So many optics. So many good optics. Which one to choose? Optic companies are always looking for an edge to draw our attention. Cyelee Optics is no different, and it seems to have hit on something unique. The new Cyelee Optics Chameleon FLEX red dot sight features the company’s proprietary STIG-RS LED emitter. It is especially tailored for shooters with astigmatism.
Why the Cyelee Optics Chameleon FLEX?
Astigmatism causes blurry or distorted vision at all distances, requiring corrective lenses to compensate. It results from an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Some people’s astigmatism is worse than others’. Cyelee’s STIG-RS system helps correct that problem, making their reticle clearer for folks with astigmatism.
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I have a mild astigmatism, coupled with nearsightedness, which is called myopic astigmatism. I especially notice the astigmatism when I look at an optic’s reticle. My nearsightedness means I don’t need my glasses to read a book or my computer screen. But no matter how close I look at an optic’s reticle without my glasses, it’s always blurry.
The Chameleon FLEX’s dot reticle is less blurry and maintains its definition better than other reticles I’ve run, no matter the distance from my eyes. I’ll address that a little more below.
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I’ve been running the Chameleon FLEX on my IWI Masada Tactical since I got home from SHOT Show. The kind folks at the Cyelee booth gave me a preproduction example for testing before I left the show. Here’s what I’ve found.
Chameleon FLEX Features
At first glance, the Chameleon FLEX looks big. The 7075-T6 aluminum housing means it’s already sturdy, but it almost looks bulky. However, running it on a pistol erased that impression and made me appreciate the design.
The rounded housing is smooth, with no sharp edges to catch on clothing. Likewise, the objective window seems deeply set, providing extra protection against glare and debris. The forward-leaning design provides easy access to the top-mounted battery port. Cyelee includes a tool for battery access.
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Cyelee’s website says the Chameleon FLEX comes with a matte black finish, though mine has a kind of winter camo. Probably because it’s a preproduction model, but perhaps other finishes will be available at some point.
The window is also quite large at 1.04 x .89 inches, aiding in target acquisition. The motion-activated reticle is a single red dot that the user can set to either 2 or 6 MOA. Its 8 daylight and 2 night vision brightness settings are controlled by large buttons on either side. The buttons are tactile and somewhat audible. Their large size and functionality make gloved manipulation easy.
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Cyelee wisely opted for a common mounting footprint, using the Trijicon RMR and Holosun 407C/507C options for wide compatibility. The only thing the Chameleon FLEX lacks is an integral rear sight notch. If your pistol requires an adapter plate, you’ll also need taller sights, which my Masada Tactical has.
Running the Chameleon FLEX
I enjoyed my range time with the Chameleon FLEX. The rounded housing doesn’t snag and doesn’t feel as big as it looks. I love the large window, and the glass is very clear. I run vertical and horizontal transition drills, and I acquired my targets quickly and cleanly.
The STIG-RS reticle was well-defined, even when I removed my prescription glasses. I shot short-range drills that way and did pretty well, even though I had to increase the brightness level. However, I prefer the 6-MOA dot since it’s large enough to overcome my nearsightedness.
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I had trouble with the 2-MOA, but again, that’s my being nearsighted. It’s not a problem with the reticle itself. I like a larger reticle on handguns anyway, even with my glasses.
The two large brightness buttons, one on each side, are a big plus for me. I prefer that to having two smaller buttons on the same side. This setup means I can reach for the buttons without looking, knowing I won’t accidentally hit the wrong one, or perhaps not hit the smaller control at all. And I can do it while wearing gloves.
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So far, I’ve shot 200 rounds of 9mm using the Chameleon FLEX. It stayed rock solid on the gun and never lost zero. I did five shoulder-height drop tests onto the gravel at my range. Right onto the optic. It held firm and kept its zero.
Parting Shots
I like the Chameleon FLEX. I wasn’t sure when I first picked it up, since it’s got a Plain Jane look to it, even with the cool winter camo finish. But my impressions changed once I examined it critically and ran it for real. The large window, recessed glass, rounded design, large buttons, and the STIG-RS reticle are all great features that revealed themselves as I went along. The Chameleon FLEX is now among my favorite red dots.
I wondered how well the reticle would perform, and whether it was just a gimmick. It’s not a gimmick. It works. And honestly, this is a great little optic even if you have perfect vision. The reticle isn’t just the only thing going for it, as I’ve noted.
And there’s one more thing: the Chameleon FLEX has an MSRP of $265.00. I think that’s a great value, based on my limited experience. That limited experience has been very positive, however, and I would certainly not call this optic “cheap.”
My co-tester, who is also my adult son (and the guy in the photos), was at my house sometime after our testing. He randomly pulled the Chameleon FLEX-equipped Masada Tactical out of my safe. “You know,” he said, “I really like this optic.” I agreed. Check it out. Maybe you’ll like it too.
Cyelee Optics Chameleon FLEX Features
- Proprietary STIG-RS User-Selected 2 or 6 MOA Red Dot
- Motion-Activated
- Footprint: Trijicon RMR/Holosun 407C and 507C
- Window Dimensions: 1.04 x 0.89 inches (26.5 x 22.5 mm)
- 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction
- IPX7 Waterproof Rating
- Weight: 1.4 ounces
- 8 Daylight Brightness Settings and 2 Night Vision Compatible
- Battery: 1 CR1632 (Included)