Vortex Razor HD Gen 2-E 1-6x24

[@Mrgunsngear]

solid review

[@KitBadger]

Thanks man, I appreciate the kind words!

[@thorntondrew]

Man, perfect timing. I’ve been eying a Vortex flip-up magnifier to pair with a Holosun Micro I just got. I’m not trying to get a variable zoom like what you reviewed, but I’m glad to see you review something from the company. I’d never heard of them. This gives me a little more confidence.

[@KitBadger]

One of the big things Vortex has going, is they will replace it straight away if you break it. They are really good about that.

[@MrPONCHO467]

Becoming one of my favorite channels

[@KitBadger]

Thank you, glad to hear it. :)

[@nickclayton1935]

Whoa whoa whoa, first news that they’ve released a lighter version, thanks! Color me curious I’m going to look into this. Also bought a JPC thanks to you.

[@KitBadger]

If you like the HD Gen II, then the Gen II-E is a solid choice. It is noticeably lighter. How do you like the JPC? I still run mine, lots of value there I think.

[@nickclayton1935]

Love the JPC, already have a CPC and the JPC is making me consider selling my LBT MAS 6094A. Decisions, decisions 🤔

[@KitBadger]

Glad to hear you're liking the JPC! And yes, always with the decisions... :)

[@tree6676]

Awesome review! I’ve got the same optic only in the JM1 flavor, it will take a lot of abuse! The greatest thing about Vortex is their forever warranty and amazing customer service, run it over with your car they don’t care! However my Eotech Vudu 1-6 FFP has became my favorite optic the only downside of the Vudu is Eotech’s atrocious customer service, luckily I bought from Amazon.

[@KitBadger]

I haven't had a chance to use the Vudu. One of these days I'll probably get some time with one. And at least you got it through Amazon, they rock for customer service.

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

6 words! Primary Arms A C S S. Its a done deal!. The Vortex gen-2 is a great scope though and you did a great job reviewing it.

[@KitBadger]

There is something to be said for that reticle. Too bad more people aren't using it. :)

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

Kit Badger - it is. its become hugely popular. It seems everyone is using it, even Trijicon, Holosun and a couple others coming soon. But your right, many are either unaware of it or resistant to it because they think PA is a inferior brand. Nothing could be farther from the truth but some havent caught on yet. The reticle is the only real failing of the Vortex razor imo. Ive become spoiled by the ACSS and now lesser BDCs just wont do.

[@PracticalTacticalSheepDog]

Trijicon Glass works amazing in low light. I was shocked when I got my TA01, it picks up more light than my hunting scopes with 50mm objective lenses. I wish they made a variable power acog. That would be perfect... 1-4x power would cover all my needs

[@KitBadger]

While I have used some of the ACOGs, I've never owned one. They are pretty rad though. And there is one I have my eye on...

[@PracticalTacticalSheepDog]

Kit Badger I wasn't impressed by the ones I used in the army but my dad traded me one brand new for a 226 DAK I picked up on armslist and the thing is great. The glass is incredible when its not covered in scratches from being abused for years at a time

[@KitBadger]

Haha, yep. Just like the horrible Steiner binoculars I used. Probably pretty awesome before a bunch of E2's beat the shit out of them. :)

[@PracticalTacticalSheepDog]

Kit Badger 😂😂😂 i guess i cant talk I was an E3... haha im pretty sure most guys dont treat they're gear right until theyre NCO's then suddenly they start caring.

[@KitBadger]

Haha, didn't we all...

[@andyprairiedog]

Had an Aimpoint M68 overseas in 2003-2004, an Aimpoint something-something in 2011-2014 again. Bought myself an Aimpoint PRO and never looked back. That Razor looks enticing though....me want :)

[@KitBadger]

Aimpoints are nice, but there is something to be said for magnification at range. :) Thanks for watching Andy!

[@lopezmj7]

It is actually about 4 oz lighter. I have the Gen 1 version.

[@KitBadger]

Ahh, noted. Thanks man.

[@evanvanheukelom6689]

Great video. Thank you!

[@KitBadger]

No problem, thanks for watching Evan!

[@skoolynugenator1802]

Awesome review!

[@KitBadger]

Thanks man!

[@semperparatus5942]

Awesome review 👍👍 Thanks!

[@readyme]

I am curious how this compares to the Primary Arms offerings. They have 1st and 2nd plane versions...and they are about $300-400.

[@KitBadger]

I think they are probably great if that is your budget. The Razor HD line separates itself from those, as well as the rest of the Vortex line, in the quality of lenses it uses and how robust it is. Will you notice a difference? You probably would side by side in those un-ideal situations like dusk/dawn or overall low light. Hope that helps!

[@evanvanheukelom6689]

$1400 is a lot to spend and so i played with and shot both (and others). I then took the time to save up and I ended up purchasing the Razor Gen2 1-6. The con: price and weight. The Gen II has much better glass, and the best warranty around. I wouldn't go back.

[@peanutarbuckle2879]

The PA scopes are good enough in just about every way (except maybe illumination), but once you've been spoiled by good glass it gets harder and harder to go back to budget scopes. There's a guy on youtube who used to make very good optic reviews for 3-gun who's done one for both, I'd recommend watching those if only I could remember his name...

[@peanutarbuckle2879]

Found it, the fella's name is SuperSetCA, lots of good info and videography on LPVOs if you're interested.

[@tree6676]

My buddy has the PA 1-6 FFP on a Tavor and he loves it. On x1 magnification I find it hard to see the reticle. The greatest thing about FFP is no point of impact shift. But for that price I would go with the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6. Vortex’s warranty is the best in the industry!

[@ryanseidel1357]

I would always recommend picking one up at your local shop. Same price, they will mount it, and they will bore sight it. Also supports local businesses

[@FeelmyFondue]

Vortex razor is good and I know they do have an active duty discount. I have wanted a 1-6 variable optics for sometime for my 14.5 build. Sadly it’s too expensive for my budget so I may go with a primary arms for now. Edit, great video and I’ve been a subscriber ever since I saw the video where you went shooting in your wedding/divorce suit.

[@KitBadger]

Agreed Kevin, they are pricey. And it really comes down to not only intended use, but budget. :) I think one of the PA ones will serve you well. I will hopefully get some time with one to review before long. And thanks a ton for subscribing and watching.

[@FeelmyFondue]

Kit Badger as soon as I get one I will review it!

[@KitBadger]

Sounds good, or let me know and we can do a collaboration. :)

[@2000rayc]

sell shit you never use at all. how often do you shot that other gun? or everyday thing like TV phone bikes. girlfriend!

[@FeelmyFondue]

2000rayc sorry but, I don’t understand what you are trying to say.

[@russdennis7026]

Great video! But I'll stick with my Vortex Spitfire.

[@KitBadger]

Thanks Russ! The Spitfire isn't a bad way to go either. :)

[@pgt20]

Just dumped $3k on a Scar17... how do you justify/explain to the wife now a $1,400 optic is necessary!?

[@KitBadger]

Pffft, easy day bro. You just explain that you are going with that Vortex rather than the Nightforce ATACR 1-8... ...which costs $3k. #logic

[@KitBadger]

@Charles Lindberg I never had it be an issue for me. It comes down to intended use...

[@michaelgee7509]

I have a acog ta01nsn and rock it both up close and at distance; however I have been eying these variable powers for awhile. Trying to decide if it is necessary since I already have a 4 power ACOG. I can hit pretty fast with it, and if I wanted to mount an RMR for really up close.. I have one of those as well. What are your thoughts after shooting this? Money well spent? Or better spent on other kit. I already have a bunch of ammo, and I train. So I do run these guns and have plenty of chow to feed these beasts. Thanks!

[@KitBadger]

I think it would probably be a step backwards for you, at least initially. You'd be learning a new optic and what not. Big picture though, what is the intended role of your training and gear? If you are going to go compete in any competitions, you may find your ACOG to be lacking. But if it is for fun at the range and a weapon to defend yourself, your competence in it will more than make up for whatever edge a LPVO may grant. No easy answer. :)

[@michaelgee7509]

Kit Badger thanks for the insight. My “”””duty rifle””” is setup exactly as I ran it in the infantry. That’s why I kept the ACOG on there... familiarity... maybe a little nostalgia, I haven’t even added anything Gucci to it. I recently built a pistol and after seeing you run an RMR and scalarworks irons in competition (in a recent video); I was like “whoa.. that’s shit is small and light.” So now those are on my AR pistol fun gun. Now I have this 16” Colt... with carrying handle irons on it and a Knights Quad rail. She just looks at me with the disdain of neglect every time I go in the safe. So I am just curious about the LPVO’s in general. Thanks for the feedback and I will put some thought and research into it.

[@KitBadger]

Right on Michael. There are a number of lower end LPVO's that can at least get you a chance to check them out without a huge investment also.

[@FKNSENDIT]

Do they make a sunshade for the gen 2 e I've looked everywhere

[@jwg223]

I notice you do not have a throw-lever. Is the E model adjustable quickly and easily without it?

[@KitBadger]

A throw lever would be really handy actually. I just didn't have one mounted.

[@jwg223]

Have you had hands on with the NX8 yet?

[@KitBadger]

Yes and it is awesome. :)

[@jwg223]

How does it compare to the HD2 on 1x? Overall? Glass quality on 6/8x?

[@KitBadger]

I think the edge goes to the NightForce. Especially with respect to the reticle and illumination.

[@midwestoutdoorsman]

what in your opinion is the best lpvo 1-6 or 1-8 for a 16ish inch all purpose ar 556 from 0 to 450 yards for under 2000?

[@KitBadger]

Not sure, I've only used a few of them that are out there.

[@midwestoutdoorsman]

@@KitBadger I just picked up a leupold vx-6hd bdc 1-6x24 so hopefully that will do the job, it's the most expensive optic I'll have ever purchased. I'm trying to find the one gun one optic for everything so I can practice a hell of a lot and maybe start going to some competitions since I never have but watching your channel helps with knowing what to expect.

[@KitBadger]

@@midwestoutdoorsman awesome man, that optic should do a good job for you. :)

[@lane3002]

How does it compare to the Viper Generation II 6X24 ?

[@KitBadger]

I'm not sure, I've never used the Viper.

[@bobbyharkless1727]

100 or 200 yard zero?

[@KitBadger]

I ran a 50 yard zero. So pretty close to 200 yard.

[@380stroker]

Your Zero on any weapon system will depend on barrel length, twist rate, velocity. Get a chronograph, punch in the numbers and get the best zero for what you are doing. A zero'd scope is only good for that 1 bullet brand you're shooting.

[@carl-ok9gn]

@@380stroker you are mixing some facts with a ton of assumptions and are therefore wrong.

[@MountainManThan]

I saw your review on amazon. Did you actually buy it there? I’m worried about getting a fake lol

[@KitBadger]

I was loaned that optic from a dealer. They may still have it kicking around if you are looking at picking one up. It was lightly used. Otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it on Amazon Prime. Amazon is awesome about customer service. If any issues come up, it would be a easy one to solve.

[@MountainManThan]

Kit Badger Hey man, actually very interested in that one. How would we facilitate that?

[@KitBadger]

Send me a email at [e-mail] and I'll put you in touch with them.

[@ignwins3936]

What would be a great mount for this optic? Can you recommend some? Please and thank you!

[@KitBadger]

I'd go with a Scalarworks scalarworks.com/shop/optic-mounts/leap-scope-mount/

[@aqua.scape69]

Kit Badger right on, that’s the one I got. Great set up and easy to level. Thanks for your review

[@MDeJo27603]

@@KitBadger Holy expensive as hell!

[@KitBadger]

@@MDeJo27603 Quality and Cheap don't usually go in the same sentence... :)

[@MDeJo27603]

@@KitBadger correct, but there are plenty of mounts under $399 that im sure are great. Geisselle, ADM.... Scalar is great no doubt! But some of the other more affordable options Im sure compete in every way.

[@SurvivalTrail]

Great review, just wish at the end you would have supported your viewers going to their local gun shop to purchase, just like Walmart, Amazon can ruin local businesses that keep small towns alive. I know it's a part of the future but small guys give the personal services that an online dealer can't like mounting and bore sighting like my dealer.

[@KitBadger]

I feel you on that Bart. I think one of the reasons I didn't mention local shops is because none of the shops around here even carry the 2-E, or a very large selection of Vortex to begin with. I don't mind paying extra for the experience, but unfortunately the only place I've found knowledgable staff is a shop that is about 3 towns away. A lot of the shops around here aren't staffed with shooters...

[@SurvivalTrail]

Convenience will never take the place of human interaction so we need to promote learning from each other. You did a great video and I would buy it based on you, just think about it for the next one, maybe that shop 3 towns over would be interested in supporting you and give you a product to borrow for a review, you never know.

[@KitBadger]

It's funny you should mention that, but I have a meeting with them next week about just such a thing. We'll see. :)

[@Utubeisazzho]

Is the reticle transparent with the “2e” like the new gen 3...1-10?

[@KitBadger]

I'm not sure I follow, what do you mean transparent?

[@Utubeisazzho]

Kit Badger see through. See target through the reticle. Rather than reticle covering the target

[@KitBadger]

@@Utubeisazzho do you mean enough room in the reticle to see the target clearly?

[@chgofirefighter]

Vortex Razor HD 2 is strictly a competition scope, not a night fighting scope optic. It's purely designed for 3 Gun competitive sports which is ideal for. Also, LE and military personnel/first responders get 40% off MSRP pricing which this scope comes out to roughly $1100! Nice review by the way!

[@KitBadger]

Which begs the question of why Mil and LEO get discounts, and why people deploy overseas with them... 🤷‍♂️😁 Thanks for watching!

[@thegolflife7565]

I can get one for $1200 with my military discount... is this a good deal? Which reticle do I want for easily sizing targets, ranging distances and getting first shots in target? JM-1BDC, BMR-2 MOA or VMR-2 MRAD? I’m one hell of a shot with iron sights and red dots but much less experienced with LPVO... vortexoptics.com/riflescopes/razor-hd-gen-ii-e/razor-hd-gen-2-e-1-6x24-riflescope.html?vortex_reticle=25 Can I use this optic in the dark? I know you said it was bad but with my ACT L3 White phosphor NVGs will I be ok with my MAWL DA?

[@KitBadger]

To be honest, I'd get one of these: amzn.to/2EYSrop Put it in a Aero Mount like this: amzn.to/35RGTPu Give it a honest go for a month before you drop that cash on a more expensive LPVO. That mount will work for the Vortex too. After you use it for awhile, you will have a much better idea of using that type of optic and can sell the old one online and upgrade if it is something you really want.

[@2000rayc]

MMMMMM i want one! anyone want to buy my echo triggers? :D

[@KitBadger]

Hahaha, they are nice optics. :)

[@2000rayc]

so what did they do make it way less? is the glass not as good? not as strong?