Thoughts on Leupold’s New vx-Freedom Line

[EastTNHunter]

It looks like they have streamlined and combined elements of the vx-1 and vx-2 lines to have this single lineup in lieu of the 2. They claim improved lense coatings for better light transmission, and revamped internals. 3-9x40 sells for $199, right there with the imported Vortex Diamondback. Still has the full lifetime warranty.

Thoughts?

 

[PillsburyDoughboy]

Leupold confused me with the vx1 vx2 and rifleman line over the years . This should stream line it . Anything Leupold pumps out in a similar price point is going to be better glass than Vortex . Period!


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[2in1shot]

I just don't see the vortex hype. I can't support them. I'm leupold through and through.

 

[infoman jr.]

I just don't see the vortex hype. I can't support them. I'm leupold through and through.

Leupold's warranty does not cover accidental damage. Vortex's warranty is unconditional. Other than that, Leupold's turret and reticle options are horrible compared to Vortex. Of course, YMMV.

 

[EastTNHunter]

I'm fine with only basic turret and reticle options, as I just want a hunting rifle scope. I want clear glass, good low light capabilities, good eye relief, 1/4" clicks, and a standard plex reticle. I was looking at the Diamondback, as I heard that they have good glass for the money, but I saw this was in the same price range and was made in USA

 

[infoman jr.]

I'm fine with only basic turret and reticle options, as I just want a hunting rifle scope. I want clear glass, good low light capabilities, good eye relief, 1/4" clicks, and a standard plex reticle. I was looking at the Diamondback, as I heard that they have good glass for the money, but I saw this was in the same price range and was made in USA

That's fine. I'm sure either would serve your intended purpose. Just don't expect Leupold to fix your scope if you drop your gun.

 

[TNRifleman]

I'm fine with only basic turret and reticle options, as I just want a hunting rifle scope. I want clear glass, good low light capabilities, good eye relief, 1/4" clicks, and a standard plex reticle. I was looking at the Diamondback, as I heard that they have good glass for the money, but I saw this was in the same price range and was made in USA

Honestly, I wouldn't even look at the original Diamondback. You can find the Diamondback HP an sale sometimes for around $240 and it is much better glass and has better eye relief.

Made in The USA is a great claim but understand that almost all scopes these days have glass and components that are from Pacific Rim countries. If you read further, Made in the USA usually means designed and maybe assembled in the US. The components come from generally Japan, China or the Phillipines.

The best advice you can take is to look through them and see which one works best for you. Then consider the other features like warranty, reticles etc and choose which one you like.

It seems a number of these guys have a preference, but their needs are likely slightly different than yours.

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2017/03/0 ... -pros-use/

 

[2in1shot]

I just don't see the vortex hype. I can't support them. I'm leupold through and through.

Leupold's warranty does not cover accidental damage. Vortex's warranty is unconditional. Other than that, Leupold's turret and reticle options are horrible compared to Vortex. Of course, YMMV.

I agree YMMV and I always respect the options of others when I post.

But, Have you ever heard the expression "There's no such thing as a free lunch". Same principle here. Vortex optics are made in the Philippines. If they can give out new optics for user damage, then they are cutting corners somewhere or their profit margins are so high that when you are buying the first optic, you are paying for the free one.

Leupold has been a staple in American optics for over 100 years. They have supported hunting, conservation, and military applications. I do realize that some leupold models may have some global parts but you are supporting the 700 AMERICAN workers in Beaverton, OR that will be assembling your riflescopes. Not to mention more of their tax dollars are going back into the US economy. I will only buy Leupold, Redfield, Trijicon, or US optics. My money stays in the US even if I have to pay more. Supporting skilled American workers like myself is more important than saving $100 bucks. Some may prefer features found on other non American-made brands, but I choose Leupold for reasons that go beyond features alone.

Plus, in terms of customer service, I have never had a bad experience with Leupold.

 

[EastTNHunter]

I guess my question is, which one should I get? The VX-2 is still available in old stock from some vendors for $30-40 more... decisions decisions

 

[Hunter 257W]

I guess my question is, which one should I get? The VX-2 is still available in old stock from some vendors for $30-40 more... decisions decisions

If it sells at a lower price from the same manufacturer then I say there is something that has been compromised to be able to sell at that lower price. I'd go with a VX-2 myself.

I agree with 2in1shot regarding any manufacturer that has a warranty that will replace a product that has obviously been abused. They are over charging to pay for that and you could get more for your money elsewhere. It's not even reasonable to expect a manufacturer to repair or replace something that has obviously been abused beyond normal use. That would be like buying a performance car and drag racing it for a season then throwing a connecting rod when you miss a gear and over rev it and expecting the car manufacturer to replace the engine for free. Why should they?

 

[PillsburyDoughboy]

I just don't see the vortex hype. I can't support them. I'm leupold through and through.

Leupold's warranty does not cover accidental damage. Vortex's warranty is unconditional. Other than that, Leupold's turret and reticle options are horrible compared to Vortex. Of course, YMMV.

I agree YMMV and I always respect the options of others when I post.

But, Have you ever heard the expression "There's no such thing as a free lunch". Same principle here. Vortex optics are made in the Philippines. If they can give out new optics for user damage, then they are cutting corners somewhere or their profit margins are so high that when you are buying the first optic, you are paying for the free one.

Leupold has been a staple in American optics for over 100 years. They have supported hunting, conservation, and military applications. I do realize that some leupold models may have some global parts but you are supporting the 700 AMERICAN workers in Beaverton, OR that will be assembling your riflescopes. Not to mention more of their tax dollars are going back into the US economy. I will only buy Leupold, Redfield, Trijicon, or US optics. My money stays in the US even if I have to pay more. Supporting skilled American workers like myself is more important than saving $100 bucks. Some may prefer features found on other non American-made brands, but I choose Leupold for reasons that go beyond features alone.

Plus, in terms of customer service, I have never had a bad experience with Leupold.

I never have either .

I even dropped a bench rest gun many moons ago and bent the crap out of the tube . They fixed it at no charge .


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[EastTNHunter]

From email exchange with Leupold:

The VX-Freedom retained the features of both VX-2 and VX-1 most requested by our customers: the glass of the VX-2, so those optical qualities remain, as well as the locking eyeshell of the VX-1. Moreover, the VX-Freedom has the same Twilight Max Light Management System Lens Coatings as our VX-6HD, 5HD, and 3i scopes for extreme low light performance. The dial indicators are poly-carbonate, but that's it. The warranty for Leupold Gold Ring Riflescopes remains Full Lifetime, which it has always been for decades. There was confusion regarding our rangefinders, which have always had a published two-year Electronics Warranty, which we have elected recently to enforce.

 

[PillsburyDoughboy]

From email exchange with Leupold:

The VX-Freedom retained the features of both VX-2 and VX-1 most requested by our customers: the glass of the VX-2, so those optical qualities remain, as well as the locking eyeshell of the VX-1. Moreover, the VX-Freedom has the same Twilight Max Light Management System Lens Coatings as our VX-6HD, 5HD, and 3i scopes for extreme low light performance. The dial indicators are poly-carbonate, but that's it. The warranty for Leupold Gold Ring Riflescopes remains Full Lifetime, which it has always been for decades. There was confusion regarding our rangefinders, which have always had a published two-year Electronics Warranty, which we have elected recently to enforce.

Wow that sounds like some impressive glass for the money ! Why anyone would want to settle for less is bewildering To me but it's their money !


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[markwondi]

Nothing spectacular as always from Leupold.

 

[PillsburyDoughboy]

Nothing spectacular as always from Leupold.

When you get it right..there is nothing really to improve on.

How many companies have you seen come out with some new wiz bang golly geeze save the world reticle only to discontinue it two years later for some new and improved wiz band golly geeze save the world reticle?

The Duplex reticle while "nothing spectacular" is still the gold standard.

 

[markwondi]

Nothing spectacular as always from Leupold.

When you get it right..there is nothing really to improve on.

How many companies have you seen come out with some new wiz bang golly geeze save the world reticle only to discontinue it two years later for some new and improved wiz band golly geeze save the world reticle?

The Duplex reticle while "nothing spectacular" is still the gold standard.

It's not the reticle that's the problem....

Anyway, if you're not a turret twister, there's no problem with Leupold scopes on a hunting rifle.