TFB Review: Vectronix Vector X – Premium Laser Rangefinder Binocular
I’ve had the opportunity to try out the new Vectronix Vector X, from Vectronix Shooting Solutions (VECSS). This is a premium laser rangefinder binocular, available in a variety of magnifications and configurations, with an ecosystem of gadgets and ballistics applications to predict and improve the chances of hitting at long range. It’s really nice to see a focus on the civilian consumer market segment, and this kind of product is highly welcome.
Vectronix @ TFB:
TFB Review: Safran Vectronix Terrapin X Laser Rangefinder POTD: Heckler & Koch G28 DMR with Terrapin X LRF Vectronix Shooting Solutions New Rangefinding Binoculars
Note: Because I am in Europe and most of my readers are in the USA, Vectronix was kind enough to send me no less than two sets for this review. The 10×42 has an EU-approved laser, where Big Brother stepped in and regulated the power of the laser. The 12×42 has the US-approved laser, which is more powerful, and although images may reflect both versions, it’s the more powerful US version I am reviewing.
Vectronix – Exceptional Attention To Details
From unboxing to hard use on the shooting range, the attention to details is exceptional. Just look at how these bags containing various accessories came packed. You clearly notice that a lot of research and thought has gone into this product. There’s even a clear sleeve designed to accommodate printed target cards. If you want to use an 18650 rechargeable battery, there’s an extended battery cap. Normally the device runs on a CR123A battery, and it seems to last very long.
The carrying case is also of a very high standard, there’s nothing cheap about it, with a lot of spare pockets for batteries, a plastic cover for your range card, etc. There’s an extra pocket if you get the Range Extenders.
The laser is a Class 1M, Class 1 working with a 905 nm wavelength. If you want the best performance from it, you just enable the Long Range Mode (LRM) in the settings and then press and hold the range button. This way it goes into SCAN mode and will keep readings coming until you shut it off or the battery dies. The ULM (Universal Laser Mode) is for normal unobstructed objects.
Looking at the datasheet, the specified performance is: “2900 yd / 2 650 m on 2.3 m × 2.3 m target; visibility: 10 km, albedo 0.6, detection probability >90%”. The measurement takes
In terms of mounting plates for a tripod (or similar support), I have used both Really Right Stuff’s (RRS) and Area 419’s dedicated mounting plates. Both work well, but I would recommend the RRS version, as it offers the ability to adjust the angle. If I was going for 100% reliabilitý and could not afford anything to break, then the Area 419s solution is a one piece.
Below you can see RRS to the left and Area 419 to the right. If you don’t want the mounting plates, that’s fine too. There are more detailed images for reference here.
Below: The Vector X with a Vector-X Mount attached to the PT-Scout Pan-Tilt Head (BTC-PRO Screw Knob Clamp) from Really Right Stuff. These two products are a good marriage with your Vector X, as you can control all axes in one way or another without having to change the legs of your tripod.
I recommend a tripod as steady as you can get it, but as I was hiking and went island hopping I brought the lightest (and cheapest) for this trip.
Below you can see the top view of the D-PAD navigation system. By long-pressing any of the four directional buttons you get quick access to functions like Bluetooth, stopwatch, laser and the target card. The red button activates the laser.
I have been using a few Vectronix laser rangefinders before, but none are as advanced as the Vector X. The rifle is a Tikka TAC A1 in a Spuhr SICS chassis.
On what was probably this year’s best autumn day, I was able to take the two Vectronix Vector Xs to the end of the world (almost). Blue skies and no wind.
This was my platform for the day. Luckily there was no wind at all. You can see the sea and the archipelago in the background.
From here I could really let the lasers stretch out.
Important note: Before we start looking at images taken through the reticle I would like to add that they have all been taken by an iPhone, hand-held. While this gives an understanding of what’s going on, it’s far away from the real experience. Some of the images have also been either enlarged (zoomed in) on the iPhone itself or on my computer to enhance and show certain features. There has been no color correction or editing from my side, but I noticed that if I took 4-5 images after one another, they could look quite different just because of the camera’s exposure. The right “eye” of the Vectronix also has a slight blue tint due to the on-screen display, but it’s hardly noticeable and never bothered me.
Eventually, I was able to stretch out the Vector X to 2553 and 3447 meters.
The MRAD-based Dual Magnification Reticle (MSR-DMR) by Finnaccuracy
The reticle is an MRAD-based Dual Magnification Reticle (MSR-DMR) designed by Finnaccuracy. The MSR-DMR consists of two reticle segments that are separated, with the on-screen display in between. The right reticle segment of the MSR-DMR is to be used when the Range Enhancers (Boosters) are installed on the VECTOR X. This segment takes into account the increased magnification provided by the Range Enhancers, allowing for accurate range estimation, holdovers, or any other calculations required. The left reticle segment is designed for use with the base magnification of the VECTOR X when the Range Enhancers are not installed. There is also a Single Magnification Reticle (MSR-SMR) version, but I have never tried it.
3447 meters is actually to one of the small white buildings, but there’s an offset as I take the image.
There’s a video here. 1433 meters to the harbor.
Over there, at 1609 meters, someone ruined a potential shooting range by building a Golf course.
Both the EU and the US laser refused to range the BMW below. I guess it is due to the angle, material and the color. But the green hedge was no problem, I had instant readings all the time with both lasers. To the best of my memory, it was about 750 meters away.
While on the subject of cars, here’s a Citroën 2CV. I like how the Vector X gives you a decimal. 255.6 meters. I tried moving back or front 10-20 centimeters a few times, and the laser would always tell me. It’s scary how accurate it is.
If you connect it to the app via Bluetooth, you can trigger the measurements with your phone and also get a presentation on a map. It is also possible to do your own stage planning, and laser the targets and locations and get a range card. You can name the targets by numbers or letters, A, B, C, D, etc. There are most likely a lot of features here that I haven’t learned about yet.
A lighthouse at 893.2 meters. White is good in terms of reflection.
Below: Black is typically the worst color to a laser because it absorbs a high percentage of light, so these islands were all basically a no go. Some of the furthest were also more than 4500 meters away. This feels like you’re watching from a submarine.
There are optional boosters or Range Enhancers, that will increase the magnification by 1.4x. These REs were prototypes, but worked well for me, except they made the laser ranging less reliable in functionality. This was clearly stated in the notes I got, so should not be an issue on the production version you’re getting. It’s easy to get addicted to a high magnification, at least when using a tripod for stability. Most if not all images here are taken WITHOUT the boosters.
The range boosters come on and off in a matter of seconds.
Below: I also needed a booster, in the form of a cup of coffee. The housing is made out of magnesium, with shock-absorbing rubber around. The color is called tac-grey, and it kind of blends between green and gray depending on the angle and amount of light.
Who needs the Vector X most? Well, anyone who needs to know the exact distance to an object, and as a bonus you get to know your holdover and a lot of other data from the system. Here’s from a match with PRS22LR, where knowledge of the distance is paramount.
Below: I was able to laser the white object (a yacht under cover) free handed with the US version, free-handed. The distance was roughly 2000 meters.
Below: Putting my new LWRCI REPR Mk II Elite and the new Kahles K328i at work, with the help of Vectronix Shooting Solutions.
I’m not saying it’s because of the Vector X that I put 8 holes of 6.5 Creedmoor at 300 meters within 8 cm (3.14”), so sub-MOA, but it certainly felt good.
The new Kahles K328i is a pretty crisp optic as well, but that’s another story for another review…
The Vector X has an internal Stop Watch / Timer, to be used by a spotter for instance and to assist the shooter in how much time is left. The image didn’t come out as well, but you get the idea, you don’t get these kinds of reflections other than in the camera.
There is a 2-second delay in the startup of the HUD, but if you know you’re going to measure something you can pre-press it as you bring it up or to your eyes. Above is a demo of the Stop Watch.
The building is about 1200 meters away.
This fisherman was 145.3 meters away. It’s really easy and fast to focus in case your target changes in distance.
1135 meters to the beacon behind the fisherman.
And 1036 meters to the navigation pole (hardly visible). I was able to replicate these measurements over and over, but the Vectronix would not let me laser the distance to the island itself unless it was much higher than in these images. I was told dark rock is very hard to laser.
Below is a closer look. Never mind that the crosshairs are not centered over the target, the setup moves when you take a photo.
The HUD (Head Up Display) is easy to use and easy to navigate. However, it doesn’t always show great on photos taken by the iPhone. You can adjust the brightness and there are also two settings called Night Vision.
The Vector X has front lens flip covers in hard plastic, but I never used them so cannot comment.
How far is that antenna?
Well, it’s 1918 meters away. Again, please remember my initial note about the image quality.
I did use the Vector X in darkness. While it’s not a night vision device of any kind, the laser still functioned 100% on the objects I tried from 20 to 500 meters on a field surrounded by a forest.
Another antenna. Here I had the internal Applied Ballistics Elite activated, for a 22LR I think.
Vectronix X for hunters, and others
Not everyone who buys the Vector X will use it for target shooting far away, so here are a few alternative takes on it.
Sitting on top of the 6×6, roof hatch open, observing and lasering fallow deer.
The laser rangefinder was very accurate. Does it mean it gives you a reading every time? Certainly not, and it can be frustrating. I was able to measure the distance to small objects far away but missed small islands. I think this has to do with how reflective the surface is. I had a hard time lasering any of these fallow deer beyond 400-450 meters.
The clarity and image quality are above average, and there’s a good sense of depth.
I sometimes get a little confused about what I’m actually testing…
I did of course try the Vector X on a PRS match. This match was on a 300-meter range only, but the targets were 309.1 meters away. Up one click for most calibers.
The device itself is made in Slovakia, while Vectronix is from Switzerland.
Below is from yet another day at the range, shooting 300 meters. The paper is at 300 meters (from the barrel) and the steel is at 309 meters.
The reading 301.3 is due to the tripod being a bit behind the line. If you move a decimeter, the Vectronix will tell you – I tried this many times to check the accuracy and reliability of the readings and it worked every time.
Toward the end of the review the new PT-Scout Pan-Tilt Head from Really Right Stuff finally arrived. It’s been on backorder since it came out, but I can confirm that it exists and look forward to starting to use it.
You don’t have to be a gun enthusiast to enjoy the Vector X binoculars.
Conclusion – Vectronix Vector X
It’s virtually impossible to cover everything the Vector X can do in one review, but there’s no doubt this is a great piece of kit. I can confirm that the glass is really good. I did compare them side by side with Swarovski EL Range 8×32 binoculars, and while Swarovski would take the win in terms of sheer image quality and field of view, it’s a close second for the Vector X. However, the Vector X has so much else on offer, whereas other manufacturers offer less or nothing. With the Vector X, you’re buying into a full ecosystem with ballistics apps, and Kestrel and Garmin connectivity. I am sure this ecosystem will continue to develop, and I also have a lot to learn in how to benefit more from it – it’s a challenge I look forward to because this device is quite pleasant to work with.
Remember that most people probably don’t buy the Vector X primarily for its optical quality, but it’s still there for sure. I think everyone who had a look through them, replied back and said “Eric, this glass is really good”, and that’s all I need to hear.
You can get the Vector X in a variety of versions, 8×/10×/12×42. From what I’m hearing, about 60% of the U.S. market goes for the 12x, and having tried both the 10x and 12x I would go for 12x as well. Depending on where you live and how you use them, get the Range Enhancers straight away, or buy them later.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have any other high-end LRFs to benchmark the Vector X against other than the Pulsar Merger LRF XT50 (image below), which are brand-new premium HD thermal binoculars. Out to about 1200 meters (which is about the limit for the Merger), all three devices were dead on to the meter, which leads me to believe that they’re most likely all very accurate. I did verify a few of the distances by Google Earth as well.
I did find it a bit difficult to find the correct button every now and then. Partly it could be because I’m new to the product, but a few times I had to look for the LRF button which tells me there’s room for improvement – probably both in terms of the placement of the buttons and the actual design of the buttons and controls (the so-called D-PAD interface).
Also, I have to say that I had expected an ever-better performance in terms of what the actual laser could deliver. Don’t get me wrong here, sometimes the LRF surprised me in a very positive way (small, “impossible” object = accurate reading), and the next time I didn’t get a reading at all (large object, the brain says this is easy). I guess it’s due to how the object reflects the laser beam, its color, its shape and what it’s made of and what is in the way of the laser (moisture, mirage, sunshine and other stuff that the eye cannot really see.) I think users have to beware of this, but also ask themselves if they have a need for an LRF that tells you distances beyond the maximum distance your bullet can travel?
There is also a complexity and learning curve with devices that can do more than just calculate the range, and also communicate with other advanced gadgets like weather meters. Some love it and take advantage of it, others use pen and paper. To each their own.
I find the price of the Vector X reasonable. In fact, considering the potential and what’s included in the ecosystem, and the amount of time and love that went into this project would lead me to say that it’s cheap for what you get. You still have to rid yourself of about $2,900, but you get a really good solution and I think it will be very attractive on the second-hand market as well. I think affordable is the best way to describe everything you get with your Vector X. I really hope I can use the Vectronic X for my PRS and DMR matches in 2025, as well as more hunting. Because in a sense it feels like I only scraped the surface of what this system is capable of.
Vectronix Vector X 12×42 Rangefinding Binocular w/MSR-DMR Reticle
Check out more at: https://www.vectronix-shooting-solutions.com/
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