Amid its line of red dot optics, the Crossfire by Vortex brings together a micro-dot design with a skeletonized riser to deliver a robust no-frills optic in a compact, lightweight package.
Released in 2018, the chassis of the Crossfire is made from various aluminum components, resulting in a shock-proof housing. The outer layer of the chassis is then anodized in a matte black anodized finish to provide the shooter with a low-glare surface.
Both lenses in the Crossfire are sealed in multiple anti-reflective coatings that maximize clarity on all air-to-glass surfaces.
The internal space of the Crossfire is purged with nitrogen gas to eliminate fogging at all extreme temperatures. Associated O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating the interior housing.
The Crossfire features a red 2MOA dot (offering a 21 mm lens diameter) that is ideal for reflex target acquisitions, while remaining fine enough to promote pin-point accuracy at extended range. The red dot has 11 intensity settings (with the lowest two compatible for night vision devices).
Power life for a single CR 2032 battery in the Crossfire is approximately 7,000 hours on the brightness setting of 6.
The included picatinny rail mounts for the Vortex Crossfire include a low-mount (flush with the picatinny rail) and a skeletonized high (lower 1/3 co-witness).
Specifications:
- Magnification 1x
- Adjustment Graduation 1 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment 100 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment 100 MOA
- Length 2.5 inches
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): At an MSRP of $219, the Crossfire definitely falls within the line of budget optics on the market. Secondary and or third-party websites are noted selling the Crossfire for as little as $149 (Amazon). Care should be taken by the consumer in purchasing from such third-party sites as unvetted sources are known to circulate broken or fraudulent versions. The more direct competitors to the Vortex Crossfire would be the Sig Romeo5 ($117) or the Holosun Paralow ($219) which themselves are listed competitively at the lower price range but yield roughly similar performance. Given the price variance, the Crossfire does have the same power source (CR 2032) and includes Vortex’s VIP Warranty that the other competitors do not.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): Looking through the Crossfire’s 21mm objective lens yielded roughly the same field of view as the competitors listed, with a solid 2MOA dot. The intensity levels were clear, and the elevation/windage dials provided a crisp and audible movement with each MOA. One distracting aspect in the Crossfire was the diode emitter is located in the 5-o’clock position near the rear lens, making itself apparent when sighting in the target. Where often red dot optics have a clear field of view, and while this obstruction was minimal—the diode’s presence was apparent. Otherwise the glass was clear with no reflective aspect to the eye or target, and the rubberized protector was easily removed/installed.
- Durability – Excellent (4/5): The T&E model received came with some slight surface marring (to be expected) and we likely added a few more during testing. None of which penetrated the exterior finish to the underlying base metal (more cosmetic marring than anything). That anodized surface in exposed areas proved more durable than the Romeo5 and resisted abrasion to a good degree. The dot held zero and did not drift despite various stressor and rifle drills. As with all Vortex products, the Crossfire comes with the company’s no-questions, VIP Warranty for the life of the product so should something detrimental happen (aside from deliberate damage) the optic will be repaired or replaced.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): The function of the Crossfire was very simplistic and straightforward, turn the dial for ON, and rotate it to the desired brightness setting. The dial itself was large while providing for sufficient grip, and allowed for clearly tangible clicks between settings. The 11-setting intensity levels were clear with the brightest being the most optimal for outdoor use. The windage and elevation caps had raised tabs that when unscrewed aided in adjusting the windage and elevation clicks. The skeletonized high mount was appropriate for lower 1/3 co-witnessing, but the T&E model did not come with the variable low-profile mount that a new one would have. In some aspects, the field of view and function was similar to the SPARC AR with the diode visible in the 5 o’clock position and was initially distracting, but not glaringly obstructive and likely with time be forgotten.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 5.2 ounces, the Crossfire was light and unobtrusive when mounted on the picatinny rail, thanks in part to the chassis material and weight-saving mount. In all, for the price and function, the Crossfire is on par with other budget optics. The market alternatives for other budget optics include the Sig Romeo5 (5.1 ounces) or the Holosun Paralow (4.8 ounces). Even the Vortex SPARC AR (7.5 ounces), which is the next step up for red dots within the Vortex line, show how light the Crossfire is in comparison to more expensive optics and give it an average weight score.
Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)
Product Link: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-crossfire-2-moa-red-dot.html
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