot Hogg Wise Guy Releases
Black Gold Sights:
Black Gold Dual Tracs are in stock!
Black Gold Pro Hunter HD in stock!
4"...
Roksliders! Our favorite spotter is on sale! The TSN-773/774 is only $1999 right now. We have that and a ton of other deals going on. Check out our sale here:
https://sandsarchery.com/collections/clearance
We have them in stock, shipping fast and FREE.
Here is what we currently have ready to go! And yes, plenty of Left Hand sights as well!
Triple Stacks! Hogg Father, Tommy Hogg, and Fast Eddie.
If you already have a Spot Hogg sight and want to change the housing to the Triple Stack, you can go...
No, sorry. They are all custom order. However we have been seeing the custom built housings ship relatively quickly.. Around 4-6 weeks, and sometimes sooner.