Awesome active insulation jacket here! I ordered and received it 10 days ago and have worn a couple times around the house. Never worn out and never washed. Tags removed but kept. Decided it's slightly too big for me for a midlayer so I'm going with a Medium.
Sold
Sold my '05 access cab with canopy a couple years ago for $13k. 150k miles and in great shape. Kbb value at the time was around $8k. Depending on your location I agree with the $8-$10k range.
I've had both and currently run a Kowa 554 - straight. I typically like to get up to a vantage point and glass down, so straight fits that style. Seems easier to get lined up on too.
Currently the Razor HDs (Japan made) which are a noticeable upgrade from my Meopta Meopro HDs. I tried a couple sets of SLCs and a set of Ultravids but they just weren't worth the extra price tag for me. I felt the Razors to be a solid value bino for what I paid and use them for.
I'm very happy after a season with my 10x42/Kowa 554 combo. Spotter only comes out for distinguishing detail, like a big forky from a 4x4 at 400+ yds. Curious how much more distance 12x binos would provide before needing the spotter...?
Thanks for the review, mtwarden. Intruiged me enough to order one and initial impressions are very good. I'm curious, after a year or two of use, how is the insulation and outer material holding up?
Not sure on their refund policy if it's been washed. I've had good experience with the wick hoody, t-shirt and several pairs of long boxers. FL sizing for me can vary between med and large depending on the garment. Maybe you got the wrong size?
Love my 10x Razors (Japan made). Got a refurbished set earlier this year for $650 and thought that was a good deal. I have not seen the Torics, but looked through the Conquests in the store, and bought and sold a set of SLCs and Ultravid HDs. For my eyes they just weren't worth twice the price...
So much good advice on here.
I'd just add to be sure and move around to different vantages if possible. Here's an example of a little bedded buck from last weekend I didn't see until getting the right angle on him. You can see how the regrowth and terrain in this pic can completely block them...
Happy Kowa 554 user here. I upgraded from a lower quality 65mm spotter for weight savings. It suits me well because I typically hike in miles and don't scan/grid with my spotter, only use it to confirm animals found with my 10x binos.
I'm happy with my (Japan) Razor HDs for this reason. Tried upgrading to a set of SLCs and Meostars and they were a little too heavy for my liking with no real advantage for me optically. The Razors are a good compromise bino. Better FOV than most too. I glassed all day with them on Sunday...