Guns [REVIEW] Vortex Defender-XL Red Dot David Lane September 25, 2024 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More 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.SPECSMagnification: 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 RANGEMounted 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.Amazon.com$360EuroOptic$350Brownells$380WANT MORE, READ MORESwampfox Sentinel II Micro-Red Dot [Hands-On Review] Lead & Steel Pandora PB-3: Best New Enclosed Red Dot? [REVIEW] SIG Sauer Romeo-X Series Red Dot SightsExplore RECOILweb:Federal District Court Declares AR-15 is Not Protected by the Second AmendmentAA12 Sledgehammer Shotgun Available for Civilian SaleVideo - Sig556R and VZ2008 in competitionTac-Con Releases AK trigger, selectable AR trigger NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.