Frenzy-X 1x19x26 MRS GenII Solar Power Multi-Reticle Review

Here is the Frenzy-X 1x19x26 MRS GenII Solar Power Multi-Reticle review from Jani Nordman.

Frenzy-X Gen II SCRD-SM64

Warning this review is going to be long, normally I try to keep my reviews short as most people just want the facts and not read four paragraphs of fluff, but with this optic, I've waited since it was first announced beginning of the year, so uncustomary I shall ramble for a long time in this post, but rest assured I'll put a TL:DR at the end so you can just have a quick look at the summary of the optic.

Is this it? is this the best Frenzy red dot vector has made so far? Yes and no, longer answer to follow in the post.

Just some background of where I'm coming from, I've used all versions of Frenzy in the past, every family (Basic, X, S, and Plus) but not all variants in each family, but because of this I know the Frenzy's very well, I've also used some other manufacturers red dots from, Docter (now Noblex), Vortex, Holosun, Trijicon and Leupold, so I have something to compare this with. I also shoot mainly IPSC with red dots for the past 4 years and out of those 3 years with Vector Optics now and I have 4 pistols with red dots and even the last one recently got vector optics on it, and I'm not just saying this as I'm an optics reviewer, but because for years before I had this relationship I was already using Vector optics in conjunction with other "mainstream" optics and the "brand loyal" people who seem to have a strong opinion on everything were wondering my move to vector optics, but I'm not a snob when it comes to optics and I value more price to performance and customer service, both were vector optics has A+ on me, and almost all of the other brands of red dots I've used have had issues either with me personally or my team mates, so don't just think that paying 600€/$ to 800€/$ on a red dot automatically gives you a product that doesn't fail (some do work better than others don't get me wrong, it's just not guaranteed).

Okay, enough background let's get to the actual review!

A long time ago I put in one of my reviews on a Vector Optics red dot on my wish list for a future red dot, some of them are on this red dot (not all, but some extra as well) let's go through it and check them off.

- Motion sensor/auto shut off, Yes/Yes (my sample seems to have issues with the motion sensor, sometimes it works perfectly, but sometimes it doesn’t want to wake up unless I press a button, this only seems to happen if it has been off for long time)

- Automatic brightness mode that can be set on and off, No

- Solar panel, Yes

- Battery that can be changed without removing the red dot, Yes

- A weather panel that can be added that stops the water/snow from getting into the sight, but still lets you use the red dot for example cover that has a window at the back and screws into the sight, No

Most of the list was just what I would like to see in a red dot, your list may vary. But what makes this red dot stand out to me and get me excited? It's the use of 7075-T6 aluminum, it is twice as tough as the previous red dots made with 6061-T6 aluminum, so this should take a lot of abuse without failing, this is to be seen as I start to use the red dot now as my main competition red dot.

Other things I like are that the battery can be changed from the side and that the cover is locked with two Torx screws, I've seen other (name brand) side-loading red dots shoot the cover and battery off the gun mid-stage in a competition as it had quick release latch on the cover, so a plus there for the vector optic just remember to Loctite the screws! (Don't worry you get spares on the retail package if you lose one). The next thing I like is the solar panel as I like having a backup in case I run out of battery, but you might not want it, and the good thing is there is a version coming out without the solar panel if it's not your thing.

The aspheric lens is a good upgrade, the optic clarity is better than the previous one, I tried to capture it in the pictures below and you be the judge, but for my eyes, there is less blueish-green tint on the top part of the lens.

One thing that I didn't have in my wish list that I should have had, and that this model has is clicky adjustments! Yes! So much easier to sight in the red dot when you can count the clicks and not have to play by feel, the clicks are a welcome surprise and one that is highly appreciated.

Buttons to adjust the brightness are easy to find and give a positive click, the red dot gets bright enough, enough for a sunny day outside.

Waterproofing is heavily emphasized in this model, as you can see from the photos the whole of the bottom is sealed, and there are drainage holes on the side so if any rain gets to the emitter area it drains out with the holes, you can see them from the pictures.

You get an option of reticles, three(3) MOA dot, a circle with a dot, and just a ring, I personally only use the dot as for me it's the clearest for pistols and the other just add too much to a small window, but I like that I have the option if I ever feel like changing habits.

So far having run about 500 rounds of 9mm through it with no issues, the feel of the housing gives quality and rugged feel, I find myself racking the slide from the red dot when previously they were so smooth I could get a good grip, but with this model I can, this to me is a huge bonus as IPSC is a fast pace and this gives a good gripping surface for reloads, clearing jams and other reasons one needs to quickly rack the slide.

Issues I've found and will try to convey through the photos so have a look at them, the emitter seems to bloom a lot when there is a light source above and front, and the red dot has a big halo on full brightness on low light conditions. These are not that big deal for me at least as when you shoot fast-paced these are not that noticeable as you focus on the targets more, but you can judge for yourself from the photos.

The bottom line is this model gives a very good run for the money, worth an update if you're on the market for an update, and new shooters it's a very good option over some name brands you might be thinking of.

Plusses

+7075-T6 aluminum (twice as tough as 6061-T6)

+Battery side compartment

+Solar panel (personal preference)

+Clearer glass (aspheric glass)

+Adjustment clicks

+Lifetime warranty

+Waterproof IPX7

+Price (starting at 199$)

Minuses

-No automatic brightness option (personal preference)

-No weather shield (Would be nice for those rainy or snowy days)

-The emitter blooms when light comes from the front and above

-Full brightness on dim locations gives a big halo effect to the reticle

TL:DR
Rugged(7075-T6 aluminum), super value for money, clearer glass than previous models. Worth it if you're thinking about upgrading. Two models, one with solar panel and one without, depending on which you prefer. You won't be disappointed with the purchase if you decide to go with the new Gen II. Issues I found are the halo effect on the dot with high brightness and the bloom effect if light comes from above and front. These are not major issues for me at least as this is quite common on red dots. So, this gets two thumbs up and a recommendation from me! Just don't forget to use vibra-tite or blue Loctite thread locker on the battery compartment as the screws are small and easy to lose (don't worry you get spares in the retail package), but just in case they are M2 thread and around 5mm length.

Available right now!

With solar panel:

https://vector2007.com/.../scrd-sm64-frenzy-x-1x19x26-mrs...

Without solar panel:

https://vector2007.com/.../scrd-64-frenzy-x-1x19x28-genii...