Trijicon vs. Holosun Reflex Sights: A Comprehensive Comparison
Reflex sights have become essential for modern shooters, whether you’re a competitive shooter, in law enforcement, or a tactical enthusiast. Among the leading brands in the market, Trijicon and Holosun stand out for their innovative design, durability, and precision. But when it comes to choosing the best reflex sight, how do you decide between these two powerhouse brands? In this article, we'll compare some of the most popular models from both brands, analyzing key features, performance, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
- Build Quality and Durability
Trijicon Reflex Sights: Trijicon is known for producing rugged optics that can withstand the toughest conditions. Their sights are widely used by the military and law enforcement, which speaks volumes about their durability. The Trijicon RMR Type 2 (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) is one of their most popular models. Constructed with military-grade aluminum, the RMR Type 2 is designed to handle the most extreme situations without compromising performance. The sight is shock-resistant and waterproof up to 20 meters, making it a top choice for those who need a dependable optic in harsh environments.
Holosun Reflex Sights: Holosun has made waves in the optics world by offering rugged and affordable options. The Holosun HS510C is one of their flagship models, featuring a titanium-alloyed shock-resistant hood and an IP67 water-resistant rating. This means it’s dust-tight and can handle immersion in water for short periods. Although Holosun's materials are not quite as robust as Trijicon's, the HS510C is still built to last and offers excellent protection against recoil and rough handling.
Verdict:
Trijicon edges out Holosun in terms of overall durability, primarily due to the military-grade materials and long-standing reputation. However, Holosun provides solid durability for a lower price, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
- Optical Clarity and Reticle Options
Trijicon: Trijicon sights are renowned for their crystal-clear glass and impressive reticle designs. The RMR Type 2 features multiple reticle options, including a 3.25 MOA dot and a 6.5 MOA dot, catering to different preferences. The clarity of the glass ensures that your target is always in sharp focus, even in low-light conditions. Moreover, Trijicon uses a patented fiber optic and tritium reticle illumination system, providing battery-free operation in many models.
Holosun: Holosun has invested heavily in multi-reticle technology, which allows users to switch between different reticle styles. For instance, the Holosun 507C X2 offers a choice between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both. This versatility makes it easy to tailor the reticle to specific shooting scenarios. The glass clarity is also impressive, especially given the price range. Holosun's Super Green LED technology is known for being extremely bright and efficient, offering up to 50,000 hours of battery life in some models.
Verdict:
While both brands offer excellent reticle options and clear glass, Holosun's flexibility with multiple reticles and long-lasting battery life give it an edge for shooters who prefer customizable optics. However, if you're looking for an optic with fiber optic and tritium illumination, Trijicon's battery-free system may be more appealing.
- Battery Life and Solar Technology
Trijicon: Battery life on Trijicon optics varies depending on the model and usage. For example, the Trijicon SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic) offers up to 3 years of battery life with continuous use. While this is impressive, it's important to note that Trijicon doesn't typically incorporate solar power into their reflex sights, relying mainly on their advanced battery technology and tritium illumination for power.
Holosun: Holosun is a pioneer in incorporating solar technology into reflex sights. Models like the Holosun 507C X2 and HS510C feature Solar Failsafe technology, which not only extends battery life but also ensures that the sight remains operational in the event of battery failure. Holosun optics can draw power from ambient light, prolonging battery life even further. In terms of raw battery power, many Holosun models can last up to 50,000 hours on a single CR2032 battery.
Verdict:
Holosun takes the lead in this category due to its superior battery life and the integration of solar technology. If long-lasting power and sustainability are priorities, Holosun is the clear winner.
- Ease of Use and Adjustability
Trijicon: Trijicon sights are designed for intuitive operation. The Trijicon MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic), for instance, features a large field of view and easy brightness adjustments. The RMR Type 2 offers user-friendly controls that allow quick adjustments to brightness settings, making it ideal for high-stress environments where time is of the essence. Trijicon’s rugged design also means fewer complications during installation and use.
Holosun: Holosun excels in adjustability, with models like the Holosun HS510C featuring Quick Detach (QD) mounts that make switching optics between firearms fast and simple. The multi-reticle system, as mentioned earlier, is also easy to adjust using intuitive side-mounted buttons. The brand's Shake Awake™ technology automatically activates the optic when it detects motion, which is a handy feature for quick deployment.
Verdict:
Both brands offer easy-to-use reflex sights, but Holosun’s Quick Detach mounts and Shake Awake™ technology make their sights more convenient for shooters who frequently switch between firearms or need fast, hands-free activation.
- Price and Value
Trijicon: Trijicon optics are typically more expensive, and that’s largely due to the brand’s reputation for military-grade products. The Trijicon RMR Type 2 can range from $450 to $700, depending on the model and retailer. The premium pricing reflects the superior materials and construction, but for some casual shooters, this can be a significant investment.
Holosun: Holosun provides high-quality optics at a more budget-friendly price point. The Holosun 507C X2 and HS510C are generally available in the $250 to $350 range, making them more accessible to everyday shooters while still offering premium features like multi-reticles and solar technology. Holosun’s lower price point doesn't necessarily mean a compromise in quality, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Verdict:
Holosun wins in the value category. While Trijicon offers military-grade optics with unmatched durability, Holosun provides nearly all the same features—solar power, multi-reticles, and durability—at a significantly lower price.
- Night Vision Compatibility
Trijicon: Trijicon offers several models that are night vision compatible, including the Trijicon RMR Type 2. These optics offer multiple brightness settings, some of which are specifically designed for use with night vision devices. The RMR Type 2, for example, has eight brightness settings, including two that are compatible with night vision.
Holosun: Holosun also offers night vision compatibility in many of their models. The Holosun 507C X2 and HS510C both feature night vision modes, with brightness settings that are easily adjusted for use with night vision equipment. Holosun's night vision settings are comparable to Trijicon's in terms of performance, making them a viable option for tactical shooters.
Verdict:
Both brands perform well in this category. If night vision compatibility is crucial for your shooting, either Trijicon or Holosun would serve you well, with little difference in performance.
Final Thoughts
In the battle of Trijicon vs. Holosun, the winner depends on your specific needs and budget. Trijicon is the choice for those seeking military-grade durability, proven performance, and superior build quality. If you need an optic that can withstand the harshest environments, Trijicon is hard to beat.
On the other hand, Holosun excels in innovation, affordability, and features like solar power and multi-reticle options. For budget-conscious shooters or those who value versatile, cutting-edge technology, Holosun offers excellent value without sacrificing quality.
Ultimately, both brands provide high-quality reflex sights, and the decision boils down to your individual priorities—whether you value rugged durability (Trijicon) or innovative features and affordability (Holosun).
This comprehensive comparison ensures you get the best reflex sight suited for your needs, whether you’re upgrading your gear for competitive shooting, tactical applications, or hunting. For a great selection of Trijicon and Holosun reflex sights, check out Primary Arms today.
