Leupold vs vortex

Hey guys,

I just bought a Vortex venom 3-15x44 and I love it. I only paid about $375 for it. My dad has a leupold vx 5hd 1st Gen 3-15x44 and it is really nice but costs somewhere around $1000 dollars. They are the same mag range and objective diameter, but mine has a 34 mm tube instead of a 30mm tube. I personally can’t tell the difference between the glass mid-day. But the MSRP of the leupold is almost double the vortex. I was just curious if leupold is just upcharging that much mor than the vortex or if there is something that I missed. Just wondering if yall have any opinions on this topic.

American assembled Leupold- compared to Chinese assembled, Vortex…. You hear more people having to use Vortex warranty’s then Leupold’s

Just search Facebook marketplace or other used market sources and it seems close 4 more vortex for sale to 1 Leupold etc..

I run vortex on my 22’s but run Leupold or non-Chinese on my big bang guns…

it’s funny how scope manufacturers talk up there Chinese assembled scopes but on there premium line of scopes, there assembled in Japan or other places

Look at the weight I believe the Leupold is like 10 ounces lighter or more.

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I have the same vortex venom I love it

That makes a lot of sense. I hadn’t looked into that aspect of things. I will say though, personally I think vortex has a better warranty. Thanks!

Yeah that would also make a difference and yes I am loving my new scope as well.

I have Viper HD scopes on all my rifles except the 10-22 it has a Crossfire II. Viper glass is great in my opinion for the price thats in my budget.

Price points that make Leupold more expensive:

  1. Leupold about 9 oz lighter
  2. Leupold Second Focal Plane vs first focal
  3. Leupold Made in USA, lifetime guarantee. Both US tech support.
  4. Venom series is manufactured in China

The Venom has the more tactical knobs if doing long range shooting. My son has the Venon and I have the Leupold VX-5HD with the firedot. Of a morning hunting I have the advantage. In the end it comes down to budget and what one wants to spend. Europtic: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex Scope $869.99.

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Makes sense, thanks!

Yeah, my dad has viper binos but that is the only viper glass that I have ever used. It is really nice though

They Bothe have lifetime warranty but vortex is way easier to work with. I’ve had to warranty multiple of Bothe scopes and the process was way easier with vortex.

Is it just mine or is everyone’s Vortex magnification ring super tight? I have one that is on the cheaper side and another that is in the razor line. Both are hard to turn.

Yeah mine have all been a little tight. But they got better after time. Im sure the would look at it for warranty if it is a problem. I love having a throw lever though.

I have several Viper HD scopes. I put a throwlever on mine.

I use the kestrel Scope Magnification Dial Throw Levers for round (featureless) Magnification Dials - Kestrel Glassing Systems

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I have the vortex ones and they work great as well. Are those 3d printed?

Id imagine they are. I like the kestrel because the lever is wider.

Makes sense, I 3d printed some of my own a that were wider as well. The plastic doesn’t feel cold to the touch either.

I custom make and 3D print Carbon Fiber Reinforced throw levers. Jim mentioned me on one of his first podcasts. He just about got rid of his Razor LHT until I sent him a throw lever. I also make custom levers for people if I don’t already have one.

Check out my website (Shop – Ballistics Brothers) and use code BACKFIRE to get 15% off. Always free shipping. Designed and printed in Utah as well. Also on eBay and Amazon, but the code doesn’t work there.

As to the scope discussion, I personally have both scopes. The Venom is fine, just heavy. I have it on a bench 22. The VX-5 is on my deer rifle and I have a Mark 4 on my long range gun. Personally, I don’t think there is much difference in clarity between the two, but I would pick the Leupold for a rifle that counts. I think they are just made better. But Vortex does have a better warranty. They are both lifetime warranties, but Vortex is much faster and they give you free shipping to and from the shop. You have to fork out the money to send your stuff back to Leupold and it takes a while to get it back.

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I like your parralax levers. I have 2 viper hd 3-15x44 and 1 Viper HD 5-25x50

Not all scopes are manufactured in other countries. Many are manufactured at the facility in Barneveld, WI by skilled craftsmen.