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At SHOT Show 2020, TFB reported on Sightmark’s forthcoming solar-powered red dots. With a new social media announcement, Sightmark has shared that the first batch of these sun-loving optics have arrived and will soon begin shipping to pre-order customers. On 22nd June they said, “Good news! The first batch of Element Mini Solar red dots have arrived! If you’ve been patiently waiting for your pre-order, they should be shipping out our door to you soon.”
So far two versions have been released: the Element and the Volta. Below are the official descriptions and features for each model, starting with the Element, which has an MSRP of $239.99.
Sightmark displaying its Element mini red dot on an AR platform.
The Sightmark Element Mini Solar red dot provides dependability on the highest level, allowing for continuous use from reliable battery or solar power. With up to 200,000 hours of battery life from a single CR2032 and the ability to run off top-mounted solar cells, the dual-power Element Mini Solar’s 3-MOA red dot reticle stays on in virtually any environment. When tactical situations get intense, don’t fumble with buttons to adjust brightness. The Element features an innovative Eclipse Light Management System, which automatically adjusts reticle brightness based on the light of your surroundings. Taking innovation a step further, the Element has a hinged battery door and protected adjustment caps that double as adjustment tools for the windage and elevation. All Element Mini Solar red dots come standard with flip-up lens caps, a low picatinny mount for shotguns and certain rifles, an absolute cowitness mount for AR firearms and Sightmark’s Lifetime Warranty.
FEATURES
- Dual power ability – battery or solar power
- Eclipse Light Management System
- Adjustable mount height – two mounts included
- 3 MOA red dot reticle
- Unlimited eye relief
- Protected adjustment caps doubling as adjustment tools
- 1×22 objective lens
- Flip-up lens caps included
The Element shown in a non-traditional red dot application, on a bolt gun.
At an MSRP of $359.99, the Volta boasts as follows:
The Volta solar red dot is truly the best of both worlds, combining solar and battery power to provide uninterrupted operation. The Volta is powered by 2x AAA batteries and features solar cells directly on top of the optic, giving users the option to choose what works best for their situation. Volta red dots boast the Eclipse Light Management System, a revolutionary technology for red dots which automatically adjusts the red dot reticle’s brightness based on the shooter’s environment. The heavy-duty Volta’s covered design is tougher than open-style red dots and a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective lens coating adds even more durability. Other popular features include an adjustable-height mount, digital switch brightness controls, single side access to both windage and elevation adjustments, unlimited eye relief and shockproof design. All Volta red dots come standard with a protective rubber cover, low picatinny mount, absolute cowitness mount and Sightmark’s Lifetime Warranty.”
FEATURES
- Solar cells allow for use with no batteries
- 2x AAA battery backup
- Eclipse Light Management System
- Adjustable mount height
- Unlimited eye relief
- Digital switch brightness controls
- Covered reflex design
- Wide range operating temperature, -22 to 122 °F
This view of the Volta shows off its solar panels, working to gather sunlight.
Whether these solar sights stand up, we will have to wait and see. If you try one out, please let us know how it performs in the comments below. See you at the range!
Photos courtesy of Sightmark.
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