Their 8x32s cost about the same as Zeiss Conquest HDs...I really like my Kahles 10-power binos and 3-9x50mm scope...Why isn't this company more well known?

I've never seen the binos but have two of their scopes, one having served reliably for 33 years.

quote:

Originally posted by joester:
...Why isn't this company more well known?

I dont know why they keep such a low profile but I love my Kahles 8x32 binocular ! Great glass, well made and 25 year warenty

Had a pair of the 8x42 that I sold and regret it to this day!!! They were like the feel of a 1911 in your hand. just something right about it that is exceptionally hard to duplicate.

I have one of their scopes mounted on one of my .325 WSMs that I used in Africa a couple of years ago, and I love the scope! Fine quality! I didn't even know that they made binos, although I should have guessed that!

I have a pair of 10X binos and a 3x9 scope. They are both great. Both are the clearest optics that I own. I used to work at the gun counter for quite a few years. I sold a few Kahles binos and scopes. I sold one set of binos to a fellow that was a serious Alaska hunter. He did a trip every year for about five years and his 10X's survived those trips. He claimed none of his buddies glass survived more than two trips.
Kahles is a family owned business. When the old man of the company passed a few years ago, he put the company in the care of Swarovski, until some family problems were straightened out. The Kahles company is back in full family care again, as I understand it. When I was dealing with them, Kahles did not have a strong distributor system and no repair shop in the US. If there was a problem, they would have been sent back to Europe for repair. I never had to send any back. I always felt that they were Swarovski's quality and a good bit less money.
Bfly

That's interesting Black Fly,
the only thing I could add is that the company has moved to the outer suburbs from Vienna but some of the websites still show the old address. I sent a registered letter to the PO box but it came back even after being sent on to the City street no. It would appear they didn't leave a forwarding address with the post office.

I have a pair of 8x42's that I like a lot, but never use. I would sell if you are interested. I just sent them back to Austria and had them cleaned and gone thru, less than 5 months ago, haven't used them since.

They have been used hunting twice in their lifetime.

Wow, Cat Power,
was that relly needed? It must have cost a packet. I had my Helia Super 27 refurbished by Kahles after it leaked 11 years ago and that cost $540.

I've been using Fujinons for the past 25 years - they're the only binos I've ever found that I like better than Zeiss.
Mine have been carried all over the world and exposed to -40 and +40, and live in my truck the rest of the time. They are battle scarred and filthy, but have never leaked a molecule and remain as clear & crisp as the day I bought them. I'm sure they'll outlast me.

quote:

hairbol
one of us

posted 25 August 2013 19:41 Hide Post
Had a pair of the 8x42 that I sold and regret it to this day!!! They were like the feel of a 1911 in your hand. just something right about it that is exceptionally hard to duplicate.
 
Posts: 266 | Registered: 12 June 2005

I have them in 10x42 love them top quality

quote:

Originally posted by sambarman338:
Wow, Cat Power,
was that relly needed? It must have cost a packet. I had my Helia Super 27 refurbished by Kahles after it leaked 11 years ago and that cost $540.

It was no charge, but took 2 months to get back, and no it wasn't needed

Thanks Cat Power.

As to the original question:

quote:

Originally posted by joester:
...Why isn't this company more well known?

Like the real 4x4s sold cheaply by Suzuki, I'm kind of glad these companies are a bit humble and don't spend so much on marketing. I got the last Kahles (FFP Helia C 1.1-4x24) new but marked down to $800 - about 40% of what Swaros the same size cost. And yet I've read somewhere that the older brand of Kahles is more highly regarded in Austria.

quote:

And yet I've read somewhere that the older brand of Kahles is more highly regarded in Austria.

So true !