9.5 Total Score

Vortex delivers a good argument for cheap red dot sights that don't compromise

The Vortex SPARC AR is smaller than the SPARC II, and intended to compete with products like the Aimpoint H2. As far as we're concerned, they've done so admirably.

PROS

Very Light
Minimalist Design
Easy Installation
Easy Operation
Perfect Price (quality surpasses the cost)
Unlimited and Unconditional Lifetime VIP Warranty

CONS

Battery life lower than some competing models
Lens caps could be better

User Rating: 4 (2 votes)

Vortex SPARC AR Red Dot Review

The rugged and armored Vortex SPARC AR has been designed to fit perfectly in the AR platform, which includes a daylight-bright red dot and a built-in mount. It can be considered as a high-end equipment in the mid-price range ($160–$300). Running on a simple AAA battery, SPARC AR automatically shuts itself down after twelve hours of remaining idle.

SPARC AR by Vortex weighs 7.5oz and measures only 2.9” in length, which leaves a lot of room for its VMX magnifier. It is guaranteed not to get overheated in extremely hot temperatures; and is designed to be waterproof, shockproof and fog proof to handle any kind of environment that it is put in. Vortex assures a VIP Warranty to every customer, where it shall repair or replace the binocular for free should they become damaged or defective.

Battery Life

This equipment uses a single battery of AAA type. The battery life is totally dependent on the usage of brightness intensity of the dot. At maximum brightness, it can last up to 300 hours, and in minimum brightness up to 5,000 hours.

Vortex didn’t choose to implement solar panels like other brands for extended battery life; mainly for two reasons:

· Firstly, SPARC AR uses a digital switch. Digital switches are quick to activate and bring in required intensity than mechanical switches. Battery life is used up heavily since the dot always monitors the switch—even when it is off—to know if the buttons are pressed. A 12-hour auto-shutdown feature has been additionally provided to maximize battery life under this condition.

· Secondly, Vortex lists a realistic battery life; unlike other brands that list extended battery life only as a part of their marketing gimmick. There are many other factors—with fluctuating values—like battery type, temperature, quality of LED, etc; that go into deciding the accurate battery life.

Rugged Optics

The depth rating is limited to one meter for thirty minutes.
It is waterproof.
It is also shockproof, making it perfectly adaptable to the AR platform where rifles are constantly banged and dropped around.
Another amazing feature is that the optics are fog proof; perfect for areas with high humidity and extreme temperatures.
The optics are fully multi-coated on each and every air-to-glass surface to increase light transmission.

Vortex 1x22 Sparc AR Red Dot Sight SPC-AR1 B&H Photo Video
Vortex SPARC AR Red Dot Rifle Scope - 666483, Red Dot Sights at ...
ARMSLIST - For Sale: Vortex Sparc AR

Reticle

SPARC AR has two minutes of angle (MOA) dot reticle with adjustments of up to ten levels of brightness. The last two levels of brightness are used for night mode or “Night Vision.” The adjustment graduation is 1 MOA with Elevation and Windage adjustments of 90 MOA in each category.

SPARC AR is parallax free, i.e. when you remove your eyes from the center, the crosshair would still appear in the same position of the target. The eye relief is unlimited and the bright red dot is remarkably visible in broad sunlight.

Windage and Elevation

In this red dot equipment, the windage and elevation dials have clicks that are audible. Every click moves point-of-impact one MOA. It means that: for a fifty-yard sight-in distance, the said equipment will take twelve clicks in the dial to move the bullet’s point-of-impact by six inches.

Construction

The Vortex SPARC AR comes packaged in a single piece chassis which is both, compact and lightweight. Vortex uses a technology where nitrogen gas is liquefied with o-rings-seals to provide the fog proof and waterproof performance. The o-ring-seals prohibit the water, dust, and debris entering in the equipment which makes it suitable for almost all types of environments.

Its shockproof feature can easily tolerate recoil and impact. The SPARC AR has been given a highly durable low-glare matte finish and can operate in temperatures ranging from -4F/-20C to 158F/70C. The Multiple Height Mount System features a spacer inlay that is used for two distinct mounting levels: lower 1/3 co-witness (40mm); and absolute co-witness (37mm).

Vortex Sparc AR Red Dot Conclusion

Shooting with the Vortex SPARC AR is simple, fast, and effective; just point and shoot. The entire package comes as a durable, lightweight, and compact product. Digital rear-facing controls and dot brightness deliver instant access and are easily visible from the shooting position.

It is parallax free and has unlimited eye relief which gets the shooter on target quickly and effortlessly. The SPARC AR Red Dot Sight —being waterproof, shockproof and fog proof—can be used with duty rifles, for home defense, or recreation.