Vortex Sparc 2 vs Vortex Strikefire 2 : Which One’s the Best Deal for You?

Both Vortex Sparc 2 and Strikefire 2 are affordable, entry-level red dot sight with acceptable quality. However, their prices are in the same ballpark, causing a lot of people to wonder which optics should one get.

The truth is, even though they are red dot sights of the same brand, they have very different designs and features.

In this article, I’ll help you spot the stark differences between these 2, so that you don’t end up disappointed, saying “I should have known”.

If you want battle-proven red dot for Home Defense or occupational use, you better stick with Aimpoint, Trijicon and EOTech. But for range gun or hunting gun, most people don’t need those super high reliability and can afford to save some money. That said, many Chinese low end red dots are too low quality and unreliable that you’re better off purchasing better brands like Vortex Optics.

Another great thing about Vortex is its warranty, especially for red dot sights. Very few brands would offer Transferable Lifetime Warranty for red dot sights. To compare, even Aimpoint offers 10 years warranty for civilian use. And Leupold offer only 2 years on its DeltaPoint Pro red dot sight. So both Vortex have the warranty advantage.

PROS and CONS breakdown

 

Sparc 2 – Discontinued; Strikefire 2 – A substantial upgrade from the Strikefire 1

During 2018-2019, Vortex has replaced its Sparc 2 with Crossfire red dot instead.

Vortex Crossfire red dot has similar dot and glass quality compared to the Sparc 2. It is not night vision compatible. But its battery life had improved. For a through review, check out my Vortex Crossfire red dot review.

Vortex Sparc 2 can still be found from many vendors at the time of this writing.

Vortex StrikeFire 2 addresses the most annoying issue of the StrikeFire 1, it’s poor control placements. With the older model, it’s just too easy to accidentally turn on the red dot and waste batteries. Putting the red dot down on the wrong side in a moving car, or sliding the optic in/out of your gun case can result in unintentional powering on of the StrikeFire 1. This issue is no longer present with the StrikeFire 2 as the controls are moved from the left hand side to the rear.

Furthermore, the StrikeFire 1 also has dimmer green dot which could easily washed out during bright days. The Vortex team also solved this problem with the StrikeFire 2.

 

Optics Showdown : Sparc 2 VS Strikefire 2

Same glass quality, Difference is MOA dot size and color

Dot crispness, glass and lens coating are practically the same for both optics. On bright sunny days,  I’ve experienced no problem seeing the red dot on both optics. The main differences are :

Sparc 2 – 2 MOA red dot.

Strikefire 2 – 4 MOA “bright red” or switchable “red/green” option. Unlike Strikefire 1, you can choose either option as the green dot is now bright enough.

Personally I don’t care for the green dot option, but some people claim that green helps them acquire target faster in certain environments (such as foliage or dark background). And according to PLS Laser, “a green laser will appear four times as bright as a red laser at the same power output based on the human eyes’ light sensitivity.”

Strikefire 2 has longer battery life

First of all, I need to say that both the Sparc 2 and the Strikefire 2 aren’t ideal red dots for Home Defense situation as they lack the required reliability and durability. If you have enough money, you should always go for Aimpoint, EOTech or Trijicon brands. The Aimpoint PRO is a “rather affordable” red dot for serious Home Defense optics.

With that out of the way, we can say that super reliable batteries, “always on” function or motion-activated feature aren’t as important for a range gun or a hunting gun.

But we still want low battery consumption, easy to acquire batteries and easy to operate optics right?

Summary of Batteries for each Mentioned Optics

Strikefire 2 has a bit better battery life expectancy. But the CR2032 battery for Sparc 2 is easier to find (at least for me, locally).

Sparc 2 included mount has better adaptability

One selling point of the Sparc 2 is its included adjustable mount. With the Sparc 2, you get a low mount (18mm) and a high mount (37mm) of which you can add a 3mm spacer for further adjustments.

With Vortex Strikefire 2, you get a cantilever ring mount, which allows more space on your rail for more gears, such as a magnifier.

Both optics can absolute or ⅓ co-witness on an AR platform easily.

Sparc 2 is lighter and more compact

Vortex Sparc 2 is lighter and more compact than the StrikeFire 2. If you’re looking for a lightweight build, the Sparc 2 is the way to go.

Moderate durabiltiy, Superb warranty

Both Vortex Sparc 2 and Strikefire 2 are durable enough for non home-defense or occupational applications. Again, if you’re into serious use, consider getting a higher end red dot.

I personally have a great run with the both optics and have experienced no durability issues with the red dots. Furthermore, Vortex Lifetime warranty and Customer Service have great reputation and you can rely on them if any issue arises.

Sparc 2 is cheaper

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

• Sparc 2 (Discontinued and a bit hard to find) – $140
• Strikefire 2 – $179

 

Conclusion : Choose your preferred MOA dot size

Sparc 2 and Strikefire 2 have similar glass clarity and dot brightness. Basically you can base your decision on feature and price. Sparc 2 is a lighter, more compact, 2 MOA red dot for better precision. Strikefire 2 is a bigger, 4 MOA, switchable red/green dot for fast target acquisition. Both are not SHTF rugged and has Vortex VIP warranty.

A newer Vortex Crossfire red dot is supposed to replace the Sparc 2. It has 2 MOA, same dot and glass, no night vision capability and better battery life.

If you’re ok with 2 MOA dot and no night vision settings, the Vortex Crossfire red dot is the right optic for you.