SLC vs Razor

Swarovski SLC vs Vortex Razor HD

SLC vs Razor
Is it worth spending the extra money for the Swarovski SLC binoculars over the Vortex Razors HD’s? I’ve wondered this myself. After reading as much info as I could get my hands on, it seemed like there were so many opinions out there that I needed to do a comparative analysis myself to decide. I picked up a pair of both binoculars in the 10x42’s and started testing. For reference, my sole purpose for these binoculars is hunting out west, so this analysis comes from a western hunter’s mindset. Also of note is that I’m not endorsed or a part of either brand….I paid for both of these binoculars. There are many things to consider when making a choice on binoculars, and I realize that each hunter’s eyes, preferences, usage etc. will be different. So, I hope this will help you make your own decision. I realize there are many other pairs of binoculars that could be included in this review, but for me, I had narrowed it down to these two because of their reputation for great products and great customer service. These are both fantastic pairs of binoculars with amazing glass.Exterior Features
Look: At first glance, I preferred the look of the Razors. To my eye, they appear more modern with two tone armor coating. Also, I instantly noticed that the Razors appeared to have a more slim design. That said, the SLC’s have a very distinct look, and are quickly recognized by most optic enthusiasts. I’ll give the Razors the edge in the appearance department….granted that is very much a personal preference. Feel: Picking up both pairs, I noticed that the Razor’s felt lighter while the SLC’s felt a bit heavier and more bulky. The SLC’s, while slightly shorter in height, but fit my hand a little better. I wear a size XL in gloves, so the bulkier aspect of SLC’s was more comfortable for me to hold. The SLC’s featured soft rubber armor, while the Razors featured a non-slip rubber armor that felt more firm to the touch.



Feature | Vortex Razor HD | Swarovski SLC |
Weight | 24.8oz | 27oz |
Dimensions | 5.9in x5.1in | 5.7in x 4.7in |
Armor Coating | Rubber(firm) | Rubber(Soft) |
Eye Cups | Twist up | Twist up |
Diopter | Locking – Below Right Eye Cup | Locking – Focus Wheel |
Focus Wheel | Stiff, smooth, fast focus | Free, slower focus, grainy |
Tripod Mountable | Yes | Yes |
Field of View | 362ft/1000yds | 330ft/1000yds |


Customer Service/Warranty
The Vortex VIP Lifetime, No Fault, fully transferable warranty is fast and efficient…it’s the real deal. Their customer service is top notch and they go out of their way to earn your business. Swarovski’s Lifetime Warranty is also very good, and is transferable to a second buyer by the seller calling to terminate their warranty registration (if purchased used). Swarovski’s warranty is not “No Fault”, so if you happened to break your optics, you could be facing a repair bill (though they only charge for the cost of the part, not labor). Swarovski’s customer service is also very good, but their turnaround time for repairs tends to be longer than Vortex. The winner in the category is Vortex.