Vortex Defender XL unboxing

[@Wolf_Avery]

Introduce it to the garage floor

[@onpsxmember]

...after mounting it to something with weight. All those tests only dropping the tiny rds alone won't do.

[@carlosdaniels9515]

People may hate to admit it, but Holosun single handedly changed the red dot market. If they didn't exist we wouldn't be seeing any of these new offerings from these companies that have been insisting on staying the same. And despite new offerings from trijicon, the only green they offer is the MRO

[@coffeeandlifting]

Holosun is crushing it. The 507COMP is great. I don't even have the desire to try a competitor. Looks like this Vortex has a taller deck height, plus it has that overhang like the SRO which will probably prohibit irons-forward setups which is my preferred. In order to completely corner the market, Holosun just needs to release a cheaper "407"COMP with the same housing but stripped of features that most people don't need like the multi-reticle. I would buy a bunch of them.

[@Puddin127]

True a they’re pushing the envelope

[@chairmanbrando]

Is Holosun still the only one offering a direct-fit optic for the Glock MOS footprint? If so that kinda tells you how things are going in the optics market...

[@Swissk31300BO]

I see no reason to get this vortex over Holosun/ or even now the new Gideon optics. Red dots are cheap. They break. If I break it I’ll buy another

[@Rdctd6969]

Trijicon is fucking trash.

[@DFogify]

Vortex single handedly trying to prevent the DPP footprint from dying(No the EFLX does not count, it would have to not break after 50 rounds to count).

[@dutch4260]

God that is such a pathetic red dot. You'd think EoTech would have more than 2 braincells available to make a red dot.

[@guy2234-v5r]

They nailed everything but the footprint. DPP is the betamax of footprints.

[@caseyf2453]

If they were insistent on the DDP footprint, they should have at least put an adapter plate for an rmr cut instead of including a Glock MOS plate. I'm pretty sure the Glock already comes with a DPP plate in the box anyways so no idea why they would do that.

[@guy2234-v5r]

@@caseyf2453 agreed. Though I think Glock switched from including all the MOS plates to just one now. My last two MOS guns only came with an RMR plate, which, come to think of it, just proves how much the RMR footprint won.

[@DaBigBR]

The DPP footprint has the advantage of being narrow enough for a 1911 slide. It also has identical screw spacing to the RMSc footprint, so if you're trying to pick a "default" for a slide, the DPP footprint allows an RMSc dot to attach with a slim fencing plate.

[@GldenRetriever]

I'm all for the DPP. My scs320 and eps are both DPP (or adjacent), so having to have to have a rmr cut for my 507comp is lame.

[@S1deshowRob]

Vortex loves weird ass footprints, they’ve been keeping the docter footprint on life support too

[@RenoMay]

Posting after a review embargo lifts? I knew leviathan had something to do with it

[@RetARMYjohn]

Love your input and your Pro-shop! Keep it up brother!

[@tacoscheap]

My experience with vortex has been good. I ran one for a season. It came with a gun I bought for steel challenge. When I got into CO it went on my Canik. I wasn’t sure if I’d continue to shoot USPSA so I bought in at the low end of investment. (Ask me how to shoot CO with no glaring disadvantage for under 1K 😃) I beat the hell out of it. The glass eventually came loose…glue issue. I sent it in and had a new one in less than two weeks. It would have been better if it hadn’t broke, but it’s awesome to know they’re gonna stand by that warranty without any bullshit. I don’t know if I’ll buy this if it’s the same price as the 507. If it’s $100 less, in a few months or when vortex runs a good sale, I’ll give it a whirl. I feel like the warranty alone is worth giving them a chance. The footprint…it’s gotta go. These assholes (every company in the game) need to just standardize the holes on everything. Compatibility shouldn’t be an issue very much longer. Plates and footprints need to disappear for a singular connection.

[@HaydenLane9mm]

Feels like the DPP footprint was a business decision. There’s very little competition for direct fit 320 and Staccato competition optics.

[@690sm]

I'd stick with Swampfox Justice II for now and see how much round count until I break it...besides it is an Rmr footprint compared to that deltapoint footprint.

[@GldenRetriever]

Glad to see more companies going to the DPP/RMS pattern. We have micro dots (EPSC), "survival" dots (scs320), and now competition dots (sorry the dpp optic is lame in year 2024). If the refresh rate isn't garbage and this turns out to be the first good vortex red dot, then I'm game. Would love to dump the rmr footprint and go full send into 1 cut (as rmsc can fit dpp cut with front bosses).

[@LVbibby]

If the street price doesn't undercut the 507comp it's a miss for me especially with that footprint. Thanks for the info will be interested in your thoughts once you run it for a bit.

[@BigScarab2]

What is the window size like compared to the 507comp & SRO?

[@Oneproblemme101]

I had the original for my 43x mos. I’ve had Holosun Trijicon eflex. The vortex was so bad the red dot would literally disappear if you shook it to fast. you could also adjust it to the point where it wouldn’t even show up in the glass. Vortex makes terrible red dots across the board

[@roancowart2591]

Engineering the internal layout might not have allowed for the RMR footprint. It sounds like it's DPP footprint from your video. Guess it's an option for those with DPP direct milled slides who want something other than a DPP or Sig offering.

[@IrishZorg]

SRO footprint is the most annoying one because it is the widest screw location so you can't mill Shadow 2 for it, very tricky to mill Stock 2. So I guess it's a good thing they went with DPP.

[@LVbibby]

Shadow 2 can be milled for an SRO, and the optic ready version has a plate for RMR/SRO/507comp.

[@kylewalton7005]

very interesting. i love my razor red dot because it weighs nothing but it is small. that thing has a nice size to it.

[@CitizenCarrier]

Cool. Can’t wait for a follow up video after you put it through it’s paces.

[@stephenfannin6482]

excited to hear how this works out, keep us posted

[@not_that_jon_guy]

Ive been running the Defender ST for close to 2 months now, haven't noticed a glare. the "nuclear" bright is absolutely true. is truly wild.

[@ZacharyH-wi3ws]

Yep same, I like my ST a lot. Right now it's on my Echelon and makes for a good combo

[@kevindoherty126]

DPP footprint is kind of an L but a ton of people will love that this is basically a 507 Comp not made by holosun

[@rolotomase1440]

Still kinda expensive IMO at $400 on Amazon. Maybe they settle down after the drop.

[@Practicgeardude]

I have an acro, can concur.

[@zen-Tii]

😆

[@raykettel1837]

I'm cheap so I would wait for refurb from AA Optics.

[@Hotel8k3k]

Curious to see how it does.

[@DefaultDadAZ]

I was really hoping they would've kept the micro footprint because there's plenty of models with those direct mount slides that would be cool to have something more competitive for carry optics

[@den_see]

Vortex has a good reputation. Glad they put this out. If anything that overhang concerns me, if that is an overhang.

[@iamnotarealboy]

Vortex absolutely does not have a good reputation with red dots. Holosun has been beating Vortex in dots for like 6 years, by a lot.

[@Rickmaki]

I'm a C-More fan.

[@robertbuchanan562]

Love my C-Mores talked to employee and the rst3 won't be out til August more than likely. Gonna change to 3 whenever it's released.

[@tomsanders6267]

Im set to buy a new Holosun for a P365. But I can wait for this review, Im always ready to try new products as long as they have been reviewed by someone like Stoeger who obviously wouldn't schill for a bad product. I respect Vortex rifle glass.

[@lililililililili8667]

Can't beat the eps carry for a 365

[@tomsanders6267]

@@lililililililili8667 Thanks, Im keeping my options open. Sadly most of my guns arent MOS. I didn't expect my eyes to start failing so quickly.

[@chrisdiceart]

Ah, looks like I had the name wrong! 😉 Sounds like just a bit more $$$ than the Holosun 507 Comp. Shipping with a Glock plate is a plus! Ben it will be interesting to see your take after you run it. For me, it's got to be BETTER to bump the 507 Comp. 😉

[@blechmaier]

Is this the same as the Vortex Compdot?

[@nunziotocci1839]

but does it have the flickering issue

[@BullseyeBallistics-kf1jw]

Vortex is awesome. Holosun needs an easier customer service system, thats my only complaint with them. But im confident with all of my vortex stuff.

[@TheDuppyman]

the gen 1 defender did have the best rep for durability. Hope they got it squared away now. Vortex warranty is the gold standard of the industry. Not an sro foot print, strike one.

[@jonsevier6087]

Did they fix the refresh rate of the emitter? The CCW sized Defender turns in to a bunch of dots under moderate movement....

[@raykettel1837]

The Defender name makes sense for CCW size optic but why use the Defender or an optic that is the same large size a competition optics? The CCW sized Defender has not received the best reviews. They need a hit pistol optic as the CCW sized Defender is not a hit and the Venom are Viper are old.

[@Nick--_]

I looked at the Defender-CCW a few months ago and was turned off because the refresh rate issue was very noticeable but I looked at one again two weeks ago and it didn't have that problem. I'm wondering if Vortex fixed it at one point just like they did with the 10h delay before turning off or whatever it was.

[@dutch4260]

I work at a gun store and had them on side by side. The new full size "ST" red dots do have emitters on par with Holosun so refresh rate is not an issue. The "CCW" is still bad though. It sits pathetically in my optic locker now.

[@tuckerschmidt2484]

The refresh rate was fixed shortly after launch with the sleep time. The XL and the ST started out with the correct emitters and refresh rates.

[@jonsevier6087]

@@tuckerschmidt2484 Thanks for that info. Penalty for being an early adopter I guess...

[@joeflowers9084]

Holosun 507 Comp is $319, and this is currently $399...but if Vortex can get it to $320, then I'd consider it for sure.

[@PigPharmaceuticals]

The biggest issue with Vortex dots is the extremely noticeable flicker imo. That’s the thing they need to fix more so than anything else.

[@SNW_36]

Apparently that’s been remedied

[@S1deshowRob]

Maybe vortex finally made a good red dot! Not holding my breath though. I’m rooting for them since I hear their customer service is outstanding

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

Vortex CS: _Because You’ll Need It_

[@S1deshowRob]

@@rifleshooterchannel208 yeah they better have good CS lol

[@cameronh5442]

$400 is too expensive imo. I think everyone is really just looking for a big window red dot with minimal features from a well known brand for like around $260. Make it 6 moa and you'll sell boat loads. Price it around the Holosun, and you won't sell many is my .02

[@briang7826]

Swampfox justice ii is 30mm window with pretty bright 6 moa dot. I picked one up this weekend for less than $200. I hear Swampfox has a decent warranty and i have an older kingslayer thats been on a shotgun for around 500 rounds of mostly buckshot thats holding up good so far. I think C&H has one for around 250

[@cameronh5442]

@@briang7826 I might have to check that one out

[@MilkBone3327]

Looking for to the review! If you give it your seal of approval, I’m buying one.

[@murph240]

Drop test on concrete incoming

[@dmggrrr]

It would have to be near free with that footprint to make any traction in the market.

[@Mrgunsngear]

🔴

[@elijahanderson6736]

Biggest complaint i HEAR from vortex optics is the refresh rate

[@chazc933]

It's been fixed. It's now like a holosun emitter. Super clean

[@SectionChief]

@@chazc933 I had a Vortex Optic for years after I finally used the right words with Vortex warranty and told them the refresh rate is interfering with my target transition shooting. They sent me a brand new model to replace that older model. Guess what?, refresh rate is just as bad on the new 2024 received optic. I'm comparing the dot clarity to my Holosun, Trijicon, and Aimpoints and there's an obvious difference and trail of dots when moving with the Vortex. And I like Vortex as a company.

[@cdsprech]

Why do they do that texturing on the front of the optic?

[@keatonjorgensen8793]

So you can be cool and rack your slide off the optic

[@Rubeless]

I’ve been shot in my left arm 22 times, I need the texture. That’s being sarcastic.

[@lordhellfire153]

Honestly i was hoping for something enclosed.

[@Rubeless]

Not necessary

[@lordhellfire153]

@HWG-wm8ld for competition, correct. For everything else, I prefer it enclosed to keep dirt and lint out

[@Desertpunk1986]

@@lordhellfire153I agree…..but you kinda answered why it’s not enclosed. It’s for Comp. Probably why it comes with the little rubber sleeve. Meant to sit in a bag, not the waist.

[@lordhellfire153]

@Desertpunk1986 These were released with a standard duty sized optic at the same time. My wish was and still is in favor of an enclosed optic, preferably with an Acro footprint.

[@beardedred0032]

Vortex might be falling behind now days. Between holosun and primary arms offerings across scopes and red dots, vortex is looking a little late and outdated. They still have the best customer service and warranty in the business with a few good offerings like their gen 2 razors and a few of the pst gen 2 items as well, but other than that, not much.

[@naplese30]

Just bought the Romeo3 xl. Wish this had come out a bit sooner. Thanks to my experiences with Vortex customer service, I am pretty loyal…… although Sig optics cs has also been pretty darn good too, if I’m honest.

[@snowman03gt40]

For 399 seems like a good option

[@hopewilliams6705]

If they don't offer this in the RMR footprint there sales will never be what they could be

[@WaterZer0]

RMS is definitely competing with RMR; and if Holosun's next line of sights uses RMS, RMR is done.

[@hopewilliams6705]

@@WaterZer0 no rmsc is relegated to smaller pistol footprint but in that yes I agree

[@WaterZer0]

@@hopewilliams6705 Holosun EPS is RMS and for full size guns. I'm debating getting my slide milled for RMS direct.

[@hansblitz7770]

If any other optics company released a dot with fisheye or blue tint for $500, that company would be laughed out of business, but since it is Trijicon, it's fine and your a dummy if you don't accept it, "cuz militurry"

[@evanf7334]

I see we have a shitty refresh rate red dot enjoyer over here lol

[@hansblitz7770]

I don't boog aloog with night vision and LARP as an operator in a Wendy's parking lot like you do champ. Puff a big cloud of vape smoke for me champ.

[@Rubeless]

I’m a dummy with many Trijicon products, but I’m a dummy that knows the difference between your and you’re.

[@evanf7334]

@@hansblitz7770lol God forbid you ask a company to make a decent red dot huh. Oh but muh vortex defender got 10 million billion rounds through it and no issues. Stay mad bum vortex always has and always will make garbage red dots

[@georgekromidas5097]

The blue tint in Trijicon optics serves an actual function, and it’s unnoticeable in the SRO if that’s your style.

[@evanf7334]

Oh lord not the vortex defender😭

[@AlexanderSotelo]

Non-starter till you report 40k+ rounds with it without it breaking.

[@thatonedoood]

What's your preferred zero distance and method? Do you shoot free hand or supported?

[@lililililililili8667]

Rmr or rmsc are the only valid footprints why do anything else

[@pranavkamath4329]

$600 MSRP and on a DPP footprint? Meh. Not when the 507comp exists

[@armon8399]

MSRP $600

[@mackies9151]

No RMR footprint.....epic fail.

[@Kh2456]

Vortex RDS suck, they should just stick to scopes.

[@shaunt892]

I really liked my Defender until it flew off and busted my face up. 😔

[@leftyo9589]

too much money for a chinese optic, and no rmr, just skip it.

[@Rubeless]

It’s more than a holosun?

[@TheAngelspeed]

messy unboxing, you don't like vortex and you can't hide it, at least try it, We already know where your opinion lies.