Vortex Question

[Ryan Avery]

Dotman, Yes there would be forums still, people would still need help finding hunting units. haha

The Vanguard spotter is damn nice for the money. And yes I have used it in the woods next to the Razor. But if I had to buy one it would be the Razor.

I also spent more than 30 nights in the woods last year

And I would bet money you ain't getting a new one if you send in a broken old one.

 

[Elkoholic87]

Dotman, Yes there would be forums still, people would still need help finding hunting units. haha

The Vanguard spotter is damn nice for the money. And yes I have used it in the woods next to the Razor. But if I had to buy one it would be the Razor.

I also spent more than 30 nights in the woods last year

What did you like more about the Razor than the Vanguard?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kodiakfly]

At this risk of wading into this, I'll address the original question- Many companies with a lifetime, no-fault warrantee will replace your old or obsolete with their current model equivalent to it, if that makes sense, that's assuming it requires full replacement and not repair. That's fairly common in fly rods, so I could believe that if you bought a Gen 1 Vortex, and you break it (unrepairable) in six months or six years, I'd have no reason to believe they wouldn't send you the new model version.

As to Vortex customer service and warrantee, I'm a fan. My Wife put a rangefinder through the washing machine last fall, a week before a fly-in hunt. Vortex replaced it with second day air return no questions asked. Then just a couple weeks ago, I had a Vortex spotting scope fall off my tailgate and jack up the eyepiece and the sight picture is blurry. Sent it back and got the email they received it. Not sure what I'll get back, but again, no questions asked. I dropped a Leupold rangefinder a week after I bought it and Leupold to me to send it in and they'd evaluate and let me know how much it costs to repair it....thus why I own the Vortex rangefinder now. I take care of my stuff, (had my Leicas for almost 25 years now, going strong!) but I've had bad luck with optics in the last few months and Vortex has been great about it.

 

[justinspicher]

My eyesight probably sucks, I can't tell the difference between any of them. I own vortex binos because they were at a good price and the vortex scope on my AR was a gift. Free trumps all.

 

[Ryan Avery]

What did you like more about the Razor than the Vanguard?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

On a buisness level, Vanguard is CRAZY!

 

[CorbLand]

To answer the OP, no you can't just send it in to get a new scope. If it is broken beyond repair I would bet that you would get the new model. If you don't mind, what Sportsmans Warehouse was this, if you want you can PM it to me. I would say that this individual was looking to get a scope out the door.

The new model has a few upgrades from the old model. The first and most notable is the eyepiece. It is one piece and doesn't have the screws that liked to work themselves loose. The glass is better on full zoom but it really isn't that noticeable below that. Edge to edge clarity is slightly better but Vortex has always struggled with edge to edge. Purchasing the older model is a great way to get a good piece of glass at a very fair price.



To answer who asked why people hate Vortex I will give you my opinion on why I get sick of hearing that they are so good. First, is all anyone ever talks about is the warranty. "Vortex is so amazing because of the warranty." Thats all anyone can talk about. I get it warranties are important and I have purchased a lot of gear based on warranties but to say its better than another brand, solely because of warranty is asinine. Second, I get really tired of hearing how Vortex is just as good as Swaro. This one drives me nuts. Vortex makes a great piece of glass for the price point they are in, and the Razor fills a very good gap between low end scopes and high end scopes. Third, Vortex has done a great job at creating the Vortex Nation, which is a great marketing strategy and I will never knock Vortex for doing it but it is super annoying to deal with those individuals. You can tell them something that Vortex doesn't do great, every company has its down fall and you can see the aneurism building in their forehead. Its almost like they can't see past the fact that Vortex isn't the best company around.


I wish I could say that Vortex has great customer service but overall every time I have had to deal with them, it has sucked. Like royally sucked.

 

[theblakester]

I like vortex. Not an expert though. I think their warranty exceeds others bc they don't want a receipt etc. if it ain't right, send in the product and they'll send it back fixed or a new scope/new model of the equivalent, no questions asked. I have owned multiple optics of theirs and never had to send one in. I've dropped a Viper PST 1-4x24 on the concrete by accident from chest height and it still works great and tracks fine. Dropped it right on the elevation adjustment knob a couple years ago. My brother in law had to send in his vortex spotting scope for something (can't remember what) but they were great about fixing it and communicating and returning it quick. I've sent back a $1000 scope to bushnell and after a lot of hassle ended up making them just give me a refund. I've dealt with customer service with several companies and from all my experience with many companies, everything I know or have heard, vortex products work well, but when they do mess up, you can rest assured they will take care of you. My similarly priced leupold ($500) did seem to have slightly better glass than my vortex ($400) from my eyes. Ive been very impressed with my vortex Razor HDII 1-6x24.. feels like it's built like a tank and very clear glass and super wide FOV. That said, I also a big fan of Steiner optics. Btw stay away from Southern Ohio Gun.. they're terrible liars.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rodney482]

Japan makes some of the very best optics.

I was trying to help you make a good decision on your purchase, obviously you preferred childish behavior and snide remarks instead...you continue to throw insults.

Most all mfg's today, from mid to alpha class offer extended/lifetime warranties...it's nothing new, it smart marketing that benefits the consumer. Just so the mfg. continues to stock the parts, or else instead of repairing they can offer a cheap new replacement at their discretion(read small print).

With the majority of mid-class optics being outsourced to Japan/China/Phillipines to lower costs for competitive retail, parts supplies will/are lowered to keep costs down. This due to the "new" models being introduced every 2 years or so, for that's what's drives the market...new models.

You need to understand the game to be a player, or instead you're just a pawn in the game.

Best wishes and good hunting

 

[mmw194287]

Other thing to note about Vanguard's warranty (even on the sport optics) is that it only applies to the original owner and that proof of purchase is required to make a claim.

 

[Bwana]

Japan makes some of the very best optics.

Rodney I agree %100, Japan has been producing premium alpha glass and optics for cameras/lens/sport optics for years. My point was due to outsourcing the manufacturing process today, stock for warranty/service repair has become a liability for long term consideration. It's far easier and cheaper for the mfg. to replace the product with a "new & cheaper" product at a later date than repair and store parts/retain qualified service techs.

We have all said "they don't make stuff like they used to", some products have improved with technology and modernized plants...and some have just lowered the quality of the build materials(poly-carbonate bodies, aluminum instead of stainless..etc). Take Craftsman for example: lifetime warranty that in the past you could buy any part for your old tool, today they don't stock any parts for products over 10 years old....they give you a "new" tool instead(it has plastic gears in the socket wrench, instead of metal gears that lasted for decades).

My son just went thru this same issue with Steiner: Sent in a pair of 10 year old 10x42 Predator CS(I think), decent hid-mid level glass for a fogged tube & eye cup replacement. They sent him a pair of cheap plastic bodied binos that list now for $399, and refused to repair or return his original pair(which cost him $600 when he purchased 10 years ago). It's the wave of the competitive market in lower/mid level optics today, and only the Alphas/Leupold etc. will concern themselves with true repair and service. Many/most of the mid-level products today(including alphas)are being made off shore, but still retaining high standards in production.

Buyer beware, a warranty is and can be changed at the discretion of the mfg...anytime they choose.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I am not sure where the original Razor spotters somehow got a poor reputation with some people. My best guess would be sample variation. I tend to believe that a poor copy got tested at some time, and then people looking for their Vortex scapegoat jumped on it.

While I am not an expert, I have personally tested several copies of the first generation, including all three sizes: 50, 65, and 85. They test pretty impressively. Their resolution scores are right there with the top tier competition. There were things that I didn't like, too, of course. I have yet to test a perfect optic. I had an early copy of the 85mm that is still in use with my hunting partner. Side by side with the 85mm Swarovski ATX, the ATX is notably superior (also newer and MUCH more expensive), but I am constantly surprised at just how close that old 85 Razor gets to the very best on the market.

With Vortex' awesome warranty and customer service, the discounted generation 1 Razors are a safe purchase, great value, and easy to recommend. If you are unlucky enough to get a "lemon" I am confident Vortex would make it right.

 

[GKPrice]

Is vortex the new Kuiu? I can't seem to understand why folks have such a hard time hearing that another person likes a brand of something they don't use. I'm willing to bet 90% of the folks on this forum spend less than 30 nights a year in the woods using their "top rated" products. I don't know how the trappers and pioneers every got along and made their way with out Kifaru packs, First Lite clothing and Swarovski optics. They had muzzleloader not kimber rifles and no rangefinders. If most of you spent the amount of time actually using your gear instead of talking about it, we'd all be a lot happier.

VERY good comment

 

[realunlucky]

Don't discount the knowledge you can gain roaming sportsman's warehouse almost as valuable as field time

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

Sorry, but no...not even close, not even in the top 15...just the facts.

Facts? Cool, please show me these "facts" you speak of?

 

[Hatchet Jack]

VERY good comment

Not really a good comparison. I have a family and job, I get 3 weeks of paid time off each year. roughly half of that is tied up in family stuff, while the other half I get to go hunting, plus whatever weekends I can sneak away. You can bet I want the best gear I can afford to make those precious few days count. Plus those guys were a lot tougher than we are today.

 

[GKPrice]

Is vortex the new Kuiu? I can't seem to understand why folks have such a hard time hearing that another person likes a brand of something they don't use. I'm willing to bet 90% of the folks on this forum spend less than 30 nights a year in the woods using their "top rated" products. I don't know how the trappers and pioneers every got along and made their way with out Kifaru packs, First Lite clothing and Swarovski optics. They had muzzleloader not kimber rifles and no rangefinders. If most of you spent the amount of time actually using your gear instead of talking about it, we'd all be a lot happier.

I always plan to stay out for 30, I want to stay out for 30, BUT I keep worrying about the meat spoiling ......

 

[GKPrice]

Not really a good comparison. I have a family and job, I get 3 weeks of paid time off each year. roughly half of that is tied up in family stuff, while the other half I get to go hunting, plus whatever weekends I can sneak away. You can bet I want the best gear I can afford to make those precious few days count. Plus those guys were a lot tougher than we are today.

"tougher" by necessity NOT design .....

 

[dreamingWest]

Regarding Vanguard's warranty for the Endeavor spotting scope. My one year old son knocked over my tripod and busted the plastic piece that allows you to adjust eye relief. I called Vanguard hoping they would be kind enough to just send me the plastic piece. (I'm an injection molder and know this piece probably costs them about $0.05-$0.10). They said "no worries, it is covered under our no-fault policy" and shipped out the entire eye-piece assembly free of charge. No questions asked, no proof of purchase. Just a 5 minute phone call. I'll buy from them again.

I own a Vortex Diamondback HP riflescope I still haven't mounted. I also briefly had the Razor HD 10x42s for a binocular test. But that test also included Swaro SLCs, so I no longer have the Razors. They all have their place. The guys at Vortex seem great, and their marketing is obviously working.

 

[Bwana]

"tougher" by necessity NOT design .....

"When men were men, and women were glad of it"

 

[freebird134]

Don't discount the knowledge you can gain roaming sportsman's warehouse almost as valuable as field time

Hahaha!!! Love it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk