Swarovski z5i+ vs Leupold VX6HD Gen 2

[nspitale]

Does anyone know if the new z5+ scopes have the same plastic internals? I know they are using a different system with khales. If anyone has got their hands on one, let me know. I was looking at a nightforce originally but the glass on the Swaro much better in my eyes.

 

[Formidilosus]

Does anyone know if the new z5+ scopes have the same plastic internals? I know they are using a different system with khales. If anyone has got their hands on one, let me know. I was looking at a nightforce originally but the glass on the Swaro much better in my eyes.

The turrets in the 2-10x42mm are plastic. I do not know about the internals.


There is no comparison between Nightforce and Swarovski as an aiming device.

 

[KenLee]

I’ve had great experience with several Swarovski scopes. No complaints, and lots of tags filled.
I had some issues with a VX6 returning to Zero so I got rid of it, and I have had Leupold scopes lose zero from time to time.

I just read that they updated the new HD2 version with the Mk5 Erector system, which has performed well. I suspect the newest Leupold will perform well. There’s only millions of them out there. They can’t be Junk, despite what the RS Cult will pile on, like clockwork, on every one of these threads.

Millions of Vortex also. What's your point?

 

[ElGuapo]

Millions of Vortex also. What's your point?

Those are actually Junk…..

 

[KenLee]

Those are actually Junk…..

and that was my point. Sales don't equal reliability. I am constantly amazed by folks I know pushing Vortex scopes on others.

 

[Kimber7man]

Someone somewhere posted that the Z5+ internals are metal or brass, maybe similar the X5

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

Someone somewhere posted that the Z5+ internals are metal or brass, maybe similar the X5

it's not an X5 turret, those are insanely complicated and the Z5+ appears pretty simple. I didn't look at the capped turrets but the ballistic turret looks like anodized aluminum.

It's very clearly not the same turret assembly as their previous BT.

 

[SDHNTR]

I’ll never understand scope marketing. Literally only two, and only one does a good job of it, scope manufacturers actually market the one quality that matters most - durability.

If Swaros new attempt at improving the Z series needed anything, it needed more robust construction, yet there is this overwhelming sense of obscurity around what was actually done to improve anything. Swaro doesn’t need to market their glass. They need to market what matters, yet they don’t. To me, that’s telling.

 

[Kimber7man]

it's not an X5 turret, those are insanely complicated and the Z5+ appears pretty simple. I didn't look at the capped turrets but the ballistic turret looks like anodized aluminum.

It's very clearly not the same turret assembly as their previous BT.

Guess someone will need to pull the dial off and show everyone a picture of the assembly.

 

[Dave Chilson]

Guess someone will need to pull the dial off and show everyone a picture of the assembly.

The elevation wheel looks the same as windage once you pull off all the stuff.

 

[nspitale]

The elevation wheel looks the same as windage once you pull off all the stuff.

Can you give me an update once you’ve spent some time behind it? I know you just got it

 

[Dave Chilson]

Can you give me an update once you’ve spent some time behind it? I know you just got it

I started another thread and will keep it updated as I go along. If I can figure out how to post a link in this thread, I’ll do it.

I keep seeing people say “plastic internals”. Not sure which Swarovski scopes they are talking about, but this one’s internals are metal.

I also have three older Swarovski scopes that are over 20 years old that have zero problems. Obviously somebody had some problems with some Swarovskis because this forum has lots of people stating the same thing.

D

Thread 'Swarovski z5i+ 3.5-18 x 50 testing'

Apr 15, 2025

Got a notification that my favorite UPS driver will be delivering this tomorrow. I want to put it on my new elk rifle which I am impatiently waiting to be delivered. Until then, I’m going to put it on my most accurate rifle and test the repeatability to maintain zero.

Ultimately, I am going to order a custom turret from Swarovski so I can dial the yardage, dope the wind and fire for effect!

My self imposed limit where I feel confident shooting at game is 500-600 yards, depending on wind conditions. I’m fortunate to have a 400 yard range at my house.

I’m setting up my range to imitate...

• Dave Chilson
• Replies: 50
• Forum: Optics

• 

 

[SDHNTR]

The previous Z series had plastic internals. I had an entire Z6 turret shear clean off with the tube.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

The previous Z series had plastic internals. I had an entire Z6 turret shear clean off with the tube.

The last layer of a Z3/Z5/Z6 ballistic turret scope that is part of the scope and not a removable part of the turret is a pair of polymer tabs. None of those parts are on a Z5+, because it's a completely different turret. Instead of requiring that you completely disassemble the turret to set your zero stop and place their rings, no disassembly of the turret assembly beyond the screw cap and scale ring is required.

Unfortunately when you say "plastic internals" people think that you're talking about elements inside of the scope itself being plastic, rather than the turret assembly.

 

[SDHNTR]

The last layer of a Z3/Z5/Z6 ballistic turret scope that is part of the scope and not a removable part of the turret is a pair of polymer tabs. None of those parts are on a Z5+, because it's a completely different turret. Instead of requiring that you completely disassemble the turret to set your zero stop and place their rings, no disassembly of the turret assembly beyond the screw cap and scale ring is required.

Unfortunately when you say "plastic internals" people think that you're talking about elements inside of the scope itself being plastic, rather than the turret assembly.

Well the center post of the turret, that goes down into the erector system, absolutely was plastic.

 

[SloppyJ]

Why even chance it? Especially at that price. Grab a NXS, NX8 or Atacr in you're preferred reticle and magnification off the classifieds or europtic and be done. I consolidated all of my "nicer" scopes and have 3 NX8s on my top three hunting rifles.

The absolute only way I would consider giving them up is if something came out 6oz lighter with at least the same durability.

The best part, I don't HAVE to check my zero all the time. I've done it enough where I know I can take them out and go.

It's funny how much I quit chasing load development and groups once I got rid of the BS scopes. It just makes life that much simpler and eliminates one of the biggest variables in the system IMO.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

Well the center post of the turret, that goes down into the erector system, absolutely was plastic.

Yes, the last external piece, which is part of their elevation turret, the rest of which is also plastic, and none of which is part of the new turret.

 

[Dave Chilson]

I was looking at getting one of these two scopes. I was thinking the 3.5-18x50 Swaro and 4-22x52 on the leupold. Any advice or experience with these newer scopes?

I couldn’t decide which one so I bought one of each! I’ve shot 550+ rounds with the Swarovski and it’s been excellent. Tracking has been spot on. I will be testing the Leupold’s tracking next.

The optical quality is excellent on both. The level feature on the Leupold is interesting and I can see its benefits for getting level on scope installation. Turning the feature on requires a 15 second hold on the on/off button so not sure if it will be feasible for hunting.

Here is a link to an review on the new scope which also discusses the problems previously attributed to tracking.

First Look at the New Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2

We got a first look at the new Leupold VX 6HD Gen 2's competition-grade adjustments and innovative tool-less turret.

www.outdoorlife.com

 

[nspitale]

I couldn’t decide which one so I bought one of each! I’ve shot 550+ rounds with the Swarovski and it’s been excellent. Tracking has been spot on. I will be testing the Leupold’s tracking next.

The optical quality is excellent on both. The level feature on the Leupold is interesting and I can see its benefits for getting level on scope installation. Turning the feature on requires a 15 second hold on the on/off button so not sure if it will be feasible for hunting.

Here is a link to an review on the new scope which also discusses the problems previously attributed to tracking.

First Look at the New Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2

We got a first look at the new Leupold VX 6HD Gen 2's competition-grade adjustments and innovative tool-less turret.

www.outdoorlife.com

View attachment 873318

Have you compared them in low light yet to see how they compare?

 

[wyosam]

The optical quality is excellent on both. The level feature on the Leupold is interesting and I can see its benefits for getting level on scope installation. Turning the feature on requires a 15 second hold on the on/off button so not sure if it will be feasible for hunting.

First Look at the New Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2

We got a first look at the new Leupold VX 6HD Gen 2's competition-grade adjustments and innovative tool-less turret.

www.outdoorlife.com

View attachment 873318

Unless they changed it from the gen 1 vx6HD, once the level feature is turned on it stays on unless you do another 15 second hold to turn it off.


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