Eotech offers optical device of Red Dot type, but actually the only one, which is a real holographic device. The device is a combination of diode laser and holography to view sighting point on the optics glass. Eotech differs from other producers with its glass in optics that is crystal clear, without shade or reflective shields, set at angle of 90% for assembly. However, above-mentioned points aren't reflected to the operator as extremely useful additions.
Clean glass was placed to this collimator using the laser, which is able to create a much brighter beam of light than diode devices, so it isn't necessary to additionally dim the glass in order to gain contrast between the image and target point. This interesting solution affects not only the price, but also battery life.
Clean glass was placed to this collimator using the laser, which is able to create a much brighter beam of light than diode devices, so it isn't necessary to additionally dim the glass in order to gain contrast between the image and target point. This interesting solution affects not only the price, but also battery life.
Another interesting detail is laser target point, which is formed by creation of thousand points of red dot type, which in case of these devices is composed of circle and focal point. The disadvantage of this solution is so-called grain image of the target circle, i.e. giving the impression of inconsistent, but to this effect it is possible very easy to get used to.
EXPS 3-0 model is the latest work of Eotech Company, and subsequent versions of this model, indicated as 3-1 or 3-2, are associated only with the change of target point and adding an additional Zero, which is set to a different distance. The most important point distinguishing this device is larger and rectangular screen, which task is to allow a wider observation of the area. Does this screen meet its task? I will answer directly: yes and no.
Well, looking through the screen that is focusing on the optics in a similar way as on telescope, this screen gives us a greater range of visibility. But let us ask ourselves a question what the collimator is used for? It is a device for quick guidance on target, mainly on the short distance, which we use by observation with two eyes open, so automatically we are observing much wider range of image. The device is bigger, all the more covers surrounding us image, unless we focus only on observations more precise by the device?s screen.
An interesting solution is target point, i.e. a circle of 65 MOA and in its centre an additional point 1 MOA. This type of solution enables to quickly find target at short distance, while on 100 m this circle completely traces the target, so in that case only a focal point is useful.
Batteries and their use in this device are a big drawback. CR123 battery is quite large, which resulted in additional enlarging the size of casing, and its endurance is only up to 600 hours on the set maximum brightness level of target point. For comparison the measurement of battery life in devices from the Aimpoint Company is given in years, and the most common is 5 years.
From the user's point of view this optics provides great possibilities in quick target capture on short distances. The casing is bigger than other devices of red dot type and it is possible to be under impression that it is too big in relation to the profile of rifle. However, the big screen provides wider area of observation compared to the competition.
Well-sealed buttons of steering electronics are difficult in operating in gloves, and disabling the device by simultaneous pressing two buttons in gloves is not quite easy. The size of this device gives the illusion of its less durability in extreme conditions and we cannot hope that it will survive the explosive charge or airdrop from the helicopter, by which Aimpoint is characterized.
Summing up, it is very good product, but in many respects it cannot be recommend as a good choice to every situation or configuration. For example, for a typical Ranger, moving on foot through the mountains during the day and night, the better choice would be Aimpoint or Trijicon, mainly due to battery life and durability. While the patrol of SWAT type moving mainly in the city and leaving for short actions can afford frequent checks on batteries and has a lower risk of destruction with explosive charge, so in their case also EXPS is a good choice.
Target point along with the circle surrounding it seems faster guidance on target in short distance, but is not useful for distances above 100 m. In case of assembly of the additional zoom 3x, which both Aimpoint and Eotech have in their offer, I must say one thing, EXPS and zoom aren?t too interesting solution, it will be sufficient to imagine circle of 65 MOA observed in zoom. Instead of adding the zoom to EXPS, it is better to change this set on a riflescope of 1-4x or 1-6x type with backlit target point, then we will get a solution of similar size, and at the same time, much better in terms of possibilities to find targets on a short and average distance.
