Rifles have undergone a lot of transformation from the days they were solely used in the battleground. Technological advancements have led to scopes with better glasses that enable you to see in a variety of conditions
Choosing the right riflescope is something most pro-hunters and novice suffer from. The problem lies in the number of scope brands in the market. Technological advancements have led to development of more efficient scopes hence increasing the choices available. The right scope ensures you do not miss your shots during hunts.
Leupold is a brand that has built a solid customer base over the years. The company offers scopes ranging from a variety of magnification settings and this increases their demand among consumers. In this regard, we have the Vx3i and the VX freedom and in this review we tell you which is the most ideal for your rifle.
What are the differences between the Vx3i and VX-freedom?
Specifications |
Vx3i |
VX-freedom |
Magnification |
4.5-14X ( you get the option to choose from 7 reticle patterns which offers the user great choices) |
3-9X (the freedom comes with a rear focal plane that does not obstruct cover even under high power) |
Objective lens diameter |
40mm |
40mm |
Eye Relief |
4” |
4.17-3.66” |
Field of view |
29.9 -11 feet/100 yards |
33.7’ -13.6’ feet/100 yards |
Length |
12.6” |
12.39” |
Weight |
13 oz. |
12.2 oz. |
Availability |
Vx3i vs. VX-freedom – How do they differ?
Design
The VX3i comes with slightly better lenses and coatings than the VX-freedom. It is lighter than the VX-freedom and you get a variety of magnification ranges. VX-freedom scopes come with Leupold twilight light management system. The system consists of various coatings that reduce glare and enhance light transmission. The VX3i comes with a better lighting system called the Twilight Max system. This makes the VX3i lighting system better than the VX freedom.
Reticles
The VX freedom is available in different magnification ranges from the 1.5-4X20, 2-7X33, 3-9X40, 3-9X50, and 4-12X40mm. All the scopes come with Second focal plane reticles that means even when you dial the magnification up or down the reticle remains the same size. Some later Leupold added a 3-9X33mm scope with extended focus range. The fine duplex reticle in the scope is ideal for airguns and rimfires. This has made the Leupold VX freedom a high performance rifle. The lens come with some special coating that make the scope appear a certain color depending on the lighting conditions. We loved the performance on the Leupold VX freedom over the Vx3i.
Performance
One great benefit of getting a Leupold scope is you get the option for CDS. This means you can customize your turrets to fit your situation. The Vx3i 30mm comes with a whopping 113 MOA adjustment for elevation. This makes the riflescope ideal for long range shooting. Both scopes come with Leupold proprietary twilight Light management system that adds some coatings to the scope to reduce glare and for maximum light transmission. To help keep costs to the scope down, the VX freedom comes with a fixed parallax. On performance the Vx3i is better than the VX freedom.
Vx3i vs. VX-freedom – A comparison Overview
Vx3i – Overview
- Model #170704 - VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm with Duplex reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- DiamondCoat 2 - Ion-assist lens coating for higher light transmission and the greatest level of abrasion...
- Precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation offer absolute repeatability and...
The Leupold VX3i brightness and clarity is better due to its use of Twilight Max light management system. You will have them available in various magnifications: 3.5-10X, 4.5-14 X and 6.5-20 X. You also have various configurations like 40mm or 50mm objective lens, side focus knobs, 1 inch or 30mm tube configurations. The VX3i gives you different reticle options: CDS, wind plex or side focus. If you are planning on doing some long range shooting, then the VX3i 113 MOA elevation adjustment will come in handy.
You can create a custom turret through Leupold CDS system. With the system you will need to supply the company with information like muzzle velocity, bullet type/brand, elevation or ballistic coefficient. When you have a custom CDS turret then you can make shots beyond 600 yards. You will also find wind-plex reticle quite handful. From the center of the reticle the scope will have 10 MOAs in each directions. The VX3i also comes with second focal plane (SFP).
The seals on the Vx3i have been tested on 33 foot depths to ensure that the proprietary gas blend seals handle well no matter the conditions. Leupold have made it their duty to test their scopes thoroughly and they are created to endure minimum of 5,000 impacts on the punisher. The scopes can also perform at extreme temperatures of -40 to 160 degrees.
Pros
- Precision ¼ MOA finger click adjustments
- Made from aircraft grade aluminum construction
- Diamond coat 2 for maximum light transmission
- Fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof
- Easy to use duplex reticle
- Twilight maximum light management system
Cons
- A bit pricier
VX-freedom – Overview
The Leupold VX-Freedomwas designed as a replacement to the VX-1 and VX-2. Leupold unveiled it in 2018. The scope costs the same as the VX-1 but the glass is like that of the VX-2. The reticle is a second focal plane and the tube is 1-inch in diameter.
You can get the Leupold VX-freedom in various magnification ranges: 1.5-4X20, 2-7X33, 3-9X40, 3-9×50 and the 4-12X40. You also have the scope in various reticle options: Pig-Plex, Duplex, Tri-MOA, and Rimfire MOA.
You can get the VX-freedom in a variety of objective lens diameters depending on magnification: 20mm, 28mm, 33mm, 40mm and 50mm. The scope field of view is 4.17 to 3.66 for the 3-9X magnification. The VX-freedom is made from a one piece 6061-T anodized aluminum tube. The tubes are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof.
All the VX-freedom scopes come with Leupold Twilight Light Management systems. In this case, you have the scope coming with various lens coatings that help reduce glare and maximize light transmission. The higher priced VX-freedom scopes like the 3-10X40 come with the Twilight Max. This gives you a slightly better resolution that the others.
Pros
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Twilight max light management system
- Made from high grade aluminum that makes it very strong
- Shockproof, fog-proof and weatherproof
- 3:1 zoom is ideal for a variety of hunting conditions
Cons
- Lacks a parallax adjustment button
Verdict: So, Which is better – Vx3i vs. VX-freedom?
Our winner is the Leupold Vx3i. We were impressed with the scopes glass clarity that features the proprietary twilight max light management system. You also get a variety of reticle options from wind plex to one with a side focus. The 30mm tube from the VX3i is capable of 113 MOA for the elevation adjustment which is simply amazing. You also get the option of free custom turrets on both scopes.
FAQ
Do you think the Leupold Vx3i is a great scope for long range shooting?
Based on magnification and the wide range of reticle options the Vx3i is a the right scope for shooting beyond 600 yards. It also comes with a large 40mm tube and the twilight max system ensures you get good light transmission even in low light conditions.
Why does the VX freedom lens change color all the time?
The VX freedom lens has some coating blend that make the scope appear a certain color depending on the weather conditions. It is not a film as many people think but a special coating.
