...I love the glass, slim lines and light weight of the new Z3...just looked at several tonight @ Gander Mountain. My only complaint is the reticles in the models I was testing was very, very thin (BRX). Has this been a common complaint from other reviews? I am wondering if they make a heavy plex or something similar that would be more defined in heavy cover...if not, it's not hard to imagine that being an issue unless hunting in the open plains -

4A.

Are the plex reticles the same in the AV's and Z3's?

No. Av's are heavier.

Plex & BRX (superfine reticle's, not good for hunting IMO)

4a,7a,BRH (little heavier/darker. I have all 3 reticles)

Check out SWFA web-site, they have excellent photo's showing the difference between Swarovski reticle's.

The duplex reticles are a bit light on the Z5's also. I have a 6500 Bushnell Elite with the same thickness reticle. I like both scopes expect for reticles being too fine. The duplex is all that is offered with the BT turret with the Swaro's.

DF

One of the reasons I don't like the Z6 is that the 4A reticule doesn't appear to be as bold/heavy as the 4A in my PH...Might be an illusion based on the reticules being in a different focal plane, but I much prefer 4A in the older PH and Nova ranges..

They indeed are more skinny---hope it ain't a trend.

That was my biggest complaint when I checked out a z3 recently. That crosshair was too thin...great for paper maybe. In their defense, the store only had one reticle type in stock.

...just went to Bass Pro Headqtrs tonight in Springfield and looked at all of em. As much as I love the Swaro glass, slim design and weight, that d@mn reticle did em in. Going with Conquest on Sako .270WSM and the VX3 2.5-8 on the .7mm-08 mountain rifle. Swaro has really screwed themselves with these frog hair reticles imo -

Yep

Seriously??? I just ordered a Z3 36mm am i going to hate it?

...Soapy, it is an awesome scope, glass quality is incredible all the way around and I'm sure you will love it. Having said that, the reticles are just extremely thin for my particular liking (hunting in heavy timber and thick cover). If hunting in open country or shooting paper I would imagine it is a non-issue for most folks. Beautiful scope, just plain intoxicating in quality, scale, shape and weight. Almost bought it anyway and have a heavier reticle put in it but couldn't justify the $$$ for that extreme.

Again, I have Z3 and Z6 Swaro's, just get the 4a,7a, or the BRH reticles and you will be good to go.

UncleSoapy, if you got a plex, your gonna hate it.

My Z6 is fine with a plex......'cause it's illuminated.

......I gotta plex

Yep. This has me worried as well. I just ordered 2 with plex from Doug....in the Z3 3-10x42 variety. Also ordered a 3-9x36 with a plex from natchez.....and see they're now out.

You guys have checked out the 30% discount and free shipping codes for L. L. Bean, right?

257, I have used all Z3 & Z6 reticles. Only open 1 box when recieved 'cause I betcha you will return for 4a reticle.

I have now. You just cost me $2 grand.

Thanks?

You may be right. Looks like false advertising or laziness for not updating. The diagrams of the plex look like it's as thick as the 4a reticle.

Looks like LL Bean only sells the 4-12 in the Z3?

I'm assuming they don't even show an item if they don't have it in stock. I ordered 4 of the Z3 3-9x36 plex variety earlier and they don't show those any more. I'm hoping they had the ones I ordered.

Not sure what reticle the $999 4-12x50 has. It's either a BRX or BRH, I guess....since that's what everybody else's pricing is on those. But still......$666 isn't bad.....if you can get past the mark of the devil stuff.

It would be $700, not $666, still a good deal though. Want to loan me $500? haha

You're right. I was thinking 33% off. Great deal.....if you can find out what reticle they have.