I am considering purchasing this HWS. Does anyone have any feedback on it? I have heard all great reviews, but I don’t want to spend $700 without checking first. Thank you in advance!
I like the option of adding a magnifier on a QD mount. Buttons on the rear impairs the use of a magnifier. I would opt for an EXPS series model every time.
The biggest downfall of the 553 are the ARMS levers and the battery box design. The pre-XPS EOTech battery compartment is prone to failure during recoil (batteries lose contact, sight shuts off) and the ARMS levers are non-adjustable. If you have a slightly out of spec rail/mount, you’ll have to shim the levers with aluminum foil to provide a tight fit. If they’re too tight, you risk snapping the ARMS levers trying to lock them onto the rail.
As mentioned, I would go with an EXPS. I’ve had a few of them in the past and never had an issue.
I believe that the battery contact issue was a mainly a problem with the 512, and is of historical note only. I think it’s been years since there has been a broad-based issue with inline batteries on Eotechs. Having said that, I do like the concept of a transverse-mounted CR123 better.
I just started looking into the EXPS. I like the smaller size, plus it’s a bit cheaper. I’ve seen quite a few of these, but never had the chance to use one yet.
My 553 (produced in 2013 IIRC) had the battery problem. EOTech fixed it for free, out of warranty, and shipped it back very quickly, but I sold it and bought an XPS and am very happy with it. OP, go for an E/XPS.
Yeah, I think I am going to go with the EXPS. The more I hear about the battery problem, the more I just don’t want to take the chance. Thank you for your help!