Thank you for this review man. You're reviews have helped me make decisions for pistol red dots, and this review is right in line. Really appreciate it.
Thanks for the review definitely considering this red dot. Also for any who may not be aware I'm pretty sure you can attach the bikini caps to each other and then onto the battery cap to keep them stowed when not in use, keeping them from flapping around and getting in the way
Bro...You need a Patreon account. We want these reviews. They give us value in a time when value matters the most. These reviews cost you money. Let us give you money. Simple.
So I have this optic and have been pretty happy with it. But one piece of info that I never found (maybe because I never read any documentation on the optic), but instead figured out when calling Vortex trying to get replacement caps that attatch to front and rear edges like Aimpoint: is that the front and rear rubber caps actually snap on to the knob on the right side of the optic (you first snap the smaller front rubber cap, then you can layer the back rubber cap on top of of that). That way, the caps aren't flopping about which kind of irritated me. It isn't the most secure of attachment mechanisms, but relatively well thought out, and far better then letting the caps flop about like I was doing, and bro is doing in the video.
Thanks for the excellent review. I just ordered one for a S&W M&P 15-22 I'm setting up as a training rifle. I might end up getting a couple more to put on my CX4 Storms also. I have to stop watching your videos as you are killing my bank account these last few years!😣😈😉
I bought one of the original SPARC sights way back when. It came with a solid block of aluminum for a mount. It was ugly, and added a couple of oz. But it seemed bomb-proof. I can understand wanting better esthetics and lighter weight but this design has no structural rigidity at all. I'm amazed it survived 2 drops. On a side note the original SPARC had it's power button sticking out the side where it was very easy to hit. After a couple of times bringing up my rifle to find no dot I relegated the sight to a 22 plinker.
The battery won't last past 5 to ten years it will start to calciumize the optics battery contacts ... I change batteries every 3 years with 6 month checking the battery compartment
Would love to see you do a review on the romeo 4T, and im sure others would as well. Im sure youre more or less aware but it occupies an interesting niche of being a foreign component but US assembly red dot at a decent but not entirely budget price point and with a fair amount of LEA and even some military users. The whole idea seems to be budget meets acceptable quality for duty and im sure lots of people would be interested in finding out whether its a cheap out by certain agencies opting for "good enough" at a price point or an optic that can legitimately hang with the big dogs while being significantly cheaper. Seems likely to appeal to both ends of the spectrum when it comes to tactical gear.
I don’t have the Solar, but my two SPARC II’s are still going strong after 3 or 4 years of somewhat regular use. The mounts they used to come with, that I have, are solid, so they’re probably a fair bit more rugged than the new skeletonized ones.
I've got a gen 1 OG SPARC that died literally yesterday. The rubber cover on the side buttons wore through and I guess it got dirt or water inside or something. Lifetime warranty on a 10 year old $180 red dot? Yes, please. (I've got another one that is still kicking.)
I totally concur with this review. When I bought the optic it was going to be a dedicated optic for my AK on an UltiMAK rail. I mounted the sparc solar on a American Defense Low Mount QD. I've put so far a little over 2500 rounds through it. The heat, being literally gas tube mounted doesn't screw with the zero, the shake awake works every time I pick it up. I've taken the optic off the rail and remounted it and it held zero. I too think a finer adjustment would be nice, but like I said it's on my AK (PSA GF5) and at a hundred yards 2.5 groups are common with FMJ. Overall I'm pleased the optic can take the heat and a pretty significant recoil from the 7.62x39. The American Defense mount is awesome, a great combo in my opinion.
Excellent review. I’ve always assumed all budget red dots were crap so I always bought aimpoints. And my wallet cries at night. Thank you this review and for giving me another option.
I have some SPARC II’s and a CompM5, and I am here to say that the Aimpoint is DEFINITELY NOT the approximately 5 times better that it cost! I love the M5, but that purchase still kind of hurts, almost 2 years later.
@@f308gtb1977 I’ve got a comp m5, two T2’s, one H2, one T1, 3 H1’s. If these spark 2’s really are 90% of what the Aimpomt’s are, I might do some selling in the future.
@@Mogas0311 they are 90% at least. Aimpoints real benefit is resell value, at least you can get half you cash back, maybe more (80%+) these days via gunbroker auctions
@@Mogas0311 I hate to be that guy, but aimpoint has become the Harley Davidson of the optic world. Way overpriced, far less capable than modern offerings, and is no more durable than any other quality optic (aimpoint was the only brand to fail the drop test in a torture test of the high end manufacturers) I wouldn’t exactly put this spark in that list with its 1moa adjustments but there is plenty of options far batter than aimpoint.
Well sounds like a no go for me based on your current test. As i cannot find aftermarket mounts where I live. However being still interested in one, I'll wait on your (potential) updated review Anyhow, great review as always.
So far, the best review I've come across as you didn't treat it like a paper poker queen, gave a good review on the red dot, but still lacks what some people want to know. No sure why I cannot find a review of the optic's MAIN selling feature of it's 150K hours of battery life? No battery, does the solar power still function the sight correctly? Is the battery life as good as they say with solar? Feel like I'm taking crazy pills. Zeroed red dot shoots accurately when zeroed, got it, but what about that crazy battery life claim? No reviewer touches on the subject.
Can you possibly make a video regarding organization and pouch placement on belts and plate carriers for those of us who run our secondary weapon with a different hand than our primary weapon. I too run a pistol left handed and a long gun right handed
Ordered this as soon as it came out and threw it on a scalarworks 1.93. Always loved Vortex warranty but hated the battery life and the fact that it had no raise to wake feature.
Will there be an update on if stays zeroed after putting a better mount. I have one and it is holding up great. I am putting a Midwest Ind mount on it. Just in case.
Definitely looks like a great optic for someone on a budget. Now that we know the mount is the weak point someone on a budget can get this setup, run it as is on their gun and then when the funds are available go ahead and upgrade to a better mount. Being able to do it in steps could help some people, that is if you are even worried about the mount. For a non duty rifle this looks more than up for the task.
Cool thing is this red dot comes with a second low mount in the box actually, so you could just mount it again but it would sit a lot lower. I'm considering this optic to have it on top of my PA 5x36 5x prism scope instead of a micro dot that has an open emitter...
Question about the LED flickering: Will this show up when filming through the optic with a digital camera in the low light settings? I'm asking because I'm looking for a red dot that works well with digital night vision systems. Cheers
Absolutely. If I’m not mistaken there’s usually less than an ounce difference between the skeletonized ones and the solid ones of the same size, (which are actually more or less hollow anyway).
Romeo 5 is hands down the best so called budget red dot for the money. You can find it on sale for like 130 and it comes with a solid piece mount and even a second mount if you needed to mount to a low pro gun like a scorpion or ak.
I was looking through the comments to see if anyone else had the same experience. The dot in mine still shines bright but the mounts are such trash that the optic rattles off every rifle I put it on. I don’t see a reason in spending an additional $150 for a better mount when I could have bought a better optic.
Do you plan on doing a follow up review with sparc solar mounted on a different mount? Like a Geissele T1 mount or something similar..?! I would love to see that... If at all possible!
I’m a holosun / Trijicon /Aimpoint guy. But I got a sparc 2 for free in a trade and that thing has been treated like absolute crap on my lower AR and works. I also saw a pro tire of Estonian soldiers rocking a sparc on their new LMT pistol rifles and it made me bust out laughing
@@wjbrooks19 yeah for solar one, not many choices out there, the quality of Zeiss is top notch. I am still using it. The only difficulty is very hard to find the HK raiser.
Would love them to ditch those rubber caps in favor of a flip cap like an Aimpoint T2 or Holosun GM515. Also 1 MOA adjustments need to be 1/2 MOA now. Come on Vortex, Sparc Solar II!!! Almost there.
@@John-tx1wk yea, except in real life something called recoil exists and they instantly pull apart. Still GREAT optic though. Have sparc ar2 on Colt 16in
Thank you for this review man. You're reviews have helped me make decisions for pistol red dots, and this review is right in line. Really appreciate it.
Love this Channel! Every gun related question I have always gets answered here!
Thanks for the review definitely considering this red dot.
Also for any who may not be aware I'm pretty sure you can attach the bikini caps to each other and then onto the battery cap to keep them stowed when not in use, keeping them from flapping around and getting in the way
Diggin the beard brother. Looking good. And killing it every Friday night with the uploads. 👌🏻🙏🏻
Still waiting on that "All Optics Get Concrete" t-shirt
I second that.
DOT LIFE
I just ordered one of these today actually. Really looking forward to trying it out
"It costs $400,000 to review this optic... for twelve seconds."
"That's why they call it a zoo"
Bro...You need a Patreon account.
We want these reviews. They give us value in a time when value matters the most. These reviews cost you money.
Let us give you money. Simple.
He has a Patreon
He has one my guy. Priceless info on it. Throw a few bucks his way.
@@CertifiedBullpupHater I see. So my comment should be "Put your fucking patreon link in the description for fuck sake!"
Its not a good thing that a random fan can't find it where it usually is. Right?
@@joemo1033 yeah he mentioned it on videos in the past. He’s pretty subtle about it though haha
So I have this optic and have been pretty happy with it. But one piece of info that I never found (maybe because I never read any documentation on the optic), but instead figured out when calling Vortex trying to get replacement caps that attatch to front and rear edges like Aimpoint:
is that the front and rear rubber caps actually snap on to the knob on the right side of the optic (you first snap the smaller front rubber cap, then you can layer the back rubber cap on top of of that). That way, the caps aren't flopping about which kind of irritated me. It isn't the most secure of attachment mechanisms, but relatively well thought out, and far better then letting the caps flop about like I was doing, and bro is doing in the video.
Those lens covers can be stuck together off to the side so they dont flop around. They mate up. Not sure why that was making me crazy. Great review.
Thanks for the excellent review. I just ordered one for a S&W M&P 15-22 I'm setting up as a training rifle. I might end up getting a couple more to put on my CX4 Storms also. I have to stop watching your videos as you are killing my bank account these last few years!😣😈😉
great review, kind of wish you could do a test of one of these on a unity fast mount or scalarworks leap mount
I bought one of the original SPARC sights way back when. It came with a solid block of aluminum for a mount. It was ugly, and added a couple of oz. But it seemed bomb-proof. I can understand wanting better esthetics and lighter weight but this design has no structural rigidity at all. I'm amazed it survived 2 drops.
On a side note the original SPARC had it's power button sticking out the side where it was very easy to hit. After a couple of times bringing up my rifle to find no dot I relegated the sight to a 22 plinker.
My Xmas wish is to have all your brass...
Great videos man- quality watch I feel.
That burn down ejection pattern is God Mode. 3 AyeeOhh Clock 🤌🏻
Your reviews are the best.
For those playing the home game, that comes out to just over 17 years of battery life.
That’s just whack
The battery won't last past 5 to ten years it will start to calciumize the optics battery contacts ... I change batteries every 3 years with 6 month checking the battery compartment
That initial audio sample to start the episode is money
I love your channel man and the optics reviews 👍👍👍👍👍✅✅✅✅✅
Would love to see you do a review on the romeo 4T, and im sure others would as well. Im sure youre more or less aware but it occupies an interesting niche of being a foreign component but US assembly red dot at a decent but not entirely budget price point and with a fair amount of LEA and even some military users. The whole idea seems to be budget meets acceptable quality for duty and im sure lots of people would be interested in finding out whether its a cheap out by certain agencies opting for "good enough" at a price point or an optic that can legitimately hang with the big dogs while being significantly cheaper. Seems likely to appeal to both ends of the spectrum when it comes to tactical gear.
Great review and awesome burn down footage.
I don’t have the Solar, but my two SPARC II’s are still going strong after 3 or 4 years of somewhat regular use. The mounts they used to come with, that I have, are solid, so they’re probably a fair bit more rugged than the new skeletonized ones.
😂 That first drop made me flinch. I wasn’t expecting it so soon.
Anyway. There needs to be a Sage Dynamics & Mil Spec Mojo Range Day video.
I love your reviews.
I have one and really love it! I picked it up a month or so back and it’s better than the previous vortex offerings by a long shot!
Good to know. I like the SPARC II, so better is... better!
Just little info the lens Procters click into the side of the sight they stack on top of each other
I've got a gen 1 OG SPARC that died literally yesterday. The rubber cover on the side buttons wore through and I guess it got dirt or water inside or something. Lifetime warranty on a 10 year old $180 red dot? Yes, please. (I've got another one that is still kicking.)
I totally concur with this review. When I bought the optic it was going to be a dedicated optic for my AK on an UltiMAK rail. I mounted the sparc solar on a American Defense Low Mount QD. I've put so far a little over 2500 rounds through it. The heat, being literally gas tube mounted doesn't screw with the zero, the shake awake works every time I pick it up. I've taken the optic off the rail and remounted it and it held zero. I too think a finer adjustment would be nice, but like I said it's on my AK (PSA GF5) and at a hundred yards 2.5 groups are common with FMJ. Overall I'm pleased the optic can take the heat and a pretty significant recoil from the 7.62x39. The American Defense mount is awesome, a great combo in my opinion.
hey bro is yours still doing good on ak ..was gonna mount on ak gas tube rail also was wondering about the heat I know it's not military grade
Is it still holding up on you’re AK @j.anthonyk1730??
Excellent review. I’ve always assumed all budget red dots were crap so I always bought aimpoints. And my wallet cries at night. Thank you this review and for giving me another option.
I have some SPARC II’s and a CompM5, and I am here to say that the Aimpoint is DEFINITELY NOT the approximately 5 times better that it cost! I love the M5, but that purchase still kind of hurts, almost 2 years later.
@@f308gtb1977 I’ve got a comp m5, two T2’s, one H2, one T1, 3 H1’s. If these spark 2’s really are 90% of what the Aimpomt’s are, I might do some selling in the future.
@@Mogas0311 they are 90% at least. Aimpoints real benefit is resell value, at least you can get half you cash back, maybe more (80%+) these days via gunbroker auctions
@@Mogas0311 I’m not going to say 90%, but they’re good. A lot better than I expected.
@@Mogas0311 I hate to be that guy, but aimpoint has become the Harley Davidson of the optic world. Way overpriced, far less capable than modern offerings, and is no more durable than any other quality optic (aimpoint was the only brand to fail the drop test in a torture test of the high end manufacturers) I wouldn’t exactly put this spark in that list with its 1moa adjustments but there is plenty of options far batter than aimpoint.
Thank you for doing this test good information. 👍
Well sounds like a no go for me based on your current test. As i cannot find aftermarket mounts where I live.
However being still interested in one, I'll wait on your (potential) updated review
Anyhow, great review as always.
It uses the Aimpoint T1 footprint, those mounts are so common that there has to be something you can get if you can get the optic itself.
So far, the best review I've come across as you didn't treat it like a paper poker queen, gave a good review on the red dot, but still lacks what some people want to know. No sure why I cannot find a review of the optic's MAIN selling feature of it's 150K hours of battery life? No battery, does the solar power still function the sight correctly? Is the battery life as good as they say with solar? Feel like I'm taking crazy pills. Zeroed red dot shoots accurately when zeroed, got it, but what about that crazy battery life claim? No reviewer touches on the subject.
I have 2. They’re excellent
Awesome video as always. Do you have any interest in testing the ADM Spek red dot?
Can you possibly make a video regarding organization and pouch placement on belts and plate carriers for those of us who run our secondary weapon with a different hand than our primary weapon. I too run a pistol left handed and a long gun right handed
Can you do a review of the Holosun 512C?
Neckbeards: "tHe SoLgW nOx OvErDrIvEs ThE mUzZlE"
Aaron: "Hold my beer"
So, any chance you will put out an update video after you get the last 500 rounds through this optic after remounting?
Solar powered optics seem to be the future
This is more about your flashlight, does the longer prong style muzzle device help keep soot and carbon off the lense?
Ordered this as soon as it came out and threw it on a scalarworks 1.93. Always loved Vortex warranty but hated the battery life and the fact that it had no raise to wake feature.
Does it now have shake awake? Vortex reps would never answer that question as to when/if we would see shake awake from them.
@@desertdwellintom yes it does. If you leave it on it will auto shut off after around 12 hours but once you grab it the red dot turns on
@@CarlosRuiz-ep9xc that’s excellent.
It does have shake awake and an auto shutoff after 14 hours (both play a factor in the 150k battery life rating).
Could you redo the drop tests in a Scalarworks or other aftermarket mount? Definitely interested in how the optic itself holds up.
Thanks for the video! Does this optic come with a absolute cowitness mount?
Are you in process of reviewing that Holosun IR laser/illuminator?
Hop from TFBTV has videos comparing/reviewing IR lasers on his personal channel.
Yeah, Hop seems to have the most comprehensive IR aiming device reviews
@@storpheusmorpheus Yeah I just watched it, thats how I was able to recognize it haha
It’s MEH. I have one , I put it on a PCC to pop coyotes, but the illumination is super meh
Should test these on an ultimak’d AK. Maybe 500 on an AK would be a good addition to testing!
I did!
Any plans to evalute any of the holosun rifle centric optics or other products?
Will there be an update on if stays zeroed after putting a better mount. I have one and it is holding up great. I am putting a Midwest Ind mount on it. Just in case.
Definitely looks like a great optic for someone on a budget. Now that we know the mount is the weak point someone on a budget can get this setup, run it as is on their gun and then when the funds are available go ahead and upgrade to a better mount. Being able to do it in steps could help some people, that is if you are even worried about the mount. For a non duty rifle this looks more than up for the task.
Cool thing is this red dot comes with a second low mount in the box actually, so you could just mount it again but it would sit a lot lower.
I'm considering this optic to have it on top of my PA 5x36 5x prism scope instead of a micro dot that has an open emitter...
Sold on the Sparc line.
Going to like before I even watch due to the drop tests, lol
Are you left handed and right eye dominant? I've rarely seen anyone that shoots a handgun left handed shoot a rifle right handed. Just curious.
Those caps will "store" on the battery/brightness knob onto each other.
Question about the LED flickering: Will this show up when filming through the optic with a digital camera in the low light settings? I'm asking because I'm looking for a red dot that works well with digital night vision systems. Cheers
The drop after the burn down. 🤣🐐
I've always been skeptical of mounts like that, I prefer something more robust. I'll take the weight and durability over lighter.
Absolutely. If I’m not mistaken there’s usually less than an ounce difference between the skeletonized ones and the solid ones of the same size, (which are actually more or less hollow anyway).
Romeo 5 is hands down the best so called budget red dot for the money. You can find it on sale for like 130 and it comes with a solid piece mount and even a second mount if you needed to mount to a low pro gun like a scorpion or ak.
How about that Widebody Charger! 🤘🏼 Carry On
I have one and I love it
I’m impressed. I’ve broke 2 separate Sparc 2s
I was looking through the comments to see if anyone else had the same experience. The dot in mine still shines bright but the mounts are such trash that the optic rattles off every rifle I put it on. I don’t see a reason in spending an additional $150 for a better mount when I could have bought a better optic.
@@swoleboba you havw to use loctite on every mount
Vortex went solar?!? Awww yeeeee
And motion activated (finally)
When will we get a review on an agency arms 320?
I put my Vortex red dot on a Larue mount as soon as I got it.
Do you plan on doing a follow up review with sparc solar mounted on a different mount? Like a Geissele T1 mount or something similar..?! I would love to see that... If at all possible!
Not anytime soon.
@SageDynamics did you come to find out whether or not the optic had an issue or was it just the mount?!
I just assumed holosun was king of budget optics. I’ll have to give the Sparc another look.
There’s a reason the Sparc series has long been considered the king of the budget red dot world.
I’m a holosun / Trijicon /Aimpoint guy. But I got a sparc 2 for free in a trade and that thing has been treated like absolute crap on my lower AR and works. I also saw a pro tire of Estonian soldiers rocking a sparc on their new LMT pistol rifles and it made me bust out laughing
The first solar red dot I use is the Zeiss Zpoint. Not a common RDS.
I always wanted to check that one out. Do you recommend it?
@@wjbrooks19 yeah for solar one, not many choices out there, the quality of Zeiss is top notch. I am still using it. The only difficulty is very hard to find the HK raiser.
Would love them to ditch those rubber caps in favor of a flip cap like an Aimpoint T2 or Holosun GM515. Also 1 MOA adjustments need to be 1/2 MOA now. Come on Vortex, Sparc Solar II!!! Almost there.
Can you get a new mount and try the review again?
This looks like cherokee county, GA...are you in Georgia??
Sir Good evening,
Is this optic is good for pcc competition use?
hope you reply,
it would be a big help,
many thanks.
What picatinny rail panels/grip accessory are those?
This is a dumb question but does it matter which way you install the mount ?
So the mount failed before the optic ever cracked or failed. That's a win for me
I got one for $199 at initial release. 👌
I have the first sparc and it performs well but has what appears to be a melted glue thats part of the led projector, very annoying to look through
Is it just me, or did I see the solar panel break off on that drop test?
I know it's not the same category, but eh, I'll stick with my several year old Aimpoint PRO on it's first battery (I store it with the optic off).
Solid optic, good choice.
Fantastic
Thanks nice
can you review the primary arms 2x glx??
We are definitely about to have more stacked ammo panics.
You was right
Those lens covers flapping like that would drive me nuts. I'd probably end up cutting them off
I thought the exact same thing.
If they're like the covers on the older Sparc they should be able to be joined together on the side of the optic and that would hold them steady.
Thankfully the covers aren't permanently attached. You can easily remove them.
They pull right off
@@John-tx1wk yea, except in real life something called recoil exists and they instantly pull apart. Still GREAT optic though. Have sparc ar2 on Colt 16in
Here I still, in March of 2022, after the three ammo panics referenced at about the 11:15 mark in the video, with another ammo panic.
Drop test hell yeah
Love it
you should test red dot durability on an AK with an ultimak rail since upper receivers don't really get super hot
But then I’d have to buy an AK and that’s not gonna happen.
@@SageDynamics maybe a galil ace then and mount it on the gas tube rail
@@SageDynamics 🤣 Good answer.
Hey Aaron, are you left-handed and right-eye dominant?
How long will the battery last out of the sun, under my bed? 😬
What hand stop/vert grip is that?
Its a railscales anchor
What’s the IR device up front?
Does it have an aimpoint footprint for the mount?
I was wondering the same
Yup. I am using a scalarworks mount for mine.
@@MrTylero28 thanks
I’m gonna assume it uses a T-2 mount?
Those flapping caps would drive me nuts.
anyone know what handstop is on that rifle?
What’s up with your PWS rifle? Bring that baby out. We miss it
I own a Leupold and i think the vortex is more robust lol , it's like a 2nd tier aimpoint at this point
What’s mount do you recommend??
Algorithmic Commentary
Better than the MRO for way less
any compatible mount for Solar?
SPARC one up accordingly