Looking at upgrading my older Leupold Wind River Cascade binoculars. (10x42)

Don’t want to break the bank, not waste money of it is not much of an upgrade. Anyone have any idea how the Wind River Cascades would compare to the BX-4?

Right now my thoughts are:
1. Get the BX-4’s (around $500) and probably have them for 8+ years.
2. Save and look for some used older Swarovski SLC’s a little bit higher.
3. If there isn’t much improvement versus my current Wind River, wait and buy new Swarovski later down the road.

Thoughts ?

What kind of hunting and terrain are you planning on using the binoculars in? For example, are you hunting wide open country or sitting in a blind where you can see no more than 100 yards? I ask since there is a huge price difference between SLCs and the $500 target range. It may or may not be worth the cost difference.

I have a pair of Swaro SLC 10s (2 years old) and Viper HD 8s (5 years old). The SLCs are better than the Vipers; they should be for the cost difference. With that said, I have no plans to part ways with my Vipers. They are a great backup pair of binoculars as well as a damn good loaner to my friends (those with lower quality binoculars).

The majority of my hunting has been blind hunting. And I’d say my max viewing distance is typically <300 yds. (honestly probably 200 yards or so).

I'd recommend not buying the Swaros for your needs unless you have an overwhelming desire to get them. The difference in money could potential be put to better use on other gear.

Look at different binoculars in your price range. People's eyes do prefer different glass. Since damn near everything looks good in bright conditions, see if you can take a look under low light conditions. Do bring your current binoculars with you so you can do a direct comparison.

I do like my Vipers a lot but they come up short at longer distances (800+ yards). I do not have that issue with my SLC 10s. If my hunting mostly took place with "shorter" visibility distances, I would not have picked up the SLC 10s.

The BX4 Pro Guides' are really, really nice, on par with the Vortex Razor optically, and better built IMO. They are much better than the Viper HD's.

Good info

Look at athlon midas. Really great pair for the $

I'd pick door number 2!

I have the BX3 HD's and have spotted hogs in the dark. Then, use my 30-06 with Swarovski scope to put them down. Also have a 300 win mag with Leaupold VX6 that allows me to do the same.

Moral of the story is it doesn't matter if you can see them in the binos, if you can't see them in your rifle scope. I did that once.

With that said: You will be surprised at how many more animals you see in the last 15 minutes or first 15 minutes of legal shooting hours with very good glass. I do a lot of scouting, so I pay the extra $$$$ to see more animals and get better intel.

Well I decided to order the BX4’s. I feel like I got a decent deal on them, and can use “leftover” money towards my next need/want!

I think you made a good choice. The BX4s are great binoculars.