Here's a specific question assuming both are equally in minty condition... A used Maven B5 15x56 for $1050 - $1100 or a used SIG Zulu 9 15x56 for $650 - $700?
I have read that the SIGS used to sell for $600-$700 brand new from Midway USA in the past any truth to this? While Maven supposed to be direct to consumer without any middle man markups how is this possible that SIG can use a middle man Midway USA to sell them so for cheap assuming they're the same Binoculars with different outer design?
I would 1000% buy the mavens, sheerly because of their track record and history of happy customers compared to the Sig’s. I’ve never talked to, seen anybody, or heard of anybody, across multiple states, multiple seasons, different species and conditions, who has ever used Sig binos. Rangefinders? Sure. More recently, image stabilizing? Absolutely. But sig isn’t known for their binos. Just because they use the same prisms as maven and likely come from the same OEM DOES NOT mean they are the same optic. Both companies spec their own “secret sauce” to the OEM such as coatings and armor and such, which gives a very different user experience and viewing experience. Maven has millions of customers who are huge fans of their sauce after 12 years of business, and I’ve NEVER even seen an sig bino user in field or real life. Heck, after 4 years on Rokslide, I can count on one hand the number of guys I’ve read say they use Sig binos. There has to be a reason for that.
Oh and that price on the Sig’s from midway USA you mention was from when Midway clearanced/liquidated the standard 9 and 11x versions a few years ago. Before that, they were selling for $5-$700 more if I remember correctly. At the time, mavens comparable product was selling for $1k (B2’s). So yes, until midway clearanced them, mavens direct to consumer pricing model saved you some money.
You’ve also got to think that, if specs between the 2 are comparable, and one is selling used for double the price of the other, there HAS to be a reason. I can buy a Nissan Titan for a lot less money than a tundra or an F150. On paper the Titan is a great truck with solid specs and impressive horsepower/torque numbers. But when I get in a Titan, there is an INSANE difference in the user experience compared with a Tundra.
If the few hundred bucks is a huge deal breaker to you, buy the Titan (Sig). But stop and be reeeeeeeeeeally honest with yourself and ask, will you always wonder what you’re missing out on or will the rattling door panels and road noise bother you in the Titan, and will you eventually just end up forking out more money for the Tundra (Maven).