Swarovski X5 What has changed from the Z5? If anyone has experience with both is the X5 worth the additional $$$?

The X5 is a completely new optic engineered from the ground up. Based around a new erector system that that is supposed to be extremely reliable in tracking and hold up to punishment. Also it has a zero stop and you can get multiple revolutions of up adjustment versus one revolution with the z5 and ballistic turret.

Do you have hands on experience with it? What do you think about the illuminated?

I saw one, but I did not handle it in a shop. I went to pick up a NSX and it was out of stock. The salesman showed me the Z5 as a possible substitute. Naturally the Z5 had impressive glass. The X5 looked like a bigger frame Nightforce. I did not even look at it because I am not mentally prepared to spend 3500 on a scope.

Yeah we had a bunch of swaro employees and some of their dealers in camp this year. They brought lots of them and even lent us guides a couple to use for the week. I was pretty busy guiding and didn't get to shoot a whole lot that week, but it was a nice optic for sure. I got to zero a couple and set the zero stops. Put some shots on steel at 440 and 680. The scope tracked well and matched the dope used with the nightforce that came off the gun right before installing the X5.

Glass is awesome as should be expected. Only minor complaint is the zero stop process has quite a few steps, but it works really well and after you do it once is no big deal.

The X5 looked great, went with the Z5 because of price. I have always had great vision with my other Z5s so just could not see putting twice as much for something that wasn't broke to begin with.

"Glass", isn't the difference.

SWFA has a variable scope that runs about $600 and tracks perfectly. Now we're hoping that Swarovski can do the same for $3500.

OK, Formidilosus, I grant you are correct but I can't justify the twice the price tag. That is why they still sell the Z5 along with the X5.

For those who can justify it, I don't quarrel but a pile of dead deer and a few dead elk say I should go with what works at a price point that hurts but I can live with.