I really like Vortex. I originally planned to use the SPARC on all my guns. I had two of the 1st Gen SPARC's, but the part that houses the power button got crushed on one of them, no idea how, but since they didn't make that model any more Vortex replaced it with the SPARC-AR. I have to say though I don't use either of my SPARC optics anymore simply because they don't have "shake awake" (AKA auto on or movement activated) Any red dot that doesn't have "shake awake" now days is behind the curve by a long shot. The advantage of not having to turn your optic on, especially in a defensive situation, is invaluable. The SPARC optics (with the exception of the Solar which has auto-on) make this even more problematic by having an auto off feature that is meant to save the battery. Since it's a timed switch that turns it off. It could even turn off while you're using it. I believe the SPARC-AR is set for 6 hrs. If for instance if you are out hunting, and you turn your optic on in the morning, if you are out for more than 6 hrs. and go to take a shot your optic may not be on. You have to be sure to hit the button again sometime during the day or make sure it's on before you shoot. Nearly every other optic on the market has some form of shake awake on all their red dot sights. Vortex needs to step up their game in that department. Primary Arms is now offering a replacement battery cap that gives illuminated optics "shake awake." So your scopes batteries won't be dead if you forget to turn it off, and if you pick up your rifle your reticle will automatically be illuminated. I plan to get one for my Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8. Maybe that's something Vortex could build into their scopes.
I really like Vortex. I originally planned to use the SPARC on all my guns. I had two of the 1st Gen SPARC's, but the part that houses the power button got crushed on one of them, no idea how, but since they didn't make that model any more Vortex replaced it with the SPARC-AR. I have to say though I don't use either of my SPARC optics anymore simply because they don't have "shake awake" (AKA auto on or movement activated) Any red dot that doesn't have "shake awake" now days is behind the curve by a long shot. The advantage of not having to turn your optic on, especially in a defensive situation, is invaluable. The SPARC optics (with the exception of the Solar which has auto-on) make this even more problematic by having an auto off feature that is meant to save the battery. Since it's a timed switch that turns it off. It could even turn off while you're using it. I believe the SPARC-AR is set for 6 hrs. If for instance if you are out hunting, and you turn your optic on in the morning, if you are out for more than 6 hrs. and go to take a shot your optic may not be on. You have to be sure to hit the button again sometime during the day or make sure it's on before you shoot. Nearly every other optic on the market has some form of shake awake on all their red dot sights. Vortex needs to step up their game in that department. Primary Arms is now offering a replacement battery cap that gives illuminated optics "shake awake." So your scopes batteries won't be dead if you forget to turn it off, and if you pick up your rifle your reticle will automatically be illuminated. I plan to get one for my Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8. Maybe that's something Vortex could build into their scopes.
The solar is just a fantastic optic.