Follow up on the trade of Helix

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Blackpaw

Blackpaw

Member
Apr 23, 2020
3,202
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Idaho, United States
Earlier this week I traded my Element Optics Helix scope of a more compact Hawke Airmax and some cash. It was a decent trade, but I’ll think the scope is a decent scope Hawke. 

Well, two developments a day or two after the trade the guy who got the Helix had it up for sale. He said eye box was too small (I warned him) and he’s probably getting a Arken or Vector Optics scope. Me, I think I’ll sell the Hawke for a Vector Optics too. 

And two last comments, the glass in the Helix is very clear and great turrets, but to quote the SA folks worth twice price for what you’re paying. 
 
Yes.

Scopes made in China have a lot of markup. They cost less than $100 to make. More like $40-$80. Markup depends on what brand thats why you get free swap out brand new scopes no big deal. If they are actually expensive they have best interest to fix them and you get your same scope back repaired instead of a brand new one that's how you can know the markup how easy they swap you for new ones no questions no matter how expensive your Chinese scope cost.

Similar but not as bad applies to other country of manufacturer scopes as well. China has the biggest markup. Japan for example is only double so not that bad.

Depends on sheer company greed too. I appreciate companies that aren't as greedy as others so the markup isn't too much for high quality things not only for scopes.

You see scopes go on sale for half price you busted them already. Hard to pay full price after that.

You have companies mandating MAP prices to allow dealers to sell their scopes so that's not fun either being a buyer. I like companies that allow dealers to set any price BELOW MAP (can't you tell?). Why pay all the markup? If you rich that's fine pay all retail no problem. Somebody have to keep them in business. 

I was offered a distributorship for Vector optics years ago and got the prices and the 411 and know how the markup system for Chinese made scopes go. I didn't agree to waste so many throw away scopes traded in broken under warranty.

Probably why Aeon owner closed and ran off with the money pure profit no need sacrifice new scopes for broken throwaways.

I would repair them but they in many cases cheaper to junk and give a brand new one instead of pay people to fix.

Another interesting fact is China really don't want their stuff sent back to them even defective when you buy direct. Give all kinds excuses and shipping TO CHINA is ridiculous while not bad coming FROM CHINA. They have been brought up with a ujust throw all away mentality after use for only a little while when it comes to goods because they too cheap so just buy another anyway. Maybe that's why and sure hope the factory workers think opposite...

How do I know this? Been married to a Chinese Business woman straight from Guangdong PRC China for 13 years. Divorced now.

Next relationship together with an ex who's super crazy wealthy family owns a major international trade company in China of course and got price lists on many Chinese goods you won't believe stuff cheap like 5 cents 10 cents hospital grade stuff 10000x marked up. I didn't want to partake in ripping US citizens (my people) off like that.

I did inquire about scopes years ago and recently as well Alibaba still charging 2x. Even buying bulk mandatory.

Aliexpress is now a total ripoff priced today.
 
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@odoyle well, I think “yes” the Helix is worth $300 if you don’t mind the small eye box. Would I buy the Helix again no and the FX 4x16 again, hell no.

I find the Vector Optics as I said “nearly as clear” as the Helix, but not as good in low light. However, when comparing the VO Veyron vs the Helix in low light you have to factor in the Veyron 44 mm objective vs the 50 mm of objective of the Helix.

With the Hawke, I don’t have to do anything right now and my buddy said wait until you put it on the Leshiy 2 before sending it out the door. Aka see if I like it.

Also, the US Optics scope 3x12 Joe talked about looks interesting but that for sure would have to be a next year purchase.
 
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Well, like I said, IF I go with something like a US optics or in that price range it will be a while. My gun budget is totally spent (but maybe have a 100 / 200 bucks to spend, but it will probably be a barrel kit for the L2.
Click to expand...


If you go down the US Optics road, be sure to check out the prices over on Scopelist.com. Possibly my next scope will be the TS-12X, or the Arken SH 4-14, another option for you
 
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Interesting,too many scope brands with too many price ranges between them.

Optics,seems everyone wants to be an expert,very few are,but I trust the ones above.

Simple truth is the farther the shooting distance the better the scope you need.

Quality assurance takes time and knowledge,with that you get a great guarantee.

The old USA brands,made in the USA are good way to go,Japan,Philippine ,some Korean.

Some of the best Chinese use Japanese glass.

Secret,pride in product=company name has a tradition to uphold.

Better to buy a quality used scope that a new so so scope.

My best scopes are USA made,then Japanese...the others are just that,others.
 
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Although not the most suitable size for a Leshy2, you won't find a more well made scope, and bang for the buck, than the Athlon Midas TAC 6-24x50.

There's a reason these are so popular in NRL22, probably the #1. Recently our own Arzrover won 2 events at the Textreme and the Founders cup match using his, all in a little over a weeks time. I have some very expensive tier 1 scopes that I've compared the TAC to and there's not a huge difference. Going the other way I've seen some slightly less expensive scopes that I would rate as pitiful excuses for a rifle scope.

Spend wisely! Serious question here to all, do you really think that spending $200-$300 more to get into an excellent scope will make much difference a year from now, basically insignificant two years from now, etc, compared to most of what is out there in the cheap scope realm ...........???!!!


 
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For hunting, plinking and general shooting, the better Chinese made scopes work very well. If you get into precision target shooting, then go with something better. Most of my rifles have Hawke Sidewinder or Airmax scopes. I do have a Aztec and a couple of Muellers which I like pretty well. I had a number of Optisans which were decent scopes but I liked the Hawkes better. Even the Leapers Bugbusters aren't too bad for a cheaper gun like a springer for up to 60 yards.. I was disappointed in Bushnell, Athlon, Vortex, Leupold for various reasons, mostly reticle thickness or configuration.. My go to scopes for precision shooting are Sightron SIII 10-50. These are Japanese of excellent optical clarity with reticles I really like. Some of my competition buddies had March, Nightforce and other big$$ scopes. I looked through them and didn't like the reticles or the tight eyeboxes. I guess your choice of scope is pretty personal. Buy what you like and try not to be too influenced by all the opinions expressed here, including mine.
 
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@boscoebrea Yes, Americans make some great glass, but I would put some of the European made stuff above the Americans hands down. My personal list would be European, American, Japanese, Taiwanese and then Chinese.

I am going to give this Hawke a try on the Leshiy 2. I have a Leupold on my .223 Encore back in the USA, older scope, but clear as can be. Had a Sightron (cheaper one) but it is a great scope.

And I believe like people said, under a 100 yards or in normal light general hunting decent quality in a scope is fine, but for distance and precision you need the quality glass. And quality glass has NEVER and will NEVER be cheap. IMHO
 
Upvote 0
Although not the most suitable size for a Leshy2, you won't find a more well made scope, and bang for the buck, than the Athlon Midas TAC 6-24x50.

There's a reason these are so popular in NRL22, probably the #1. Recently our own Arzrover won 2 events at the Textreme and the Founders cup match using his, all in a little over a weeks time. I have some very expensive tier 1 scopes that I've compared the TAC to and there's not a huge difference. Going the other way I've seen some slightly less expensive scopes that I would rate as pitiful excuses for a rifle scope.

Spend wisely! Serious question here to all, do you really think that spending $200-$300 more to get into an excellent scope will make much difference a year from now, basically insignificant two years from now, etc, compared to most of what is out there in the cheap scope realm ...........???!!!

Click to expand...

There's a Midas Tac at Cameraland open box customer returned for $520???
 
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