I’m looking at buying a Eotech sight. I see the XPS sights are smaller and I’m guessing lighter but do you give up anything in performance? Are they better than the older models? I like the older 517, 516, 552 models that are bigger in size but the difference in price isn’t THAT much so should I pay a little more for the newer, smaller models? Thanks in advance for your advice guys!
only use a single CR123A battery, the 500 models will use 2x of various sizes (AA, N type, CR123). The batteries last a bit longer 600 hrs for 1 CR123A. The 500 models are about 600 also but with 2 batteries. Going to be up to you. I stuck with 512s since they use easy to find AAs. I used lithium AAs which increase it to 900 hours of life and they are a tad lighter.
I recommend the EXPS line for those that want an EoTech.
The integral mount is pretty good and provides a nice lower 1/3 cowitness.
Thank you for this. You just confirmed my anticipated July 4 purchase. I have cash in hand, but am waiting for the anticipated avalanche of emails with discount codes and holiday sales.
+1. The EXPS is the best of the bunch and most reliable design of Eotech to date. I love mine.
Personally, I run the 2-0 with the single dot. You can get it with multiple range dots 2-2, 2-3, etc, but I think it clouds up/confuses the sight picture. After all, it’s supposed to be for easy, fast target acquisition.
I owned several EOTechs over the years. I only use the XPS line now. Lighter, better batteries and shorter.
I tried the 2 dot for a while and found the second dot to be more of an annoyance than an asset.
If I pick up an EXPS again, it will definitely be of the single dot variety.
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Thanks for the help guys but after reading some threads here I may go with a Aimpoint T-1/H-1. Still trying to decide!
You won’t go wrong either way. Good luck with your purchase.
Personally, I don’t care for my T-1. It’s only real advantage is weight, but I find the 20mm tube to be annoyingly small, harder to pick up quickly in some circumstances. If you want to stick with Aimpoint, consider the PRO. Otherwise, the EXPS line is excellent, but I think the PRO is a lot more bang-for-buck.
I love my Eotech XPS and, as said above, lower 1/3 co-witness is the way to go. I achieve this through a LaRue mount but the EXPS is nice because it has the lower 1/3 co-witness mount built in.
Just for reference, here is a picture from LaRue of absolute vs lower 1/3 co-witness…
EDIT: I much prefer the Eotechs over Aimpoints because the larger rectangular window gives a “heads up” feeling of better situational awareness and I think the ring around the dot is a faster aiming device. However, I have used Aimpoints to great effect and their battery life is spectacular. IMO, it really boils down to personal preference.
I believe the XPS offer an improvement in battery life as well as an improved battery compartment design compared to the older models. As you’re probably aware even the improved Eotech battery life is nowhere near any of the Aimpoint’s (100s of hours compared to 10,000s of hours).
For the red dot novice, most will be able to get on target and transition faster with the Eotechs compared to Aimpoints. This is the case for some experienced shooters as well. I use H-1s/T-1s and initially had a tough time with the tube diameter. I favored the larger Aimpoints, but after moving my Micros rearward a few notches (with 1/3 co-witness) and spending lots of quality time behind these, the small tube is no longer an issue.
I would strongly recommend trying many of these before you buy if that’s a possibility.
Thanks for all the imput guys. I went with the EXPS2 from opticsplanet.com. I got free shipping and 10% off from a sale they are having because of a “new site” sale. Ended up paying $445.50 total. Now the wait begins!
Good decision. I unloaded my Aimpoint Pro, went with the EXPS2 and have never lookd back.
The Aimpoint was an excellent optic but I preffer the eotech.