Refurbished, warranted optics

[ArmyGrunt]

My buddy just sent me this link. I haven't looked to compare any prices, but he looks to be average on most things. Some aren't in stock, and not all are refurb. Worth a browse if you're in the States and need new glass

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Link doesn't work for me.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

http://aaoptics.com/

Try this one

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

http://aaoptics.com/

Try this one

That works!

 

[ArmyGrunt]

Schweet! Maybe someone will find a great deal there. I'm going to save it for after I get the next adoption.

 

[JimP]

My problem with a store that sells refurbished items and mostly one brand is that what is wrong that so many of them come back in for warranty work?

Vortex is a good optic but I see way too many people having to use their warranty service.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

Interesting notion. Factory warranty is retained with those listed, at least. But I agree, I'd rather not have to use the warranty

 

[CAustin]

My problem with a store that sells refurbished items and mostly one brand is that what is wrong that so many of them come back in for warranty work?

Vortex is a good optic but I see way too many people having to use their warranty service.

Bingo!
Now the real question is have they fixed them. If so there are deals to be had!

 

[Ray B]

I see similar prices for several Nikon cameras and lenses. where do these cameras come from that are being refurbished? I'm skeptical of a product where there are enough going back to the factory for refurbishing that the factory has a special category for them. I don't recall seeing factory refurbished FTns or F2s.

 

[CLICKBANGBANG]

I've never needed to use Vortex' infamous warranty... But I've never owned a Vortex either.

 

[rookhawk]

I find the love of vortex to be a bit obsessive. I've never owned one. I examined one of their 6-24x target scopes and found it wanting.

All that said, the fact that the cabelas bargain cave perpetually has DOZENS of refurbs back from vortex offered for sale at all times is deeply troubling.

Compare to say camera land NY, the nations largest Swarovski and Leica scope dealer. About every 24 months they will have 3-4 refurbished scopes offered for sale as they will buy all of them offered by the manufacturer.

The inference is that vortex needs the warranty and Swarovski offers a vestigial warranty.

 

[JGRaider]

When considering Vortex, there's always something better for the same or less money, and it seems that if you do buy one you will for sure be using their warranty service. If you want to find one on sale, just wait...CLNY seems to have a demo/refurb/special sale on Vortex stuff about twice a month.

Leupold wrote the book on customer service, and others have followed, while some are clueless in this arena.

 

[sierraone]

I find the love of vortex to be a bit obsessive. I've never owned one. I examined one of their 6-24x target scopes and found it wanting.

All that said, the fact that the cabelas bargain cave perpetually has DOZENS of refurbs back from vortex offered for sale at all times is deeply troubling.

Compare to say camera land NY, the nations largest Swarovski and Leica scope dealer. About every 24 months they will have 3-4 refurbished scopes offered for sale as they will buy all of them offered by the manufacturer.

The inference is that vortex needs the warranty and Swarovski offers a vestigial warranty.

Be careful now RH, you are comparing apples and oranges, and you know that!!!

 

[Ray B]

Swarovski offers a vestigial warranty.

Does that sort of warranty mean they provide protection or is it post contact medical treatment?

 

[mdwest]

If youre into Vortex.. or hunting, fishing, and the outdoors in general... you might want to check these guys out..

https://www.experticity.com/

Just about everyone on this board qualifies in one way or another to use their site/service...

Get registered.. then take a quick (15 minute?) class on a brand/product.. take a short quiz to prove you paid attention (usually 10 questions or less).. and get pretty significant discounts on gear...

Vortex offers 40% off MSRP through experticity..

Other companies affiliated with experticity include:

Zeiss
Savage Arms
Spyderco
First Lite
RCBS
Trijicon
Steiner

and a ton more...

why buy refurb.. when you can buy new, from the manufacturer, with full warranty, for the same price?

For example...

Zeiss Terra 3-9x with RZ6 reticle @ Cabelas = $359
same thing @ experticity = $269

Zeiss Conquest 3-15x with RZ800 reticle @ Cabelas = $1149
same thing @ experticity = $862

 

[mdwest]

Interesting notion. Factory warranty is retained with those listed, at least. But I agree, I'd rather not have to use the warranty

this is Vortex policy...

lifetime, fully transferable, no questions asked warranty.. if you own the product and something goes wrong.. it doesnt matter why it went wrong or if you are the first owner or the 12th.. they fix or replace...

the only exception is loss or theft.. otherwise youre good to go.. no receipt needed.. no proof of ownership needed.. doesnt matter if you bought it in a retail store or in a yard sale.. you are covered..

 

[Rob404]

Iv'e sent back two Vortex for warranty one was repaired One was replaced no Hassle, Iv'e also sent back a Nikon for warranty again no Hassle, I have no complaints with either company and I'm aware that these are not 1000.00 dollar scopes and you get what you pay for, but I'm not about to spend a 1000.00 for a rifle Iv'e only got 4-5 hundred dollars invested in, The few High priced rifles I own all have better glass on them

 

[rookhawk]

Be careful now RH, you are comparing apples and oranges, and you know that!!!

True, sorta.

When I think of $300 vortex I then select $300 used Schmidt and Bender / Zeiss fixed power instead.

When I think $600 vortex I then select used like new or dealer sample open box Swarovski instead.

Whatever my budget is, I find something else I think is a better value. I see so many returns and refurbished vortex specifically that they are not for me, even if I was satisfied with the glass which I'm not.

 

[RolandtheHeadless]

Anyone know where Vortex glass is made?

 

[mdwest]

Their lowest end line in China. Their highest end line in Japan. Most of their middle lines in the Philippines.