Best Budget Red Dot? Holosun HS403R vs Sig Sauer ROMEO5 comparison.

This is a simple comparison of these two red dots. #comparison #preparedness
Disclaimer: these were purchased with my own money and not supplied by a vendor or company.
Holosun link:
www.opticsplanet.com/holosun-...
Sig Sauer link:
www.opticsplanet.com/sig-saue...

[@brucec2635]

Good video. Thanks. First red dot I got was Romeo 5. $112. Mounted on S&W 9mm M2. I can now hit anything up tp 75 yards. Take it off and I need a hand grenade. Love it. Holds zero. Turns on and off auto. Battery still working after 16 months. Measured battery with DVM and the battery was at 91%.

[@dimitriypm]

Great review, thank you. Appreciate the details and comparisons.

[@andyprairiedog4829]

Excellent video covering the Holosun HS403R in particular. The dot brightness comparing was nice. I prefer the dial type brightness over the push button. Odd enough, both my Holosun EPS Carry and 510C have push button types but both have the Shake Awake features. Some people commenting that it is the same as the Sig Romeo5 here...I did not know that or their backgrounds in design, manufacturing etc. I'm eyeballing the Holosun to use as a low mount option for an AK or M1A set up. Still on the fence on which one. Thanks again for this video. Liked and subbed, sir.

[@3200ish]

@Andy Prairie Dog Thanks for watching! Yea oddly no shake awake on the Holosun but also none to something like an aimpoint either.

[@lumpyzx2645]

Since I have the information and you mentioned it, a holosun on the included low mount does not allow use of the irons on an AK with an ultimak rail, I had to use a Bushnell trs25 to still be able to use irons, it's slightly lower than a typical "lower 1/3" cowitness but irons are completely usable. I couldn't even see the irons with the holosun unless I set the sight to 800+ meters which is basically useless.

[@andyprairiedog4829]

@@lumpyzx2645 Excellent information. Thank you very much on your insight.

[@charleshonaker2738]

Thanks for the comparison. Wish I could find equally comprehensive videos on other firearm’s related products.

[@MelodyTymee]

I like the brightness setting on the holosun, but I’m leaning towards the Romeo 5 just because of the motac shake awake.

[@randylee7888]

They both have shake awake

[@scott2228]

I run the HS403 on my 7” AR9. Swap the mount for something a hair taller. Great red dot IMO.

[@artenox7579]

Most Romeos are produced by Holosun up for Sig specifications, at least the low price ones.

[@1911acolt1]

The holosun 403R is one of the best deals in red dots.The Sig is also made by holosun.The 403 is just a simple set it leave it type optic..They work they are tough enough,Great battery life.Out of all the cheaper price red dots The Holosun 403R just work.-It also just has a dot so it doesn’t have the dark tint of the combo reticules.

[@EchoSigma6]

I have the Sig on most of my rifles because I got them for $100 with shipping and no sales tax. I have a Holosun green dot but was it worth the additional $79 plus tax? Budget wise not really. Both are good and made in the same factory in China it seems just like my Northtac red dot that appears to have protected turrets like the Sig without the dial for brightness. They all work well. I’m sure the Aimpoint is still the best but those prices are beyond my budget.

[@reliablethreat23]

I went with the Holosun for 2 reasons: 1. It comes with a 1/3 lower co-witness mount. 2. it has 0.5 inch MOA adjustments compared to the Sig which has 1 inch MOA adjustments.

[@Icemanza]

did you consider the vortex sparc or crossfire at all?

[@reliablethreat23]

@@Icemanza I did. But I chose the Holosun HS403R because it's the closest thing to an Aimpoint T2. I already own an Aimpoint T2 so I really didn't want to spend another $900+ on an optic!

[@wbrown94]

I'm throwing a Romeo 5 on my 12ga. so the 1 moa isn't as much of an issue for me, but I do prefer the brightness of the holosun red dot it seems a step above

[@21KiNgDoM4]

Romeo5 has 0.5 moa adjustments as well

[@reliablethreat23]

@@21KiNgDoM4 The Romeo 5 has 1 moa adjustments.

[@122Music1]

Of ALL the red dots I've tried. The sig Romeo 1 pro pistol sight is by far the clearest regarding my astigmatism. The flash and bloom from Holosun is WAYY too explosive. The dot looks like a small explosion. Sig Rom prom is great. An equivalent rifle red dot would be super.

[@williamgeorge2591]

The vortex viper looked perfect for me too.

[@monstermash479]

I personally loved my Romeo 7. The dot is super precise especially in the 30mm lense

[@thankgodimouttahere]

You helped me make my decision Holosun

[@3200ish]

@thankgodimouttahere glad I could help! I have really liked the Holosun

[@Followme556]

I like both, but I like the Romeo 5 a little better.

[@Valorius]

I'm a romeo 5 fan but they're both good.

[@andrewschliewe6392]

Me too. But really love the Romeo5 DXR. I have both the red circle and the green triangle. I really like the green triangle over the red circle.

[@bryanmackey1690]

I have 2 Romeo 5’s, need a third red dot for a 10/22 Takedown. Considering the holosun b/c it is 100% parallax free the romeo 5 is not 100% parallax free. I havent had any issues with my romeos I do really like them

[@3200ish]

@Bryan Mackey In my opinion and experience the Holosun is a much brighter and crisper dot as mentioned in the video and will become my red dot of choice going forward unless upgrading to more expensive options.

[@timrobinson6573]

I used red dots for years but I recently switched to 1x prisms for my practical rifles. Red dots are great but they are dependent on batteries and in real practical use I'm never going to use a magnifier. If you want magnification go with a fixed 3x prism. They're just so rugged, don't need batteries and don't need backup irons. Anything that is going to break your ACOG is going to break BUIS or even the rifle.

[@user-sp9hy8tq4j]

Burris ar 336 is what you want if you don’t have 1200$ for a acog

[@5280climber]

Primary Arms Prisms are fantastic.@@user-sp9hy8tq4j

[@Dirty2Clean1980]

The holosun I just bought has a solar panel on top and batteries which it hardly needs. I love it and it was 187.00 bucks

[@TexasBuilt71]

I was swayed by the prettier box . Then it went in the trash.

[@AimHighEagle15]

I'm a romeo 5 guy, but both are good.

[@cjsteele9594]

I have several, they are the best bang for the buck.

[@bradh74]

If you didn't know the Sig red dot is a Holosun. Holosun makes their stuff if you look you'll find the same exact body and mount. (at least Holosun had the same one if they didn't change it) When I got mine the Holosun was less for the same basic thing. In my opinion it's not worth getting the auto feature and circle dot for the extra money. I had to send my Holosun back (and they were great 2 week turn around) because the circle was broken (only half would light up), they fixed it quickly, were great to work with and sent it back. No more issues but I don't shoot a lot Holosun is a good company though. The Romeo 5 or Holosun equivalent is one of the best most reliable options available bar none.

[@3200ish]

@bradh74 I have read and heard different places that Holosun makes some of the Sig red dots. Or at least come out of the same factory. Awesome to here about their customer service though! Customer service from any company is always hugely important! I can say I have not heard or read very positive things about Sig’s customer service.

[@khann844]

I love these red dots, I have used both of them. There weaknesses are their mounts. Good for home defense and plinking but if you want to use these red dots for a duty/shtf than you need to replace the mounts. Unity, ADM, Scalarworks, Midwest, Arisaka, Geissele, Larue all make great mounts that I highly recommend.

[@3200ish]

@Khann Interesting. Have you seen or had these fail? Or lack of QD option/return to zero?

[@DarkWolff.]

I've seen these red dots snap right off these mounts before. I have a couple Romeo 5s one is on a full co witness on a midwest industries

[@khann844]

@@3200ish Also mrgunsngear had one break off. You can tell they have cheap mounts. Bushnell tsr26 has a strong mount for a budget dot.

[@Followme556]

@@3200ish I hear this too but I have not seen any failures with the factory mount. That said, it's ugly so I always replace it anyway.

[@user-sp9hy8tq4j]

Larue if you need it for a beater for sure

[@macthomas6381]

Good video. One suggestion for a little added credibility would be a two pack of new batteries or a volt meter on each to show comparable voltage for brightness comparison.

[@3200ish]

@macthomas6381 Thanks for watching and the suggestion! I’ll keep that in mind

[@SuperExadidas]

good comparison.

[@ChooChoo_4u]

His choice 17:24

[@Dr.Drone420]

The sig sauer dot is still super bright with a smaller dot which is better for longer range also gives u better accuracy

[@3200ish]

@Dr.Drone420 I do agree it’s got decent quality. I have found the quality and crispness in its edges are not as good as the Holosun.

[@cjsteele9594]

I have several, they are the best bang for the buck.

[@RebelViking912]

I've been using both. Either one is fine for a home defense weapon. If i had to pick one for duty use, I would pick the Holosun. If there is a weak spot on the Romeo 5, its the buttons on top could get damaged whereas I believe the dial on the Holosun 403R ias well as the windage and elevation knobs are more protected on the Holosun. I will say that the mounts on both I think are garbage for a duty use firearm. I would toss them and get a Daniel Defense, Midwest Industries, or American Defense, etc aftermarket mount.

[@Followme556]

I think they're both fine for duty use.

[@chrisquintana3877]

I'm building a lightweight ar , I wish someone would weigh these red dots , mount and all. They always spec online without the mount and are inaccurate

[@3200ish]

@chris quintana unfortunately I don’t have a weight because I don’t have a scale that goes low enough yet. If continue to make these videos I’m going to have to get one though due to the popular interest in overall weight.

[@caligirl3000]

Love my sig on my AR.

[@robertmorano2372]

I was originally looking at these same two optics, but i just watched some dude torture test the sig and after watching that, it makes it real hard not to go with the sig for my first "do-all" ar rifle.

[@3200ish]

@robertmorano2372 I don’t disagree. Great optic. as said in the video Holosun has a very crisp dot and great battery life. And thus far has held up great to my use of it.

[@ThePatriotParadox]

So the Holosun has a crisper dot, but is the glass on the SIG more clear than the Holosun?

[@3200ish]

@The Patriot Paradox I would argue both are equal in clarity and both share the same edge to edge glass quality. The Holosun can have a pink hue to it in certain light (only see it while indoors) do to the red tint on the front.

[@wbrown94]

It looked to me that the holosun gets so bright that it drowns out the sight picture, glare issues. You can see the red ring and everything in between on the holosun. Too much red for me

[@jerryhudnall1844]

I have a Romeo 5 mounted on 12ga 3in mag shotgun that I use for turkey hunting this coming summer 2024 will be the fourth season for it, absolutely no problems I set it on 6 and been there all this time, even having the shake and wake I turn it off when stored and not hunting, it has held zero with the heavy recoil turkey rounds, I have other red dots mounted on shotguns as will, the romeo has serve me will, it has worked fine, would I buy another, sure, but no need, the other brand of red dots I have is Swamp Fox Liberators II I'm very pleased with them mounted on a Turkey 410 and 20 ga. all these work I'm happy with them they are not Aimpoint, but they are great for me.

[@aquaticlives2948]

I have a pair of troy industries flip up back up sights, will either of these do an absolute co witness?

[@3200ish]

@aquaticlives2948 only the Romeo 5 will cowitness. The others are lower 1/3

[@HaiLHaiLHaiLo]

Is the Holosun worth the extra $30 over the Sig?

[@setecc]

Whats up with the red halo on the hs4? Like a red ring on all settings?

[@3200ish]

@SETECC pc No I only get the ring on the highest settings like 9 and up in low light or in doors. Not sure when a person will use 12 because it’s SO bright, I can get the halo outdoors midday at 12. But I can pretty much set it at 7 and works for almost all conditions and doesn’t completely wash out when using a weapon light.

[@setecc]

@@3200ish I had the romeo5 on my cx4 but returned it cause I saw this video lol. Im mainly home defense. Is it worth 50 bucks more for the HS? Thx bro!

[@3200ish]

@SETECC pc In my opinion yes. In the future if I get more reddots they will be Holosun if I’m on a budget. Other wise Trijicon or aimpoint if I have money burning a hole in my pocket. The crispness of the dot on the Holosun compared to the star loom in the Sig is a HUGE sell point for me.

[@GeorgeMoilanen]

I bought two Romeo 5's One from Amazon one from a Sig dealer. Both were crappy. Extra images in glass. Both have been returned for full credit. Advised Sig about it we'll see what they say. Even a bargain dot shouldn't have spurious images in some light.

[@3200ish]

@GeorgeMoilanen agreed

[@citydecline2020]

What I would like to know.... is that a real Sig Romeo 5? Because there are knockoffs being sold on Amazon. Someone made a youtube video on it. "Big Difference"

[@3200ish]

@City Decline this one is legit. I purchased 2 of these through Cabelas at separate times. Both are real. I’ve also seen that video. It’s good info and why I don’t purchase certain products through Amazon.

[@JohnSmith-qk7zj]

Can you see the emitter in either of these?

[@3200ish]

@Jason Smith at the 10:20 mark when showing the brightness you can slightly make out the Sigs emitter at the 4 o’clock position. It takes up about 8 to 10% of the optics view. The Holosun is at the 6 o’clock position and takes about 2 to 3% of the optics view.

[@jpnw6577]

Sorry Sig, and I'm from Oregon, but I'll choose Holosun every time. First, they have a broader array of optic availability and their experience with making optics that fit user needs seems unparalleled. They even give the higher end optics a run for their money with features offered. My favorite optics are Aimpoints but they can't seem to be bothered to release a green dot version and my eye picks up green much quicker. They also don't implement solar. Arguably they don't need it given their battery life and I love Aimpoints service but it goes to show you how bent Holosun is on innovation according to user demands. There are also plenty of videos of them being abused ie Sage Dynamics and they do quite well. They made their name by making desirable optics. I feel Sig relies on their name to sell theirs. I realize these are both made in China but that doesn't make them trash.

[@leealan4312]

Yeah I have both. I will take the Sig Romeo 5.

[@kevinshelton3919]

Does the Holosun have automatic shut off like the Sig?

[@3200ish]

@Kevin Shelton no it does not. It does have double the battery life at 100,000 hours. But no auto off.

[@cowboywoodard2569]

Will the Holson Co witness well for my rugerpc9 ??

[@3200ish]

@cowboywoodard2569 to be honest I’m not sure. Maybe someone else in the comments knows? If anything it would be a lower 1/3 with the low mount attached. But I don’t have experience with the ruger.

[@oleboy7615]

Holosun, hands down.

[@cjsteele9594]

SIG ROMEO for the win, imo.

[@Dirty2Clean1980]

The romeo is NV comp, where i dont think the holoson is.

[@buddy9577]

Sig is better. Halosun makes the Sig but Sig specs are better than the halosun

[@jrshort138]

Same dot dude

[@w.c.wilson8753]

The rotary dial on my 403R is EXTREMELY stiff. PITA

[@gleamtarrest6310]

PA MD25 Rotary knob .. $99.00...

[@phantomstrike3310]

Romeo 5 XDR with Juliet 5x.......sweet spot

[@3200ish]

@phantomstrike3310 it looks like a sweet setup. The only bummer I see is that because of the battery set up there’s no way to change the mounting options for the dot. Unless you do a full mount for the whole upper receiver.

[@murphykenji]

I despise red dots with fiddly little failure prone rubber buttons. The 403R's rheostat is the way to go.

[@KaneGregory]

Gun to head the Holosun is the better optic there diode tec is as good if not better than aimpoint!🧠🤯🔫

[@lucaswoods1155]

There are people who look at these optics and say that’s not budget and then go find a 40 dollar red dot sight.

[@3200ish]

@lucaswoods1155 true story. There’s also those who will watch and say buy only aimpoint or eotech. Deep down they still want a budget optic.

[@lucaswoods1155]

@@3200ish yes but not at the expense of having a piece of shit especially if it’s gonna be used as a life saving piece of equipment holosun is good though everyone wants a budget optic but you have to ask yourself what is your life worth to you and the life of your family if you have one people get into this and think they can go buy a 100 dollar high point and it’s gonna be just fine and you know maybe it will be or maybe it will blow up in your hands when you need it the most

[@3200ish]

@lucaswoods1155 I totally agree. Still need quality when it comes to those things. I personally would never go cheaper than these. And would recommend that no one else goes cheaper than these. I think these are still a solid red dot that will perform when needed and at least give you something than nothing.

[@locnlod5744]

Romeo5 only has 10 settings, not 12. 8 daytime and 2 NV

[@jimrauch9869]

How are you going to compare two Optics and not even look through them or discuss what the radical looks like

[@robbypro3370]

Who cares about the boxes they come in? Just tell us what one is the best bang for the buck

[@TheCbrooks45]

The Holosun is great but it’s made in China so I’ll pass. I believe the Sig is to which is a shame. Need to verify that though. I always try to buy American when possible. Sometimes that means paying a little more though.

[@3200ish]

Sig is also made in China. Designed in Oregon. Holosun is designed in America as well. To find true American made you’ll have to look at Leupold for sure. Outside of them I would have to look as many top brands out source but to Japan or other countries. But for those on a budget this is a solid consideration.

[@TheCbrooks45]

Trijicon is American made. I have one and it’s well made and works great. They’re just so expensive. Holosun is definitely creeping up there in price as well though. Both great products. I just prefer the American made Trijicon if I can afford it.

[@3200ish]

@liam Anderson Nope they’re made in China. Just caution to Amazon purchases. They can sneak a copycat in there depending on seller. As long as a person sticks to bigger name shooting stores you’re good. Can also call the company and verify with serial numbers. That usually goes for all brands.

[@3200ish]

@Chris Brooks I know they out source on a few of their scopes to Japan, but good to know the red dot is house made!

[@wiseguysmith6519]

Both these red dots are made in the same factory in china.

[@bjburton5931]

SIG says there designed in Oregon, assembled in China lol

[@Followme556]

So 2 different communist countries...

[@bjburton5931]

@@Followme556 Exactly

[@mr.smartmovesforlife2408]

Holosun is better.

[@SetsunaKai5]

Romeo5s are made by holosun, lol.

[@antman656]

No they arent just a similar facotry

[@bellaphone5719]

Negative

[@jpmchausse]

I didn't know Sig Sauer bought Holosun. That's funny though

[@rodneyobrien4624]

Facts google it.. sig contracted the Rome 5 out to Holosun…. Holosun makes the Romeo 5 but to sigs standards

[@martylucas8557]

@@rodneyobrien4624, that makes a lot more sense! People should be careful when they put “lol”, as they might just become the joke.

[@theetacticalpossum2769]

Box is completely irrelevant, next

[@user-gi5oy7zl4z]

Bro it's looks like your Romeo 5 is fake, just open the Battery cap and check if you contacts not a gold color then your red dot is fake!

[@3200ish]

@user-gi5oy7zl4z not a fake. Check out my most recent video!

[@zzzzz2343]

More appealing box.... Torque tool???🤦😆😆😆😆😆

[@donl5158]

Could have said everything in 5 minutes or less. Gotta go mud's drying

[@dick-parker]

Dude I watched this at work and just played it in the background

[@donl5158]

@@dick-parker Are you unemployed yet

[@Followme556]

I;m sure your youtube review of these optics is much better.

[@21scavage]

These are both made in the exact same chinese factory lol. Major L for anyone who has to resort to using this cheap trash.

[@3200ish]

Hence why it’s a personal opinion video on the best budget red dot.

[@johnhatchel9681]

The Romeo 5 isn't trash. Far from it.

[@Followme556]

These are outstanding red dots, I would not hesitate for one second to deploy with either one. -Signed, the Infantry.

[@bornfrompain926]

@@sungukyun2608 Dot is dot, gun go boom

[@HotBrass-Lead]

Major L for making a stupid comment !!