Romeo 5 is an accurate, durable and tactical optic that works like a charm. Plus it comes in four different equally scrumptious forms: the SOR50000, SOR52001, SOR52101 and SOR52102 XRD.
To know which one will best suit your taste buds, there are some key differences should know about-
| SOR52102 XRD | SOR52001 | SOR52101 | SOR50000 | |
| Price | $245 | $199.99 | $219.99 | $109 |
| Overall length | 63.5mm | 62.7 mm | 63.5mm | 62.7mm |
| Overall Width | 35.6mm | 38.1 mm | 35.6mm | 38.1mm |
| Height | 66mm | 38.6 mm | 66mm | 38.6mm |
| Weight | 5.6oz | 5.1 oz | 5.6oz | 5.1oz |
| Reticle | 2 MOA dot with 65 MOA circle (dual reticle) | 2 MOA Red Dot | 2 MOA Red Dot | 2 MOA Red Dot |
| Battery | AAA | CR2032 | AAA | CR2032 |
| Run Time | 50000 hrs | 40000 hrs | 50000 hrs | 40000 hrs |
| Mount Type | Picatinny Riser for 1.41 or 1.63 | T10 Torx (Low Profile) T10 Torx 1.41 in Riser | Picatinny Riser 1.41 or 1.63 | T10 Torx 1.41 in Riser |
Reticle
Reticle size is one of the most important things you should consider while buying red dot optics; otherwise, target acquisition will be at quite a risk.
SOR50000
SOR50000 has a 2 MOA red dot (a spread of 3″ in diameter at a distance of 100 yards). That means it is a nice option for longer ranges.
SOR52001 (Editor’s Choice)
Similar to its fellow variant, it also features a 2 MOA red dot.
SOR52101
Once again, we have the red dot with 2 MOA. Although these are good for long distances, remember they also retard visibility. Target acquisition gets harder when you’re struggling with visibility.
SOR52102 XRD
This fellow has a special ingredient as in addition to the 2 MOA red dot, it has a surrounding 65 MOA circle ( for a normal human size target). What does that do? That makes it an excellent candidate for longer as well as shorter ranges!
Battery and Running Time
In the case of battery choice, it is better to go for options that are readily available and replaceable.
SOR50000
SOR50000 has a CR2032 battery with a decent running time i.e., 40000 hours. These batteries typically last quite long (they take the lead when compared with the AAA mostly).
SOR52001 (Editor’s Choice)
With a CR2032 battery, the SOR52001 also has a readily available power source. Finding it in stores is no big deal. Moreover, you will find the CR2032 to be a better option in terms of storage as coin cells take up less space as compared to the tube-like AAA. The running time is the same as SOR50000 too. i.e. 40000 hours.
SOR52101
With 50000 hours running time, SOR52101 uses an AAA battery and it is pretty accessible. You will be able to find it in nearly all convenience stores. However, one downside of an AAA battery is that it is susceptible to leakage.
SOR52102 XRD
Another AAA battery user with 50000 hours of running time. The SOR52102 generally has better controls and improved battery life as compared to its fellows.
Mounting Options
Mounts can always alter your experience for better or for worse. Here is how Sig Sauer dealt with it in their closed-type red dot optic.
SOR50000
Sig got the T10 Torx 1.41 in the riser for SOR50000, making it a pretty good deal for people primarily using AKs etc. The mounts, however, are industry standard and they add value to the Romeo 5 and its variants.
SOR52001 (Editor’s Choice)
It has the same mounting option as its previous buddy; a T10 Torx 1.41 in the riser.
SOR52101
A more versatile variant in terms of mounting options, the SOR52101 offers 1.41″ or 1.63″ of height above the Picatinny rails. It can’t be mounted any lower though, due to the fixed battery compartment.
SOR52102 XRD
Being the “premium” one here, of course, our boy is loaded with versatile and excellent quality mounting options of 1.41″ or 1.63″ in the riser.
Price and Packaging
If you’re buying directly, maybe packaging isn’t the greatest of your concerns. But if you decide to have it delivered to you, this becomes a genuine issue real quick.
SOR50000
The cheapest and supposedly the most “basic” version, if you haven’t guessed already. The poor thing comes packed in a cardboard box and without even a user’s manual, ouch! But it is also almost half the price of most others ($84 to $110).
SOR52001 (Editor’s Choice)
I love this type. Budget-friendly (around $199) yet comparatively better. The casing is solid so no worries about breakage and other mishaps.
SOR52101
Again, with a solid casing but with an incredible jump in price to $299.
SOR52102 XRD
SOR52102 is the most expensive one here, hitting mostly around the $250 mark. With it, obviously, comes the optic of your dream in shiny, premium packaging.
Conclusion- Which One is Best for You?
Torn between the enticing variants of Romeo 5? Here’s a clue: remember what you’re looking for, especially in terms of reticle size, mounts and size. The above article has all the information you’ll be needing for an informed choice.
If you want to go big, SOR52102 is the full meal here; versatile, and efficient but also expensive.
In my humble opinion though, SOR52001 provides the best value for money, that is, if the mounts are not that big of a problem for you. You can check the updated price on Amazon by clicking here.
I would also highly recommend you subscribe to my email newsletter where I personally handpick and share exciting offers, rebates and disocunt deals on firearms, ammunition, accessories and gun parts.
Related articles: