Poll - Trying to get some numbers on Swarovski rubber armour issues. (1 Viewer)

[Birdister]

If Swarovski guaranteed a swift return (two weeks?) and a thorough cleaning, I would not be particularly bothered. I say this as someone who has a 8x42 NL Pure and an 8x25 CL Pocket where the armour is fine but starting to go ever-so-slightly funny. The main thing for me is the delay.

Interestingly it was the use of sun cream which made the armour on my NL Pure start to feel a bit tacky.

 

[tenex]

A more durable version is currently being researched and should be ready in 2025. A modified formulation is already available for new models.

Weirdly interesting... a two-stage process, with transitional armor already available and the final version next year? One can see how that could spawn conflicting rumors, while complicating the prospect of a public statement. I wish their sales figures were public.

 

[forent]

Weirdly interesting... a two-stage process, with transitional armor already available and the final version next year? One can see how that could spawn conflicting rumors, while complicating the prospect of a public statement. I wish their sales figures were public.

Sorry, I expressed myself imprecisely! The first sentence refers to the CL Pocket models, the second to other Swaros (NL? I don't know, I didn't ask that).

I can't imagine that there will be different armour materials, but that's just my guess!
My second guess is that these binoculars are produced in separate batches over time and changes can only be incorporated into the production process once the old batch has been released and supplies are being produced.

 

[Hermann]

Rumour, counter rumour and endless speculation, but the facts remain a mystery.

Only too true. Reading the latest replies to this thread I can only conclude that the way Swarovski handled this whole business was an unmitigated public relations disaster.

Hermann

 

[jan van daalen]

Have spoken with Swarovski and got confirmed that since july all new production and all armor replacements have the new formula.
I have seen it already and indeed it feels different.
Disaster or no disaster, it is what it is.

Jan

 

[Bentley03]

Have spoken with Swarovski and got confirmed that since july all new production and all armor replacements have the new formula.
I have seen it already and indeed it feels different.
Disaster or no disaster, it is what it is.

Jan

Thank you Jan, now we know. End of rumours and speculation, finally!

 

[tenex]

So what armor then according to these two(!) sources will only be "ready in 2025"? Was that the original schedule, and they're unaware that it appeared sooner? Or does one guy think a new batch of CLs won't be produced until then? In any case there may be little point to further such inquiries, when so many people we imagine should know what's going on may not. (Though it's not quite as bad as at Meopta...)

 

[guylmonty]

I bought my NL Pure in 2023. Now, I do use binoculars all day, every day, and in some pretty heavy bush. But I was amazed how quickly the armor was getting scratched and nicked up. Today a huge tear opened up along one side. Not amused, given what these binoculars cost.

 

[CharleyBird]

I bought my NL Pure in 2023. Now, I do use binoculars all day, every day, and in some pretty heavy bush. But I was amazed how quickly the armor was getting scratched and nicked up. Today a huge tear opened up along one side. Not amused, given what these binoculars cost. View attachment 1597337

😲
Heavy bush?
How do you carry your binoculars?

 

[dorubird]

I bought my NL Pure in 2023. Now, I do use binoculars all day, every day, and in some pretty heavy bush. But I was amazed how quickly the armor was getting scratched and nicked up. Today a huge tear opened up along one side. Not amused, given what these binoculars cost. View attachment 1597337

Only if I were harsh with you, I would have told you that it is your fault that you use it the wrong way. I would also have told you that my Swarovski binoculars have the perfect armor and that this whole story with the armor is a malicious denigration against Swarovski. But no! I feel sorry for you!
The truth is that the Swarovski biodegradable armor is the worst armor I've ever seen on any binoculars (including the 10 euro ones). What hurts the consumer the most is precisely the large discrepancy between the exorbitant price and the very poor quality of the finishes offered in such binoculars. I know, this sticky armor will be exchanged by Swarovski for free. But if you use it professionally, these armors quickly disintegrate again. ThIs Swaro bino are made to protect them like a small child's cheek. It's ridiculous! Others are upset that these things are said, but it is our right as consumers to present things as they are. Here it seems that we are talking about 30 euro binoculars, but unfortunately they cost 100 times more. These enormous prices were supposed to be a guarantor of quality, but we can see the reality in the pictures and incidence..

 

[guylmonty]

😲
Heavy bush?
How do you carry your binoculars?

Shoulder harness.

 

[Scott98]

Shoulder harness.

Every day all day in BC Canada...you sound like a lucky guy - what are you doing out there? Are you a pro guide? Just curious.

 

[Avocet3]

Me and my wife have EL SW 8.5 x 42s each, purchased new in 2013. No problem with the armour, focus wheel or hinges. Use them three or four times a week outside in the UK. Keep them clean and don’t get them covered in any lotion or sprays if that helps?

 

[Ouroboros]

Me and my wife have EL SW 8.5 x 42s each, purchased new in 2013. No problem with the armour, focus wheel or hinges. Use them three or four times a week outside in the UK. Keep them clean and don’t get them covered in any lotion or sprays if that helps?

Forgive me if I'm misinformed, but I believe the armor formula was changed post 2015 so your 2103 ELs would not be affected.

 

[Avocet3]

Forgive me if I'm misinformed, but I believe the armor formula was changed post 2015 so your 2103 ELs would not be affected.

That’s good to know then.

They are fantastic binoculars even after 11 years of use. We recently tried some NL Pure 8 x 42 and 10 x 42s for a good few hours at an RSPB reserve near to us. They were superb, but maybe not £3k better! Even after a very generous trade in on our ELs…

 

[Ouroboros]

That’s good to know then.

They are fantastic binoculars even after 11 years of use. We recently tried some NL Pure 8 x 42 and 10 x 42s for a good few hours at an RSPB reserve near to us. They were superb, but maybe not £3k better! Even after a very generous trade in on our ELs…

Yes I have a pair of GPO Passion HDs now that I'm very happy with but I wanted to treat myself with an EL but I've been put off for now because of the armor issues. Hoping that it's resolved in 2025 and I'll order a pair then. They MIGHT be fixed from July of this year forward but I don't know if you can get month of manufacture off the serial, only year.

 

[mekidear]

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot

Surely bio-degradable plastics are for single use and short lived items, using the stuff on a product that should last a lifetime is bonkers!

 

[Lulu007]

There are a few threads going on about the problems with Swarovski's biodegradable armour. I just wanted to know how many are actually having problems with it.

Please post a photo of your binoculars if they are splitting/peeling /cracking, particularly the NL owners because so far I have only seen evidence of the ELs.

 

[Lulu007]

There are a few threads going on about the problems with Swarovski's biodegradable armour. I just wanted to know how many are actually having problems with it.

Please post a photo of your binoculars if they are splitting/peeling /cracking, particularly the NL owners because so far I have only seen evidence of the ELs.

My whole bino bought in 2014 is falling apart. Rubbish and I lost all respect for Swarovski!

 

[Scott98]

My whole bino bought in 2014 is falling apart. Rubbish and I lost all respect for Swarovski!

The whole bino? It looks like it's just the outer covering. Send it back to them and they'll re-do it.

It will be a lot cleaner when they return it as well