Do you have the perfect long-range rifle with a great scope but can’t seem to hit your target? Determining how to adjust your scope for those long-range shots can be tricky. You need to know the distance, angle, windage, temperature, and more. After all that, ammunition needs to be configured for the shot. Those who graduated from sniper school may be able to figure all that out in their heads. But the rest of us, not so much. It’s hard to get all that info when you’re in the woods and that big 30-point buck is staring you down, but the new Vortex Rangefinder may be a worthy tool for the job.
This rangefinder calculates a lot of information quickly so you can get back to pulling the trigger before the massive deer leaves you in the dust. Vortex’s new version of the Razor HD 4000 GB works for simple measurements, or it will calculate the ballistics needed for complicated shots. The data from the rangefinder syncs to the GeoBallistic app so you know what adjustments to make for the shot. There is a lot to learn on this rangefinder, so let’s go over each feature after we cover the unit itself.
Quick Rundown of the HD 4000 Rangefinder
At first glance, the new Razor HD looks about like the old one. Its shape and size make it easy to hold in one hand and the control buttons are located on the top. The most notable difference is the addition of a wind-bearing capture button between the menu and measure buttons. It has two smaller buttons on each side of it that are used to increase or decrease the windage when using other features on the Vortex rangefinder.
This Vortex rangefinder has multiple display screens with a ton of information. Wind/drop solutions, range distance and shot angle, ballistic solutions, and more are all included. This model has an onboard compass, as well as humidity, barometric pressure, and temperature sensors. These features are all new enhancements Vortex gave to the new Razor HD.
The Razor HD is supposed to connect to the GeoBallistics app but at the time of writing, it would not. I did talk to the guys over at Vortex however, and they stated the app would be updated to connect with the new Razor by the time of release. This is an exciting feature, and I can’t wait to check it out.
Mode Selections
The Razor HD has several modes to choose from. I played around with each mode, but for me, the normal mode worked the best. To change the modes, press and hold the menu button for four seconds while the rangefinder is turned on. Once you have selected the mode you desire, press, and hold the menu button again for four seconds to exit the menu. Here is a quick overview of the available modes:
Normal Mode
This mode acts like most rangefinders and gives you a quick distance to the target selected. It gives the strongest range result of the three settings.
First Mode
You must be “scanning” to use this mode. To scan, press and hold the measure button while scanning the rangefinder. While scanning, the rangefinder will display the closest distance. This setting is used when the target is in front of a larger object. So, if a deer is standing in front of some trees, the rangefinder will lock onto the closet target (the deer) as you scan across.
Last Mode
Last mode is the same as First mode but backward. If the deer is standing behind the trees, the Razor will lock onto the distance that is the furthest away as you scan across. This is a great option when hunting in a wooded area.
HCD Mode
The HCD mode works best on a tripod. This is for those long-range distances when not using the ballistic solver. For this feature, simply press the measure button at the long-range distance and the correct yard number will display.
Weather / Wind Bearing Capture Mode
This thing gives you more info at the push of a button than just about any other device I’ve seen. The first thing it tells you is the weather conditions. Specifically, wind direction via the compass, temperature, angle of incline, pressure, and humidity. This information is given on several different screens which we will look at below. The Razor HD will need to acclimate to the environment to collect the right information. This doesn’t seem to take very long though.
The wind capture button is the middle button on top of the Razor HD. There are two options to choose from. The first is the full crosswind capture mode. The second is the wind-bearing capture mode which keeps track of wind direction regardless of the direction you are facing. To change between the two modes, just press and hold the middle button for two seconds. The Razor HD does need to be calibrated before this feature is used. For calibration, face the wind and hold both the up and down arrows (on each side of the middle button) for one second.
You can connect a Kestrel Wind Meter, if you have one, to the Razor and the Razor will input the data from the Kestrel into the ballistic solver. The GeoBallistic app will also connect to Kestrel devices and the information will go directly into the profile you have created for a specific gun and caliber.
You can connect a Kestrel Wind Meter, if you have one, to the Razor and the Razor will input the data from the Kestrel into the ballistic solver. The GeoBallistic app will also connect to Kestrel devices and the information will go directly into the profile you have created for a specific gun and caliber.
Types of Screens
As you switch screens on the Razor HD, the display will indicate what type of screen you are on. Currently, there is a pressure data screen, target data screen, and wind data screen. Each screen gives you information to help calculate long-distance shots. The information can also be entered into the GeoBallistics app. The app is extremely helpful when using data from the Razor HD so I will cover that in another article.
Profile selections
Just when you think it has done it all, there’s more! The Razor HD can save up to three ballistic profiles (A, B, and C). Once you have set up the profiles in the GeoBallistic app, simply select the profile you wish to use. This makes switching guns, caliber, or grain of bullet easy and quick. I set up a 5.56, .308, and .300 BLK for my profiles to test it out. Eventually, I will be using them for some larger caliber rifles.
On the Range With the Razor HD
Because the app was not connecting with the Razor HD at the time of review, I entered the information manually into the app. I used a .300 Blackout that was zeroed at 100 yards. The ammo I used was Hornady Black, 208 gr subsonic. This info was all added to a profile inside the app. With this part set, I used the rangefinder to locate a metal target at 200 yards. Because it is subsonic ammo, this bullet starts to drop off by 200 yards. I made a few shots and heard the ding. I really wanted to see if the Razor HD could compensate for longer distances, so I moved the target out to 250, and then 300 yards.
A quick check with the rangefinder gave me the dial recommendations to enter into the app. Once the elevation and windage settings were adjusted, I pulled the trigger and a split second later, I heard the ding. I made several shots at multiple distances before switching to a few different calibers. The shooting range I was using only went out to 300 yards, so I have not attempted any long-range shots yet. But I have no doubt I will get the same results when using the Razor HD.
Final Thoughts
Vortex went all out with this new rangefinder. After using it for a few days, the only complaint I have is that it does so much it will take some time to remember it all. If you want a simple rangefinder that tells you the distance to your target, this thing works great. If you want to make those long shots and need more information to make it happen, the Razor HD can do that too. I would expect a training curve to learn the operations and functions. I would also recommend downloading and reading the entire manual because it really helps explain each function of the rangefinder.
It comes with a heavy-duty case to keep it protected, and a metal clip for attaching it to a belt or vest. It has a tripod attachment for long-range use and five brightness settings. Powered by a CR2 battery, which does seem a little small to me, the easy-access battery compartment makes it simple to change out. A low battery indicator light turns on once the battery reaches 25% so there is plenty of time to grab a new battery.
I have never had an issue with quality from Vortex and with this Vortex rangefinder, you get the unlimited, unconditional, lifetime warranty. This is part of what makes Vortex stand apart for me. I have talked to them several times and when I call, someone is talking to me within minutes. No hours of wait times or messages apologizing for the delay.
If you’re looking for a new rangefinder, the new Razor HD is great for beginners and experienced shooters alike. Get the Razor, get the app, and start making those impressive shots.
Specifications
- Magnification: 7X
- Objective lens: 25mm
- Normal Mode: up to 2400 yards
- ELR Mode: Up to 4000 yards.
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard at > 1,000 yards.
- Maximum angle reading: 89*
- Battery” CR2
- Eye Relief: 19mm
