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Been looking at getting some Maven binoculars. The 11 x 45's or maybe the 10X42. My DIL has some and I thought they were up there with some of the better mid range ones. I have some 8X32 Swaro's but they just don't cut it for long range glassing like we deal with in neck of the woods. Tried some Vortex UHD's but their price point was a bit high.
They get pretty good reviews with great customer service, and I hear they are American owned by veterans. They import Japanese glass, and they are built in San Diego.
Anyone in the BS community use them or have them?
Jim, I compared the Maven and Vortex HD (not UHD) in 10x50 earlier this year. The Maven had slightly less glare, but I thought the Vortex were slightly better mainly with detail when looking into shadows. I purchased the Vortex.
Maven has a demo program. You purchase them, try them for a week, and either keep them or send them back for a refund less shipping. That is what I did, and I was happy with the process. I recommend you try them through the demo program.
A few months afterward I came across and was able to try the Tract 10x42 binos. I was impressed and may have purchased them over the Maven and the Vortex had I not already made my decision and purchased the Vortex. I think if the Tract go on sale I may get them.
Have heard good reports as well
I have Maven 10X50. I can't remember the model but they are perfect for what I do. I am not sitting on a ridge glassing for hours so they do exactly what I need them to do.
I liked the Mavens, Japanese lenses if Im not mistaken- damn good….and they typically offer a good discount at the shows.
I ended up with the Vortex UHD 18’s for the extra magnification. I have compared the UHD to Swaro15 and Meopta 15….the image is a tiny bit better - less glare- with those 2 that are practically identical…but the UHD is right there….AND the extra 3 power makes a big difference.
I think you would be happy with the Mavens in 10x. Compare them to the Kowas in the same price range- excellent.
I have never got a chance to compare them on the mountain with others.
My Maven 10x42 B1.2 are so close in performance to my Swaro 10x42 EL in a variety of conditions over the past couple years I've owned both that I wonder if it's only psychological that I very slightly prefer the EL at times. Add the unconditional warranty to the Mavens and it's enough for me to be comfortable recommending the Maven for any hunting situation.
Ron....excellent idea. I need to look into that try-before-you-buy program. I do like the Vortex glass. I have a couple of the rifle scopes and the glass is great. Hate the shim stop though. I will look at the Tract binos. I have never heard of them before.
Thanks for the input guys. Been using my wifes Nikon Monarchs and they are just a no-go. Falling back to the 8X32s but would prefer some 10 power glass. When your glassing out a couple of thousand yards or more, every little bit helps.
Mavens for me. Binos and spotter both. No reason to pay more. Great glass.
I'll add I preferred the Maven over Vortex Razor HD.
I noticed Mavens spotting scope is what the Olympic Archers coaches used for spotting arrow scores...
I've had my Maven B1.2 10x42s for a couple years now. Great binos for a good price. Spent over an hour last summer comparing them to my dad's Swarovski 10x42 EL's while sitting on the deck at the lake. By the time we were done neither of us could say one pair was better than the other.
I looked through some B1 Mavens at the TAC shoot @ 7springs and I was really impressed. However I will also say that I haven't looked through much high-end glass, but they where better than my Vortex Talon Binos and the other Leupolds I've looked at.
I went to a big sports show and got a chance to look through many binos in the same room, same light testing. Settled on the Maven B1.2 8x42 without hesitation
If I was looking for a mid priced set, as I said above, I would look at the Mavens, Kowa and Meopta.
Those all have Japanese lenses which are excellent. Maven uses the strategy of a plastic body with good lenses- which makes them lighter than the others with an aluminum or magnesium frame.
I don’t know anyone that intentionally bangs their expensive binos around ….except a buddy that woke up on a hillside we were glassing with his binos laying on his chest without the strap on and sent his Swaro SLCs cartwheeling down the mountain. In fact it took us an hour just to find them. Those were just knocked out of alignment and Swaro fixed them free.
I think if you take reasonable care, the plastic ( or whatever they call it) frame on the Mavens would be fine for decades.
Ordered up the Maven B6's in 10X50. Wanted something multipurpose. If they're a go, I'll get a tripod adapter for them so I can use them with that or a mono pole/walking stick to take care of the longer glass times with a bit more weight. I don't do much long range back packing anymore, but do glass for extended periods. Will report back next week after I take them out with my son and grandson.
