Helix 2-16x50 vs. Other Helixes

[Sanctify7]

Greetings.
I play around with the idea of buying the Helix 2-16x50. It is on sale on DVOR right now.
I presently have the Helix 4-16x44 on my Crown, and would not mind a bit more magnification range on both ends.
So here are my questions.
Can anyone say the glass on the 2-16 is better than the either that on the 6-24 or the 4-16? I have owned two of the first and one of the second. Element bills the 2-16 as having ED glass, if I remember, but it also has an 8x magnification range. So I am wondering how that plays out.
For simple backyard pesting, I cannot complain about the 4-14. But I would like illumination and a 10-yard parallax (or I would probably keep it), and people are not really touting the NX8's IQ--and they are four times the street price of the Helix right now. I am presently a wee bit cool towards higher-end scopes, and I am presently not interested in the Meopta or the Ares, though I did like my Ares 3-18x50 a good deal. The controls on the Helix 4-14 are a bit stiff, too.

Thanks. S7

 

[ChefSparrowRagazzi]

If you're a glass freak..................Vector
Save some money.
The glass in my copy is stunning. Along with the way the super sharp reticle is done.
I would never have believed this, until I saw it with my own eye.
I do not know what Vector is doing with their glass , but it works. It works well.

 

[Sanctify7]

If you're a glass freak..................Vector
Save some money.
The glass in my copy is stunning. Along with the way the super sharp reticle is done.
I would never have believed this, until I saw it with my own eye.
I do not know what Vector is doing with their glass , but it works. It works well.

I briefly scanned the Vector line after your post. This is one brand I knew nothing about. I would still like someone to respond to my original concern.
Thanks. S7

 

[Old_School]

If you're a glass freak..................Vector
Save some money.
The glass in my copy is stunning. Along with the way the super sharp reticle is done.
I would never have believed this, until I saw it with my own eye.
I do not know what Vector is doing with their glass , but it works. It works well.

Do you have a particular Vector you would recommend?

 

[ChefSparrowRagazzi]

Do you have a particular Vector you would recommend?

I would go to the Vector007 site, pick something that you like, and try it. You have a 30 day no questions asked return policy.
My scope is a 3-18x50mm Orion pro max.

 

[Blueduck]

Hi,
Just saw this thread. I currently own a Helix 2-16x50 HDLR and a Helix 6-24x50. Both are SFP. I was in fact comparing the two the other day out in open sun looking into shaded areas in my field. Distances were between 50 - 100 yrds. 2-16 HDLR looks very bright and crisp. The 6-24 is kinda muted/washed out. I found the "clearest" image at 16 power on the 6-24. The 2-16 HDLR looks great no matter what, even in low light. The illuminated Reticle is nice as well. I did recently return my HDLR because of an issue with the illuminated Reticle selector but got a new replacement scope in a few days. Very good customer service! I did a post about the experience in "Industry feedback". I have owned the 2-16 HDLR for about 18 months and shoot with it a lot! I use the turrets and the zero stop etc. has stood up. I would highly recommend the 2-16x50 HDLR.

Hope this helps.

 

[Sanctify7]

Hi,
Just saw this thread. I currently own a Helix 2-16x50 HDLR and a Helix 6-24x50. Both are SFP. I was in fact comparing the two the other day out in open sun looking into shaded areas in my field. Distances were between 50 - 100 yrds. 2-16 HDLR looks very bright and crisp. The 6-24 is kinda muted/washed out. I found the "clearest" image at 16 power on the 6-24. The 2-16 HDLR looks great no matter what, even in low light. The illuminated Reticle is nice as well. I did recently return my HDLR because of an issue with the illuminated Reticle selector but got a new replacement scope in a few days. Very good customer service! I did a post about the experience in "Industry feedback". I have owned the 2-16 HDLR for about 18 months and shoot with it a lot! I use the turrets and the zero stop etc. has stood up. I would highly recommend the 2-16x50 HDLR.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, Blueduck. This certainly helps. I would still like a comparison between the 2-16 and the 4-16, which is on my Crown. I used it the other day in a little mist/lower light (it only has a 44 mm objective and not a 50 mm one) and was a wee disappointed in the crispness of image. I had little sleep that day so my tired eyes could have been a part of the problem. It got the job done, however.
Again, what you said was what I was hoping to hear.
One more thing: how stiff were the mag and parallax wheels?
Thanks. S7

 

[Blueduck]

Thanks, Blueduck. This certainly helps. I would still like a comparison between the 2-16 and the 4-16, which is on my Crown. I used it the other day in a little mist and was a wee disappointed in the crispness of image. I had little sleep that day so my tired eyes could have been a part of the problem. It got the job done, however.
Again, what you said was what I was hoping to hear.
One more thing: how stiff was the mag and parallax wheels?
Thanks. S7

You're most welcome. The mag and parallax where smooth. On the end of the parallax turret there is another twist knob to turn on and select brightness of the illuminated Reticle. That knob became stiff over time. The replacement scope i received is butter smooth.

 

[Sanctify7]

You're most welcome. The mag and parallax where smooth. On the end of the parallax turret there is another twist knob to turn on and select brightness of the illuminated Reticle. That knob became stiff over time. The replacement scope i received is butter smooth.

That is good to hear. Enjoy the scope, and I may join you down the road a bit. Thanks again, Bd. S7