Welcoming Bushnell Prime, Nitro and Forge
Have you seen Bushnell’s brand new line of optics for 2018?
They’ve upped their game with three new product lines that may change the way you view hunting optics. We’re stoked to be able to bring them to you right before Christmas.
An industry leader in sports optics for more than 65 years, the launch of the Prime, Nitro and Forge ranges is Bushnell’s biggest product shake up since they began.
Engineered in the United States by Bushnell engineers, the three new lines offer brand new, innovative designs, with none of the optics in the lineups being a re-skinned version of their old lines.
One of the key messages that Bushnell is stressing with the release, is that each optic will showcase the best features and performance at available in three price points - top-tier Forge, mid-level Nitro and entry-level Prime.
Let's take a look at what’s on offer.
One of the most exciting breakthroughs, used on all three lines of optics, is an EXO Barrier lens coating. The revolutionary lens coating resists water, oil, dust and will not fog. The coating causes water to bead up and allows you to see clearly no matter the conditions.
Most of the quality and feature differences occur in the riflescopes across each line, so we’ll compare these, along with the binoculars and spotting scopes on offer.
Prime
The entry level, value-conscious offering, Bushnell’s new Prime line is intended to provide solid technology with premium quality components at low prices.
Riflescopes
For hunters on a budget who want the most bang for their buck.
Key features:
- Multi-X crosshair reticle
- 1-inch
- Second focal plane reticle
- Some models have side focus parallax
- Standard capped turrets
- Exo Barrier lens coating
- Ultra-wide band coating for transmission
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Black finish
- 92 percent light transmission
Binoculars
The Prime roof-prism binoculars come in six different configurations, from compact to mid and full sized, and all have multi-coated lenses and a waterproof construction.
Key features:
- Exo Barrier lens coating
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Roof prism
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Spotting scopes
There’s three models of Prime spotting scopes available, with compact 50mm lens and 65mm lens options.
Key features:
- Full multi-coated lenses
- Argon purged, waterproof and fogproof
- Exo Barrier lens coating
- Sun shades
Nitro
Riflescopes
The next step up, the Nitro line adds additional technology and features in order to deliver excellent performance in the field or on the range. Bushnell’s Nitro 30mm riflescopes come in a multitude of different variations and a selection of reticles in either the first or second focal plane, capped or target turrets, and black or grey finish.
Key features:
- Wide range of configurations
- Selection of ballistic reticles
- First and second focal plane options
- 30mm tube
- Some have side parallax
- Ultra-wide band coating for transmission
- Full multi-coated lenses
- Butler Creek flip-up covers
- Sun shades
- Capped or target turrets
- Easily-adjustable turrets
- Turrets offer a zero stop
- Exo Barrier lens coating
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Black finish or gun metal
- 93 percent light transmission
Binoculars
The Nitro roof-prism binoculars feature extra-low dispersion glass, advanced coatings, and a rugged housing.
Key features:
- Exo Barrier lens coating
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Roof prism
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- ED prime glass
- PC-3 phase coated lenses
- Gun metal grey
Forge
Riflescopes
The premium line, Bushnell’s new Forge products are intended for serious shooters with demanding needs. Forge is the top-end offering, going head-to-head with the leaders in the industry.
Key features:
- Wide range of configurations
- Selection of ballistic reticles
- First and second focal plane options
- 30mm tube
- Side parallax
- Ultra-wide band coating for transmission
- Full multi-coated lenses
- Butler Creek flip-up covers
- Easily-adjustable, marked and lockable target turrets
- Turrets offer a zero stop
- A Quick-Throw Lever makes it easy to dial up or down in power without ever taking your eye off the target
- Exo Barrier lens coating
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Black or terrain finish
- 94 percent light transmission
Binoculars
The new Forge binoculars boast extra-low dispersion glass and a whole host of Bushnell’s best coatings, including ultra wide band, phase, and dielectric coatings.
Key features:
- Exo Barrier lens coating
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Roof prism
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Ultra-wide band coating for transmission
- Dielectric prism coating
- ED prime glass
- PC-3 phase coated lenses
- Terrain finish
- Locking diopter
Spotting scopes
The Forge spotting scopes have premium glass and coatings to provide Bushnell’s best performance.
Key features:
- Full multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Exo Barrier lens coating
- ED prime glass
- Ultra-wide band coating for transmission
- Terrain finish
- Sun shades
Trusty Faves
Alongside their brand new lines, Bushnell will be keeping some of their trusty faves, and making slight modifications to their designs to improve performance.
The Engage and Marine lines of binoculars will stay as they are and they’ve revamped their PermaFocus binoculars to become the Spectator Sport PermaFocus line.
In the riflescope range, their Engage range will stay as they are, the AR range will have some added features including a throw down power lever, and the Elite Tactical range has also been upgraded.
Now you’ve got to grips with what each optical line offers, it’s time to decide where you sit. Are you looking for the very best of the best, an entry level line to get started, or something in between? Bushnell has something for everyone so we’re sure you’ll find what you want!
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