Welcome to the comparison of the Aimpoint PRO and Aimpoint Duty RDS!
If you’re like me, you know the thrill of lining up that perfect shot. It’s not just about the skill; it’s about the tools we use. That’s why I took it upon myself to delve into a hands-on comparison of two top-tier red dot sights: the Aimpoint PRO and the Aimpoint Duty RDS.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the shooting game, this comparison is going to shed some light on what these red dot wonders have to offer.
| Feature | Aimpoint PRO | Aimpoint Duty RDS |
| Red Dot Size | 2 MOA | 2 MOA |
| Battery Life | 30,000 hours (over 3 years) on setting 7 | 30,000 hours (over 3 years) on setting 7 |
| Mount | QRP2 Mount and spacer | One-piece Torsion Nut Mount |
| Submersible | Up to 150 feet (45 meters) | Up to 80 feet (25 meters) |
| Brightness Settings | 10 (4 NVD, 6 daylight) | 10 (1 off, 4 NVD, 6 daylight) |
| Weight | 7.8 oz / 220 g (sight only) | 3.8 oz / 108 g (sight only) |
| Size | 4.8 x 1.9 x 1.9 in | 2.7 x 1.5 x 1.7 in |
| Optical Coating | Hard anodized, high-strength aluminum | Advanced optical lenses |
| Parallax Free | Yes | Yes |
| Housing Material | Pressure-forged aluminum alloy | Pressure forged aluminum alloy |
| Vibration and Shock Resistant | Yes | Yes |
Overview: Aimpoint Pro Vs Aimpoint Duty RDS
Aimpoint Pro
Renowned for its robustness, the Aimpoint PRO is designed for law enforcement and serious shooters who demand reliability.
Dimensions and Features:
- Optical Magnification: 1x
- Aiming Dot Size: 2 MOA
- Battery Life: Over 3 years (30,000 hours)
- Battery Type: DL1/3N (included)
- Mount: QRP2 Mount and Spacer
- Lens Covers: Flip-up; front solid, rear transparent
- Additional: KillFlash® ARD compatible
- Parallax Free Optic
- Submersible: Up to 150 feet
- Temperature Range: -49°F to +160°F
- Weight: 7.8 oz
- Dimensions: 4.8 in x 1.9 in x 1.9 in
- Total Configuration Weight: 12.7 oz
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Aimpoint Duty RDS
The Aimpoint Duty RDS is a compact and efficient red dot sight, offering top-grade performance at a more accessible price point.
Dimensions and Features:
- Optical Magnification: 1x
- Aiming Dot Size: 2 MOA
- Battery Life: Over 3 years (30,000 hours)
- Battery Type: CR2032 (included)
- Mount: One-piece Torsion Nut Mount
- Lens Covers: Flip-up; front solid, rear transparent
- Advanced Optical Lenses
- Flush Mounted Windage and Elevation Adjustments
- Parallax Free Optic
- Submersible: Up to 80 feet
- Temperature Range: -49°F to +160°F
- Weight: 3.8 oz
- Dimensions: 2.7 in x 1.5 in x 1.7 in
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Main Difference Between Aimpoint Pro Vs Duty RDS?
Let’s look into the main differences between the Aimpoint Duty RDS and Aimpoint PRO.
- The Aimpoint Duty RDS uses a CR2032 battery, while the Aimpoint PRO uses a DL 1/3N battery.
- The Aimpoint Duty RDS is smaller and lighter than the Aimpoint PRO in terms of size.
- The Duty RDS has greater water resistance.
- Comparatively speaking, the Aimpoint PRO is usually more affordable than the Aimpoint Duty RDS.
Top 7 Features Comparison Duty RDS Vs Pro
1. Battery Life and Type
Aimpoint Pro
The Aimpoint Pro’s stamina is nothing short of remarkable. With its DL1/3N battery, it boasts an impressive battery life of over 30,000 hours at daylight setting 7.
This translates to more than three years of constant use without the hassle of frequent battery changes. As a professional shooter, I’ve found this incredibly convenient for extended periods in the field.
There’s a reassuring confidence in knowing that the Pro will remain operational through long training sessions or operations without needing a battery swap. The peace of mind this feature brings cannot be overstated, especially during prolonged engagements or surveillance activities.
Aimpoint Duty RDS
The Aimpoint Duty RDS keeps pace admirably with its Pro counterpart, also delivering over 30,000 hours of continuous operation.
It uses a CR2032 battery, a common and easily replaceable model.
During tests in various environments, the Duty RDS never faltered, maintaining consistent operation even in harsh conditions. Its battery performance ensures minimal downtime, a critical factor during intense training or operations.
The convenience of using a widely available battery type like the CR2032 also adds to the practicality of the Duty RDS.
Winner
It’s a close call, but the Aimpoint Pro edges out slightly due to its use of a DL1/3N battery, which is less common but offers a bit more resilience in extended operational scenarios. Both are stellar in performance, but the Pro takes a narrow lead here.
2. Optical Performance and Clarity
Aimpoint Pro
The Pro’s optical performance is impressive, with a clear 2 MOA red dot that excels in various lighting conditions. Its anti-reflective, multi-layer coating ensures minimal glare and maximum clarity.
During testing, I noticed the dot was crisp and easy to track against different backgrounds, which is critical in fast-paced scenarios. The ability to remain parallax-free adds to its accuracy, as the dot stays true regardless of eye position.
This is particularly useful in dynamic shooting situations where rapid target acquisition is essential.
Aimpoint Duty RDS
The Duty RDS mirrors the Pro’s high standards in optical performance. Its 2 MOA red dot is bright and sharp, allowing for precise targeting.
The advanced optical lenses in the Duty RDS provide enhanced light transmission, offering exceptional dot clarity. In testing, the dot remained distinct and vivid even under challenging light conditions.
The Duty RDS maintains its composure under various environmental stresses, ensuring consistent performance.
Winner
Both sights perform admirably, but the Aimpoint Duty RDS takes a slight lead in this category courtesy of its advanced optical lenses that offer slightly superior light transmission and dot clarity.
3. Durability and Resistance
Aimpoint Pro
The Aimpoint Pro is built like a tank. Its hard-anodized, high-strength aluminum housing can withstand significant abuse. During testing, it proved resistant to shock vibration and was submersible up to 150 feet.
These features are crucial for law enforcement or military operations where gear can be subjected to rough handling.
The Pro consistently showed resilience against physical impacts, maintaining functionality even after rigorous testing in extreme conditions.
Aimpoint Duty RDS
The Duty RDS matches the Pro in terms of robustness. Its pressure-forged aluminum alloy housing is both shock and vibration-resistant, and it’s also submersible up to 80 feet. In various tests, it held up exceptionally well, proving to be a reliable option under stress.
The sight’s construction is reassuringly solid, and it performed flawlessly in diverse and challenging environments.
Winner
The Aimpoint Pro takes the crown in this category. Its ability to withstand submersion up to 150 feet and its overall robust construction gives it a slight edge over the Duty RDS, though both are excellent choices for demanding applications.
4. Mounting System
Aimpoint PRO
The Aimpoint PRO impresses with its QRP2 mount and spacer, designed for quick and secure attachment to MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails. This system simplifies the mounting process, as it requires no additional tools and only a simple snap/twisting of the knob three times for a sturdy fit.
The integrated design ensures a reliable and stable mount, crucial for maintaining zero under various conditions. The spacer adds versatility, enabling use on different platforms and aligning the sight at optimal heights.
Aimpoint Duty RDS
In contrast, the Aimpoint Duty RDS features a robust one-piece Torsion Nut Mount. This design is streamlined, providing a secure attachment to the firearm.
The simplicity of this mount is noteworthy – it offers reliability without complexity. While it lacks the quick-detach capability of the PRO’s QRP2 mount, the one-piece design ensures minimal movement, maintaining a solid zero over prolonged use and under rigorous conditions.
Winner
The Aimpoint PRO takes the lead in this feature with its QRP2 mount system.
Its ease of attachment and removal, combined with the added versatility of the spacer, makes it more user-friendly and adaptable to various firearms.
5. Environmental Resistance
Aimpoint PRO
Aimpoint PRO shows its strength in environmental resistance. Submersible up to 150 feet and with a temperature tolerance ranging from -49°F to +160°F, this optic is built to endure extreme conditions.
Whether it’s deep underwater scenarios or varied temperature environments, the PRO is designed to perform without fail. Its robust construction and high resistance to vibration and shock make it a reliable companion for law enforcement officers in the toughest situations.
Aimpoint Duty RDS
The Aimpoint Duty RDS, while slightly less resilient compared to the PRO, is no slouch either. It’s submersible up to 80 feet and withstands temperatures between -49°F to +160°F.
Its rugged design ensures durability against shocks and vibrations, but the lesser depth of submersion might be a consideration for certain users.
Winner
The Aimpoint PRO edges out with superior environmental resistance, particularly with its higher submersion capability, making it more suitable for more extreme and diverse operational scenarios.
6. User Interface and Adjustments
Aimpoint PRO
The Aimpoint PRO offers simplicity in its user interface. Its brightness adjustment knob is easily accessible and intuitive, catering to both daylight and night vision settings.
The retainer straps for adjustment caps add a thoughtful touch, preventing loss during field adjustments. However, the PRO’s interface, while functional, doesn’t offer any particular advancements in terms of innovation or ease of use.
Aimpoint Duty RDS
The Duty RDS steps up in this aspect with its advanced design. The windage and elevation adjustments are flush-mounted and waterproof, eliminating the need for protective caps.
This design reduces the risk of accidental changes and damage. Additionally, the digital keypad for dot brightness intensity is intuitive and can be easily manipulated even with gloves, making it more user-friendly in various operational conditions.
Winner
Aimpoint Duty RDS wins in this category. Its innovative design in the user interface, especially the waterproof and flush-mounted adjustments, offers a more streamlined and practical experience.
7. Weight and Size
Aimpoint PRO
The Aimpoint PRO is slightly larger and heavier, weighing in at 7.8 oz for the sight only, with overall dimensions of 4.8 in x 1.9 in x 1.9 in for the sight.
While this added weight and size might be noticeable, especially on lighter firearms, it’s a trade-off for its robust construction and feature set. The larger size might be a factor for those prioritizing a compact setup.
Aimpoint Duty RDS
The Duty RDS stands out in its compactness and lightweight design. Weighing just 3.8 oz and measuring 2.7 x 1.5 x 1.7 inches, it’s significantly lighter and smaller than the PRO.
This compactness is a huge plus for users looking for a minimalistic, lightweight setup without compromising on performance.
Winner
The Aimpoint Duty RDS takes the crown for its minimalistic approach in weight and size, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a lighter and more compact optic.
Pros of Aimpoint Duty RDS
Here are some pros of Aimpoint Duty RDS.
- Compact and lightweight design
- High water resistance
- It utilizes a battery, which is cost-effective
- Precise aiming
Cons of Aimpoint Duty RDS
Here are some cons of Aimpoint Duty RDS.
- Higher price range compared to the Aimpoint PRO
- A smaller field of view
- For battery changes, a tool is necessary
Pros of Aimpoint PRO
Here are some pros of Aimpoint PRO.
- Affordable
- Durable construction with a shock-absorption
- Utilizes a DL 1/3N battery
- Multi-coated lens
Cons of Aimpoint PRO
Here are some cons of Aimpoint PRO.
- Slightly larger and heavier
- Battery life might not be as prolonged as some competitor’s
Final Verdict
It’s a close call, but each has its unique strengths. The Aimpoint Pro emerges slightly ahead if durability, battery resilience in extended operations, and environmental resistance are your top priorities. However, for those who value compactness, ease of use, and advanced optical performance, the Aimpoint Duty RDS is a clear choice.
But as per my preference, the Aimpoint Pro is the better choice as it wins the comparison and stands out.
On the other hand, if affordability, adaptability, and a robust design are more important to you, the PRO provides excellent value without sacrificing the necessary features.
Know the difference between Aimpoint Aco & Pro
FAQs
What is the brightness of the Aimpoint Duty RDS?
The Aimpoint Duty RDS offers a 2 MOA precision red dot and has 10 brightness settings, including 1 off position, 4 night vision compatible settings, and 6 daylight settings.
Does the US military use the Aimpoint PRO?
Yes, the Aimpoint PRO is extensively used by the United States Armed Forces and Law Enforcement agencies, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness in demanding situations.
What is the battery life of the Aimpoint Duty RDS?
The Aimpoint Duty RDS has a battery life of over 3 years, utilizing a single CR2032 battery, especially at the daylight position 7, and even longer on the lower brightness settings.
What is the best Aimpoint red dot?
The Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight is regarded as the best overall red dot, thanks to its optimal combination of high-quality sights, clear dot visibility, and exceptional battery life, all at a reasonable price.
How durable is the Aimpoint PRO?
The Aimpoint PRO is highly durable, made from anodized aluminum, waterproof up to 80 feet, and is designed to perform flawlessly in extreme temperatures and foggy conditions.