Introduction:
Vortex Viper PST generation 1 riflescopes series has been on the market for the past 6, 7 years. Undoubtedly the best selling and the most favoured among Vortex tactical riflescopes, The Viper PST series has been without competition amid models with MIL/MIL configuration. At a reasonable cost of around 1000 €, they have provided the user with nearly all the features of tactical riflescopes of the highest quality class. This series has been renowned for offering the most affordable riflescopes with the reticle in the first focal plane on the market. For the sake of their extraordinary design and features, they have been copied by many other manufacturers. Gen 2 does not fall short of the quality of its distinguished predecessor – by improving some key features, Vortex has made sure that this series remains a benchmark. Gen 1 is to be withdrawn from the production shortly – the complete substitution of Gen 1 with Gen 2 is expected to happen in mid-2017.
Model range:
At the moment, Gen 2 offers a considerably narrower range of models than Gen 1; however, more models are expected to be available in the future. Presently, these are the models available:
-
1–6×24 (wide-angle field of view)
-
2–10×32 FFP
-
3–15×44 (middle range)
-
3–15×44 FFP (middle range)
-
5–25×50 (long range)
-
5–25×50 FFP (long range)
New features:
Vortex Viper PST gen 2 series riflescopes come with an improved zoom (5x zoom factor instead of gen 1’s 4x zoom factor) – the model with a wide-angle range of view even has a 6x zoom factor. Vortex enthusiasts will be intrigued by its enhanced, accurate Zero Stop feature, which no longer requires shims to be handled. Gen 2 is equipped with XD (extra-low dispersion) glass, which contributes to a better resolution and sharper images. Edge sharpness is far better than on the previous models and so is the illumination system with a much brighter red dot. PST gen II’s illumination system is powered by an optical fiber integrated into the reticle, which is currently the best illumination technology on the market. There is no tunnel effect at any of the magnifications. A sunshade is also included in the package.
First impressions:
Gen 2 is a huge step forward regarding turrets – they are substantially better than those integrated in Vortex Viper PST Gen 1 riflescopes. The Zero Stop feature has finally been perfected. We were impressed by the models with open turrets which offer crisp and audible clicks but somewhat disappointed by the models with capped turrets since they are difficult to rotate and have less audible clicks. Gen 2’s aesthetic and optical qualities are also on a considerably higher quality level.
Conclusion:
Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 series riflescopes are a superb upgrade to an already great PST Gen 1 series, and that is why we are convinced that they will be highly popular and sold in great numbers. Vortex’s formula for success – Gen 1 was sold in massive numbers – was taken to the next level. Gen 2 series riflescopes will be around 10 % more expensive than Gen 1 models, but since they are so much better, the price is reasonable.
