I got to the local Sportsman's Warehouse today to check out the 6x32 Katmais. I had called earlier to verify they were in stock so I was a little irritated that they had only the 8x, not the 6x. Since I was there I spent some time trying out several different pairs of various brands. I started out with the Swaro EL8x32 and Ultravid 8x20 as references, plus I had my 8x28 Vortex Hurricanes with me. The Bushnell Excursion EX 7x36 were a bit of a disappointment - not as bright as I had hoped and not super sharp. Also uninspiring (for the price) were the new Monarchs in 8x36 (although they were light). I did enjoy the little 8x20 Swaro pockets (not bad in the not-too-well-lit store interior, similar to the Ultravids), but they're still pricey and I was interested in something with a slightly bigger exit pupil. The 8x32 Katmais were a great size, and seemed comfortable to use, so I will track down a pair of the 6x to try. Optically they seemed very good: bright and relatively sharp (sharper than the Hurricanes, but not alpha (or good porro) sharp). The biggest surprises were a pair of $139 8x32 Brunton Echos (they seemed as good (maybe better) than the Monarch 8x36 at twice the price), and were fairly light, although not particularly small, and the first pair of Bushnell Custom Compact Elites I've tried (7x26 reverse porros). These last ones were pretty amazing, with optical performance rivaling the Swaro Pockets and Ultravids at less than half the price, and they seemed brighter. Just to be fair I compared them to a couple other pairs of RPs (incl. the Nikon Prostaff), which they put to shame (they also clearly beat my Hurricanes in every way). Although they are heavier and bulkier than the Pockets or Ultravids, they are still very "jacket pocketable" and seemed easier to hang onto. Definitely a whole size step down from any of the 32 or 36mm bins I tried. I think I hear my credit card squeaking at my from my wallet..... 
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