Looking at buying a new pair of binoculars.
Debating between higher end 10x42 or 12x50. I currently use a cheap 10x42 but can't make out too much detail past 500 yds. Wondering
what ya'll use or have used in the past.

I use a vortex talon hd 8x42.they are very nice for the price(they go on sale often) I went with 8 for the field of view,easy to scan areas.sometimes I wish I had more magnification tho

Leupold Cascades @ around $300.  Great for getting knocked around during hunts.

Depends what you are going to use this for.  If you are talking using this at the range, then the 12X is good.  If you are talking about glassing in the field then you might get a lot of eye strain with a 12X with all the bounce you're going to see with it.

10x is good for glassing Hawaii.  If you are planning on looking at stuff 500 yards plus, look into a spotting scope and tripod

Depends what you are going to use this for.  If you are talking using this at the range, then the 12X is good.  If you are talking about glassing in the field then you might get a lot of eye strain with a 12X with all the bounce you're going to see with it.

At first i wanted the higher magnification, but the bounce is what concerns me. That's why i'm considering the better quality glass in 10x42 or 10x50. Was kind of hoping people would chime in saying stability with 12x wasn't a problem.
Just afraid to drop the coin on a better 10x42 and still have the same problem.

If you're using your glass past 500 yds, I agree with Shoboshi,  to invest in a spotting scope. Concerning binoculars, if your primary use is to find game in brush choked ravines and tree lines; as well as judge game in low light conditions around 100 to 400 yards, invest in good quality glass. I use a Minox 8x32 which I purchased 12 years ago. Detail is still sharp from edge to edge of glass even in early dawn light. Though my aging eyes -54 yrs and counting, might need more magnification. Magnification is important, however I feel clear and sharp images are more useful qualities when using binos for hunting. My friend's. Leica is truly fine glass, but of course, it's expensive. Get more feedback from others. Good luck in your search!

At first i wanted the higher magnification, but the bounce is what concerns me. That's why i'm considering the better quality glass in 10x42 or 10x50. Was kind of hoping people would chime in saying stability with 12x wasn't a problem.
Just afraid to drop the coin on a better 10x42 and still have the same problem.

So again don't really know what you want this for.  Sounds like it is for field use, but are we talking hunting or long distance target type shooting?

If you are talking hunting then 10X would be pretty much on the upper end of what I'd want.  Maybe you might want something with a zoom type feature, but 8X is pretty ideal for glassing.  42 or 50 mm is more about light gathering and should only play a realistic difference (unless your glass sucks) at dawn and dusk.

The other thing to consider is if you're talking about hunting/hiking/bird watching whatever then you might want to consider weight too.  50mm is awesome at gathering light, but it comes at the expense of more weight you'll be humping around.