I used both models of geovids for years. I have not used the newest HD-b's. frankly the geovid glass was nothing to get particularly excited about. comparing it to the victory isn't accurate. I would say even the old first generation EL's were better. probably comparable to trinovids from 12 years ago. YES having lesser glass with a RF is still way worth it though.
if your looking on the used market there is a step up from the geovid to the geovid HD's. the RF function is about the same between those 2. basically plan on ranging to 800 ish on big game size animals. that will probably take several tries to get that BTW. Yes it can range further in certain conditions. you may need several tries to pull a range on big game animals over 500 yards.
Sounds like you had/have defective geovids...abused maybe?
I have two pair, 8x42 HD and 10x42 HD and they are stellar to 1300 yards on even small targets.
I've owned the Zeiss 10X45 rf, the EL range Swaro, and the Leica...all three at the same time.
Time and time again the Geovid proved to be the best all around performer.
The Zeiss were my faves ergonomically but didn't view as well as the flourite-lensed Leicas.
The Swaro's viewed beautifully, but were anchors weight-wise with undependable up-close range capabilities.
