Let's dive into a comparison between the Vortex StrikeFire 2 and the SpitFire 3X, both top-notch optics from Vortex. Which one comes out on top?
First, understand that the StrikeFire 2 is a 1X optic, while the SpitFire 3X offers three times the magnification. If you're just getting into firearm optics, this guide is for you.
We'll look at the pros and cons of each sight, especially when it comes to close-up and long-range shooting.
Vortex StrikeFire 2 is generally better for close-range shooting, and the SpitFire 3X is kinda like an ACOG. Literally this is the budget-friendly version of compared to getting an Aimpoint Micro or Trijicon ACOG.
Vortex StrikeFire 2 VS SpitFire 3X Core Comparison
Read Related: Vortex Sparc AR VS Sparc II
Which One To Get?
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Looking for a great red dot sight under $200? The Vortex StrikeFire 2 is a top choice. It's a 30 mm tube sight that's popular and works great. It's ideal for range shooting and airsoft training because it helps you quickly spot targets.
You also get a lens cap and mounts with it. Other brands might charge extra for these. It's like getting the quality of an Aimpoint Comp but at a fraction of the price.
The sight has strong caps to protect its settings. These caps have O-rings that fit snugly. Adjusting the sight is easy. Each click changes the sight by 0.5 MOA, and you can feel each click.
If you like the Aimpoint Comp but it's too pricey, the Vortex StrikeFire 2 is a great pick.
Want a scope like the ACOG without the high price? The Vortex Spitfire is your answer for shooting up to 400 yards. It's perfect for mid-range targets.
Prism scopes have been popular on ARs for years because they are great for shooters with astigmatism. The Spitfire 3x stands out for its great value and performance.
You don't need a battery for this sight. It has a 5.56mm BDC reticle etched on the glass, making distant shooting easier.
Its prism design gives clear images. Plus, you can see its unique reticle with or without light, even during the day.
If you don't want a red dot magnifier or an expensive ACOG, the Vortex Spitfire 3X is a smart pick.
Check Out More: Best High End Red Dot Sights
Where Are Budget Vortex Scopes Made?
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Vortex scopes, including the SpitFire and StrikeFire 2, are mostly made in China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Only their premium products come from Japan and the US.
Despite this, Vortex offers a lifetime warranty for all their products, showing their confidence in quality.
China's reputation for producing cheap, low-quality items is outdated. Over the past 20 years, their manufacturing has become world-class. The old "Made in China is bad" idea doesn't hold anymore. Brands like Holosun, NiteCore, and ThruNite from China are now competing strongly with American brands like Surefire, Aimpoint, and Trijicon. They offer similar or even better quality for half the price.
These affordable optics from Vortex are impressive. They're solid, handle 5.56mm recoil well, and are built to last.
1X vs 3X Difference
3X has a better target identification capabilities than 1X.
1X
1X is great for CQB and mid range engagement. 1X can also become 3X if using a magnifier scope to zoom in the sight picture.
3X
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The Vortex SpitFire 3X offers a 3X magnification, ideal for shooting at longer distances. Its EBR 556 reticle is etched and can light up, which is great for dim settings or for those with astigmatism.
With this scope, shooters can aim up to 500 yards. The reticle also has clear markings to help judge distance and size of targets.
For magnified optics, eye relief is crucial. You typically want between 2.5 - 4 inches. This means you need to align your eye just right with the scope to see clearly.
Personally, I find the 3X magnification perfect for distances up to 300 yards. For anything beyond that, I'd prefer a stronger scope to see my target better.
Battery Life
Please note that we're discussing budget optics. The battery life of these two optics isn't the best on the market. However, they typically last about a year if used continuously.
The Vortex StrikeFire 2 uses a CR2 battery. It lasts approximately 6,000 hours on the lowest brightness setting and 400 hours on the highest. That's roughly 250 days of use for this affordable optic.
The Vortex SpitFire uses a CR2032 battery for reticle illumination. If you're casually using this optic during the day, you generally won't need the reticle illumination, unless it's a cloudy day.
Practical Applications
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Both of these products are sports optics that perform exceptionally well in the field. While they aren't designed for combat, they're excellent choices for those seeking cost-effective alternatives.
The Vortex StrikeFire 2 red dot sight offers many of the features of pricier optics at a quarter of the cost. It's ideal for range shooting, tactical exercises, and airsoft. Additionally, it's compatible with any 30 mm tube ring mount, allowing users to choose their preferred aftermarket mount.
The Vortex SpitFire Prism 3X is designed for medium to long-range shooting. Its reticle features a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) that aids in accurate shooting from 300 to 500 yards. However, it's essential to note that different ammunition types may not align perfectly with the EBR BDC reticle's markings at these distances. For shots up to 200 yards, the SpitFire 3X is spot on.
Advantages and Disadvantages:The StrikeFire 2 1X fixed red dot sight excels at close-range shooting. It's not ideal for long-range shots beyond 150 yards, as it becomes challenging to identify distant targets with just 1X magnification. But at 1X, shooters can swiftly lock onto moving targets with both eyes open, ensuring excellent situational awareness.
On the other hand, the SpitFire 3X provides magnified targeting for increased accuracy at longer ranges. It allows for clear target identification and offers a detailed view downrange. However, it's less effective for close shots between 10 to 25 yards due to its magnification.
Final Verdict
Both optics are excellent choices for beginners seeking quality without a hefty price tag. The Vortex SpitFire 3X is ideal for longer-distance shooting and is especially suitable for shooters with astigmatism. On the other hand, the StrikeFire 2 is perfect for those shooting up to 50 yards or participating in military simulation force-on-force airsoft games.
While the battery life isn't the best on the market, it offers a minimum of 250 days of use. This equates to almost two-thirds of a year. When deciding between these two optics, I wouldn't consider battery life as the primary deciding factor.
These optics serve different purposes. For those new to shooting, the Vortex StrikeFire 2 red dot sight is an excellent choice for both plinking and home defense.
As the content creator of badassoptic.com, My background in the firearms industry and shooting sports gives me the experience to recommend tried and true products and keep away subpar ones.
