G
Guest
Guest
Which is better whats the difference? Looking at 8x32 the airmax is a 50mm the sidewinder is 56mm.
I have a 6-24 Airmax (newer) and an 8-32 Sidewinder (older). Airmax has turn to lock turrets, rheostat illumination (non-stepped), excellent metal lens covers. Sidewinder has push/pull lock turrets, stepped illumination, and did not have the metal lens covers (Butler Creeks are used on mine and I think possibly newer Sidewinders include the metal lens caps). Reticles different but both very usable with edge to the Sidewinder for my preference. I consider both to be very good scopes but my eyes are not what they once were now that I'm beyond 60. If I needed another scope I would not hesitate to purchase either line as I consider both very good.
Upvote 0
I own four of the Airmax scopes,both 6-24 and 8-32 plus three of the latest model 6-24x56 Sidewinders, plus one of the 8-40 Sidewinders with the ED glass. All have served me very well with only one significant issue experienced years ago with one of the Airmax scopes, and it was replaced instantly at no charge with no questions asked.
The Sidewinder series is a real step up from the Airmax series. The turret caps lock positively once zeroed exactly where wanted. The turret caps on the Airmax use tiny Allen head screws that are somewhat of a pain. The illumination on both scopes work well but is superior on the Sidewinders. Both have metal lens covers that work very well.
Finally, my Sidewinder 6-24s are FFP. I really like this series as one dope chart works perfectly for every magnification series, and as I prefer the simplicity of using holdover as opposed to turret ranging adjustments, they are fantastic in this regard.
Finally, I have shot tens of thousands of rounds through these scopes and have communicated with Hawke personnel maybe a half dozen times over the years. The experience of Hawke ownership has been great all of the way around.
The Sidewinder series is a real step up from the Airmax series. The turret caps lock positively once zeroed exactly where wanted. The turret caps on the Airmax use tiny Allen head screws that are somewhat of a pain. The illumination on both scopes work well but is superior on the Sidewinders. Both have metal lens covers that work very well.
Finally, my Sidewinder 6-24s are FFP. I really like this series as one dope chart works perfectly for every magnification series, and as I prefer the simplicity of using holdover as opposed to turret ranging adjustments, they are fantastic in this regard.
Finally, I have shot tens of thousands of rounds through these scopes and have communicated with Hawke personnel maybe a half dozen times over the years. The experience of Hawke ownership has been great all of the way around.
Upvote 0
Sidewinder with the 20X 1/2 mildot reticle. The 10X is too small IMO and that's all you can get with the Airmax. The ED scope's reticle is a bit too fine for me.
Upvote 0
Sorry about that.
But considering the alternative I guess it's all good. Another difference that I like on the Sidewinder is a locking ring on the ocular focus.Upvote 0
G
Guest
Guest
jps2486 The ED scope reticle is to small ? Is it noticeably different the 20x is that much bigger than the 10x
Upvote 0