Bushnell Forge 15x56 vs Vortex Diamondback HD 15x56

[LJT88]

Are the forge 15x binos worth the $200 more than the DB 15x? Anyone have experience with either one....or both of them?

Thank you!

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Also look at the Bushnell 15x56 & Athlon Cronus 15x56

 

[IamJoHo]

Also look at the Bushnell 15x56 & Athlon Cronus 15x56

Look good but double the price or more.

 

[Radar20]

Are the forge 15x binos worth the $200 more than the DB 15x? Anyone have experience with either one....or both of them?

Thank you!

Where are finding the Forge’s for $550? I’ve only seen them for around $800..

From what I’ve seen, the Diamondback’s are $350 and Forge are $800

 

[LJT88]

There are some used forges that go for $500-$550

 

[Radar20]

There are some used forges that go for $500-$550

I’m with ya. Wasn’t thinking about used or Mil discount. I was hoping you had the hookup you could share with me.

 

[665.0coupe]

There are some used forges that go for $500-$550

That's how much I paid for my used forges.

 

[LJT88]

That's how much I paid for my used forges.

And how do you like them? Are they the 15x56?

 

[665.0coupe]

And how do you like them? Are they the 15x56?

Yeah, mine are the 15x56's. I like them. When I was looking it was between the Forge and Swaro. I looked through both a couple of times and decided the Forge were good enough for me. Then I used them for a couple of matches and wished I had saved up for the Swaro's. I stood shoulder to shoulder with guys spotting with Swaro's and they could see trace that I couldn't. I also began to notice that the edge clarity was not near as good. This became apparent when I could get multiple targets in the field of view but to do so meant all the targets were on the edge. The best clarity of my Forges is right in the middle.

I have never looked through the diamond back 15x56, but I would imagine that for only $350 they are not going to be as good as the Forge. I think it depends on your intended usage. All day spotting and looking for trace? Get the best you can afford or save up a little more and get better than you think you need. Buy once cry once. If you are using them a couple times a year for hunting and looking for animals at mid-ranges? I would say the diamond backs would suit you fine.

 

[LJT88]

Thank you for the feedback

 

[drwood96]

You’ll definitely want the Forge between those two. They punch above their price. The only down side is their size as they are larger then most 15x I’ve handled.

 

[demolitionman]

Bump thread to see if anyone has compared the 15x Forge to the 15x Diamondback Hd.

 

[drwood96]

Bump thread to see if anyone has compared the 15x Forge to the 15x Diamondback Hd.

You’ll want the Forge over the Diamondbacks

 

[MakeSawdust]

I bought the 15x Forge as I could not afford the Swaros. Later, I had the fastest clean on the prs barricade at a local rimfire match and won the Diamondback HDs. Vortex is a great supporter of our sport, but my Diamondback HD will be used by my kids to spectate at centerfire matches. There is no comparison. You have to spend real money to get into the better vortex offerings.

I don't know if I just got a good pair or what, but my Forge hold there own. The ONLY binos I have been behind where I can see more are the swaros. It is pretty rare where I can see something with the swaros that I can't see with the forges.

There is definitely a difference, but if the swaros are a big stretch financially, the forges are pretty good. If it is not a big deal financially, I would spring for the swaros.