The only cheaper 1-4 worth considering is the Burris. Good illumination, okay reticle.
The vortex was almost decent, but the lack of daylight bright illumination for 1x shooting kiled it.
Next step would be a Swfa 1-4.
After that a short dot or 1-6 Swarovski.
The falcon is at the bottom of the barrel for me, bad "tunnel" effect, illumination not bright enough, mushy turrets, glass wasn't great, etc.
The trijicon had great illumination, but terrible reticles, and the glass has a weird fish eye effect. The Swfa is twice the scope for a little less money. Best bang for your buck in 1-4's in my opinion.