Leupold Gen 2 ?

[FLHunter87]

Since these have been out for a little bit, does anyone have anyone reviews for them. I am possibly considering getting a gen 2 to replace a regular VX6HD I have. Is the extra $$ worth it with the several upgrades that they have included now? Interested to know how the cant degree thing works too. How does it know the scope isn’t level or tilting past a degree. I think that’s a cool feature. I still see the regular models available for a decent price, gen 2s are running another 1k or a little more than the older model.

 

[toddh]

I am interested myself.

 

[JohnJohnson]

At that price point I don't think many people on Rokslide would be looking at Leupold.

 

[Choupique]

Is the extra $$ worth it

Why would you spend more money on something that might be reliable, when there are options that are both cheaper and known to be reliable?

Here's a rare opportunity to capitalize on the option to get something that is both cheaper and better. So capitalize!

 

[Stickbowhunter]

I have a gen 2 VX 5 4x20x52 hopefully showing up tomorrow. Won’t be dropping it but will put it through other tests. I get a good one.

 

[elsb0048]

? Interested to know how the cant degree thing works too. How does it know the scope isn’t level or tilting past a degree. I think that’s a cool feature.

I have a mk4hd with the digital level in the reticle and didn't find it that helpful. If you turn the anti-cant on it flashes the illumination in the reticle when the rifle gets out of level but in the mk4 at least it doesn't tell you which way you need to go to fix it. I tried it for a while but I ended up just switching back to a bubble level on the tube as I just couldn't grok the illuminated one

 

[Stickbowhunter]

If you do go with the can’t feature make sure it’s legal in your state for hunting. I’m sure you would probably never get checked for it but some states say technically the level feature is not. I didn’t want any electronics on mine

 

[FLHunter87]

Why would you spend more money on something that might be reliable, when there are options that are both cheaper and known to be reliable?

Here's a rare opportunity to capitalize on the option to get something that is both cheaper and better. So capitalize!

Which are what brands and scopes? I am pretty picky about reticle. I am not a Christmas tree person when it comes to reticle, so that places a lot of scopes out because it’s my preference. Once I discovered the TMOA reticle by Leupold, that has been my go to. I have always been a Leupold guy. I have used other brands by family and friends, but like I said the Christmas tree and a busy scope is not needed for me nor wanted. I also haven’t found any clarity or performance that make one better than the other at least looking that close. Leupold, Nightforce, Zeiss, Bushnell, Nikon, Vortex, etc. to name a few.

 

[FLHunter87]

I have a mk4hd with the digital level in the reticle and didn't find it that helpful. If you turn the anti-cant on it flashes the illumination in the reticle when the rifle gets out of level but in the mk4 at least it doesn't tell you which way you need to go to fix it. I tried it for a while but I ended up just switching back to a bubble level on the tube as I just couldn't grok the illuminated one

Interesting, that would be one of the primary reasons to have that feature, if it doesn’t tell you which way, what’s the point. I feel like the shooter would know which way though? Maybe? Maybe it’s not worth the extra money. Being tool less is a plus but not for that kind of money. Bringing a small Allen key or 2 and multi tool or small screwdriver along isn’t that big a deal. In your opinion, is it worth the money for the tool upgrades or wish you would have just gotten the original model instead?

 

[Choupique]

Which are what brands and scopes?

SWFA and Trijicon both have options with similar specifications that are cheaper and more durable. SWFA, significantly cheaper. Nightforce has cheaper options. I think the shoot 2 hunt scope is a fair bit cheaper.

General rule, nightforce, swfa, trijicon for durability and good tracking. There are select products from other manufacturers that are a sure bet but with the above 3, basically anything the sell will be 100% reliable.

 

[elsb0048]

Interesting, that would be one of the primary reasons to have that feature, if it doesn’t tell you which way, what’s the point. I feel like the shooter would know which way though? Maybe? Maybe it’s not worth the extra money.

You would think the shooter could tell which way but I wasn't able to.... YMMV? It could also be that there are differences to the anti-cant in the VX6 vs the mk4, no experience here. For me personally the anti-cant is not worth paying for. Although the illumination generally is a nice thing to have if the gen 1 vx6 doesn't have it?

Being tool less is a plus but not for that kind of money. Bringing a small Allen key or 2 and multi tool or small screwdriver along isn’t that big a deal. In your opinion, is it worth the money for the tool upgrades or wish you would have just gotten the original model instead?

the mk4 is not tool-less so I can't opine too much from first hand experience on the benefits there.

 

[FLHunter87]

You would think the shooter could tell which way but I wasn't able to.... YMMV? It could also be that there are differences to the anti-cant in the VX6 vs the mk4, no experience here. For me personally the anti-cant is not worth paying for. Although the illumination generally is a nice thing to have if the gen 1 vx6 doesn't have it?


the mk4 is not tool-less so I can't opine too much from first hand experience on the benefits there.

Interesting. I had to see what YMMV meant…lol.

I gotcha though. I have a VX6HD 4-24 the original version. I have the illuminated TMOA reticle. Hopefully someone has the same scope I have but Gen 2 then. The only difference are the tool less options and the anti cant. Pretty crazy those upgrades costs that much more. I guess I’ll see. Just from your perspective, keeping what I have met be the better option until I find or receive more information. Thanks for the input.

 

[Northern Outback]

Interesting. I had to see what YMMV meant…lol.

I gotcha though. I have a VX6HD 4-24 the original version. I have the illuminated TMOA reticle. Hopefully someone has the same scope I have but Gen 2 then. The only difference are the tool less options and the anti cant. Pretty crazy those upgrades costs that much more. I guess I’ll see. Just from your perspective, keeping what I have met be the better option until I find or receive more information. Thanks for the input.

Doesn’t the gen 1 also have that feature ?
Google says they both have the anti can’t feature as long as they have illuminated reticle.

 

[FLHunter87]

I’ve never noticed it but next time I go shoot I can look. Kind of funny. Didn’t know it did.

 

[Stickbowhunter]

I’ve never noticed it but next time I go shoot I can look. Kind of funny. Didn’t know it did.

I think you hold the light button for like 5 seconds or something like that

 

[elsb0048]

I think you hold the light button for like 5 seconds or something like that

It's like 15seconds on my mk4, a really long time

 

[Northern Outback]

I think you hold the light button for like 5 seconds or something like that

Either way I believe the only difference between gen 1 and gen 2 is the toolless features and they “claim” it’s more durable but doesn’t seem like anything has changed internally so who knows.

 

[FLHunter87]

Either way I believe the only difference between gen 1 and gen 2 is the toolless features and they “claim” it’s more durable but doesn’t seem like anything has changed internally so who knows.

Yep. The more and more replies I get, the less likely I’m upgrading. I’m not paying that much for the same thing with minor updates. And to make it more expensive isn’t great either.

 

[hoooogan]

I have the same gen 1 VX6HD. It has anti-cant reticle level. I wouldn't pay $1000 more for essentially the same scope with tool less turret. I, nor any of my half dozen friends that run Leupolds have ever had an issue with reliability/durability, so that point is moot as well. Stick with the Gen 1 unless your wallet is just too thick.

From the manual:
For models that have an illuminated reticle level, turn the illuminated reticle off,
and hold the button 15 seconds. This will activate the reticle level

 

[FLHunter87]

I have the same gen 1 VX6HD. It has anti-cant reticle level. I wouldn't pay $1000 more for essentially the same scope with tool less turret. I, nor any of my half dozen friends that run Leupolds have ever had an issue with reliability/durability, so that point is moot as well. Stick with the Gen 1 unless your wallet is just too thick.

From the manual:
For models that have an illuminated reticle level, turn the illuminated reticle off,
and hold the button 15 seconds. This will activate the reticle level

Agree. Sticking with what I have. Currently in process of building a new rifle so was curious. But I’ll just move this Leupold over to that one and go from there. Might need new rings but I’ll worry about that when the time comes.