+1. My thoughts coincide with most folks here too. As a person that’s has and used both, I’d still recommend Aimpoint.
Aimpoint’s latest generation of red dots, Micro H1/T1/T2 and Comp M4/M4s are a great improvement over their previous line up. Featuring improved integral scope bases instead of a 30mm ring mounting system simplifies and mitigates improper installation by mounting the scope off axis or using insufficient torque/thread locker that allows the rings to work loose which was a problem reported with the legacy 30 mm scope scope tubes. Aimpoints can be left on for years - leaving them constantly “on” consumes less energy than the natural discharge rate of the battery. The latest generation of red dots feature the ACET battery technology improving battery life up to 5+ years for the Micro T1/H1, or 8+ years for the Comp M4/M4s than compared to the ~10,000-30,000 hour life of the legacy series. Aimpoint also offers 2 MOA reticles for the Micro H1/T1 and Comp M4/M4s, but if you have a 4 MOA dot you could just easily accomplish the same by dialing down the brightness. If price were not a factor, and I were in the market again, I’d say go for that latest and greatest, the Micro H1/T1 or CompM4/M4s. Experience wise, I find the CompM4/M4s to be more forgiving than the Micro H1/T1 in awkward shooting positions, shooting around barricades and such, as the laser diode can project the dot on a larger portion of the lens than the Micro H1/T1, but comes at a higher premium and cost of weight. Though the CompM4/M4s is a few hundred more and heavier, it comes out of factory with more accessories, kill-flash, and flip up scope covers, though now Aimpoint offering the T2, and there are now some third party companies that are developing their own covers for the Micro H1/T1s. Which by the way, I have no idea why the previous Army M68 solicitation had listed bikini scope covers as a requirement.
Meanwhile, EOTech’s latest generation of holographic sights haven’t really improved much as far as I know, other than having moved the battery compartment perpendicular to the bore axis, and swapping out the ARMs mount for a better quick detach mechanism. The design change was due to warfighters and consumers both reporting intermittent shutdown problems while under recoil. Apparently the springs in the batteries in place are susceptible to fatigue, caused by the inertia of the AAs/CR123A batteries in line with the bore axis, which through thousands of rounds fired, lead to the intermittent lost of battery contacts. EOTech offered repair kits that replaced the springs, rubber grommets, and electrical contacts from the lens side to remedy the problem. I’ve experienced this problem a few years back, with a 5 year old, EOTech 512 A.65 Rev. F, at roughly 6,000 rounds. After replacing the contacts, the holosight is good to go, but because I had a premature failure of the holosight which was barely used outside a flat range or competition, I’ve lost confidence in the sight in any duty or defensive role.
Now for a quick run down:
(1) Reticles - Winner EOTech. EOTech offers a greater variety, you can get a traditional single 1 MOA dot, the A65, or BDC reticle with bullet drop tick/hash marks from .223 up to 50 cal. At first I personally thought the A65 reticle otherwise known as the “donut of death” was too cluttered, having grown accustomed to using a traditional red dot. But I actually grew to love the reticle and still do. For work close in, I focus on the 65 MOA ring, while for precision shots I focus on the 1 MOA dot in the center. Not commonly known though is, the EOTech can also be used for crude range estimation which is a plus for hold overs on stationary targets at unknown distance or moving targets. And this may be one of the reasons why the high-speed-uber-ninja-death-touch guys tend to use EOTechs today.
(2) Battery Life - Winner Aimpoint. Hands down. There are many that feel that a combat/defensive rifle shouldn’t need to have something dialed on, must always be at the ready, with the generous battery life, the Aimpoint can be left “on” practically in-definitely. Although it’s still a good idea to have keep spare batteries, but chances are you’ll won’t need to in 5 to 8 years if not longer. While EOTech’s the auto-shutdown 4 hour or 8 hour feature is a positive to preserve battery life, it can activate at an inconvenient time if the user forgets to toggle brightness to reset the auto-shutdown feature within that allotted time. However, the XPS line, SU-231B/PEQ, do run off CR123s, which simplifies battery management as it’s the same used in white lights.
(3) Weight - Winner Aimpoint. The Micro T1/H1s are one of the lightest red dots you can run, and are more reliable than a Trijicon RMR/JPoint/Doctor optics.
(4) Reliability - Winner Aimpoint. The Aimpoints have a proven track record and are tried, true and tested. They were the previous winner of the Army’s M68 contract, with Comp M2/M3s. And the CompM4/M4s won the Army’s new M68 solicitation. EOTech has gone through some growing pains, and I believe have sorted out the issues with the battery compartment and contacts, but since I haven’t had experience with their latest line, , after experiencing my own failure, I can’t say with great confidence I’d recommend them for a defensive/duty role. Though the customer service was top notch, got me squared away quickly, you shouldn’t feel like your gambling every time you push “up” or “down” on the EOTech to know if the optic will come on. Though I’ve heard good reviews from the SU-231B/PEQ, EOTech EXPS-3s, out there, and I’m tempted to get one for a 300 BLK SBR.
(5) Ergonomics - Winner Aimpoint. This is probably subjective, varies from individual to individual, but for me, getting to the controls on the Aimpoint is easier. When ran with a magnifier, you want it as close to the optic as possible to get a good sight picture, but then it’s difficult to adjust the brightness settings. EOTech has listen and offers some models that have the buttons to the port side of the optic. Meanwhile for elevations and adjustments, the Aimpoint elevation and windage adjustments are covered, with a threaded cap and o-ring, while the EOTech are exposed, but are shrouded by the hood, allowing you to make fast adjustment with say the lip on the cartridge case. However, once you performed your BZOs, I wouldn’t be dialing on the “turrets”, just hold over, admittedly easier with EOTech, than for a red dot. However, if the optic fails, I find it easier to use a tube as a poor-mans ghost right if not running BUIS or if you don’t have the opportunity to flip them up, than the square FOV from the EOTech.
My dream optic - would consist the reticle from the EOTech, in a small package like the Micro T1/H1, but run off a AA.
