Vortex Ranger 1800 Review for Hunters and Shooters: Is it any good?

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  • Опубліковано 1 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 116

  • @lmcc8798
    @lmcc8798 3 роки тому +44

    I bought a pawned vortex scope. Optics looked terrific! I lapped in my scope rings, mounted her up, and wtf?! Elevation is nowhere close! I gave the scope tube a little twist and sure enough it looked like the previous owner hoisted an elk with it... totally bent. I was disappointed and told a friend about my bum deal. He said “vortex has a lifetime transferrable warranty... send it in.” Worth a shot. Vortex 1) made it easy to send in, 2) communicated receipt, and 3) sent me a brand new scope! And 4) total time was ~2 weeks! Blew me away! They earned a customer for life!

  • @davidsanborn8303
    @davidsanborn8303 4 роки тому +9

    I've consistently hit ranges over a 1,000 yards in the mountains. Yes they are mostly rocks, but hitting 1,100 - 1,300 consistently. Also, an above average optic with lifetime warranty and a warranty department that makes everything super easy is worth it every time.

  • @WAYWARDARCHERY05
    @WAYWARDARCHERY05 11 днів тому

    I bought the Ranger 1300 and put it to the test. picked up houses at 1496 yards i know thats not a deer but it still picked up. i was really impressed because im used to sub $100 rangefinders.

  • @lawmat93
    @lawmat93 2 роки тому +1

    Bought the vortex. As a hunter i agree with everything you guys mentioned thanks for all the content you guys make.

  • @dwmass
    @dwmass 5 років тому +9

    I purchased a Leupold RX-1000i in December of 2015 and it worked great the first two seasons, but since then the display has developed dead spots and has become increasingly difficult to see. It's never been dropped or gotten wet. I take the battery out when I store it (I'm still using the original battery). It only came with a two-year warranty. I decided to contact them yesterday, and the customer service rep. told me to send it to them and they would see if it could be repaired. If not, they would offer me a significant discount on a new rangefinder. If I have to spend more money, it will probably be on a Vortex. I'm not the only person who has had this experience either. I'm not trying to be negative, Leupold makes great scopes. I just wanted to share my experience. Thanks for your video!

    • @backfire
      @backfire  5 років тому

      Thanks for sharing your experience. It'll be interesting to see how ours holds up after a couple seasons.

    • @dvdyk9042
      @dvdyk9042 5 років тому +2

      Hi David, thats a common thing with the Leupold, the "numbers reading" has a limited burn time/nunber of ranges. So you're light is burned out. Seems this is actually common on all ranging devices, they just don't advertised it. Have a look a the Swarovski bino rangers, they actualy advertise the "how many scans" life span it can take. My leupold did the same, my 2nd one is on its way out. Must however say, they both lasted for about 8 years of multiple rangeing sessions in sewere weather conditions. Was Highly accurate till death :-).

    • @dvdyk9042
      @dvdyk9042 5 років тому +2

      I had a quik look just to clarify my statement, Swarovski advertice the "life span" at a 1000 scans. At a listed price of $3600, it cost $3.6 per scan! Pricy!

    • @goldsmith001
      @goldsmith001 4 роки тому +1

      on my second battery and screen is fading out, I'm going with Vortex next time, lifetime warranty , can't beat that.

  • @adamcolby3526
    @adamcolby3526 4 роки тому +2

    Just bought the Vortex Ranger 1800. 99.0% of the time will be for hunting, 00.3% for target practice and 00.7% of the time ranging random stuff and how far away my neighbors houses are... 😆
    Waterproof and warranty is what sold me on this. I'm very happy with my Vortex Diamondback binoculars also.
    My hunting grounds in Oregon is VERY WET and don't have much if any visibility past 500 yards anyway.
    Thanks for the info, I feel great about my purchase...

  • @jtilldad
    @jtilldad 4 роки тому +2

    Bought the sig 1400bdx and had hard time reading early morn and late eve due to black read out. I returned it and got the vortex 1800 range accuracy and readability ( in low light dark background situations) were great. Good warranty for the investment!

  • @americansafarico
    @americansafarico 2 роки тому

    Great video, y’all. Felt like I was talking to my most knowledgeable friend. Just the kind of even-handed review I wanted.

  • @apistune
    @apistune 2 роки тому +1

    I'm shopping.. This vortex can do meters or yards. That's a big win! I hate doing math in the field. Such an easy feature for any range finder to implement and I would expect it in these price ranges.

  • @UtahKent
    @UtahKent 4 роки тому +1

    I have the Ranger 1300. Very happy with it. And it IS waterproof. Trust me!

  • @muddyh2o2init44
    @muddyh2o2init44 5 років тому +12

    So I was able to use this range finder at a local range with known distances and it was spot on out to 1325’ . You might have got a bad one. Also checked 3 other shooters over a couple different trips using the exact same unit, no problems.

    • @TheSonsOfSimon
      @TheSonsOfSimon 5 років тому +4

      1325 feet or yards?

    • @TheSonsOfSimon
      @TheSonsOfSimon 5 років тому +1

      MicahLangston thank you! I don’t know much about range finders yet.

    • @marshallevetts
      @marshallevetts 3 роки тому

      I also easily ranged at 1298 yards. I need to find a hill to get further.

  • @bazzatazza1087
    @bazzatazza1087 4 роки тому +10

    My ranger has sited out to 1275-1350' without issue.
    The issue with the Leupy is the electronics they use have a bad rap and there seems to be a constant complaint of display "burnout".
    I'll stick with the ranger and someday maybe move up to the Razor 4k.

  • @halape10
    @halape10 4 роки тому +2

    Got mine in the mail today. I needed a rangefinder for archery so I long range doesn’t matter to me. But I needed the red LED for low light hunting which suits my need perfectly.

  • @darksidemachining
    @darksidemachining 3 роки тому +6

    Wish you guys talked about the angle compensation function.

  • @garythesaint44
    @garythesaint44 4 роки тому +1

    Well done in busting the marketing blurb! Solid review👍

  • @justdewitt4483
    @justdewitt4483 5 років тому +5

    I have the previous ranger 1500 and I can consistently range over 1000 yards even on grassy hillsides. Just this last weekend I ranged a stucco house at 1528 yards. I don’t know what may have happened with your single sample, but it is very different than my experience.

  • @edanpino5035
    @edanpino5035 2 роки тому +1

    Vortex is always my go-to for optics. Sure, there are less expensive brands out there, but Vortex has never done wrong by me and all of their stuff is up there in quality. So I think I'll stick with the Vortex Ranger as well, because I know the company's quality control is excellent

  • @christopherbryant3857
    @christopherbryant3857 4 роки тому +2

    I like others who have commented had the Leupold RX-1000i range finder and really liked it until the display burned out on it. Since it’s considered an ‘electronics product‘ and not an ‘optics product‘ the company won’t outright replace it when it fails outside of the limited warranty period. When going to replace it I chose the Vortex range finder due to the warranty. Both range finders fit my need, so the better warranty should help keep me from having to repurchase a $500 item every few years. With my binoculars and scopes, Leupold has always taken care if any issue outright, just not with the range finder.

    • @brianclack9708
      @brianclack9708 2 роки тому

      Same here. Just bought the Ranger 1800 for $259 on sale rather than throw good money after bad with a Leupold 1600 discounted to $225.

  • @CD-lw6fl
    @CD-lw6fl 3 роки тому +1

    Bought it! Love it! Nice review 😎👍

  • @bbmopar3834b
    @bbmopar3834b 4 роки тому

    I just lost my Nikon range finder this season. I'm gonna have to look into this one! Thanks for an honest review.

    • @johnwalter6410
      @johnwalter6410 3 роки тому +1

      These are Chinese crap. Ive had 3 stop working. Don't waste your time. Get a Leica

  • @groundlight
    @groundlight 4 роки тому +6

    I owned a Leupold 1000i and it died after 3 seasons because of a known fault with the LED and Leupold didn’t refund me and instead offered a discount which didn’t add up to what I paid for the one that died. Loved the company but not backing up a bad product is enough reason for me to never buy again. After first season the display had faded and hadn’t even gotten wet.

  • @harrybalsak916
    @harrybalsak916 2 роки тому +1

    I am a school trained Army Sniper. For .30 caliber, a shot beyond 1000m is a pretty low percentage shot, especially when dealing with wind. With the M107 it is basically another day at the office, but who hunts with a .50 cal unless you are in a combat theatre in Shitcanistan?

  • @madman61756
    @madman61756 3 роки тому +3

    Bought a 1500 off eBay, had a “spot” on one of the glass layers. Sent it to Vortex and a week later had a brand new 1800. For my purposes and style…that warranty and customer care…makes this choice a no brainer. How much would any hunter pay for truly worry free gear…

    • @keatonjorgensen8793
      @keatonjorgensen8793 2 роки тому

      Just don't loose your binoculars and the warranty will cover it.. I found a lost pair of vortex binoculars that had been sitting on the mountain a couple years. I sent them to vortex and they sent me a new pair no questions asked

  • @OutofWORKoutdoors
    @OutofWORKoutdoors 5 років тому

    Hey I listened to your photography podcast :) great to see you guys in the outdoors as well

  • @billysilva6388
    @billysilva6388 3 роки тому +1

    I have the leupold 1000 model that I bought like three or four years. Have used it much and the red read outs are already going bad. I haven't call leupold yet about it,but I'm not happy about it. I just bought the vortex to replace it.

  • @bluewave2536
    @bluewave2536 3 роки тому

    Very honest video, love it!

  • @offroadsoda
    @offroadsoda 3 роки тому +1

    Reading the manual, it specifically calls out some specifics using HCD "rifle shooting out to ranges of 800 yards...(less than 15*)" and "rifle shooting out to ranges of 400 yards...(15-30*) . I wonder if you are assuming it should range out to 1800 because of it's model number. I see many comments indicating that it does range out well into the 1500 yard range. Also wonder if it make a difference using HCD vs LOS mode... I could see HCD being more limited in range and LOS not.

  • @coriemanges4328
    @coriemanges4328 5 років тому +8

    What about the vortex razor hd 4000? Are you going to do a review on that one?

    • @Physics072
      @Physics072 4 роки тому +1

      They not in same price range so apples to oranges.

    • @billhman
      @billhman 3 роки тому

      @@Physics072 yeh, but we are just curious to see what type of performance the 4000 has. Would love to see your review on the 4000

    • @Physics072
      @Physics072 3 роки тому

      @@billhman who is "We"?

    • @billhman
      @billhman 3 роки тому

      @@Physics072 I suppose Me, Myself and I

  • @danielmaybee68
    @danielmaybee68 4 роки тому +1

    I live in Western NC in some of the densest woods in the country...I would love the chance to do some out West style spot & stalk...I've never even had the opportunity for a shot over 200yds

  • @daveknowles3055
    @daveknowles3055 2 роки тому

    I think you may have got a bad unit, my 1800 ranges 1000 yards with no issues hard or soft items. Really happy with my purchase

  • @stanleybrowning9300
    @stanleybrowning9300 4 роки тому +4

    I bought a 1800 for $289 at academy in Texas. What does the Leupold cost? Warranty on Leupold is not as good. Vortex has amazing lifetime warranty.

    • @DronesUnder2A
      @DronesUnder2A 3 роки тому

      Yup. The leupy might be good but you could literally return every bad ranger until you get a good one lol

  • @Hydra70964
    @Hydra70964 Рік тому

    I had a Vortex 1300 that wouldn’t get a return past 500 yards. I sent it in for repair and they just sent me back a Vortex 1800. Their customer service is honestly second to none.

  • @billhman
    @billhman 3 роки тому +1

    I would love to see U guys do a review of the Vortex 4000.

  • @pecosray
    @pecosray 4 роки тому +1

    AWESOME Video , Great info..... Buying it NOW>>>> I would love to buy it locally but the local guys want $50.00 more than AMAZON..... Crazy right, and I can get it tomorrow.

  • @jaredj631
    @jaredj631 2 роки тому

    I like the tripod mount, when practicing archery I can be more effective I can aim it at the target And check each time to see how my shot was!

  • @jesseweissner6708
    @jesseweissner6708 5 років тому +10

    Just an FYI Leupold RX-1600i TBR/W is completely waterproof as well!

  • @SAR0311
    @SAR0311 4 роки тому

    I have the 1300 with nothing to compare it to but it works for my novice needs.

  • @Hudson4426
    @Hudson4426 5 років тому +2

    I have the vortex ranger 1500 (older model) and have gotten ranges up to 1200 on a truck... just depends on conditions I guess

  • @mbrishke
    @mbrishke 3 роки тому

    bought this the other day. only used it once so far, I was easily able to range a hill at 930m at low light.

  • @drakenilesovnguard8718
    @drakenilesovnguard8718 5 років тому +2

    Could yall do a vid on binocular rangefinders?

  • @williamhood5062
    @williamhood5062 3 роки тому

    What do y’all think of the vortex fury binoculars that have the range finder built in?

  • @richardglaser723
    @richardglaser723 3 роки тому

    Have you had a chance to review the Vortex Razor 4000 and if so what do you think

  • @gregorypace2641
    @gregorypace2641 2 роки тому

    Wish you would do a review of the Vortex 4000 against the Leupold 2800

  • @joepass87
    @joepass87 3 роки тому +1

    Vortex is half the price now ($315 vs 625 on Amazon). Makes the decision much easier.

  • @cortneywebb1677
    @cortneywebb1677 3 роки тому

    So I guess for Bow hunting it would be great! My only concern is will the front of sight and end of sight or whatever it’s called on the razor hd make that much difference if not the ranger would be the one I want

  • @readytorock308
    @readytorock308 4 місяці тому

    I have one the 1800, and ranged my neighbor’s house at 1158 yds

  • @TnGreg
    @TnGreg Рік тому

    Bought the Vortex Ranger 1800 wanting to range whitetails out to about 700 yards and I had to try 12 - 15 times just to get it to range a deer at 404 yds. There were multiple deer in the field and it finally got the closest one at just over 400. I was disappointed to say the least.

  • @May1971
    @May1971 4 роки тому

    can I leave the battery inside if not using it

  • @cwsspot
    @cwsspot 5 років тому +7

    If you read the Amazon reviews of Leoupold RX models of old you get the feeling your buying a predated 2 year paperweight. Which might be the reason the Vortex is a more popular choice.

    • @backfire
      @backfire  5 років тому

      Chris Welch that’s a great point. Maybe Leupold stepped it up a notch and nobody knows or quite trusts it yet.

  • @bigcplusguitar
    @bigcplusguitar 2 роки тому

    I know this is only a sample size of 1. But my results are drastically different. furthest range i have is 1,100 yards. and i have no issue ranging it. Maybe you should send that one back and try a different one.

  • @johndoyle2041
    @johndoyle2041 5 років тому +1

    I'm holding off on purchasing the Leupold 1600i until I hear more about it's longevity (which is apparently questionable). I might be willing to take a chance on the lesser expensive Leupold 1300i, have you tried that model?

    • @danielboggan2479
      @danielboggan2479 5 років тому +1

      John Doyle Leupold has an excellent warranty on their products. In case that makes the difference. I’ve heard of people sending in products ( binoculars in this case) that were no longer made and being sent better products to make up for it

    • @paulh71
      @paulh71 3 роки тому

      @@danielboggan2479 Depends where you live. I had the faded display on my Leupold 1000i out of warranty and they offered to replace it with a new one but at US recommended retail price... I’m in Australia though, so that was only a bit cheaper than a new one. Certainly didn’t just replace it though.

    • @danielboggan2479
      @danielboggan2479 3 роки тому

      @@paulh71 rangefinders are one of the things Leupold doesn’t have a great warranty on. I was talking about Binos, spotting scopes and rifle scopes.

    • @paulh71
      @paulh71 3 роки тому

      @@danielboggan2479 Ahh, ok, yes their warranty on optical is good. I have heard them replace some of the defective rangefinders also, or at least give a good discount on a new replacement, but I wasn’t so lucky in Aus.

  • @JT-og1jy
    @JT-og1jy 2 роки тому

    I had that exact vortex. Sold it and got a leupold. Sold all my vortex optics and only will buy leupold, maven or swarovski.

  • @tbabajan
    @tbabajan 4 роки тому

    Govx is having a sale on the Ranger for $289. I might have to pull the trigger for that price!

  • @daennobli2229
    @daennobli2229 3 роки тому

    I seen a Simmons and another range finder that were Identical?

  • @tlr683
    @tlr683 2 роки тому

    So on mine I was able to 1728 yards in the day time. At night I got 589 yards. I didn't try to go out farther than that in the dark.

  • @ryanhickey6812
    @ryanhickey6812 2 роки тому

    Anyone with experience? This RangeFinder comes in a package with Crossfire 10x42 Binoculars... My majority of hunting is with a bow, so I don't need an excessive amount of range. Is it worth the purchase?

  • @evanwindom3265
    @evanwindom3265 4 роки тому +5

    Please check your facts. You've made several videos now in which you say the Leupold isn't waterproof. That's not true.

  • @drizziefoshizzie
    @drizziefoshizzie 4 роки тому +1

    Read the reviews on Cabelas. Wait 2 years and the Leopold fades out and you cant read any of the numbers and have to buy a new one. 2-4 years and its done.... vortex will be going strong in 15.

  • @keithharrold7262
    @keithharrold7262 5 років тому

    How is this rangefinder performing in low light conditions?

    • @harrisd503
      @harrisd503 5 років тому +1

      Keith Harrold 4:14

  • @cjg2953
    @cjg2953 4 роки тому

    Leupold website reports the 1600i is waterproof contrary to what your video reports.

  • @PiotrKurpiel
    @PiotrKurpiel 3 роки тому

    Low light and 1400 yards (1300m) was around the limit.

  • @AviatorGM
    @AviatorGM 3 роки тому

    I picked up an 1800 for this year's Wisconsin white tail gun hunt... just for the waterproof rating and of course the Vortex warranty. After previously owning a Bushnell Elite 1 mile, I must be spoiled. This Ranger 1800 hunted forever while ranging trees and hillsides within 100-300 yards. My old Bushnell 1 mile was instant. My review of the 1800... its waterproof but frankly... it sucks.

  • @user-xm8rf6ik7b
    @user-xm8rf6ik7b 2 роки тому +1

    Can we get a softer set of cupcakes to give a review? If I wanted a review on an ergonomic chair I might ask these two but when it comes to actual gear I can’t take advice from someone who can’t do a push up .

  • @patriotichunter6434
    @patriotichunter6434 4 роки тому

    Mine will pick up a car at 1920 yards and I picked up a flat black metal target at 1000 yards and tree at 1180 yards so maybe it’s just that particular one you have.

  • @joekelly9369
    @joekelly9369 3 роки тому

    Try carrying a log around hunting small game in the open , i will go for the waterproof option shooting out to 500m

  • @brettlandon8624
    @brettlandon8624 2 роки тому

    Thanks

  • @kurtwilhelm3823
    @kurtwilhelm3823 3 роки тому

    I like these guys BUT they are flat out wrong about the leupold not being water proof. I have one and it’s states so in the manual. I’ve had mine for years and is awesome. I’m sure the vortex is fine but I just think the leuppold quality is better especially on the optics.

  • @greensakaar1431
    @greensakaar1431 3 роки тому

    The warranty differences only really shines if it gets damaged by “act of god” or neglect. Vortex doesn’t care how it got damaged but Nikon and Leupold will not cover lightning or if you ran it over with your truck type stuff.
    Id like to say the tripod mount is handy for me carrying a spotting scope. My scope is clear only down to 15X and if that animal comes in closer being able to swap a small 3-6X ranger rather than lugging Binoculars in addition has been handy on occasion.

    • @smittyss4978
      @smittyss4978 3 роки тому

      Vortex offers a Lifetime warranty on rangefinders. Leupold and Nikon does not.

  • @jaredj631
    @jaredj631 2 роки тому

    I would use the tripod for archery practice.

  • @lesdavenport6649
    @lesdavenport6649 3 роки тому

    I was just ranging rocks at 1385 maybe they have updated something.

  • @Z33Garage
    @Z33Garage 2 роки тому

    Too bad the Warranty on the RX expires just as their leds seem to historically fail.

  • @danielcontinisio456
    @danielcontinisio456 4 роки тому +1

    Darn tough socks have the same warranty

  • @AlienMetals
    @AlienMetals 4 роки тому +2

    Clearly you guys have never used a tripod. The reason the Vortex is #1 on Amazon is brand. Most people ride Vortex's bag. They do make some great stuff but they're not immune to problems. BTW, the Leopold is also waterproof.

    • @DronesUnder2A
      @DronesUnder2A 3 роки тому

      Leupold rangefinders have issues with the led display

  • @jcarry5214
    @jcarry5214 2 роки тому

    I looked through one today and found it to be very dark compared to the others I checked out. Incredibly dark. Pretty disappointed.

  • @justinbechard2945
    @justinbechard2945 5 років тому +2

    Save your money, I have several vortex products, however the rangefinders are only average. My hunting buddy had Leopold rangefinders, hands down his is a better unit when ranging over 400 yards. Honestly when compared side by side vortex is embarrassing, does vortex work, sure kinda, but others do it so much better in real world hunting situations.

    • @anonymous_friend
      @anonymous_friend 4 роки тому

      justin bechard what model leopold?

    • @thenutofjustice5101
      @thenutofjustice5101 4 роки тому +1

      Completely flipped for my group of buddies... We all went vortex after selling leupold

  • @alphasolutions2325
    @alphasolutions2325 4 роки тому +2

    What decent scope company doesn't have the same no questions asked warranty as Vortex these days...? It's essentially become an industry standard....

  • @suzgabverdugo933
    @suzgabverdugo933 4 роки тому

    1300-1560 yds for me

  • @fastcamo
    @fastcamo 5 років тому

    Sig kilo is far superior to this when it comes to performance.

    • @Ravenrifle
      @Ravenrifle 5 років тому +1

      Until you get in cold temps... Been there done that...twice. Sig had no answer other than to keep swapping it out. No thanks.

    • @aaronlitman4557
      @aaronlitman4557 4 роки тому

      @@Ravenrifle maybe you got unlucky, twice. Never had problems with my Kilo2000 in any temp changes.

    • @TMar129
      @TMar129 3 роки тому

      -26 and the sig wouldn't fire

  • @OmgItsZakkE
    @OmgItsZakkE 3 роки тому

    My $500 Vortex razor 4000 is better than my Wife's $200 Impact 1000. You get what you pay for with any rangefinder.

  • @ghostmost2614
    @ghostmost2614 3 роки тому

    If it gives you a number it's right.
    End

  • @slurpyman20
    @slurpyman20 2 роки тому

    Comparison is Flawed. Tested on different days in different weather etc conditions and on completely different targets😆

  • @BruceWayne-xu5bj
    @BruceWayne-xu5bj 5 років тому +1

    Some of the comments on here. Some of you people...if you don’t like vortex don’t get it. I can slam leupold products, vortex, sig....I can even rag on the vectronics terrapin. There’s compromise to everything, be it price, range, quality, warranty or whatever.

  • @senatorjosephmccarthy2720
    @senatorjosephmccarthy2720 4 роки тому

    Difficult to learn with all the interrupting.