Tag Archives: LPVO

Shooting Sports

Monstrum Panzer vs Vortex Razor

If you had an opportunity to test out a $200 scope you’d probably say, “sure.” If they offered to lend you another scope that cost 12x as much to compare, you’d say “hell ya!”

Recently I conducted a head-to-head comparison between a Monstrum Banshee 1-10x and a SIG Tango MSR 1-10x. This time Monstrum sent me their new Panzer 1-10x FFP (First Focal Plane) and asked me to compare it to a real high-end LPVO like the Vortex Razor HD Gen iii.

Now optics snobs can argue that a Vortex Razor really isn’t a high end LPVO but lets leave that nitpick aside and agree that the general public, the DOD, Monstrum believes that it is. For this comparison Monstrum wanted to me to compare their flagship LPVO to Vortex flagship LPVO.

I agreed to create this comparison video with the understanding that I would post my real findings; however they turned out. If the Panzer was outclassed the Razor, I would show it. I wasn’t going to bias the testing in favor of their product. As with the SIG video, Monstrum assured me they wouldn’t want it any other way.

Using Amazon, Monstrum sent me brand new samples of both LPVOs. Razor is Vortex Optics top tier line of of scopes. And up close, in my hand, the Razor certainly looked and felt like a premium optic.

Razors are identifiable by their trademark burnt-bronze color. The HD Gen iii has very precise low-profile capped turrets, with a fine 1/4 MOA per click adjustment. It has a lockable illuminator knob and offers 11 levels of brightness that at its highest settings is truly daylight bright; almost too bright for indoor use.

The Panzer is distinguished from other Monstrum scopes by the design of its control surfaces, which is inspired by the look of tank treads; “panzer” is the German word for “tank”. The Panzer offers two illumination colors but the intensity is nowhere close to the Razors, offering typical CQB/low-light brightness.

Side by side, the biggest visible differences (aside from the Razor’s unusual color) is size. Without its optional sun shade, the Razor is an inch shorter than the Panzer. Despite that the Razor is heavier than the Panzer, largely due to its larger 34mm sized tube body allowing it 120 MOA of internal adjustments vs the Panzer’s 30mm tube and 70 MOA of adjustments. The other material difference is that the Panzer retail package includes flip-up lens caps and a 30mm Monstrum PRO series offset mount; which are premium quality mounts.

Looking through each scopes, I was struck by how clear and sharp everything looked through the Razor; it was looking through a freshly cleaned window. At 1x the superior clarity of the Razor to the Panzer was obvious. The Panzer view was clear and sharp but not nearly as bright and clear as the Razor.

Despite this, there were two surprising shortfalls in the Razors exemplary optics. At 1x the Razors view appeared wider than 1x Object appearing smaller than in real life. Moreover this manifested in a slightly pronounced fish-eye lens effect on objects at the outer edge of the field of view. Oddly this wasn’t as noticeable when looking through the scope with boys open (as LPVO’s are meant to be used at 1x). The Panzer’s view wasn’t distorted like the Razor’s. 1x looked truly 1x.

At 10x the Razor offered a brighter, sharper and more detailed image than the Panzer. The Panzer’s outer edge had a soft focus. Comparing both scopes at the range, the Razor was able to resolve much finer details on the USAF-51 chart. Surprisingly, despite its clarity, the Razor had far more chromatic aberration.

The first focal plane reticles of both scopes were somewhat similar. At 10x they appear as a T-style crosshair with MOA subtensions and circle-dot central aim point. The Razor’s reticle also included a holdover Christmas Tree and in addition has finer stadia lines than the Panzer. Overall the Razor’s reticle was better optimized for extreme long range shooting by obscuring distant targets less than the Panzer.

At 1x both scopes reticles shrink down to reveal a simple floating T. The Panzer’s reticle lines are twice the length of the Razor’s making it slightly more visible. To compensate for such small, fine reticles it’s best to run both LPVOs with illumination and again the Razor’s brightness outclasses the Panzer.

In ran both LPVO’s on my AR, running timed shooting drills shooting 5.56. Like most 1-10x LPVOs, they both suffer from tight and unforgiving eyeboxes, though not the worst I’ve tested. The Razor had a slightly longer eye-relief.

I found the performance difference for casual range shooting and plinking to be minimal between Panzer and Razor. But for a LEO, 3-Gun Competition Shooter, or a combat professional, the Razor’s proven battlefield performance can not be overstated. Both scopes come with lifetime warranties on workmanship but the Razor comes with Vortex’s no-fault policy, covering accidental damage and user error.

By far the biggest difference between the Panzer and the Razor is their price. The Razor is a premium LPVO that sells for $2499 on Amazon. That is ten times the price of the Panzer ($199). The Razor is clearly a higher quality scope. But for a weekend shooter like me, I was able to shoot just as accurately with either scope.

Circling back to Monstrom’s original request: how does the Panzer compare to a higher-end LPVO. What I learned is that it is surprisingly good for a budget scope. And while the Panzer is not in the same league as the Vortex for sharpness, clarity, brightness, for the price of a Razor you could buy a Panzer and a firearm or two with the spare change.

These optics are available on Amazon through these affiliate links which support my channel:

Panzer https://amzn.to/3NZUk8e

Razor HD Gen iii: https://amzn.to/3tZSP2K

RESOLUTION (at 50yrds)

Panzer: Group -1 / Element 3

Razor: Group -1 / Element 5

SPECS

PANZER 

Magnification: 1-10x

Objective Diameter: 24 mm

Tube Diameter: 30 mm

Coating: Full Multi-Layer

Max Windage Adj: ±70 MOA

Max Elevation Adj: ±70 MOA

Click Increments: 1/2 MOA

Eye Relief: 4.0-4.5 in

Weight: 17 oz

Length: 11 in

RAZOR HD Gen III

Magnification: 1-10x

Objective Diameter: 24 mm

Tube Diameter: 34 mm

Coating: Full Multi-Coated

Max Windage Adj: ±120 MOA

Max Elevation Adj: ±120 MOA

Click Increments: 1/4 MOA

Eye Relief: 3.6 in

Weight: 21.5 oz

Length: 10.1 in

Shooting Sports

Monstrum Panzer 1-10×24

Monstrum asked me to be one of the first YouTubers to review their newest LPVO, the Panzer 1-10×24. This is their first, First Focal Plane (FFP) 1-10x and is distinguished from their other LPVO’s with a new tank-tread texture on its turret caps and control surfaces. In addition, it comes with their PRO Series offset mount.

Another new feature is a removable fin on the magnification ring, which can be swapped for an included throw lever or removed entirely for a clean profile. It is held in place with a single Philips screw and the box includes a mini screw driver and Allen wrench for the turrets (I wonder why they didn’t use a common hex screw instead). The turrets are capped and resettable. The 1/2 MOA turret cliks were clear and audible but not very tactile, moreover there was a bit of slop between each click.

At 17oz, the Panzer is relatively light for 30mm tube LPVO. It has a large ocular lens which gives it a nearly unobstructed field of view. Unfortunately, like many 1-10x LPVO’s it has a tight and unforgiving eyebox, even at 1x. It has a decent eye-relief if about 4″.

At 1x the image through the glass had a mild warm tint but no notable fish-eyeing. At 10x there is a softening at the the edges and loss of light and contrast. But its resolution is surprisingly sharp (as with other Monstrum LPVOs). Continued improvement in Chinese glass manufacturing have greatly improved budget glass.

The scope features their new CM2 reticle which is optimized for long range shooting at 10x. At 1x it appears as a simple “T” reticle but at 10x the central dot enlarges to become a circle-dot and with a finer long range reticle with MOA subtensions, wind holdovers, and a range estimation ladder at the base of the ‘T’. The 10x reticle lilnes isn’t as fine as higher end etches scopes like the Riton Tactix or Vortex Razor. The center dot is 1 MOA but this may still be too large obscure long range targets.

Like many other FFP LPVO reticles, the CM2 isn’t as useful a reticle at both extremes of its magnification range. The 1x configuration of the reticle is a tad too thin unlike more graphic SFP tactical reticles. The CM2 reticle appears very similar to the Vortex Razor but lacks the Razors brighter illumination (and the Razor’s $2500 retail price).

The Panzer offers red and green illumination with an intensity range from 1-5. Oddly, unlike their other LPVO’s, the red appears more visible than the green at 1x. In fairness, the Panzer illumination brightness is typical of most LPVOs; not daylight bright but visible in low-light or CQB.

Its overall clarity and sharpness is pretty good but no in the same league as premium 1-10x offered by Vortex, Athlon, or EoTech. But it is perhaps one of the best scopes in its price tier and punches well above its weight. With a price tag just under $200 the Panzer offers features and optical clarity found in LPVOs that cost 2 to 3 times more (certainly better glass than the SIG Tango I recently reviewed). It comes with Monstrum’s Lifetime warranty on workmanship (but not damage). It remains to be seen if the Panzer lives up to its tank-like name in terms of durability.

This LPVO is available on Amazon through this Affiliate link which helps support my channel: https://amzn.to/3REH6yF

RESOLUTION

@50yrds: Element 3 / Group: -1

SPECS

Reticle: CM2
Lens Coating: Full Multi-Layer
Materials: 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Magnification: 1-10x
Objective Diameter: 24 mm
Rail Mount Torque: 20-25 in/lbs
Scope Ring Torque: 18 in/lbs
Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Max Windage Adjustment: ±70 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment: ±70 MOA
Click Adjustment: 1/2 MOA
Eye Relief: 4.0-4.5 in
Weight: 17 oz
Length: 11 in

Shooting Sports

Sig Tango MSR 1-10×28

The Sig Sauer Tango MSR is one of the new breed 1-10x LPVOs. These scopes blur the lines between an LPVO and what many used to consider “high power” scopes of previous decades. At 10x the Tango actually has a higher magnification than standard issue US military Sniper Rifle optics (granted those scopes have clearer and brighter glass).

The Tango is nicely designed with great care evident in the build and construction. The contact surfaces on its controls are well textured for a firm grip. It features capped turrets that are resettable, though I found the numbers and scale on the dial a bit hard to read precisely from a shooting position. The turrets were loud but not particularly tactile positive.

The magnification ring has a removable throw lever but the design of the grooves and knurling seem to be sufficient to turn the ring without it. The kit comes with an very well designed 34mm offset mount. Sig thoughtfully printed a reference line on the front tube to help the user align the scope to the mount rings.

At low power the scope is truly 1x with no fish-eye distortion. At high power the scope does suffer from drop in brightness and noticeable chromatic aberrations. It typical LPVO distances under 300yrds on man-sized targets will be clear and recognizable despite this.

The MSR reticle looks like a hybrid between an ACSS style horse shoe and a traditional German style T-reticle. It features dots and arrows design to help the shooter lead a moving target. The TANGE features 11 levels of brightness on the horse shoe reticle but it is not noon day sunlight bright.

This scope has a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle; the majority of 1-10x LPVOs are First Focal Plane (FFP). A FFP is preferable in long range shooting but on an LPVO with a scale change of 1000% can often make for thin, hard to see center dots at 1x. Because of that, I tend to prefer the simplicity SFP reticles in an LPVO. Testing the scope running multiple target engagement drills at 25yrds, I found it easy to aim and center on my target.

While the TANGO is not the sharpest or brightest glass I’ve seen in a ≥$500 scope, its features, design, and construction certainly makes it feel worth the price.

ONLINE RETAILERS

Commission affiliate links

Amazon https://amzn.to/3ZZhRe8

Optics Planet https://shrsl.com/49qvf

RESOLUTION (50yrds)

GROUP: -1
ELEMENT: 1

SPECS

Manufacturer:SIG SAUER
Objective Lens Diameter:28 mm
Magnification:1 – 10 x
Tube Diameter:34 mm
Reticle Focal Plane:Second Focal Plane (SFP)
Exit Pupil:2.8 – 9 mm
Illumination Color:Red
Finish:Hardcoat Anodized
Field of View, Linear:10 – 110 ft at 100 yds
Eye Relief:3.22 – 3.54 in
Diopter Adjustment Range:-2.5 – 2.5 dpt
Weight:20.4 oz
Adjustment Click Value:0.5 MOA
Adjustment Type:MOA
Parallax:100 yds
Illumination Type:LED
Battery Type:Lithium Metal, CR2032
Lens Material:Glass
Optical Coating:Spectracoat
Brightness Settings:11
Weather Resistance:Yes
Water Resistance Level:IPX-7
Shockproof:Yes
Fogproof:Yes
Battery Quantity:1
Magnification Type:Variable
W/E Travel at 100 Yds:100 MOA
Shooting Sports

Arken EP8 LPVO


Arken changed the landscape of long range shooting with their SH4 and EP5 rifle scopes. Consumers could expect high performance features of a >$1000 scope for less than half. With the EP8, Arken aims to do the same for LPVOs.

When I visited the Arken booth at Shot Show earlier this year, they didn’t have an EP8 prototype or mention they were working on an LPVO. It came as a surprise to me and everyone when Arken Optic released their first LPVO, the 1-8×28 EP8. It’s been back ordered since it’s launch and I was grateful Arken finally sent one for me to test.

The EP8 features a 34mm tube with an impressive 110 MOA of internal adjustment and a first focal plane BDC reticle at a meagre 21 oz. The Japanese glass provide bright and clear image but at 8x there was chromatic aberration. Despite this, at 8x the EP8 is as sharp as a 10x SIG Tango. Its eyebox was relatively forgiving even at 8x, with good eye relief at all magnifications.

The scope features 2 levels of Night Vision compatible illumination (invisible to the naked eye) and 9 levels of visible illumination in red. At max brightness, the reticle is daylight bright but not Nightforce level red-dot bright. At 1x I was able to quickly and intuitively aim using the holosun style reticle.

This KL Box (“killbox) reticle becomes evident at higher magnifications. At 8x circle zooms out of view and the center dot enlarges to reveal a horse shoe reticle with an interlocking set of BDC brackets and wind holds. The reticle designed in a way to allow you to bracket an IPSC target or human torso to range estimate your target from 400yards to 800yards. Moreover the design automatically aligns your aim to your targets center mass when you bracket it to estimate its range.

This design is simple, efficient, and brilliant. With the EP8 Arken has a good shot at shaking up the optics world yet again. As of this writing, the EP8 is out of stock with a 6-week minimum wait which says it all.

ONLINE RETAILERS

Use this link to support my channel

Amazon https://amzn.to/40QB7Lh

Arken Optics https://www.arkenopticsusa.com/ep-8-1-8×28-lpvo-ffp

RESOLUTION

Group: -1
Element: 1

MANUFACTURER SPECS

EP8

Magnification: 1-8

Objective Diameter: 28mm

Eye Relief: 3.74″

FOV @ 1x: 121.15′, 22 deg

FOV @ 8x: 14.56′, 2.78 deg

Tube Size: 34mm

Turret Adjustment: 1/4 MOA

Reticle Position: FFP

Reticle Details: BDC style: ‘KL Box’

Elevation Adj. Range:: 110 MOA

Windage Adj. Range:: 110 MOA

Illuminated Reticle: Red

Weight: 21 oz

Battery Included: CR2032

Throw Lever: Integrated/removable

Shooting Sports

Banshee vs Tango MSR 1-10: Budget vs Big Brand

https://youtu.be/Gs7Qc8t-Os4

After reviewing the Banshee 1-10×24, Monstrum offered to sponsor my next video if I would compare it to a higher end LPVO. I was hesitant thinking their scope would probably be optically inferior and I would not hide that fact in my video. Surprisingly they said they would be ok with me showing their LPVO’s shortcomings as long as I was honest and fair about it.

Monstrum agreed to cover my ammo, gas, range fees, and time. Most 1-10x LPVOs we could find were First Focal Plane. Wanting to compare apples-to-apples, we looked for a Second Folcal Plane (SFP) 1-10x. The Sig Sauer Tango MSR was the only higher end brand that fit that profile. And while SIG isn’t really a “high end” brand, Nightforce doesn’t make a 1-10x LPVO and Vortex and EOtech 1-10x are First Focal Plane, so those were not good comparisons. Primary Arms also makes a 1-10x SFP, but most consider Primary Arms to be also a “budget brand” so Monstrum agreed to send me a Sig Tango to compare to the Banshee. Both scopes were shipped directly from Amazon in new sealed boxes.

Both scopes come with offset mounts and similar accessories in the box. On paper they share many similar features.

BANSHEETANGO
Objective Lens:24 mm28 mm
Magnification:1 – 10 x1 – 10 x
Tube Diam:30 mm34 mm
Weight:17 oz20.4 oz
Eye Relief:4.0 – 4.5 in3.22 – 3.54 in
ReticleSFPSFP
Adjustments:0.5″0.5 MOA
Illumination:Red & GreenRed
Battery Type:CR2032CR2032

Beyond the specs, looking at both LPVO’s side by side, it was easy to see which scope looked better built and expensive. The Tango had more refined design features and construction. The Banshee’s design could best be described as clean and spartan but in comparison looked like a budget scope. This design difference extended even into the scope mount.

Sig Sauer has a great reputation for making solid optics. The Tango costs more than double the price of a Banshee. I was sure before I began the testing that it would be better than the Banshee. The question would be how much better?

At the range I tested both out on the same reference targets and was surprised at the results. Optically, the Banshee was a bit brighter, sharper, and clearer than Tango. It also had an inch further eye relief and a more forgiving eye box than the Tango at 10x.

The Banshee held its own against the Tango save for one key feature, its reticle. The Banshee MX1 reticle is an old school crosshair with MOA sub-tensions, traditionally found on long range target scopes. The Tango has the MSR, a modern tactical reticle that provides the user with windage hold-overs and aim points to lead moving targets.

Despite the Banshee’s better optical qualities, I’d prefer the Tango because its MSR reticle makes it a more useful LPVO for action shooting and combat. On the other hand, at half the price of the Tango, the Monstrum is still a good value. If Monstrum were to upgrade a future version of the Banshee with a more useful reticle, it would be a done deal.

ONLINE RETAILERS

Use these affiliate links to support my channel

SIG TANGO MSR

Amazon https://amzn.to/3ZZhRe8

Optics Planet https://shrsl.com/49qvf

MONSTRUM BANSHEE

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3P2wKZp

Monstrum: https://monstrumtactical.com/banshee-1-10×24-lpvo-rifle-scope/

Product Reviews, Shooting Sports

Monstrum Banshee 1-10×24

Earlier this year I was shown Monstrum’s newest LPVO scope, the Banshee. This new line would be slightly lower priced than their new Spectre. And more importantly, would feature a 1-10x model but due to manufacturing delays, Monstrum was unable to bring a 1-10x prototype to Shot Show. Months later, I was excited to receive a sample of the new Banshee 1-10×24 LPVO from Monstrum.

The Banshee shares broad physical similarities to the Spectre. Both have 30mm tubes and the same X1 reticle. Unlike the Spectre, the Banshee has capped turrets and the highest magnification of Monstrum’s LPVOs of 10x. As a minor note, on the Banshee the Monstrum logo is engraved into the eyepiece section of the scope, possibly a new standard in Monstrum’s industrial design.

At the range, I was able to quickly able to identify and engage targets at 50 yrds and 100 yrds. However, the illumination of my particular sample scope was a bit weak. Testing in the noon day sun, I could barely see a red tint at its highest level 5 setting. Green was slightly better. But to be fair, in bright daylight the X1 reticle is thick enough to line up my target without the need for illumination and in low light or CQB, the illumination levels would be adequate.

Overall I found the glass to be as good as the Spectre. I couldn’t quite compare apples to apples because of the higher 10x magnification of the Banshee. With both, I was pleasantly surprised at its sharpness and brightness for a price tier of under $250.

ONLINE RETAIL SOURCES

Amazon Affiliate: https://amzn.to/3P2wKZp

Monstrum: https://monstrumtactical.com/banshee-1-10×24-lpvo-rifle-scope/

RESOLUTION (50yrds)

Group: -1
Element: 2

Airsoft, Shooting Sports

EZshoot 1-6×24 LPVO

I had to re-edit and re-upload this video because of goof on my part. I’ve been mispronouncing the name of the brand. It’s not EZshot, it’s EZshoot.

EZshot is a brand best known for budget firearms accessories like barrel snakes, red dots, and weapon lights and not always in a good way. It came as a bit of a surprise that they reached out to me with an 1-6x LPVO. I didn’t have high hopes as to optical qualities and build quality but I was delightfully surprised.

The scope came in completely blank black box which was not a good start. Like Feyachi and MidTen, most of EZshots product are generic and often lack any branding on the product itself. I assume they buy their products from the same factories and just market them under their brand name.

Inside, I found an LPVO that we pretty well put together. The elevation and windage turrets are capped. The turrets underneath, looked a bit cheap but had nice loud clicks. Overall the scope looked good; not $500 scope quality but more than its $109 price on Amazon.

At the range, I found the image at 6x to be decent. Not amazing but not bad. It had a fair bit of chromatic aberration, edge distortion, and lacked some resolution and brightness. But the image was sharp enough to confidently engage man sized targets from 50-100 yards.

It’s eye relief and exit pupil were average for a budget LPVO. There are better scopes but almost none it’s price tier. I had no trouble brining it up to my eye and quickly acquired my target. I found it’s reticle to be better than I expected, though its outer cross hairs should have been thinner.

Without a doubt, there are better and more durable LPVOs. But for the price, this is great optic for a range baby.

ONLINE RETAIL SOURCES

Amazon Affiliate: https://amzn.to/3DKqAq2

Manufacturer Specs

ITEM WEIGHT‎15.2 Ounces
MATERIAL‎Aluminum
MAGNIFICATION MAXIMUM‎6 x
MAGNIFICATION MINIMUM‎1 x
COMPATIBLE DEVICES‎Rifle
MOUNTING TYPE‎Cantilever Mount
NIGHT VISION‎No
EYE RELIEF‎3.94 Inches
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS‎9.65″L x 2.76″W x 2″H

Shooting Sports

New Monstrum Banshee LPVO

I stopped by the Monstrum Tactical booth at SHOT Show and was introduced to their new 1-10×24 Banshee LPVO. It is an upgrade in magnification power from the Specter but retains the same T1 reticle. I recently reviewed their Spectre 1-6×24 LPVO and was pleasantly surprised by a bump in optical quality over their offerings from just a few years ago. I hope to get one soon to compare it with the Spectre.

Southern California based Monstrum Tactical is one of the most underrated brands in firearms. Largely lumped together with budget brands like CVLife, Feyachi, and the plethora of random clone brands. I would agree that 8-10years ago, their red dots and rifle scopes were heavier knock-offs of name brand optics. But their new products look radically different.

In the last couple years they’ve quietly been improving the quality of their optics and glass. They still need to improve their turret quality and reticle options, but they’re putting out decent scopes for the price. And their mounts are some of the best for the price.

The Banshee is available through my Affiliate link: https://alnk.to/8PBuQFY
The Spectre is available through my Affiliate link: https://alnk.to/9xgwLWP

Shooting Sports

New Primary Arms SLx LPVO

Texas based Primary Arms has grown into an online retailer offering everything from ammo, firearms components, and tactical accessories. They started as an optics company specializing in ARs and innovators in tactical reticles. Their innovation of the ACSS reticle was instrumental in the rise in popularity of LPVO’s in America’s sporting rifle. At SHOT Show 2023 we got a first look at their newest LPVO, the 1-6×24 SLx, which promises a “true daylight bright” reticle.

SHOP

Primary Arms https://alnk.to/9xjE2Pt

Amazon https://amzn.to/3J8EPJ7

Shooting Sports

2023 Hawke Vantage LPVOs

Hawke Optics is the UK’s biggest maker of airgun and hunting scopes. With the popularity of LPVO (Low Power Variable Optics) in the AR and sporting rifle market, Hawke has expanded their scope lineup with 3 new LPVOs. You have 4 different reticle options, including their new Fiberdot LPVO utilizes a fiber optic illuminator. It claims to be truly daylight bright with a super fine pinpoint for precision shooters. The Vantage Fiberdot scopes are due to be available in Q2 or Q3.