Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green Review

What Makes Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green Stand Out?

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green is a micro red dot sight designed for compact pistols and rifles, prioritizing a bright, highly visible green dot. Viridian is known for their innovations in green laser technology, and this optic aims to bring that advantage to the red dot market. Its compact size, lightweight design, and instant-on functionality make it a compelling option for concealed carry and close-quarters applications.

My aging eyes were starting to struggle with traditional red dots, especially in bright sunlight. The promise of a clearer, more easily acquired green dot was incredibly appealing, and I needed an optic small enough to mount on my carry pistol without adding significant bulk. I was seeking enhanced visibility and rapid target acquisition in a low-profile package.

Unboxing the RFX11, I was immediately struck by its diminutive size and incredibly light weight. The aluminum housing felt sturdy and well-machined, exuding a sense of quality despite its small footprint. It’s impressively compact, almost disappearing on top of my Glock 43X.

I considered the Trijicon RMRcc and the Holosun 507k, both excellent micro red dots. However, the Viridian‘s green dot and claimed battery life, coupled with its competitive price point, swayed my decision. The instant-on feature also appealed to my desire for a quick and reliable aiming solution in self-defense scenarios.

My initial reaction was excitement tempered by a bit of skepticism. The size was perfect, but I wondered if the green dot would truly be as noticeable as advertised. I was eager to test its performance under various lighting conditions and assess its overall durability.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the RFX11 at my local indoor shooting range, then later at an outdoor range on a bright, sunny day. The indoor range presented no challenges, with the green dot proving incredibly crisp and easy to acquire. Even under the harsh glare of the outdoor sun, the green dot remained remarkably visible, a definite improvement over standard red dots I’ve used.

The RFX11 performed admirably in both dry and sunny conditions. I didn’t have an opportunity to test it in heavy rain, but a light drizzle didn’t seem to affect its operation. I’ll have to get it out in some harsher weather to see how it truly holds up.

The learning curve was minimal; I zeroed the optic quickly and easily. The controls are intuitive, and the automatic brightness adjustment worked seamlessly. Mounting was simple; the optic fit perfectly on my slide, and zeroing was straightforward.

The only minor issue I encountered was the automatic brightness occasionally dimming too much in shaded areas outdoors. This required a slight adjustment to my stance to allow more light to reach the sensor. Otherwise, the first range session was a success, boosting my confidence in its functionality.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Viridian RFX11 has proven to be a reliable and durable optic. It has survived hundreds of rounds fired, along with the constant jostling of daily carry. It still maintains zero after all the bumps and bruises I’ve put it through.

There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scratches. The aluminum housing appears to be quite robust, holding up well to regular use. It seems built to last and withstand the rigors of everyday carry.

Maintenance is simple: I occasionally wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. So far, I have not had to replace the battery. It’s a breeze to maintain.

Compared to my previous experiences with other micro red dots, the RFX11‘s green dot visibility is significantly superior, particularly in bright environments. Its instant-on feature offers a noticeable advantage in speed of target acquisition. The RFX11 has exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green

Specifications

• The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green boasts a 1x magnification with a 16mm objective lens. This provides a wide field of view for quick target acquisition. The 1x magnification is ideal for close-range engagements.
• It features a highly visible 3 MOA green dot. The green dot enhances visibility in bright conditions and for shooters with certain types of colorblindness. This ensures a clear and precise aiming point.
• The sight weighs a mere 4 ounces, making it one of the lightest reflex sights on the market. This is a significant advantage for concealed carry, minimizing added weight. The lightweight design does not compromise durability.
• The RFX11 features INSTANT-ON technology, automatically activating the dot when movement is detected. This ensures the sight is ready for immediate use in critical situations. The auto shut-off feature conserves battery life.
• It also boasts automatic brightness control via an ambient light sensor. This automatically adjusts the dot intensity to suit the surrounding lighting conditions. The ambient light sensor optimizes visibility.
• It runs on a single CR2032 battery, providing over 30,000 hours of runtime. This ensures long-lasting performance and minimizes the need for frequent battery changes. The efficient power management is remarkable.

Performance & Functionality

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green excels at rapid target acquisition and accurate aiming, especially in bright light. The green dot stands out against various backgrounds, allowing for faster and more precise shots. It’s a game-changer for those struggling with red dots.

Its strengths lie in its exceptional green dot visibility, lightweight design, and instant-on functionality. A potential weakness is the occasional dimming of the dot in shaded outdoor environments. It is important to have good lighting, especially if relying on the auto brightness control.

The RFX11 largely meets my expectations, offering a significant improvement in dot visibility over traditional red dots. The instant-on feature and compact size add to its appeal. However, some might find the lack of manual brightness adjustment a drawback.

Design & Ergonomics

The RFX11 features a compact and streamlined design. The aluminum housing feels robust and well-made. Its slim profile is perfect for subcompact pistols.

The optic is remarkably user-friendly. The intuitive controls and automatic brightness adjustment require minimal setup. There’s virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The robust aluminum housing suggests excellent long-term durability. The optic has already withstood months of daily carry and regular range use with no significant issues. The build quality is impressive for its size.

Maintaining the RFX11 is incredibly simple. Regular lens cleaning is the only required maintenance. The long battery life minimizes the need for frequent battery replacements.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Viridian RFX11 ships with mounting screws and a basic tool for installation. Aftermarket accessories are limited due to its proprietary footprint. However, it is compatible with any slide milled for a Shield RMS-c footprint.

While direct customization options are limited, its compatibility with the RMS-c footprint allows for various mounting solutions. This is an important consideration. There are no readily available lens protectors or aftermarket housings specifically for the RFX11.

Pros and Cons of Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green

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Who Should Buy Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green?

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green is perfect for concealed carry enthusiasts who prioritize a bright, easily visible aiming point in a compact package. It also suits individuals with difficulty seeing red dots, or who find green easier to acquire. Home defense users looking for a reliable and quickly activated optic will also benefit.

Those who require manual brightness control or extensive customization options should skip this product. Shooters needing the smallest possible footprint should consider other optics. If you need NVG compatibility, this is not the optic for you.

A weapon light is a must-have accessory to pair with the RFX11 for low-light scenarios. A quality holster that accommodates the optic is also essential. It is also important to know the correct screw size when mounting.

Conclusion on Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX11 1x16mm Green is a compelling micro red dot sight that delivers on its promise of enhanced green dot visibility in a compact and lightweight package. The instant-on feature and robust build quality add to its appeal.

The price is justified by its performance, especially the superior green dot visibility and instant-on feature. It provides good value for the asking price. It punches way above its weight in the micro dot market.

I would definitely recommend the RFX11 to anyone seeking a reliable and easily visible micro red dot sight for concealed carry or home defense. Upgrade your pistol today! The enhanced target acquisition will give you the edge you need.