For those interested, the latest information from Leupold is mid-2013 for new Gold Ring binoculars.
Any more info than that (I am a happy owner if the 8x32 GR HD) :t:
I like the weight and feel. They have same "security" feeling as my Leica 10x42 BA.
do you have the 8x32 model?
If the Loopys have suitably positioned thumb indents, [/QUOTE
Yes, they do have indents.
When mine came out, (2-3 years ago?) the MSRP on them was a little over $1400 U.S.D. At that time, that was close to Tetonic Trinity pricing. Most of them went into hunter's hands, ], the rest got deep cut saled. Mine cost $400 U.S.D.; and came with a axtually usable case, neck strap and harness, and some kind of Boone & Crocket trophy ungulate corpse measurement kit. Gave that to a colleague who hunts, and he seemed to think it was a neat thing.
So my prediction for the 2013 model:
Brown and made totally in Japan, or assembled in the U.S. with Chinese optics.
I do not think they will try to break through the Perceived Alpha gate again.
My only problem (other than not picking up a 10x42 pair of the same the next day) is, do I have a true collectable? The last U.S. manufactured binocular? If so, do i box them, despite their excellence? :-C
They are my winter "SE". The recently aquired Vortex Viper HD 8x32 may make an ok SE wet/cold sub though....
Jay....Sorry for the "take pause" advice offered earlier. I didn't know you are far more versed than I on the subject. I look forward to your future posts.
If the Loopys have suitably positioned thumb indents, [/QUOTE
Yes, they do have indents.
When mine came out, (2-3 years ago?) the MSRP on them was a little over $1400 U.S.D. At that time, that was close to Tetonic Trinity pricing. Most of them went into hunter's hands, ], the rest got deep cut saled. Mine cost $400 U.S.D.; and came with a axtually usable case, neck strap and harness, and some kind of Boone & Crocket trophy ungulate corpse measurement kit. Gave that to a colleague who hunts, and he seemed to think it was a neat thing.
So my prediction for the 2013 model:
Brown and made totally in Japan, or assembled in the U.S. with Chinese optics.
I do not think they will try to break through the Perceived Alpha gate again.
My only problem (other than not picking up a 10x42 pair of the same the next day) is, do I have a true collectable? The last U.S. manufactured binocular? If so, do i box them, despite their excellence? :-C
They are my winter "SE". The recently aquired Vortex Viper HD 8x32 may make an ok SE wet/cold sub though....
J.
With the mild winter we had this past year, I didn't need a "winter SE" for a change.
I read that the Kruger Kalahari was manufactured in the US. Not sure if that's true or just a rumor. Better check before you pack your GR HD's away.
Perhaps once the new Gold Rings come out next year, GR HD owners will be selling their old ones on the bay, and I can finally see what all the buzz is about. Still not sure about the "shallow depth" in the 8x32 model, though. I might opt for the 8x42 and eats me spinach.
B.