Any thoughts/opinions on the differences between the Sidewinder and the Airmax? The price point is similar for both (~$50 more for the Sidewinder). I'm looking at the 8-32x versions.
Hawke Sidewinder vs Airmax scopes
- Thread starter deroosea
- Start date
I have both the Airmax 8-32 x 50 and the Sidewinder in 8-32x 56.
I thought that the close ranges within 20 yards the Aixmax was fuzzy and did not range very well....seemed like there was play in the sidewheel system.
The Sidewinder has a larger lens to allow more light . I thought the picture in the sidewinder was much brighter than the picture of the Airmax.
The one big selling point for the airmax is the infinite adjustable rheostat....I found it unnecessary and an added weight to an already hefty scope .On Illumination, I liked the fact that when activated on the Sidewinder, only the crosshair's would light up. In the Airmax. when you activate the illumination, the whole reticle lights up. For me, That was a distrasction rather than an aid
I liked how easy it was to attach the sidewheel to the scope....much simpler than on the Sidewinder
I did like the aluminium flip-up lens covers on the Airmax.
I did not like the fast focus ocular lens because it has no locking mechanism and is free to move after it has been set.
The Sidewinder has been an excellent scope...very nice in low level lighting. And has better clarity than the Airmax is similar situation.
The Sidewinder also come with a case to store your scope, whereas the Airmax only comes in a box.
Both are very decent scopes, But for the clarity, ranging and low light shooting, I would prefer the Sidewinder over the Airmax.
Both are priced fairly close.....but I feel the better buy would be the Sidewinder
I thought that the close ranges within 20 yards the Aixmax was fuzzy and did not range very well....seemed like there was play in the sidewheel system.
The Sidewinder has a larger lens to allow more light . I thought the picture in the sidewinder was much brighter than the picture of the Airmax.
The one big selling point for the airmax is the infinite adjustable rheostat....I found it unnecessary and an added weight to an already hefty scope .On Illumination, I liked the fact that when activated on the Sidewinder, only the crosshair's would light up. In the Airmax. when you activate the illumination, the whole reticle lights up. For me, That was a distrasction rather than an aid
I liked how easy it was to attach the sidewheel to the scope....much simpler than on the Sidewinder
I did like the aluminium flip-up lens covers on the Airmax.
I did not like the fast focus ocular lens because it has no locking mechanism and is free to move after it has been set.
The Sidewinder has been an excellent scope...very nice in low level lighting. And has better clarity than the Airmax is similar situation.
The Sidewinder also come with a case to store your scope, whereas the Airmax only comes in a box.
Both are very decent scopes, But for the clarity, ranging and low light shooting, I would prefer the Sidewinder over the Airmax.
Both are priced fairly close.....but I feel the better buy would be the Sidewinder
Upvote 0
Thanks! That's exactly the comparison I was looking for. Without actually using both scopes it was hard to tell what the differences were.
Upvote 0
I currently have a Leapers UTG 8-32x56, which I find pretty good. I'm assuming the Hawke Sidewinder is a fair bit better (~$200 more)?
Upvote 0
Hmm...Strangely enough, I also own both scopes and found the exact opposite. My Airmax 6-24x50 is WAY clearer than my Sidewinder Tactical 8.5-25x42. You say your Sidewinder has a larger objective lens? Perhaps that's the problem with the Sidewinder Tactical...The objective lens is pretty small. I find my Sidewinder doesn't gather nearly enough light compared to the Airmax.
Lens clarity aside, this is what I found:
-The flip-up caps on the Airmax are way more practical than the screw-in caps on the Sidewinder.
-The turrets on the Sidewinder are easier to reset than the Airmax.
-The parallax markings on my Sidewinder were not calibrated correctly, while the markings on the Airmax were spot on.
-The Sidewheel on the Sidewinder is more easier to fit than the Airmax. However, if you shoot FT the larger sidewheel on the Airmax may suit you better.
-The reticles on both scopes are amazing.
What's the difference between the Sidewinder 30 and the Sidewinder 30 Tactical (apart from the objective lens diameter)? Is the lens quality supposed to be different? I would very much like to see a comparison between the Tactical and "Standard" versions!
Upvote 0
The following review may help guide you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld9co1AJBcA
Be mindful that some batches of scopes are better than others, which probably means that although lenses may well have the same general prescription they have different characteristics at different ranges and environmental conditions.
I can't see anything "tactical" (one of the most overused cheap marketing terms going) about any of the scopes. Without a counting mechanism on the turrets I think they are overpriced. Considering the standard of lens and features you could get with a Hawke costing $200-$250, I would question whether any extra is wisely spent. Considering the technical features you have in a Leapers scope, I would see buying same/similar features as a waste of money.
I suggest that you use the search function for previous topics on scopes, learn the types of scope others use and why....to see whether that suits you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld9co1AJBcA
Be mindful that some batches of scopes are better than others, which probably means that although lenses may well have the same general prescription they have different characteristics at different ranges and environmental conditions.
I can't see anything "tactical" (one of the most overused cheap marketing terms going) about any of the scopes. Without a counting mechanism on the turrets I think they are overpriced. Considering the standard of lens and features you could get with a Hawke costing $200-$250, I would question whether any extra is wisely spent. Considering the technical features you have in a Leapers scope, I would see buying same/similar features as a waste of money.
I suggest that you use the search function for previous topics on scopes, learn the types of scope others use and why....to see whether that suits you.
Upvote 0