Leupold or Vortex?

[Rather-B-Huntin]

I'm looking to swap the Dead Zone from my Micro with something new, and am seeking feedback. I've pretty much narrowed my choices down to a Leupold Crossbones or a Vortex Viper Crossbow.
I've read ample positive reviews about the Leupold, and am a long time Leupold user and fan. But I'm also a Vortex owner and like them as well, and would like to hear from some Vortex users about experiences with that product.

Thanks!

[jparchery]

I use a leupold vxr, it's excellent in low light conditions. I would stick with leupold

[paulaboutform]

I have a Luepold VX-R 3-9X40 with the ballistic firedot reticle and a VX-R 3-9X40 with the duplex firedot reticle. I haven't shot the duplex reticle yet but can tell you the ballistic firedot reticle is my favorite. I use the HHA Optimizer as well. I have a Vortex
Viper XB-R 2.5 - 10 × 44 with the illuminated reticle. I haven't been able to properly setup and test my Vortex but I will be shooting it on it's own, no HHA. The thing with the Vortex is that it's a front focal plain scope so there's no adjusting for yardage with the variable power and everything is M.O.A. ....minutes of angle. I've never owned this type of scope before. I'm actually VERY impressed with the quality of the glass and the scope in general. The adjustments are simple and crisp and the clarityis eexcellent. It's my opinion that the quality appears equal to my Leupolds and the adjustability of the Vortex is not only easier but superior. I won't be swapping out my loupies but the viper does seem promising.

Paul

[robertyb]

I bought my 2nd Leupold Crossbones scope off the AT classifieds last night for my new Matrix 350. The 1st one resides on my Matrix 330. Did I mention that I really like these scopes.

[Hunt it]

I have the Crossbones on 1-380 and the Votex XBR on another 380. If you have to carry it a long ways and will be hunting in good light the Crossbones is way to go.
If you don't mind a little extra weight and want to shoot far or in low light the XBR is way to go.

The graduations on the Crossbones are very hard to see in low light and against dark animal such as moose. The Vortex Is much better in low light, long range and in dark with the lighted reticle. I have mine dialled in out to 100yrds and it is bang on. If I could only have one the Vortex would win. I own a bunch of Leupold rifle scopes so I am a big Leupold fan.

The thing most don't like about Vortex is fact that graduations are MOA - minute of angle not yards. Anyone that shoots long range loves this option. If you are not MOA familiar the 10-20-30-40 tends to be a struggle for those that only think of that meaning yards as this is way off in MOA terms. 40 MOA on my Vortex is 70 + yards. It throws some off. But once you have it dialled in and understand it you will love the accuracy. I have my yardage calculations all printed on credit card size paper and laminated and taped onto stock right under cheek piece, for quick reference. If you get Vortex pm me and I will send you my calc sheet to go by.

[Species8472]

Have never used a leupold but have the Viper XBR on my 380 and 405. Love it. Hunting under thick cedar cover in the rain and fog and there is no problem making it to the end of legal shooting time out to 40 yards. In fact in the last 3 years of use I have not encountered any conditions where I could not make it well past legal if I was so inclined.

Using the MOA dial you can develop cheat cards and just dial the reticle to whatever range the deer is at. Doing it this way you are always shooting with the primary/centre hash marks on the reticle.

[flightattendant100]

I am a "Leupold kind of Guy". Have shot their scopes since the 70's. I don't think that you could go wrong with any of several Leupolds for your bow. I do also own a Vortex, but I haven't had it long enough for an honest evaluation. The Crossbones is the best, easiest to use, least cluttered crossbow scope I have tried, however for a hunting scope the VX-I 1-4x20 shotgun scope w/heavy duplex gets my nod.