Aimpoint PRO VS Comp M4 : Which One is the Best Deal for You?

Both the Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) and Aimpoint CompM4 are 30mm tube red dot sights with great reputation in durability. Aimpoint PRO is the budget option while the CompM4 is the high-end version, costing about $400 more.

But does the marked up CompM4 make sense to you?

In this article, I’ll help you spot the stark differences between the 2 and help you make informed decision on whether to get the upgraded version or not.

Aimpoint AB is a Swedish optics company manufacturing red dot sights for civilian, police and military use. Aimpoint red dot sights are currently used by numerous armed forces around the world, including the US military.

PROS and CONS breakdown

 

Difference between CompM4 and CompM4s : Battery compartment

Before I compare Aimpoint PRO with Aimpoint CompM4, some of us might want to know the difference between CompM4 and CompM4s first.

Basically they’re the same optics with just different battery tube compartment. The CompM4 has a top-mounted battery compartment, but some people find top mounted battery compartment position to obstruct their field of view. Thus with its newer version, the CompM4s, Aimpoint moved the battery compartment to the lower part of the optic instead. This is the only difference between the two.

For most people, the CompM4s is going give a cleaner look and better peripheral field of view. However if you run a 3x magnifier behind your optic, you’d prefer the CompM4 with the battery on top for easier access to your brightness control.
 

Optics Showdown : PRO VS CompM4

CompM4 is more rugged and durable

Aimpoint CompM4 has unmatched durability and ruggedness. I’ve dropped the CompM4 on concrete floor for 3 times from my shoulder height. I tried banging it on a steel beam and also accidentally dropped it in a pile of mud. And the CompM4 still works perfectly fine.

Obviously my personal trials fall far short of those shotgun test and bomb test you can easily find on YouTube.

AImpoint PRO also passed my concrete-drop test, banging test and submersion test. But from what I and my friends feel, the PRO gave us a less solid feel compared to the CompM4.

Furthermore, AImpoint PRO is favored by law enforcements while the CompM4 is favored by the military. Since military equipment requires higher durability compared to that of law enforcements, I assumed that the military had done some testings and found the CompM4 to be more durable.

This is not to say that military procurement is a super efficient process, but if the CompM4 is not military grade, the optic would be ditched already.

CompM4 battery is easier to find with longer battery life

Even though the CompM4 is more durable, for normal users durability is not much of an issue since the PRO is tough enough. On the other hand, battery issue has more felt-effect on our decision making.

Summary of Battery Types and Battery Life

Easier-to-find AA batteries and longer battery life are major advantages of the Aimpoint CompM4.

However, with the internet, the acquisition of 3V lithium 2L76 battery is a simple task. You can easily find one on Amazon at about $4 each (at the time of this writing). And replacing battery every 2-3 years isn’t a big deal compared to the cost savings you get with the Aimpoint PRO.

That said, CompM4’s AA battery means that you can just grab it at any convenience store. Plus, 8 years battery life is a 2-3x advantage.

Aimpoint PRO is lighter and more compact

Both optics has the same FOV, but the CompM4 is 1.6 oz heavier and bulkier.

Aimpoint PRO is much cheaper

Price fluctuates due to demand and supply. But at the time of this writing :

• Aimpoint PRO – $440
• Aimpoint CompM4s (No mount) – $790, (With mount) – $850

The PRO is a budget option and is much cheaper at this point.

Trivial Differences

These are the minor differences between the Aimpoint PRO and CompM4 :

Lens covers : Flip lens covers are included with the Aimpoint PRO. CompM4 has no flip up covers included.

Brightness settings : Aimpoint PRO has 4 NVD and 6 Daylight settings. CompM4 has 7 NVD and 9 Daylight settings. Both red dots are daylight bright and can be used on bright sunny days.

No Difference

Dot & Glass : Same dot crispness, glass clarity and contrast

Mount : Pro and CompM4 have pretty much the same mount with the same big knob on its side. Consider 3rd party mount for upgrades.

Warranty : Same 2 years warranty for professional or competition use and 10 years warranty for personal use from the date of purchase
 

Conclusion : PRO for price, CompM4 for super durability

The main differences between Aimpoint PRO and Aimpoint CompM4 are

• Durability – CompM4 more durable.
• Battery – CompM4 = AA battery, 8 years battery life ; PRO = 2L76 or DL1/3N battery, 3 years battery life
• Weight – PRO is lighter
• Price – PRO is cheaper.

Even though Aimpoint PRO is less durable, it is deemed as one of the most durable optic in the market and can take unbelievable level of abuse. And although the PRO battery life is significantly less than the CompM4, 3 years battery life is literally more than enough. Battery type is admittedly harder to find, but with the internet, getting the specific battery is no longer costly.

It all boils down to price. If you want the best of the best and can afford its price, go for CompM4s. If you want to save money, take the PRO. Both optics will not disappoint you.