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Couple of general questions about the Strikefire I just got
8/30/2010 10:23:11 AM
I've never had a red dot before, so these might be stupid questions.
First off, I'm really liking the Strikefire. Keeping 2 eyes open while shooting has never been easier. Never imagined a red dot could help so much.
I noticed that you can see a red dot on the front of the optic, except it's over on the edge so I'm guessing that's the source of the light? I always thought that the dots were supposed to be like a one way mirror, so that whoever you're pointing your gun at can't see it?
My second question is about the shape of the dot. Now I do have some astigmatism, so the star-burst pattern is more prevalent for me. However, if I turn it all the way down and look at something bright (like using it outdoors), I can clearly see 2 separate dots. If I turn it up, there are still 2 hot spots, but the star burst mucks it up a little. The weird thing is that it doesn't do this every time. Sometimes there is only 1 dot or hot spot. It's not bad and the hot spots aren't far apart, but it does make for a bigger dot overall.
Maybe this is all normal. Like I said, I've never had one before.
First off, I'm really liking the Strikefire. Keeping 2 eyes open while shooting has never been easier. Never imagined a red dot could help so much.
I noticed that you can see a red dot on the front of the optic, except it's over on the edge so I'm guessing that's the source of the light? I always thought that the dots were supposed to be like a one way mirror, so that whoever you're pointing your gun at can't see it?
My second question is about the shape of the dot. Now I do have some astigmatism, so the star-burst pattern is more prevalent for me. However, if I turn it all the way down and look at something bright (like using it outdoors), I can clearly see 2 separate dots. If I turn it up, there are still 2 hot spots, but the star burst mucks it up a little. The weird thing is that it doesn't do this every time. Sometimes there is only 1 dot or hot spot. It's not bad and the hot spots aren't far apart, but it does make for a bigger dot overall.
Maybe this is all normal. Like I said, I've never had one before.
8/30/2010 10:39:20 AM
Originally Posted By JINXR:
I've never had a red dot before, so these might be stupid questions.
First off, I'm really liking the Strikefire. Keeping 2 eyes open while shooting has never been easier. Never imagined a red dot could help so much.
I noticed that you can see a red dot on the front of the optic, except it's over on the edge so I'm guessing that's the source of the light? I always thought that the dots were supposed to be like a one way mirror, so that whoever you're pointing your gun at can't see it?
My second question is about the shape of the dot. Now I do have some astigmatism, so the star-burst pattern is more prevalent for me. However, if I turn it all the way down and look at something bright (like using it outdoors), I can clearly see 2 separate dots. If I turn it up, there are still 2 hot spots, but the star burst mucks it up a little. The weird thing is that it doesn't do this every time. Sometimes there is only 1 dot or hot spot. It's not bad and the hot spots aren't far apart, but it does make for a bigger dot overall.
Maybe this is all normal. Like I said, I've never had one before.
I've never had a red dot before, so these might be stupid questions.
First off, I'm really liking the Strikefire. Keeping 2 eyes open while shooting has never been easier. Never imagined a red dot could help so much.
I noticed that you can see a red dot on the front of the optic, except it's over on the edge so I'm guessing that's the source of the light? I always thought that the dots were supposed to be like a one way mirror, so that whoever you're pointing your gun at can't see it?
My second question is about the shape of the dot. Now I do have some astigmatism, so the star-burst pattern is more prevalent for me. However, if I turn it all the way down and look at something bright (like using it outdoors), I can clearly see 2 separate dots. If I turn it up, there are still 2 hot spots, but the star burst mucks it up a little. The weird thing is that it doesn't do this every time. Sometimes there is only 1 dot or hot spot. It's not bad and the hot spots aren't far apart, but it does make for a bigger dot overall.
Maybe this is all normal. Like I said, I've never had one before.
You will see a red dot from the front. This is the case with any red dot that uses an LED as the source (Aimpoint, for example). EOTechs use a holographic technology, so you will not see anything from the front. Those are the only ones I know of like that.
Regarding the astigmatism, it is typical for a user to see an odd shaped dot like you describe with astigmatism. However, that's not to say that there couldn't potentially be something wrong with the dot, but more often than not it's astigmatism causing the issue.
A few simple tests you can try: Look through the scope with your other eye. Does the dot appear exactly the same or not? If not, it's definitely your eyes. If so then I would try rotating the scope about its axis and see if the shape of the dot rotates with the scope or if it stays oriented with your head. If it stays oriented with your head then it is your eyes, if it rotates with the scope then it could be something wrong with the scope.
You can also try photographing through the scope to see what the dot looks like, although it's tricky getting the dot in focus.
If you think there might be something wrong with the scope you can always give us a call and we'll take care of it. You can reach us at 1-800-426-0048.
Let me know if I can help with anything else. Thanks!
-Sam
8/30/2010 12:20:58 PM
Originally Posted By VortexSam:
You will see a red dot from the front. This is the case with any red dot that uses an LED as the source (Aimpoint, for example). EOTechs use a holographic technology, so you will not see anything from the front. Those are the only ones I know of like that.
Regarding the astigmatism, it is typical for a user to see an odd shaped dot like you describe with astigmatism. However, that's not to say that there couldn't potentially be something wrong with the dot, but more often than not it's astigmatism causing the issue.
A few simple tests you can try: Look through the scope with your other eye. Does the dot appear exactly the same or not? If not, it's definitely your eyes. If so then I would try rotating the scope about its axis and see if the shape of the dot rotates with the scope or if it stays oriented with your head. If it stays oriented with your head then it is your eyes, if it rotates with the scope then it could be something wrong with the scope.
You can also try photographing through the scope to see what the dot looks like, although it's tricky getting the dot in focus.
If you think there might be something wrong with the scope you can always give us a call and we'll take care of it. You can reach us at 1-800-426-0048.
Let me know if I can help with anything else. Thanks!
-Sam
Originally Posted By JINXR:
I've never had a red dot before, so these might be stupid questions.
First off, I'm really liking the Strikefire. Keeping 2 eyes open while shooting has never been easier. Never imagined a red dot could help so much.
I noticed that you can see a red dot on the front of the optic, except it's over on the edge so I'm guessing that's the source of the light? I always thought that the dots were supposed to be like a one way mirror, so that whoever you're pointing your gun at can't see it?
My second question is about the shape of the dot. Now I do have some astigmatism, so the star-burst pattern is more prevalent for me. However, if I turn it all the way down and look at something bright (like using it outdoors), I can clearly see 2 separate dots. If I turn it up, there are still 2 hot spots, but the star burst mucks it up a little. The weird thing is that it doesn't do this every time. Sometimes there is only 1 dot or hot spot. It's not bad and the hot spots aren't far apart, but it does make for a bigger dot overall.
Maybe this is all normal. Like I said, I've never had one before.
I've never had a red dot before, so these might be stupid questions.
First off, I'm really liking the Strikefire. Keeping 2 eyes open while shooting has never been easier. Never imagined a red dot could help so much.
I noticed that you can see a red dot on the front of the optic, except it's over on the edge so I'm guessing that's the source of the light? I always thought that the dots were supposed to be like a one way mirror, so that whoever you're pointing your gun at can't see it?
My second question is about the shape of the dot. Now I do have some astigmatism, so the star-burst pattern is more prevalent for me. However, if I turn it all the way down and look at something bright (like using it outdoors), I can clearly see 2 separate dots. If I turn it up, there are still 2 hot spots, but the star burst mucks it up a little. The weird thing is that it doesn't do this every time. Sometimes there is only 1 dot or hot spot. It's not bad and the hot spots aren't far apart, but it does make for a bigger dot overall.
Maybe this is all normal. Like I said, I've never had one before.
You will see a red dot from the front. This is the case with any red dot that uses an LED as the source (Aimpoint, for example). EOTechs use a holographic technology, so you will not see anything from the front. Those are the only ones I know of like that.
Regarding the astigmatism, it is typical for a user to see an odd shaped dot like you describe with astigmatism. However, that's not to say that there couldn't potentially be something wrong with the dot, but more often than not it's astigmatism causing the issue.
A few simple tests you can try: Look through the scope with your other eye. Does the dot appear exactly the same or not? If not, it's definitely your eyes. If so then I would try rotating the scope about its axis and see if the shape of the dot rotates with the scope or if it stays oriented with your head. If it stays oriented with your head then it is your eyes, if it rotates with the scope then it could be something wrong with the scope.
You can also try photographing through the scope to see what the dot looks like, although it's tricky getting the dot in focus.
If you think there might be something wrong with the scope you can always give us a call and we'll take care of it. You can reach us at 1-800-426-0048.
Let me know if I can help with anything else. Thanks!
-Sam
Thanks Sam. I'll take a look at it with both eyes and rotate it around.
9/3/2010 2:15:42 PM
Yep, it's my astigmatism. Starburst pattern stayed the same as I spun it. And I took a picture of it and it's a perfect circle. Wife looked at it and it's clear to her too. 
9/3/2010 3:34:56 PM
Originally Posted By JINXR:
Yep, it's my astigmatism. Starburst pattern stayed the same as I spun it. And I took a picture of it and it's a perfect circle. Wife looked at it and it's clear to her too.
Yep, it's my astigmatism. Starburst pattern stayed the same as I spun it. And I took a picture of it and it's a perfect circle. Wife looked at it and it's clear to her too.
I have found that if you turn the intensity down to just the level you need it and then focus on the target, instead of the dot, that after a while you tend not to notice it as much. I've also found for me that using the doubler for more precision shooting that I no longer see any "starburst" pattern any more. Hopefully with some more time behind it it will start to get easier for you to use. Keep me updated and let me know if there is anything else that I can do for you.
-Sam
9/5/2010 4:41:43 PM
Originally Posted By JINXR:
Yep, it's my astigmatism. Starburst pattern stayed the same as I spun it. And I took a picture of it and it's a perfect circle. Wife looked at it and it's clear to her too.
Yep, it's my astigmatism. Starburst pattern stayed the same as I spun it. And I took a picture of it and it's a perfect circle. Wife looked at it and it's clear to her too.
If you try to focus on the dot with astigmatism it will look terrible. Without contacts my aimpoint ml3 is useless to me because my astigmatism is terrible.
9/21/2010 7:42:19 PM
Originally Posted By VortexSam:
You will see a red dot from the front. This is the case with any red dot that uses an LED as the source (Aimpoint, for example). EOTechs use a holographic technology, so you will not see anything from the front. Those are the only ones I know of like that.
Regarding the astigmatism, it is typical for a user to see an odd shaped dot like you describe with astigmatism. However, that's not to say that there couldn't potentially be something wrong with the dot, but more often than not it's astigmatism causing the issue.
A few simple tests you can try: Look through the scope with your other eye. Does the dot appear exactly the same or not? If not, it's definitely your eyes. If so then I would try rotating the scope about its axis and see if the shape of the dot rotates with the scope or if it stays oriented with your head. If it stays oriented with your head then it is your eyes, if it rotates with the scope then it could be something wrong with the scope.
You can also try photographing through the scope to see what the dot looks like, although it's tricky getting the dot in focus.
If you think there might be something wrong with the scope you can always give us a call and we'll take care of it. You can reach us at 1-800-426-0048.
Let me know if I can help with anything else. Thanks!
-Sam
Originally Posted By JINXR:
I've never had a red dot before, so these might be stupid questions.
First off, I'm really liking the Strikefire. Keeping 2 eyes open while shooting has never been easier. Never imagined a red dot could help so much.
I noticed that you can see a red dot on the front of the optic, except it's over on the edge so I'm guessing that's the source of the light? I always thought that the dots were supposed to be like a one way mirror, so that whoever you're pointing your gun at can't see it?
My second question is about the shape of the dot. Now I do have some astigmatism, so the star-burst pattern is more prevalent for me. However, if I turn it all the way down and look at something bright (like using it outdoors), I can clearly see 2 separate dots. If I turn it up, there are still 2 hot spots, but the star burst mucks it up a little. The weird thing is that it doesn't do this every time. Sometimes there is only 1 dot or hot spot. It's not bad and the hot spots aren't far apart, but it does make for a bigger dot overall.
Maybe this is all normal. Like I said, I've never had one before.
I've never had a red dot before, so these might be stupid questions.
First off, I'm really liking the Strikefire. Keeping 2 eyes open while shooting has never been easier. Never imagined a red dot could help so much.
I noticed that you can see a red dot on the front of the optic, except it's over on the edge so I'm guessing that's the source of the light? I always thought that the dots were supposed to be like a one way mirror, so that whoever you're pointing your gun at can't see it?
My second question is about the shape of the dot. Now I do have some astigmatism, so the star-burst pattern is more prevalent for me. However, if I turn it all the way down and look at something bright (like using it outdoors), I can clearly see 2 separate dots. If I turn it up, there are still 2 hot spots, but the star burst mucks it up a little. The weird thing is that it doesn't do this every time. Sometimes there is only 1 dot or hot spot. It's not bad and the hot spots aren't far apart, but it does make for a bigger dot overall.
Maybe this is all normal. Like I said, I've never had one before.
You will see a red dot from the front. This is the case with any red dot that uses an LED as the source (Aimpoint, for example). EOTechs use a holographic technology, so you will not see anything from the front. Those are the only ones I know of like that.
Regarding the astigmatism, it is typical for a user to see an odd shaped dot like you describe with astigmatism. However, that's not to say that there couldn't potentially be something wrong with the dot, but more often than not it's astigmatism causing the issue.
A few simple tests you can try: Look through the scope with your other eye. Does the dot appear exactly the same or not? If not, it's definitely your eyes. If so then I would try rotating the scope about its axis and see if the shape of the dot rotates with the scope or if it stays oriented with your head. If it stays oriented with your head then it is your eyes, if it rotates with the scope then it could be something wrong with the scope.
You can also try photographing through the scope to see what the dot looks like, although it's tricky getting the dot in focus.
If you think there might be something wrong with the scope you can always give us a call and we'll take care of it. You can reach us at 1-800-426-0048.
Let me know if I can help with anything else. Thanks!
-Sam
I was thinking of buying a Vortex Strikefire, was a little worried, but decided to troll the forums since none of my friends have any money to buy anything for me to try first. But after reading this post, and the helpful response from a Vortex Rep, even giving their phone number right in the post and trying to help the user figure out if it was their eyes or the scope I feel that Vortex has the customer service and the know how to be worth trying. Also nice to see Reps respond before the newbs say something stupid.
