What’s the difference between Vortex Sparc AR and Vortex Sparc 2?
I wanted to find out, so I bought both red dot sights and hand-tested everything:
- Reticle
- Durability
- Battery life
- Field of view
- And so much more
By the end of this Vortex Sparc vs Sparc 2 comparison review, you’ll know which red dot is best for you.
Let’s get started!
Quick Comparison Table
| Features | SPARC AR | SPARC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.5 ounces | 5.9 ounces |
| Length | 2.9 inches | 3.1 inches |
| Eye relief | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Objective lens | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Reticle type | 2 MOA red dot | 2 MOA red dot |
| Battery life | Up to 300 hours on highest setting and 5,000 hours on lowest setting | Up to 300 hours on highest setting and up to 6,000 hours on lowest setting |
| Battery type | AAA | CR 2032 |
Vortex Sparc vs Sparc 2 Review
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re on the market for a reasonably priced, red dot optic for your AR or firearm.
The SPARC AR and SPARC 2 are quality, high performing red dot sights that won’t break the bank.
The SPARC AR and the SPARC 2 have much in common, including being backed up by an incredible lifetime warranty. The SPARC AR is rugged, reliable, and a perfect fit for an AR platform. The SPARC 2 is durable, precise, and versatile as it comes equipped with multi-height mounting options. But which red dot is best for you?
Keep reading to find out.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
SPARC stands for Speed Point Aiming for Rapid Combat.
The lens on the SPARC AR and SPARC 2 are built for just that: speed and accuracy, whether for mid range hunting or target shooting at closer distances.
In fact, the lens’ on each optic have multiple anti-reflective coatings. The picture is consistently sharp and clear, and my aim is always precise.
What’s more, the optics are nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed.
I’ve been shooting out in the pouring rain, freezing snow, and dropped my red dot sights in the mud more times than I can count. My lens stayed dry and my shots stayed accurate.
When it comes to clarity, both of these 2 MOA red dot optics are similar, including their clear, crisp view and very visible, bright red dot.
If you need more magnification than a red dot optic, check out my best holographic sights guide.
Round 1 (Clarity & Reticle) goes to: tie
Battery Life
One feature I love about the SPARC series line is that these red dot optics have an automatic shut off.
This means that I don’t have to worry about draining my battery because after 12 hours, it’ll shut off on its own.
Speaking of batteries, the SPARC AR and SPARC 2 take different kinds.
The SPARC AR uses a single AAA battery and the SPARC 2 uses a CR 2032.
Now, as far as replacing the batteries, some say that the AAA battery is “more common” and “easier to find” than the CR 2032. Personally, I haven’t had any trouble finding a AAA battery if I need it.
In fact, the CR 2032 battery is the same one used in many car keyfobs these days.
When it comes to deciding which red dot sight has the best battery life, the SPARC 2 comes in at the top. It offers up to 6,000 hours on its lowest setting, which is 1,000 more than the SPARC AR.
Also, the Vortex SPARC II battery cover makes it super easy to check or replace the battery, if needed. Just unscrew the cap and there it is.
Round 2 (Battery Life) winner: SPARC 2
Eye Relief & Eye Box
As long as I’m sighted in, I can see the red dot on both the AR and the SPARC 2 no matter where my head is positioned.
I can even shoot with both eyes open, which gives me a good lay of the land. I can literally just point, aim, and shoot.
Plus, both red dot sights have unlimited eye relief and are parallax free, too.
Round 3 (Eye Relief) goes to: tie
Durability & Weight
The SPARC AR and SPARC are anything but flimsy.
Plus, they’re waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. They can handle any accidental and unexpected drops, bumps, and spills.
Both red dot optics are extremely durable yet do vary just a smidge in size.
The SPARC AR weighs in at 7.5 ounces; about an ounce and a half more than the SPARC 2. The SPARC AR is a little bit taller too. That’s because the battery compartment at the base actually adds length to the scope.
On the flip side, the battery and adjustment settings on the SPARC 2 are on the left and right of the optic, making it wider and less compact than the AR.
The SPARC AR comes with a rubber cover with flip caps. No need to worry about losing lens covers on either the AR or the SPARC II. They’re attached.
That said, the elevation and windage caps aren’t fastened or tethered, like they are on the SPARC 2, so be careful not to lose them when making adjustments.
Batteries, tools, polishing cloth, mounting bases, lens caps and covers are all included.
Vortex optics has one of the best product warranties out there. They stand by their products and will replace or repair your optic should anything go wrong.
Burris is another company that has an excellent warranty. Check out my Burris 332 vs. 536 review.
Round 4 (Durability & Weight) goes to: SPARC 2
Windage, Elevation & Brightness Knob
The windage and elevation adjustments on both optics are straightforward and easy to use.
They both have audible 1 MOA clicks.
It’s easy to adjust the brightness settings on the optics, too. The SPARC AR has twelve different illumination settings while the SPARC II has ten.
The last two settings on each optic are “ultra-low” and are night vision compatible (can be paired up with night vision equipment).
The brightness level adjustments on the SPARC AR are on the base and rear-facing. On the SPARC II, the settings are also rear facing, but are on the left side of the optic.
This side feature adds width and bulkiness to the optic, making it more likely to snag up on things.
Round 5 (Windage, Elevation & Brightness) goes to: SPARC AR
Mounting
The mounts for both the SPARC AR and SPARC II are included.
If you’re like me and enjoy having options in life, then you’ll be happy to know that Vortex has made it really easy to switch the SPARC II for use on different firearms.
See, it comes with three different mounting options with four different heights. I can mount it on my AR-15 or my shotgun. Speaking of AR-15, check out my best AR-15 optics.
The SPARC AR isn’t as flexible or versatile though. It can be mounted at just two different heights: lower⅓ co-witness and absolute co-witness.
Pro tip: use a dab of loctite to help keep the screws secure.
- Lock and Seal Fasteners: Prevents loosening of metal fasteners caused by vibration on small motors, mowers, and power equipment
- Prevents Rust and Corrosion: Protects from leaks, rusting, and corrosion and eliminates need to stock up on expensive lock nuts and washers
Round 6 (Mounting) goes to: SPARC 2
Price
The Vortex SPARC AR and SPARC II can be found for under $200.
That said, it’s becoming harder and harder to find SPARC II out there because Vortex discontinued them. Because they’re hard to find these days, they’re probably going to be a bit more expensive than when they were in production.
- The updated SPARC features rugged construction that’s still compact, with a lightweight form-factor. The 2 MOA dot is quick to acquire in close ranges, but fine enough for pin-point accuracy at...
- With up to 700 hours of battery life on the highest setting, 50,000 hour on its lowest, the SPARC red dot will keep working in a variety of conditions.
The SPARC 2 has been replaced with the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot.
- The super-light, ultra compact, insanely-fast-on-target Crossfire Red Dot was designed for close-range and general shooting.
- The daylight-bright, 2-MOA dot, is easy to acquire and promotes rapid engagement of targets, yet is fine enough to more precisely engage targets at distance. 11 intensity levels of brightness let...
There are certainly more expensive and cheaper scopes out there. But, if you’re looking for quality, durability, and precision, without breaking the bank, then the SPARC AR is the best for your money.
- The Sparc sight features a 2 MOA daylight bright red dot that is quick to spot and paints your target regardless of lighting conditions or background. The dot returns to the last intensity used when...
- High quality, fully multi-coated lenses offer up a clean, wide field of view. With unlimited eye relief and parallax free, the sight gets you on target fast.
Round 7 (Price) goes to: SPARC AR
Vortex Sparc AR vs Sparc II: Which is Better?
After reviewing the Vortex SPARC AR vs SPARC II, I’d say the SPARC 2 is the better scope. Here’s why:
The SPARC 2 comes with a multi-height mounting system. It can easily be used on different firearm platforms. Plus, it’s got tethered caps, automatic shut off, and a longer battery life than the SPARC AR. Lastly, the Vortex SPARC II is backed up by Vortex’s VIP Lifetime Warranty. No matter what happens, you’re covered.
- The updated SPARC features rugged construction that’s still compact, with a lightweight form-factor. The 2 MOA dot is quick to acquire in close ranges, but fine enough for pin-point accuracy at...
- With up to 700 hours of battery life on the highest setting, 50,000 hour on its lowest, the SPARC red dot will keep working in a variety of conditions.
Now I’d like to hear from you:
Have you ever used the Vortex SPARC series? If so, what do you think of it? Let me know in the comments down below. Also, check out my best leupold rifle scopes and Bushnell 1-4×24 scope review.
FAQ
Is the Vortex Sparc 2 discontinued?
Yes, the Vortex SPARC 2 was discontinued around 2018. Vortex wanted to create a similar product, but with an even more efficient battery life.
What replaced the Vortex Sparc 2?
Vortex optics replaced the SPARC 2 with the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot sight.
Is the Vortex Sparc AR waterproof?
The durable and compact Vortex SPARC AR is waterproof thanks to the O-ring seal. It’s also fog proof and shockproof, too.
Is the Vortex Sparc parallax free?
Yes, the Vortex SPARC is parallax free. Technically, most red dot and holographic sights have a very small amount of parallax. However, the amounts are so insignificant though that makers in the industry still call it “parallax free” because the performance of the optic and shooter’s vision aren’t impacted.
Where is the Vortex Sparc AR made?
Vortex optics is an American company yet their products are manufactured in different parts of the world. The SPARC series are made in China.
Is the Vortex Sparc night vision compatible?
Yes, the Vortex Sparc is night vision compatible. Simply turn the illumination knob to the lowest two settings and it’ll work with your night vision equipment.
Vortex said states that magnifiers are not recommended with the Sparc 2.
lts a super bright, day light red dot. The light was way to intense when magnified.