Vortex SPARC AR Reviews
Rock Solid Optic
The Vortex SPARC AR is well built with excellent fit and finish. Accessible to zero, with consistent and intuitive brilliance settings. Over 95% of shooters will see no difference between the performance of this optic and the Aimpoint T series, which are 3 to 4 times the price- for those making that comparison, the only differences I see are A) battery life, at which Aimpoint is superior to virtually all other optics out there, and B) field of view. This optic does have a somewhat narrower FOV than the T series. Overall, a very well engineered product by Vortex Optics.
SPARC AR Red Dot Sight
Great value, easy to use. Sure beats iron sights! Instructions were clear and easy to follow. The Vortex SPARC AR lens covers stay out of the way when nested. Complaints I’ve seen elsewhere about the location of the dot transmitter being an annoyance are substantial without merit.
Vortex SPARC AR – Red Dot Sight
This Vortex SPARC AR is an excellent Red Dot sight specifically designed for the AR 15 platform. It was easy to get sighted in and has kept it’s zero after being in a hard case transported to and from the gun range. Uses 1 – AAA battery and has several adjustments for how bright the red Dot is. The build quality is excellent, and the base makes it easy to co-witness with your flip-up sights. This is my first Vortex Optics sight/scope product, and I’m happy.
Great concept compare to the older model, but do not depend on your life on it!
Great as a range toy. For what it is, the unit is quite lovely and rugged to some extent. The field of view is small compared to other brands I have used. Waterproof and very well constructed, even the finish is beautiful. The battery used to make this unit easy to have the battery replaced.
With that said, the downside makes this unit pointless. Ideally, on standard usable setting only yields roughly one month of battery life. For about 150 dollars more, you can get a Trijicon with four years average battery life on standard parameters. Some would argue battery is cheaper to replace on the Vortex, but think about one battery a month for four years will cost more than one battery on a higher-end brand. I also have had to send in my vortex unit twice because the first time the board died and the second time, it wouldn’t hold zero. As a range red dot, this unit is ok, but honestly, please invest in something better. Even a holosun will yield better results for 50 dollars more.
Solid for the price
I now own two of these sights. Both are mounted on AR pistols – one 300 AAC and one 5.56. Maybe 200-300 rnds through each with no issues. I like the size and layout. The snap-together lens covers are a decent solution to getting them out of your way but would be a problem if you needed the sight *right now* as they block your view until they are connected. Easy-to-find AAA battery is a plus. Adjustments are positive and predictable. The range of brightness settings covers low light through full sun reflecting off white targets. It even survived an impromptu drop test on the 300. Pro-tip: zip up the gun bag *before* slinging it over your shoulder. Dropped from about 4′ onto a concrete pad and the sight took at least part of the blow because it has scars on the windage knob — no effect on sight function.
Solid optic
Vortex SPARC AR seems to be very well made even though it was made in China and is not an American optic although Vortex Optics has an awesome warranty I hope that I don’t have to use it now the diode that sticks out for the red Dot it seems to block out almost half of the lens it’s not an issue with both eyes open but it’s still noticeable I took it to the range and had no issues getting zeroed and so far has held zero I also like the fact that it uses a triple A battery you can easily find a Triple-A battery in a remote I also like the idea that the lens cap covers are attached to the rubber cover that way if they ever break you can just have the rubber cover replaced and not have to send back the full optic I bought this optic on a whim over top of a Trijicon I was told that they are phenomenal and wanted to try out so far I am pleased just the dialed has been my only issue
Great Red Dot Sight!
For the money, this Vortex SPARC AR is an awesome red dot sight. glass is crystal clear, Dot is crisp, build quality is solid. Note that there is a sliver at the lower right of the viewing field that is wedged off. It’s not a glue fault, it’s where the laser aperture lives. It’s not a big deal, it doesn’t obscure enough to be worried about. If you’re on the fence, go ahead and pull the trigger. It’s a great sight!