Vortex starts 2021 with a bang. The first novelty is the new version of the Vortex Sparc microcollimator. Named Vortex Sarc Solar, it will join the currently available Sparc AR and Sparc II models. As the name suggests, the new Vortex product is equipped with a photovoltaic panel that provides increased working time on one battery.
Built-in electronics will cut-off power from the CR2032 battery with appropriate ambient light present which will allows the solar panel to generate sufficient power. It also has an automatic shutdown function after 14 hours of use (Auto D-Tec), with an automatic turn-on function when even a slightest movement is detected. As a result of these treatments, the working time that can be achieved on one battery is 150,000 hours, which is approximately... 15 years. If we act skeptical and decrease this amount by half, the operation time is still 50% more than other similar products, even high-end ones.
Moving on to more standard features, Sparc Solar offers 12 brightness settings, including two for night vision. The +/- control buttons are located on the left side of the housing which is made of a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, anodized in black. The lens is 22 millimeters in diameter and, unlike many competing products, its tint is almost invisible. The adjustment turrets are built into the outline of the collimator, which makes them difficult to damage. The battery is located in a screw-type socket on the right side of the device.
The set includes 2 mounts, a low one for the AK platform and SMGs and 1/3 co-witness for ARs and similar weapons. The manufacturer also adds rubber lens covers that are clipped together on the side of the sight when not in use. The last items in the box are a collimator assembly and adjustment tool, a cloth and one CR2032 battery. The suggested retail price is 399 USD.
Moving on, the next new products are two prism sights with 3X and 5X magnification. We are talking about the Spitfire HD Gen II models. They are the successors to the popular 3X Spitfire model. It should be noted that there have been huge changes in terms of design.
The second generation of the Spitfire prism sights received the new AR-BDC4 reticle with markers corresponding to projectile drop at certain distances. The mesh is designed for the .223 Remington cartridge and allows quick corrections of up to 600 meters.
As with the Sprac Solar, both sights offer 12 brightness settings with two for night vision. The control turrets and the location of the batteries and buttons are also similar. The same mounts also fit the new sights providing full unification facilitating logistics and service.
The biggest difference between the 3X and 5X models is the ability to attach a microcollimator on the top of the latter. Prices are 550 USD and 650 USD respectively. The set of accessories that come with the box is the same as for the Sparc Solar model.
