Trying to find the right scope in the extensive Vortex line of optics can be like picking the right puppy out of a Facebook Marketplace ad. It’s so hard to know which attributes are worth your time in families that are so close in performance, price, and features.
And what a sprawling family of rifle scopes Vortex has raised. In no particular order, there’s the Razor, the Viper and Venom, the Golden Eagle, the Strike Eagle, the Diamondback, the Crossfire, and now the Triumph.
Many customers base their choice on price, but there’s so much variety even within product lines that it pays dividends to look at specific attributes and features.
Here’s a look at the main differences between a couple of these siblings: the extended Viper scopes and Strike Eagle scopes.
Note that the Viper family is further split into the Viper HD and Viper PST Gen II scopes. In general, you’ll pay more for the Viper products, and get slightly better glass, reticles, and durability in return.
But in many cases, the differences are hardly noticeable, so depending on the configuration, you’re probably better going with the lower-priced Vortex, represented by the Strike Eagle.
VORTEX STRIKE EAGLE SCOPES
Vortex has positioned its Strike Eagle scopes generally between its Venom and Viper lines. I’d call this tier premium budget for its combination of excellent performance and decent optics at an aspirational, but not crazy-expensive price point, and should be considered by every competition shooter. If there’s a drawback to the Strike Eagle family, it’s that it’s a small clan – with only four members. More like three-and-a-half, as you’ll see below.
These are much more than starter scopes. Each has attributes that will make these the best choice on the market to strike the balance between performance and affordability. Of the four, three have first-plane reticles and tactical-style controls.
At the lower end of the magnification range, there’s the excellent 1-8x24 LPVO, which is available in either first- or second-plane versions (hence, the two halves, as referenced above).
For my money, the first-plane version (MSRP: $699) is the bomb, because the EBR-8 BDC reticle can pull double duty as a brightly illuminated red dot at lower magnifications and then transition into a decent mid-range precision reticle at higher powers. The second-plane version (MSRP: $559) is a very good mid-range reticle but it lacks the fast close-quarters talents of the first-plane reticle at its lowest power.
At the highest magnification in the family, the 5-25x56 first-plane precision scope is a bargain at $1,149 for an optic that will get you in the game at PRS-style competitions. It features the excellent ERB-7C fully illuminated tree-style reticle in either MOA or MRAD versions with good controls and Vortex’s excellent RevStop zero stop in a 34mm tube.
With a 15-yards-to-infinity parallax control, very good range of internal reticle adjustment (110 MOA/31 MRAD of elevation adjustment and 78 MOA/23 MRAD windage adjustment), it’s a scope that can get you in the game, whether it’s precision rimfire or long-range steel targets.
But it’s the middle child of the Strike Eagle family, the 3-18x44 in a first-plane target/hunt model, that represents the best attributes of the group. The EBR-7C reticle has abundant elevation and windage references inside the 34mm tube, and the exposed elevation turret makes dialing to your aiming solution fast and precise. Adding to the precision of this $1,099 scope is its 10-yards-to-infinity parallax and its ample internal elevation adjustment range (154 MOA/45 MRAD).
The configuration of this scope suggests a versatile hunting optic, but the target-centric attributes make it a good choice for a Western hunting rifle that can pull double duty as an off-season target rig. Its low mounting profile makes it a great choice for a rimfire precision rifle that has limited mounting dimensions.
UNDERSTANDING THE REVSTOP ZERO STOP RING
Vortex’s RevStop Zero Stop Ring deserves special mention, as this particular zero stop is shared by both the Strike Eagle and some — but not all — in the Viper line. The RevStop is basically a separate revolution limiter that provides a rock-solid wall that shooters can position wherever they want on the elevation adjustment. It limits the amount of elevation travel somewhat, but as long as you zero your scope in the middle of the adjustment range, it shouldn’t prohibit most shooters from reaching out to 1,000 or even 1,300 yards. What it does provide is a handy and adjustable return-to-zero.
Note that the RevStop system is significantly different from Vortex’s RVR zero stop system that it uses in some of the Viper PST GenII scopes. The RZR system is a double set-screw operation that doesn’t inhibit adjustment range but can be trickier to set.
VORTEX VIPER SCOPES
It’s important to note that Vortex, which has a dizzying number of rifle scope families and sub-families, further confuses things by producing three different tiers within the Viper line of riflescopes.
The standard Viper is, generally speaking, the most affordable and basic of the family. Then you step up to the Viper HD line, which offers better glass and more precise and repeatable controls but at a stepped-up price.
Then there’s the Viper PST Gen II line, which has even better options for shooters who are looking for a specific scope for their respective competitions and hunting/tactical situations. But with the step up in performance comes a commensurate increase in price.
Generally speaking, the Viper line of scopes offers a better grade of glass and components, more precise and tactile controls, and generally more versatility than the first-plane Strike Eagle scopes.
But don’t think that Vipers are all second-plane scopes or hunting optics. The family has a wide range of rifle scopes that will fit nearly any sort of shooting, hunting, or competition scenario.
VIPER PST GEN II SCOPES
Because the Viper line is so extensive, it’s useful for the purposes of comparison with the Strike Eagle line to look exclusively at the PST Gen II scopes.
In each configuration, from 1-6x24, through 2-10x32, 3-15x44, and 5-25x50, the PST Gen II Vipers match up well with respective Strike Eagle scopes. In fact, they share many of Vortex’s proprietary reticles that are available in either MOA or MRAD configurations.
While the Strike Eagles have the removable RevStop zero stop, these Viper PST Gen II scopes have the RZR Zero Stop system that’s a little more adjustable, doesn’t limit internal adjustment, and is a little more sophisticated and durable than the RevStop.
The Viper PST Gen II scopes also feature exposed tactical-style turrets compared with the locking turrets of the Strike Eagle line. I tend to like the more streamlined look and operation of the Viper’s 30mm tubes compared with the stout 34mm tubes of the Strike Eagle competition scopes.
I’ll detail each of the PST scopes below, but my all-around favorite is the 3-15x44. I took the second-plane version of this scope to Alaska on a fly-in caribou hunt and its light weight, durability, and overall dependable operation made it the perfect choice for a hunt where shots could be inside 100 yards or out to 500 yards and beyond.
Its illuminated reticle was also a surprisingly useful attribute in overcast and generally dark conditions. The reticle blazed in full daylight and offered just enough illumination in twilight conditions to provide a sure aiming point.
Viper PST GenII 1-6x24
At about $899, this second-plane LPVO has center-dot illumination and a hash-style VMR-2 reticle in either MOA or MRAD configurations. It’s a wonderfully versatile optic, suitable for dangerous game, straight-wall cartridge rifles, competition rimfires, turkey guns, and even home-defense shotguns. It has fixed parallax and measures just 10.8 inches and weighs 22.7 pounds.
Viper PST GenII 2-10x32 FFP
Stepping up to this versatile configuration, the 2-10x32 version is Vortex’s rendition of a Dedicated Marksman scope, capable of engaging targets at both very near and medium to far distances. The first-plane EBR-4 reticle has tons of elevation and wind holds and abundant internal adjustment. The references are a little fine for most hunting situations, but perfect for mid-range target engagement or rimfire competition.
Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44
Priced at $1,199, this model is available in either first- or second-plane configurations, and the 30mm tube has either a hash-style or tree-style reticle (I prefer the cleaner hash reticle for hunting) that is nicely illuminated with both the center references and elevation references lit in red. The RZR zero stop is in both models.
Viper PST GenII 5-25x50
The best expression of the competition chops of the PST Gen II line, this big, serious scope is available in either second- or first-plane reticles. The EBR-4 reticle is more of a hash-style (like that in the 3-15x44 scope) while the EBR-7C is a very useful and detailed tree-style reticle with hash elevation references and dot windage holds. If you’re looking for a 30mm competition scope, it’s hard to beat this. But its fairly slim build and 31.2-ounce weight makes it a good choice for a walk-about hunting scope. These scopes are built around the RZR zero stop.
CONCLUSIONS
This is a bit of a generalization, but you can think of Vortex’s Strike Eagle line as scopes for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability. The first-plane scopes in the Strike Eagle family are configured for recreational shooters who might also want to use the scope for hunting.
Meanwhile, the Viper PST Gen II scopes are more purpose-built for long-range shooting and tactical applications and are suited for shooters who prioritize top-level optical performance and repeatable, dependable turret precision. But the second-plane models are nicely configured as cross-over scopes that are at home on a big-game hunt as they are in a PRS competition.
There’s so much variation within both families that it pays to compare and contrast. Happily, there’s a scope in either (or both) lines that is perfect for whatever hunting or shooting discipline that speaks to you.