Another red dot in the Defender line from Vortex! The XL is exactly what the name implies, bigger. 

With a 25.5mm x 23.3mm window, the Defender-XL is slightly smaller than some of the other big window options on the market like the Holosun 507Comp, but still significantly larger than standard-sized windows.

SPECS

  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: 5 and 8 MOA Dot
  • Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA
  • Parallax Setting: Parallax Free
  • Max Windage Adjustment: 115 MOA
  • Max Elevation Adjustment: 120 MOA
  • Dot Color: Bright Red
  • Battery Runtime: 25,000 Hours
  • Mounting Footprint: DeltaPoint® Pro
  • Mount Type: Picatinny
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Length: 2.03″
  • Weight: 1.93 oz.

The XL keeps the great features found in the CCW and ST versions like the aggressive front face, 25,000-hour battery life, clear glass, and loads of mounting screws included in every box.

The XL even includes a Glock MOS plate!

Downside? The Defender-XL has the same footprint as the ST, Delta Point Pro. While most others have standardized on the Trijicon RMR footprint, Vortex is trying to keep DPP alive.

A nice to see upgrade from the first generation of the CCW size Defender is that the XL features a better emitter with a higher refresh rate making the dot smooth and crisp when firing and transitioning targets.

Available in 5 MOA and 8 MOA, the XL is designed for fast shooting. 

One of the things we love about the Defender series is the fact that Vortex includes a huge range of mounting screws to make it easy to mount this to any platform. 

ON THE RANGE

Mounted on the Springfield Prodigy Comp using the Agency Arms mounting system for DPP, the Vortex Defender XL is a chonk of a red dot. But it works. It works really well.

Bigger windows don’t make you a better shooter and their benefits can be largely offset with a ton of dry fire, but bigger windows are undeniably useful if you want to run a gun fast and hard or take shots from unusual positions. Both are things I do regularly, so the gains of a larger window are something I’ve really embraced on my competition guns.

The improved emitter really stands out and gives a nearly perfectly smooth trace for the dot. This is enhanced by the large window because keeping the dot in the window at all times no matter what is made a lot easier. This instant and constant feedback makes pushing your limits easier, faster, and more precise.


Vortex Defender CCW (front) and Defender XL (back)

Frankly, I have nothing bad to say about the XL. It’s just a great dot. I do wish it was offered in RMR pattern, but thankfully I have enough DPP guns that it isn’t impossible for me to make use of it.

As with past versions of the Defender, one thing to love is Vortex’s generous package of mounting screws that cover just about everything. Combined with the Vortex warranty and customer service, this is a top-tier contender of a red dot that demands consideration if you’re in the market.

Having tested a boatload of red dots this year, this has quickly become one of my favorites to shoot.

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