Vortex Defender ST vs. XL

Hey Freedom Gorillas, today we want to pin two of the Vortex Defender models up against one another: the Defender ST vs. XL. Both of these models are the open emitters available in the Vortex Defender lineup.

Both the Defender ST and Defender XL are pistol red dot optics, but the XL is going to feature a larger window than the ST since it is made more for competitive shooting. The Vortex Defender ST is a red dot sight made with every day use in mind. 

In this article we will discuss the main specifications of both Vortex Defender in this Defender series and which one you should consider purchasing.

TLDR

The Defender ST and Defender XL are two optics from the Vortex Defender Series. The Defender ST is designed for everyday use. The Defender XL is designed for competitive shooting and training on the range, so it has a larger sight window than the ST. 

The larger sight window makes the XL good for quick target acquisition and switching between targets of varied distances. 

Both the ST and XL come as a red dot or green dot. The Defender ST comes as a 3 MOA red dot, 6 MOA red dot, or 3 MOA green dot, and the Defender XL comes as a 2 MOA red dot, 5 MOA red dot, 8 MOA red dot, or 3 MOA green dot. The XL therefore has the smallest and largest dot options depending on your competitive needs. 

With the bigger window, the Defender XL is also going to weigh more than the ST, about ⅓ more. The shorter length and lighter weight of the ST make it a viable optic for everyday concealed carry. Both the ST and XL have top access battery compartments, but the XL is easier and more convenient to access while the ST requires a special tool to access the battery.

The ST is more affordable coming compared to the XL. Both optics have a Deltapoint Pro footprint, fitting all DPP platforms; 25k hours of battery life; 12 brightness settings, 10 DL and 2 NV; and they come with a Picatinny mount and MOS adapter plate. 

Quick Comparison Table

This table breaks down the main specifications so you can see a quick comparison of both models. You will see a difference in size and reticle options between the ST and XL with the XL having a larger window. 

Defender ST vs. XL Window Size and Field of View

The main difference between the Defender ST and Defender XL is the window size and field of view. The Defender XL has a window size of 25.5mm x 23.3mm vs. the ST’s window size of 23mm x 20mm. This is a substantial difference in sight window size and makes for a difference in target acquisition between both sights. 

Both sights do have large sight windows for quick target acquisition but the XL’s larger window makes for faster target acquisition, making it ideal for competitive shooting. 

Reticle Options and MOA Dot Sizes for Defender ST and XL

Both the XL and ST models feature multiple reticle options. To start, both come in either a green or red reticle with both models offering more MOA options for the red reticle. The Defender ST comes with a 3 MOA dot or 6 MOA dot for the red reticle and just a 3 MOA dot for the green reticle.

The Vortex Defender XL comes in more reticle options than the ST with a 2 MOA dot, 5 MOA dot, or 8 MOA dot for the red reticle and only a 3 MOA dot for the green reticle. Both the Defender ST and Defender XL come with a dot only, so there is no obstruction from a circle reticle.

The size dot you choose depends on your shooting scenario. If you’re considering long distance shooting, you’ll want to go with a 3 MOA or 2 MOA option, since a smaller dot means more precision at a distance. Shooting at closer range will require a larger dot, say a 6 MOA or 8 MOA dot. 

Dot size also comes down to speed. Larger MOA dots will help you acquire a target more quickly while smaller dot sizes may require more time to line up accurately. Since the XL is good for competition, an 8 MOA dot is perfect if you are looking to improve your speed, while the 2 MOA is helpful for accuracy. 

For the ST, since it’s great for duty use and conceal/carry, it may be beneficial to prepare for close range with the 6 MOA dot. At the end of the day, it comes down to preference.

Footprint and Compatibility for Defender ST vs. Defender XL

Both the Vortex Defender ST and Vortex Defender XL use the Deltapoint Pro footprint (DPP) and come with a Glock MOS adapter plate. The Defender-ST fits full-sized pistols and is the better option for conceal/carry on any full sized pistol, especially for duty use or every day carry. 

The Defender-XL is more ideal for competitive shooting when using a full-size pistol. Both are not recommended for subcompact gun models; for that, it’s worth it to check out the Defender CCW. For a detailed comparison with another subcompact option, see our Vortex Defender CCW vs Holosun 407K: An Honest Comparison guide

Both optics are compatible with popular platforms like the Walther PDP, Sig P320, Springfield Armory Echelon, and any pistol that uses the Deltapoint Pro footprint. They can also fit:

• Glock: MOS models like the 17, 19, 45, and 49
• Smith & Wesson: M&P Models
• Canik: TP9SFX and TP9SC
• FN Herstal: FNX-45 Tactical and FN509 Tactical
• CZ: The P10 Series

Along with full sized pistols, the ST and XL also come with a Picatinny rail mount so they can be mounted to any shotgun with a Picatinny rail. With the Picatinny mount, DPP footprint, and MOS adapter plate, these optics have great adaptability.

Still unsure if these optics will fit your pistol? Here is the pistol fitment guide for the Defender-ST and the Defender-XL. You can also look through our adapter plate finder to find the right adapter plate so these sights can fit your pistol. 

Size, Weight, and Profile of Defender XL and ST

In general, both the Defender ST and Defender XL share the same size. The ST is 1.8”x1.2”x1.2” (LxWxH) while the Defender XL is 2.0”x1.0”x1.0” (L xWxH). The main difference when it comes to size is the sight window, which is larger on the XL at 23.3mm x. 25.5mm vs. 20mm x 23mm on the ST.

There is also a difference in weight; the ST weighs 1.48oz while the XL weighs nearly 33% more at 1.93oz. When it comes to concealed carry and everyday use, the Defender-ST is the way to go. The bulkier design of the Defender-XL isn’t so drastic that it can’t be used for edc and ccw, but it may be more comfortable with the ST. 

If you are looking for a better co witnessing sight, the deck height of the ST is 1.8” while the XL has a deck height of 1.87”. According to many users, the higher deck height in combination with the larger sight window makes the XL a little more difficult to co witness with iron sights. 

Performance and Application of the Defender

When deciding between the Defender ST and Defender XL optics, you will want to consider what you’ll be using it for. Each optic offers its own benefits depending on the scenario. Here is what you should consider based on their application in concealed carry/everyday carry, competitive shooting, and training or practice.

Concealed Carry/EDC

If concealed carry or everyday carry is your main application, the Defender ST was designed with this in mind. The ST has a compact footprint, weighs less, and has a minimized sight profile so you can more easily carry it without altering the holster fit or snag profile. 

The Defender XL is larger and heavier than the ST, making it less ideal for concealed carry. However, it’s still a viable red dot for concealed carry on full-size handguns, especially for those who would appreciate a larger sight window. 

Competitive Shooting

For competitive shooters, the Defender XL may be more applicable since the larger sight window makes it easier to scan and gives better situational awareness. This aids in faster target acquisition and helps with clarity when transitioning between targets at 10, 25, 50 yards. 

The ST is also appropriate for competitive shooting, and may be beneficial for shooters who prefer a lighter optic on their gun or a smaller focus while zeroing in on targets. This can be appropriate for certain divisions like compact classes where a more compact sight fits for reduced-sized pistols. 

The ST can become more of an issue with farther distances, and although there becomes a limit with many pistol optics at long distances, the larger window of the XL can be beneficial.

Range/Training Use

When it comes to training and range use, both the Defender ST and the Defender XL are viable optics. This is not only because the sights are durable, but also because they are good for CCW and EDC, and it helps to train with what you would carry.

When it comes to the best optic for range/training use, this still comes down to preference. The larger window on the XL can be beneficial for quick target acquisition, especially when training with targets at different distances. 

The ST can benefit those who like to draw quickly and want a smaller optic to avoid it catching, which can be irritating when training through excessive rounds. 

Both also have a button lockout option which will prevent accidental adjustments and setting changes, which can be beneficial if you are going multiple rounds. 

Defender XL and ST Battery Life and Battery Features

Both Defender optics use a CR2032 battery which is replaceable, and both also have a similar estimated battery life of 25k hours. In order to preserve battery life, the Defender ST and Defender XL have an auto-shutoff feature which turns the optic off after 10 minutes of inactivity.

When movement is detected, both optics will automatically turn back on. Both optics also feature 12 brightness settings, 10 daylight and 2 night vision compatible. Setting 6 is the most energy efficient of the settings. These brightness settings work at various lighting conditions indoors and outdoors. 

Both the Defender XL and Defender ST have a top access battery, but the access is still different depending on the model. The Vortex Defender ST requires a tool that is included with the optic in order to get into the battery compartment. It would be easily accessed with a screwdriver, however the battery is in an awkward position that requires the included specialized tool.

The battery of the Defender XL can be accessed from the top by pressing down on the battery compartment, inserting a tool to release a latch, and allowing the battery compartment to open up. This is a quicker way to access the batter than with the ST.

Mounting Options for Defender 

When it comes to mounting, the Defender ST and XL both have a Deltapoint Pro Footprint, so they can fit any pistol with a DPP slide. Both optics also come with a Picatinny rail mount and can therefore be mounted on a shotgun or carbine with a Picatinny rail.

For windage and elevation, both the ST and XL have dials that are easily adjustable while the optics are mounted on a pistol, shotgun, or carbine. The elevation dial is on the top rear of the optic while the windage adjustment is on the side of the optic. The dials require a tool to adjust.

How Affordable is the Defender ST vs. XL

One of the main factors that you may be considering when it comes to the ST vs the XL is price. The Defender-ST is going to be the more affordable option vs. the XL. We have the Vortex Defender-ST for $299.99 and the Vortex Defender-XL for $399.99.

For the Defender-XL, the larger price tag comes with the benefit of a more easily accessible battery, more dot size options, and larger viewing window. If you are on a budget, the ST is the more affordable option and features much of what the XL does if you don’t mind a smaller window and awkward battery access. 

Vortex offers their VIP warranty on Vortex optics which is an unlimited lifetime warranty that covers accidental damage. This does not cover any cosmetic damage that doesn’t hinder the performance of the optics or any deliberate damage. You can send in your damaged optic for repair, and if it is beyond repair, Vortex will replace it with an optic that is in working order. 

ST vs. XL: Which Should You Choose?

Of course, when it comes to the ST vs. XL, it comes down to preference. Although there aren’t many differences, the differences can determine what works best for you. Both optics are built with different applications in mind.  

Choose the Defender ST If…

You should Choose the Defender-ST if you’re looking for a Defender model that is the better all around option. This means it’s a more viable red dot for concealed carry and EDC. Also, those who have a preference for compact optics in general should choose the ST over the XL. 

Choose the Defender XL If…

You’ll want to choose the Defender-XL if you are looking for a full-size pistol optic that is made for competitive shooting and allows for quick target acquisition. The larger window size is great for those who want a larger field of view.

This means if you’re looking to improve your target transition speed or how to shoot longer distances. The XL also has more dot size options with a 2 MOA, 5 MOA, or 8 MOA dot. This should be a consideration for those competitive shooters out there. 

Final Verdict on the Vortex Defender ST and XL

The main differences between the Vortex Defender-ST and Vortex Defender-XL are the window size, battery access, and dot size options. At the end of the day, both optics of the Vortex Defender series are great choices depending on what you need.

If you want something for competitive shooting, the Defender XL is the optic of the Defender line built for just that. Featuring a larger sight window, the XL makes for quicker target acquisition and makes it easier to switch between targets at different distances. 

The ST, on the other hand, is a great red dot sight for concealed carry and everyday carry use due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The smaller window makes it ideal for closer targets and it can comfortably fit compact pistol models more so than the XL. 

You can find the Defender ST, Defender XL, Defender CCW, and other products from the Vortex brand at Freedom Gorilla. Check to see if the optic you’re looking for is available right now; Freedom Gorilla offers free shipping and 30 day hassle-free returns.