805Bowhunter
WKR
- Joined
- May 8, 2017
- Messages
- 674
Hey Rokslide,
I am you all would share some thoughts and help give me a little guidance. I am looking to buy my first spotter. Each year I hunt CA blacktail as well as at least one out of state mule deer hunt. I also hunt elk every september. I have a pair of Swaro 12x50el that I recently saved up for and bought...I love them to death. The last few years it has also become evident that a spotter would be really nice to have, specifically in CO and AZ hunting mule deer. I've borrowed one a few times but am to the point where I would like to buy my own (thinking 85 or 95).
So here's my dilemma/question. I am a first responder and get a discount through Vortex. I can get a Razor 85mm spotter for right around 1k. I also, after saving up and purchasing my EL's, understand and value saving up for the top of the line, and buying once because its worth it. My question is, should I save up for the Swaro even though it will run north of 4k? Is it worth the extra 3k in difference between the two? My gut tells me that it probably is but wanted to hear any opinions as there are a lot of swaro owners on this site. It may mean an extra year of me saving, but didnt know if it was worth it.
Here are some things that have crossed my mind:
-because I have the 12x50el's, glassing in low light is still super positive...I dont know how much I would be looking through a spotter at low light being that I can look through my el's
-a lot of blacktail hunting is glassing under trees in the heat of the day (100+ degrees) and I am afraid the Vortex will have heat waves whereas the Swaro will not
-the 3k difference
-Swaro's change to their warranty whereas Vortex has unlimited lifetime (even though I have heard Swaro still takes care of you with top notch customer service)...I have only had my nocs for a short time and have no swaro customer service myself.
-the ability to buy once and own the glass for a lifetime (not saying this isnt true with the vortex but it is likely fact with Swaro). I dont want to have to buy a new spotter in 5 years or even 10 years.
-buying used isnt really an option for me as I am a mental head case and spazz out about buying used optics as I would be concerned that there is something wrong with what I purchased. Extra $$ for new for me is 100% worth the peace of mind that I am the original owner.
I live in an area where unfortunately it is not possible to demo these optics side by side. I spoke with Cody Nelson from GoHunt and I may try and swing by his area next Jan in AZ so that I could see the difference for myself. This is not an urgent purchase but something I would likely hope to do in the next year. Any input or opinion on which direction to go here would be great. I really appreciate this forum and all of you that contribute your thoughts.
I am you all would share some thoughts and help give me a little guidance. I am looking to buy my first spotter. Each year I hunt CA blacktail as well as at least one out of state mule deer hunt. I also hunt elk every september. I have a pair of Swaro 12x50el that I recently saved up for and bought...I love them to death. The last few years it has also become evident that a spotter would be really nice to have, specifically in CO and AZ hunting mule deer. I've borrowed one a few times but am to the point where I would like to buy my own (thinking 85 or 95).
So here's my dilemma/question. I am a first responder and get a discount through Vortex. I can get a Razor 85mm spotter for right around 1k. I also, after saving up and purchasing my EL's, understand and value saving up for the top of the line, and buying once because its worth it. My question is, should I save up for the Swaro even though it will run north of 4k? Is it worth the extra 3k in difference between the two? My gut tells me that it probably is but wanted to hear any opinions as there are a lot of swaro owners on this site. It may mean an extra year of me saving, but didnt know if it was worth it.
Here are some things that have crossed my mind:
-because I have the 12x50el's, glassing in low light is still super positive...I dont know how much I would be looking through a spotter at low light being that I can look through my el's
-a lot of blacktail hunting is glassing under trees in the heat of the day (100+ degrees) and I am afraid the Vortex will have heat waves whereas the Swaro will not
-the 3k difference
-Swaro's change to their warranty whereas Vortex has unlimited lifetime (even though I have heard Swaro still takes care of you with top notch customer service)...I have only had my nocs for a short time and have no swaro customer service myself.
-the ability to buy once and own the glass for a lifetime (not saying this isnt true with the vortex but it is likely fact with Swaro). I dont want to have to buy a new spotter in 5 years or even 10 years.
-buying used isnt really an option for me as I am a mental head case and spazz out about buying used optics as I would be concerned that there is something wrong with what I purchased. Extra $$ for new for me is 100% worth the peace of mind that I am the original owner.
I live in an area where unfortunately it is not possible to demo these optics side by side. I spoke with Cody Nelson from GoHunt and I may try and swing by his area next Jan in AZ so that I could see the difference for myself. This is not an urgent purchase but something I would likely hope to do in the next year. Any input or opinion on which direction to go here would be great. I really appreciate this forum and all of you that contribute your thoughts.
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