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

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  • čas přidán 1. 09. 2019
  • You can get the Vortex Ranger 1800 on Amazon here: amzn.to/39WzhzV
    We love Vortex optics. They make awesome products and have the best warranty out there. And considering that the Vortex Ranger is arguably the most popular rangefinder on Amazon, it seemed like this was going to be our top pick when we bought and tested 7 rangefinders side by side.
    So we went out and bought 8 rangefinders that range in price from $140 to $800. We compared them on a bunch of criteria, like accuracy, range, speed, build, quality. What we found, surprised us.
    The Vortex Ranger 1800 is a solid choice for hunters, but it may not be your best choice for the price.
  • Sport

Komentáře • 114

  • @lmcc8798
    @lmcc8798 Před 3 lety +43

    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!

  • @lawmat93
    @lawmat93 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @davidsanborn8303
    @davidsanborn8303 Před 4 lety +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.

  • @garythesaint44
    @garythesaint44 Před 4 lety +1

    Well done in busting the marketing blurb! Solid review👍

  • @jtilldad
    @jtilldad Před 3 lety +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!

  • @adamcolby3526
    @adamcolby3526 Před 3 lety +1

    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...

  • @OutofWORKoutdoors
    @OutofWORKoutdoors Před 4 lety

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

  • @CD-lw6fl
    @CD-lw6fl Před 3 lety +1

    Bought it! Love it! Nice review 😎👍

  • @americansafarico
    @americansafarico Před 2 lety

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

  • @justdewitt4483
    @justdewitt4483 Před 4 lety +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.

  • @halape10
    @halape10 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @bluewave2536
    @bluewave2536 Před 3 lety

    Very honest video, love it!

  • @bazzatazza1087
    @bazzatazza1087 Před 4 lety +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.

  • @dwmass
    @dwmass Před 4 lety +8

    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  Před 4 lety

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

    • @dvdyk9042
      @dvdyk9042 Před 4 lety +1

      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 Před 4 lety +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 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @apistune
    @apistune Před 2 lety +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.

  • @edanpino5035
    @edanpino5035 Před 2 lety +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

  • @UtahKent
    @UtahKent Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @christopherbryant3857
    @christopherbryant3857 Před 3 lety +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 Před rokem

      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.

  • @bbmopar3834b
    @bbmopar3834b Před 3 lety

    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 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @danielmaybee68
    @danielmaybee68 Před 3 lety +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

  • @muddyh2o2init44
    @muddyh2o2init44 Před 4 lety +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 Před 4 lety +4

      1325 feet or yards?

    • @TheSonsOfSimon
      @TheSonsOfSimon Před 4 lety +1

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

    • @marshallevetts
      @marshallevetts Před 2 lety

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

  • @darksidemachining
    @darksidemachining Před 3 lety +6

    Wish you guys talked about the angle compensation function.

  • @pecosray
    @pecosray Před 4 lety +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.

  • @drakenilesovnguard8718
    @drakenilesovnguard8718 Před 4 lety +2

    Could yall do a vid on binocular rangefinders?

  • @mbrishke
    @mbrishke Před 2 lety

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

  • @groundlight
    @groundlight Před 3 lety +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.

  • @SAR0311
    @SAR0311 Před 3 lety

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

  • @cortneywebb1677
    @cortneywebb1677 Před 2 lety

    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

  • @offroadsoda
    @offroadsoda Před 2 lety +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.

  • @billysilva6388
    @billysilva6388 Před 2 lety +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.

  • @jaredj631
    @jaredj631 Před 2 lety

    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!

  • @williamhood5062
    @williamhood5062 Před 2 lety

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

  • @Hudson4426
    @Hudson4426 Před 4 lety +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

  • @jesseweissner6708
    @jesseweissner6708 Před 4 lety +10

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

  • @tbabajan
    @tbabajan Před 3 lety

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

  • @billhman
    @billhman Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @richardglaser723
    @richardglaser723 Před 2 lety

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

  • @stanleybrowning9300
    @stanleybrowning9300 Před 3 lety +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.

    • @NoNo_IStay
      @NoNo_IStay Před 2 lety

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

  • @madman61756
    @madman61756 Před 2 lety +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 Před 2 lety

      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

  • @May1971
    @May1971 Před 4 lety

    can I leave the battery inside if not using it

  • @brettlandon8624
    @brettlandon8624 Před 2 lety

    Thanks

  • @joepass87
    @joepass87 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @daveknowles3055
    @daveknowles3055 Před 2 lety

    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

  • @coriemanges4328
    @coriemanges4328 Před 4 lety +8

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

    • @Physics072
      @Physics072 Před 4 lety +1

      They not in same price range so apples to oranges.

    • @billhman
      @billhman Před 3 lety

      @@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 Před 3 lety

      @@billhman who is "We"?

    • @billhman
      @billhman Před 3 lety

      @@Physics072 I suppose Me, Myself and I

  • @gregorypace2641
    @gregorypace2641 Před 2 lety

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

  • @Hydra70964
    @Hydra70964 Před 7 měsíci

    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.

  • @PiotrKurpiel
    @PiotrKurpiel Před 3 lety

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

  • @johndoyle2041
    @johndoyle2041 Před 4 lety +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 Před 4 lety +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 Před 3 lety

      @@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 Před 3 lety

      @@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 Před 3 lety

      @@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.

  • @keithharrold7262
    @keithharrold7262 Před 4 lety

    How is this rangefinder performing in low light conditions?

  • @tlr683
    @tlr683 Před 2 lety

    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 Před 2 lety

    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?

  • @TnGreg
    @TnGreg Před rokem

    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.

  • @harrybalsak916
    @harrybalsak916 Před 2 lety

    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?

  • @drizziefoshizzie
    @drizziefoshizzie Před 4 lety +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.

  • @bigcplusguitar
    @bigcplusguitar Před 2 lety

    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.

  • @patriotichunter6434
    @patriotichunter6434 Před 3 lety

    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.

  • @JT-og1jy
    @JT-og1jy Před 2 lety

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

  • @cjg2953
    @cjg2953 Před 3 lety

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

  • @joekelly9369
    @joekelly9369 Před 3 lety

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

  • @danielcontinisio456
    @danielcontinisio456 Před 4 lety +1

    Darn tough socks have the same warranty

  • @jaredj631
    @jaredj631 Před 2 lety

    I would use the tripod for archery practice.

  • @AviatorGM
    @AviatorGM Před 2 lety

    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.

  • @daennobli2229
    @daennobli2229 Před 2 lety

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

  • @cwsspot
    @cwsspot Před 4 lety +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  Před 4 lety

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

  • @lesdavenport6649
    @lesdavenport6649 Před 2 lety

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

  • @kurtwilhelm3823
    @kurtwilhelm3823 Před 3 lety

    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 Před 3 lety

    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 Před 2 lety

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

  • @suzgabverdugo933
    @suzgabverdugo933 Před 3 lety

    1300-1560 yds for me

  • @user-xm8rf6ik7b
    @user-xm8rf6ik7b Před 2 lety +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 .

  • @evanwindom3265
    @evanwindom3265 Před 4 lety +5

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

    • @NoNo_IStay
      @NoNo_IStay Před 2 lety +1

      These two are straight up goons

  • @AlienMetals
    @AlienMetals Před 3 lety +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.

    • @NoNo_IStay
      @NoNo_IStay Před 2 lety

      Leupold rangefinders have issues with the led display

  • @Z33Garage
    @Z33Garage Před rokem

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

  • @Dontnegotiatewithterrorist
    @Dontnegotiatewithterrorist Před 5 měsíci

    WHO KNEW? ......that this rangefinder works in the dark? Yesterday FEDEX brought me my new Vortex Viper 3000 HD RF
    Today I ranged a couple of houses across the ravine at 227 yards and a large hillside at 696 yards away. Tonight in the dark I ranged the same two locations and got approx. the same results, 227 yards and 685 yards. Am I the only one surprised that it works in the dark....Did you know?

  • @jcarry5214
    @jcarry5214 Před 2 lety

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

  • @alphasolutions2325
    @alphasolutions2325 Před 4 lety +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....

  • @justinbechard2945
    @justinbechard2945 Před 4 lety +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 Před 4 lety

      justin bechard what model leopold?

    • @thenutofjustice5101
      @thenutofjustice5101 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @ghostmost2614
    @ghostmost2614 Před 2 lety

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

  • @fastcamo
    @fastcamo Před 4 lety

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

    • @Ravenrifle
      @Ravenrifle Před 4 lety +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 Před 4 lety

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

    • @TMar129
      @TMar129 Před 3 lety

      -26 and the sig wouldn't fire

  • @slurpyman20
    @slurpyman20 Před 2 lety

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

  • @BruceWayne-xu5bj
    @BruceWayne-xu5bj Před 4 lety +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.

  • @OmgItsZakkE
    @OmgItsZakkE Před 3 lety

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

  • @senatorjosephmccarthy2720

    Difficult to learn with all the interrupting.