AR Sponsor
Posted: 6/28/2004 7:20:26 PM EDT
| It seems like folks prefer the AA version over the N-cell alkaline. The N-cell model is cheaper and shorter. So why not the N-cell?. |
Its only because you have longer Battery life with the AA version...no other reason, if your not going to use the sight all the time get the N-Cell version, but if your going to use it all the time the AA is the way to go. .02 Bigant |
From EOTech Homepage- Specs Type N 100 hours. (4+ days, 24 hours a day) AA 500 hours. Both continuous on 12 brightness. I have the Type N, and it has ran forever with the original batteries. I dont know how many range trips are in a 100 hours, but its a long time. Even after knowing the 1:5 difference, I am glad I went with the smaller one (one inch). I like the compact size and weight savings. I just bought some more spare batteries last week, and the cost was minimal. |
| I also have the AA model. I've had it on and off since February and often times left it on. Luckily the ole EOTech shuts itself off. I am still using the same batteries and there is no sign that they are going bad at all. Been to the range about 3 times in that last two weeks for a couple of hours of shooting each visit. Had the EOTech on for the whole time at a ramped up brightness and it still isn't blinking yet. |
| I have an old 511 because at the time I bought it, only the night vision model was available in AA version. I don't use NV, so I didn't think the benefits of AA were worth the added expense. If I were to buy one today, I'd go with a 512 based on the extended battery life. The size and weight differences really don't matter to me. |
|
I have one with the smaller "N" cells. Regardless of the power source I really like it! I changed out the batteries prior to a class this Spring, the old ones were about a year old and never went dim, just wanted to be sure. I prefer the shorter length and saving the $30 will keep me in batteries for the rest of my life. N cells are at any Radio Shack and even at big grocery stores. But yes the AA bateries are more common and they do make the EOTeck last longer which could be an advantage in a real extended combat situation. Why does the AA version cost more? Even if the same price I personally would go with the smaller unit. somebody has to say it........ GET BOTH! |
1) Significanty shorter battery life 2) Not as easy to find. 3) No Lithium versions (for cold weather use) available 4) No NiMH versions availabe (for cost effectiveness) For a lower cost what do you get? A slight reduction in weight and a 1" reduction in length. However screen placement isn't changed at all as the battery compartment hangs over the handguard for either model. |
Actually there are NiMH N-cells available: www.battlepack.com/loosecells.asp GP50NH 500mah 9.8g N cell NIMH 11.65mm by 29.4mm (500mah) for $1.96 each. |
My bad. They still have less than 1/4 of the power of the AA NiMH and how would you charge them? Do they sell chargers for N cell NiMH or are they intended for imbedded OEM applications? |
Forest, There's a thread about charging NiMH cells on The Candlepower Forums. Most guys are kludging together these NiMH cells with springs to get the physical dimensions right. |
I think you missed my point. The AA and the N battery models can have their screens at the same location. Either all the way back or all the way foward. It does'nt matter - there is no 'placement advantage' with the shorter N cell unit. |
Engineer thanks for the link. I found it intellectually interesting but entirely impractical. What REAL/Tangible advantage does the N cell model give someone? |
Forest, glad you found the link enlightening. I'm not sure what you mean by impractical? The idea of NiMH N cells or their use in this application? I wasn't trying to take sides on the N-cell/AA-cell EOTech debate as I'm mainly an Aimpoint user myself. Does the N-cell EOTech allow further forward placement as compared with the AA-cell EOTech when used with M4-type handguards? I guess the only other advantages are a small weight savings and being slightly less expensive. |
Yes, if you are using M4-type handguards, you have a wider range of slots to mount the N-cell model. You can't hang the battery compartment (of either model) over M4-type handguards, so the AA model can't be mounted as far forward. And if you like to mount your EOTech way out on a railed handguard, the N-cell model is again more "forward mountable" since the front sight base (assuming you have one), would determine how far forward you can mount the sight. |
That is true with the M4 type hanguards. However you can use a standard upper handguard with your M4 lower handguard - get better cooling, slightly reduce the weight, and allow the EOTech AA to overhang. Or you could just buy the Lar Rue mount and solve a whole host of mounting issues.
If you think that inch makes any appreciable difference.... |
Yes that is what I meant by impractible. For things like LED lights I can see the attraction - but for a weapon sight - you spend a little more for the AA version and spend alot less on batteries. |
No, I don't. I don't use M4 handguards, and I don't mount my sight out on the handguard. I'm just debating your statement: "It does'nt matter - there is no 'placement advantage' with the shorter N cell unit." which you've admitted is incorrect, in some cases. |
|
What REAL/Tangible advantage does the N cell model give someone? If mounting isn't a concern, there would be no advantage. Just like if battery life weren't a concern, the AA wouldn't have an advantage. If you only shoot at the range, the batteries aren't really an issue. If you patrol with the rifle, then they are an issue. |
Patrol as in LRRP? maybe. Patrol as in car, still no issue. |
AR Sponsor