The old Vari-X IIs (and the new VX2 - which are essentially the same thing with a new model) are somewhat comprable to the 3200s, but even then the 3200s are better.
I have an elite 4200 and Vari-X III (better than the IIs) and GB is right, the 4200s are even better than the Vari-X IIIs. Plus, the 4200s have rainguard too.
Look at the 3200s. They are about the same price, maybe a little bit more, but worth it.
Zachary