Red Dot vs Holographic Sight

March 2, 2021

For the last years, AR 15 has become the most popular rifle in America thanks to its endless list of benefits. Red dots and holographic sights are the carbine alternatives of these rifles that are widely used in police, military, and civilian areas. As anything in our world, reticles come down to personal preference. If you don't want to spend your money and precious time trying both devices to consider which one is better, this article is for you. Reveal an unlimited world of sights, benefits, disadvantages, and characteristics that will help you to choose the right one depending on your own needs.

The Advantages of a Red Dot Sight
In America, the red dot sign was used for sporting purposes first. Later this sight was bought by American special forces units to use in low-light raids. It helped to improve the shooting effectiveness and to save many lives. But what does the famous therm "red dot" means? First of all, it is a feature enclosed optics that are protected from outside circumstances. Generally speaking, what people use to identify as a red dot is a reflex sight that is more common nowadays.
When speaking about the red dot, there are two words that explain the reason these sights are so famous- affordability and simplicity. These sights' battery life impresses a lot; for example, the Aimpoint devices can run for five years off a single battery. It means you can leave your weapon and not worry about a sight being dead when you most need it. What is more, red dots are not shifted in point of impact under intense temperatures, which make them a game-winner. Nevertheless, this sight has one big disadvantage: it is impossible to use the device when the lens is damaged.

The Advantages of a Holographic Sight
A holo sight technology uses a laser transmitted hologram to give the user a solid reticle. This laser is not going to be reflected back into your eye off of the glass. It's going to be projected on top of your target. Holographic sight devices are usually designed in a semi-square shape. The most profound advantage of holographic sights is that it provides a great field of view. With the great ability of holo sights to project onto your target and provide a clear picture even when you are looking downrange, this technology is an ideal choice for those who care about target acquisition speed. Generally, holographic optics are also better suited for being used with magnification. Additionally, a holographic sight can work even with the front lens broken, which means a holographic sight is a great tool to use in real-world scenarios. Some of the latest holographic sights models can easily identify the distance between your target and you. Speaking about disadvantages of holo sight, these devices are only made by two companies, and this can limit your choice.

The Fundamental Differences Between the Two Sights
Red dots and holographic sights work on two completely different principles. A red dot uses an LED to project a radical that's bounced back to our eyes by the coated glass. In contrast, holographic sight uses a laser and mirrors to produce a hologram back to our eyes that appear to be in front of the optic itself. The most fundamental difference between these two sights is the price. Because a holographic sight runs more complex technology, its price is much more higher. The starting sum you can find a red dots sight is only 50$, but if you want to buy something serviceable, it will cost you about 200$ and be ready to spend 400$ in case you want a professional device. Speaking about the size and weight, it is important to understand that red dot devices are more lightweight. On the other hand, while holographic models aren't large, it is difficult to call them small but compared to miniature and ultra-lightweight red dot sights available on the market, holographic sights do seem pretty weighty. It is also essential to note that both red dots and holo sights are great tools for survival because of their durability. For sure, it's one of the most vital aspects to consider while choosing a sight is battery life. Thanks to LEDs, the red dot sight uses less power. Last but not least, both red dot and holographic sight have models that are night-vision compatible and have options that provide a wide field of view.
To sum up, remember that there is no right or wrong optics to choose from. Define your needs, budget and select the sight you appreciate most. In particular, red dot sights are ideal for people who have a limited budget but want to buy lightweight and long-lasting optics. But if you are looking for a high-tech sight that allows you to target acquisition fast and can work with a broken lens, then a holographic sight is for you.