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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - eotech vs aimpoint (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 10/14/2009 4:15:51 PM EDT
| First of all I am not fishing for a fight. Having said that, I have had an eotech 512 on my duty and personal rifle. Believe it or not I love it and the I am able to consistently hit a 12"x12" metal target from 100 and even 200 yards. Cqb is also very good with the 65moa ring. Now I know that there are hardcore aimpoint fans that cite the superiority of aimpoint sights over eotechs. I had an m2 for about a week and did not really like the 4moa dot and the fact that the tubular design makes me want to close one eye. Basically I would like to know why aimpoint fans love the aimpoint so much more than eotechs. Can anyone really make a good argument (aside from the outrageuos battery life) of aimpoints over eotechs. I thought about buying an aimpoint m4, but not really sure if it's worth the extra $300 if the only advantage is the battery life. If there are any vets or cops out there that has experience with either sight, or with both, I would like to hear their real life battle experiece with the sights. Thanks for your time. |
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There's about eleventy four thousand threads discussing this very issue, in the Optics section.
If the Eotech is working for you, and it's what you prefer after trying both Eotech and Aimpoint.........what's the problem? |
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Quoted:
There's about eleventy four thousand threads discussing this very issue, in the Optics section. If the Eotech is working for you, and it's what you prefer after trying both Eotech and Aimpoint.........what's the problem? +1 |
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Quoted:
The new Eotech has a long battery life i believe .The XPS3-2 has a 500-600 battery life on one cr123 battery I spose thats a long time for an eotech. My aimpoint has been on for more than an entire year on one set of batteries. Eotechs would be great if it weren't for short battery life. |
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Tacpanda
First of all I am not fishing for a fight. Having said that, I have had an eotech 512 on my duty and personal rifle. Believe it or not I love it and the I am able to consistently hit a 12"x12" metal target from 100 and even 200 yards. Cqb is also very good with the 65moa ring. Now I know that there are hardcore aimpoint fans that cite the superiority of aimpoint sights over eotechs. I had an m2 for about a week and did not really like the 4moa dot and the fact that the tubular design makes me want to close one eye. Basically I would like to know why aimpoint fans love the aimpoint so much more than eotechs. Can anyone really make a good argument (aside from the outrageuos battery life) of aimpoints over eotechs. I thought about buying an aimpoint m4, but not really sure if it's worth the extra $300 if the only advantage is the battery life. If there are any vets or cops out there that has experience with either sight, or with both, I would like to hear their real life battle experiece with the sights. Thanks for your time.
You have been on this site for over a year, and you still ask this question.... 
The answer is very easy for me ... EOTechs have been proven over the years to be very unreliable.... and you won't know when that happens, until it does.... that's there biggest flaw.... Sure you will hear about how "Mine always works...bla..bla..bla.". and then two posts below you find a guy asking if it's normal for his to not work after he just put a battery in it two weeks ago... as to the 1MOA dot.... everyone thinks there a 1MOA shooter and that it makes them more accurate.... you.. me.. most of us are so not 1MOA shooters... the most stock gun with a 12 MOA front sight post will outshoot you..me.. and the majority of us... so forget that myth... and if it did not have the 65 Mil circle.. and just the 1 MOA dot... would you still think it's so great???? Did you know they make that version?? See many of them?? that's a clue. as for the whole tube vs. rectangle and field of view.... it's pure nonsense perpetuated by shooters who have no clue... ALL RDS work the same.. your left eye is on the target, your right eye is on the dot... your brain does the rest..... You like your EO.... good for you.... but just wait until you pull it out on a call up and it won't turn on..... then you will finally know what a lot of us already do.... Oh.. did I mention my T-1 has been on since June.... of 08..... Get yourself a good set of BUIS... |
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Well Harv pretty much took care of this one.
One thing about that field of view issue. It's a non issue. Take an Aimpoint with the front cover flipped up. Turn it on. Tkae aim at something looking into the tube with both eyes open. The dot will appear on what you are looking at - Binden Aiming Concept (sp?). With both eyes open shooting you should not have FOV problems. |
| The only down side is the battery life. I got mine in march ('09) since then I'm on my 5th set of batteries!!! This last weekend I take out my rifle to kill a few coyotes & yep you guessed it, battery dead. This was just 2 month of very light use since EOTech replaced all of the guts of the sight. Thank god I had a spare set. I love the box & 65moa & 1moa setup but that will be the last EOTech I will ever buy. |
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I have used both and I am currently using the Eotech. I just really like the 1 moa dot/65moa ring set up. I shot one three gun with a Aimpoint and I had alot of trouble hitting accurately out past 75yards on the partial cover targets. I have shot similar targets with the Eotech and I found that the ring and dot set up allows me to locate on the specific non covered areas more effectively.
All that being said, I am saving up for a T-1 for my house rifle. |
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Besides the massive battery life superiority, Aimpoints are exponentially more durable than EOTechs. EO's have a bad habit of failing at the most embarrassing time. I've seen at least 10 different EO's fail on 10 different weapons used by 10 different shooters at classes and training alone. The failure runs the gamut from disappearing reticles from the recoil of an AR, shutdowns due to impacts, moisture seeping into the battery housing, and one even fell off the gun completely.
They also have a shitty record with SOCOM due to them winning a contract and shipping 553's with outsourced battery contacts that failed in the field. But, they saved some pennies by getting their contacts from overseas. They had to ship SOCOM field retrofit kits by the 10's of thousands. Because I am in the industry, I try not to bash a particular company, but L3/ EOTech really pisses me off because they have continued to release substandard products with substandard technology that folks who protect our freedom depend on to do their job and save their lives. I am a man of principal and happen to think that a company who would constantly build, produce, and ship products to our men and women in uniform, when they have a history of failing is, well... On the other hand, I've never seen an Aimpoint fail. I'm sure they have from time to time, but they are man-made devices. However, the ratio of failed Aimpoints to failed EOTechs is astronomically bad for EO. However, L3 keeps saying they are going to fix the problems with each consecutive release. In my opinion, they shouldn't release anything until it is ready. If yours works for you, great. But I wouldn't trust my life to an EOTech with their history. |
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OK I am one of the big defenders of the EO here I have run an EO AA model since 2004 from temps above 200 down to below 0 for hunting, target and CQB play
I use the aimpoint in Iraq and disliked it from the moment it was issued as did most of the other rednecks in my unit who knew how to shoot but not spell. AS far as the aimpoint tough, stupid long batt life, no auto turn off, the knob is nicer than the buttons, cons––-for me its slow, I hate the tube not the best for moving targets, it needs a mount and it is hard to zero Eotech––love the reticle, fast, instictive as heck on moving targets for a shooter who understands basic maintenace it works great for the unexperienced the EO is not the best choice. The reticle and display are far superior out to 250 yards I have recently found the aimpoint has a slight advantage past 300 most likley because it is easier to operate with one eye closed. |
| I have a micro T-1 and a Comp M4s both on Larue mounts and both have been on for alomst two years solid and show no perceivable dimming. You cant argue with that kind of battery life. On the other hand I have shot eotechs and I do like the reticle. You can reove the battery from an aimpoint that is on a low setting and the reticle will still be visible for nearly a minute. The aimpoints barely draw more juice than the battery would loose sitting on the shelf. By the time Eotech has comprable battery life aimpoints will be solar and wind powered. |
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My youngest son is a military officer. He is also right handed and strongly left master-eyed. His race pistol mounts an Aimpoint Comp. We tried every kind of sight we could get our hands on before he was deployed. We worked them hard ... as they could be critical to his safety.
He took an EoTech 553 to Afghanistan and to Iraq in his country's service. He went with Lithium Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries and Lithium cells for the 553. He never had to use the rechargeables. Plenty of batteries were available. The EoTech has served him admirably ... doing exactly what it was designed to do. I have old Tasco PDPs, Aimpoint Comps and C-More rails on race pistols, a Burris FastFire II on a .470 NE double rifle ... and three EoTechs on ARs and a bow. Save for use on a double rifle where size is extremely important, I'll be buying more EoTechs if I need additional dot sights. |
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I have owned Eotech, Elcan, S&B, Leupolds, Trijicon Acogs and aimpoints.
The best for me is a Comp M3 with a 4 moa dot and leave it on. Eotechs are too much retical and not enough battery IMHO There are many people that are much better with a rifle then I that would disagree with my opinion. Optics are very personal, no one is the same. |
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To those who took the time to give my post a useful response: Thank you, especially to those who used it in the service or knew of someone who did. Now to those who responded just to be a jerk: You know where to stick your reply. It might be an outdated subject to those who live on this site, but some of us who actually live another life other than bashing forum posts, might have missed it. I wanted to see what others (pro eotech or not) saw as the advantage of their preferred sight. Yes it's the ford vs chevy thing, but its still a worth the discussion especially actual battlefield use from the vets. It's like the Colt vs everyone else debate. It might be outdated, but people still have a lot to say about it and it makes it fun to read on a forum.
In a perfect world, a perfect red dot would be an eotech with as long a battery life as an Aimpoint M4 IMHO. I think that if eotech can achieve such a feat then everyone would be jumping the eotech bandwagon. |
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To those who took the time to give my post a useful response: Thank you, especially to those who used it in the service or knew of someone who did. Now to those who responded just to be a jerk: You know where to stick your reply. It might be an outdated subject to those who live on this site, but some of us who actually live another life other than bashing forum posts, might have missed it. I wanted to see what others (pro eotech or not) saw as the advantage of their preferred sight. Yes it's the ford vs chevy thing, but its still a worth the discussion especially actual battlefield use from the vets. It's like the Colt vs everyone else debate. It might be outdated, but people still have a lot to say about it and it makes it fun to read on a forum.
In a perfect world, a perfect red dot would be an eotech with as long a battery life as an Aimpoint M4 IMHO. I think that if eotech can achieve such a feat then everyone would be jumping the eotech bandwagon. |
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Quoted:
To those who took the time to give my post a useful response: Thank you, especially to those who used it in the service or knew of someone who did. Now to those who responded just to be a jerk: You know where to stick your reply. It might be an outdated subject to those who live on this site, but some of us who actually live another life other than bashing forum posts, might have missed it. I wanted to see what others (pro eotech or not) saw as the advantage of their preferred sight. Yes it's the ford vs chevy thing, but its still a worth the discussion especially actual battlefield use from the vets. It's like the Colt vs everyone else debate. It might be outdated, but people still have a lot to say about it and it makes it fun to read on a forum. In a perfect world, a perfect red dot would be an eotech with as long a battery life as an Aimpoint M4 IMHO. I think that if eotech can achieve such a feat then everyone would be jumping the eotech bandwagon. Re-read this: Quoted:
Besides the massive battery life superiority, Aimpoints are exponentially more durable than EOTechs. EO's have a bad habit of failing at the most embarrassing time. I've seen at least 10 different EO's fail on 10 different weapons used by 10 different shooters at classes and training alone. The failure runs the gamut from disappearing reticles from the recoil of an AR, shutdowns due to impacts, moisture seeping into the battery housing, and one even fell off the gun completely. They also have a shitty record with SOCOM due to them winning a contract and shipping 553's with outsourced battery contacts that failed in the field. But, they saved some pennies by getting their contacts from overseas. They had to ship SOCOM field retrofit kits by the 10's of thousands. Because I am in the industry, I try not to bash a particular company, but L3/ EOTech really pisses me off because they have continued to release substandard products with substandard technology that folks who protect our freedom depend on to do their job and save their lives. I am a man of principal and happen to think that a company who would constantly build, produce, and ship products to our men and women in uniform, when they have a history of failing is, well... On the other hand, I've never seen an Aimpoint fail. I'm sure they have from time to time, but they are man-made devices. However, the ratio of failed Aimpoints to failed EOTechs is astronomically bad for EO. However, L3 keeps saying they are going to fix the problems with each consecutive release. In my opinion, they shouldn't release anything until it is ready. If yours works for you, great. But I wouldn't trust my life to an EOTech with their history. |
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I started with Eotech. Not by choice, but that is what was issued to me. It took a long time for me to get used to. I do not like the Eotech reticle. It is too busy for me. Apparently my pea brain can only process so much at one time. I recently bought a couple Aimpoints, and "gained access" to a couple more. I love them, especially the T1. For me, the single dot reticle works great, where the Eotech's reticle screws me up.
I am not a "fan boy". I would say try both, if you can, and see what works for you. Both have benifits and holdbacks. Battery life seems to be an big issue with most, and for good reason. Aimpoint obviously has L3/Eotech CRUSHED in that dept. If you are just a recreational shooter, then who cares, call a "time out" and change batteries when needed. Like I said, I am not bashing Eotech. I just bought a 516 a few months ago. My opinion is to get your hands on what ever you can, and see what YOU LIKE.. PS:Anybody want to buy an Eotech 516????? 
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Quoted: I have multiple examples of both. I like that Eotechs are less expensive. They seem to last longer and Eotech has been customer service than Aimpoint IME too. Going on six months now that my second warranty return on an Aimpoint has been pending.  Dude, there is a war on you know, there are a lot of aimpoints being sent in for repair at this time. When I sent my aimpoint in for switch service under warranty repair the tech, John told me that I would have a 7 week wait time. When I called him at week 8 he told me just how many military sights are being worked on at the same time. Aimpoints are serviced in Sweeden, not in the US. I received my sight 3 days after I called. Civie aimpoints have a 10 year warranty vs the 2 year warranty the .mil gets. (per John the tech) |
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To the aimpoint users: are you able to shoot with the sight at any angle as long as you can see the reticle or is that purely an eotech thing. Dont get all pissy, I really dont know. I think what you're trying to ask is if aimpoints are parallax-free, and yes, they are. |
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does anyone have a good price on an m4? Get in touch with Bright Flashlights here. I just got a good quote on an ML3. http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=2&f=142 |
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Quoted:
does anyone have a good price on an m4? M4s are great, too. My roommate just got one. As I'm sure many here would tell you, the best way to get used to shooting through the tube with both eyes open is to get some range time with the far lens cover closed. Treat it like a OEG until you get used to it, then open up the cover. |
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Quoted:
OK I am one of the big defenders of the EO here I have run an EO AA model since 2004 from temps above 200 down to below 0 for hunting, target and CQB play I use the aimpoint in Iraq and disliked it from the moment it was issued as did most of the other rednecks in my unit who knew how to shoot but not spell. AS far as the aimpoint tough, stupid long batt life, no auto turn off, the knob is nicer than the buttons, cons––-for me its slow, I hate the tube not the best for moving targets, it needs a mount and it is hard to zero Eotech––love the reticle, fast, instictive as heck on moving targets for a shooter who understands basic maintenace it works great for the unexperienced the EO is not the best choice. The reticle and display are far superior out to 250 yards I have recently found the aimpoint has a slight advantage past 300 most likley because it is easier to operate with one eye closed. How long were you on fire before they could put you out? 
My vote goes to the Aimpoint. I had an EOTech 512 and while it never failed me or underperformed, I just like these advantages: -battery life -positive on switch (instead of pushing buttons and having to check to make sure it's on) -no auto shutoff on the Aimpoint (well, maybe after 10,000 hours) |
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Quoted: Quoted: OK I am one of the big defenders of the EO here I have run an EO AA model since 2004 from temps above 200 down to below 0 for hunting, target and CQB play <snip> How long were you on fire before they could put you out? My vote goes to the Aimpoint. I had an EOTech 512 and while it never failed me or underperformed, I just like these advantages: -battery life -positive on switch (instead of pushing buttons and having to check to make sure it's on) -no auto shutoff on the Aimpoint (well, maybe after 10,000 hours)  I've used eotechs and aimpoints on others' rigs before, never had one of my own...I used a mini ACOG and a 1-4 on both of mine. I'm waiting on a package to show up, any day now, with a T1 of my own. The 1-4 and mini ACOG are gone. I almost went with the eotech XPS2, but in the end, the aimpoint won out for what I was looking for. |
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My personal and duty Eo-Techs have both been flawless so far. The only two issues I have- 1) The buttons really don't feel all that sturdy. I don't know, it just seems like something you could reach for someday, and find not working. I have no evidence to substantiate that this could be a problem, or know anyone who has had this problem. 2) I would like the option to only have the center dot visible and clean up some of the clutter. Its never a real issue, but I'd like to give it a shot. |
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Quoted:
The only down side is the battery life. I got mine in march ('09) since then I'm on my 5th set of batteries!!!  5 sets since March sheesh! School bell just rang back to school you go....
Actually it's been reported by a few posters here that, using N cell battery EOTechs, the batteries will drain on their own without ever having been used. |
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stealbear
For what it's worth ive seen more pics of Delta or what ever they are called now with AA/N cell Eotechs than any other red dots.
Yea, cause what they do is almost exactly like what 90% of the shooters on here do.... 
The can use a sight that has 30 mins of Battery life if they want, cause they can have 10 spare sights along with 20 set's of batteries... and there skill set allows them to shoot better using the front sight and broken EO while hanging upside down hanging from a chopper then most of us can shoot off a sand bagged bench... Using an optic because you saw a pic of someone you think is high speed is using it is a pretty poor weight to choose a optic for your own use... |
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Quoted:
stealbear For what it's worth ive seen more pics of Delta or what ever they are called now with AA/N cell Eotechs than any other red dots.
Yea, cause what they do is almost exactly like what 90% of the shooters on here do....
The can use a sight that has 30 mins of Battery life if they want, cause they can have 10 spare sights along with 20 set's of batteries... and there skill set allows them to shoot better using the front sight and broken EO while hanging upside down hanging from a chopper then most of us can shoot off a sand bagged bench... Using an optic because you saw a pic of someone you think is high speed is using it is a pretty poor weight to choose a optic for your own use... I am aware of eotech battery life and what comes of that. i was referring to those that said they where unreliable. |
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - eotech vs aimpoint (Page 1 of 2)
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