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Posted: 10/7/2010 4:15:04 AM EDT
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Maybe it's just my old eyes but after waiting 3 weeks for my new XPS 2-2 I'm having a severe case of buyers remorse.
I originally stepped into the red dot world with a fairly inexpensive Holo sight made by Tru Glow, just to see if I liked the system. The cheap site featured two colors (red & green) and four reticle choices. I had misgivings based on the cheap price but was pleasantly surprised to find I could ring the 15" gong at 200 meters virtually every time with my Rock River Operator II. It held zero through several trips to the range and several hundred rounds. SO....I thought it was time to step up to a REAL holo site. The first thing I noticed was the size....I expected it to be much smaller. Second thing was because I didn't do my homework well enough. Looking at the advertisement for this site it shows 3 different reticle options. A single dot, a single dot surrounded with a 65 MOA circle and two dots with the 65 MOA circle. I, stupidly, thought these were selectable. (DUH) Anyway, I got it mounted on my rifle and took it to the range yesterday. I found that no matter the brightness setting I just could not bring the dots into sharp focus. On all settings except very low (almost invisible) the dots looked more like a starburst than a round dot. The lower dot was more distracting than helpful and it sometimes appeared to have three dots. The 1 MOA dot looked more like 6 or 8 MOA on paper at 100 yards and always appeared...fuzzy. I found myself wanting to reach up for the focus ring but, of course, there is none. I got it more or less in the center of the paper at 100 yards but was unable to shoot any kind of groups because of the lack of clarity and size (perceived) of the dot. At this point I decided to quit wasting ammo. It's probably my old eyes (I'm 63) but this is not the site for me. I'm going to put the cheap site back on and put this thing on E-bay. I live in a rural area and am not close to any gun shops that carry these type of items. The next time I decide to make a purchase like this I'll make the drive to a bigger city and actually look at (or thru) the item before I buy. |
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Dapper,
That is disappointing! The three different reticle descriptions can be a bit confusing leading the consumer to possibly believe they are getting all three reticle options in one package. As for the old eyes I'm in the same boat brother and I'm only 38!!!  Your reticle should not look as distorted as you described! Before shipping it off to the land of the misfit toys possibly consider calling EOTech and speaking with their customer service people, contact the dealer you originally purchased it from, or shoot my an email and I would try to help you out. The XPS are very solid optics that show a very clear display. On occasion people really crank up the brightness to the point where things become very pixelated and distorted. I'm wondering if this is what is happening with yours!?!
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sorry you didn't like it
you'd probably like the 1.65 better (with one dot and a ring) the "fuzzy" is your eyes i have astigmatism and they are fuzzy for me too. that said it doesn't really need to be clear its built for a quick sight picture. and FWIW if you use a magnifier the ring is very clear |
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The 1 MOA dot looked more like 6 or 8 MOA on paper at 100 yards and always appeared...fuzzy. i have an EOTech and i also find it hard to believe that center dot is 1MOA, even with the sight turned down 
overall, i'm happy with the EOTech for my intended use. |
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See, I have owned several EOtechs over the years, and love them. They are the only optic I will use. However, people with an astigmatism will never see the reticle clearly. Also, the hologram is theoretically projected to infinity. Therefore, if you do not have good distance eye sight - the reticle will be out of focus, as if you were looking at it far away. I have my everyday glasses, and some stronger glasses I use for shooting typically. The reticle is PERFECT with my stronger glasses. It's not quite as clear with my everyday glasses, but still good enough to see and use the sight. Some people's eyes just won't work with an EOtech, though. I have an XPS2-0 on my PS90 right now. I love that center MOA dot. I find it very easy to make 1/2" groups at 50 yards with it on my PS90.
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Definitely my eyes....
Just did a short test.. No glasses.....Horrible Shooting glasses (for focus on pistol front sight)..... Worse than horrible. Everyday glasses.....better but still not good. My prescription is about 4 years old....maybe time for a trip to the eye doc! |
| It sounds like you want a scope rather than a red dot sight (RDS). EOTechs are built for speed, with an option to shoot accurately using the 1MOA dot. Additionally, you bought the XPS 2-2 model which is supposed to be used with a magnifier for the 2nd BDC dot. |
| I have the same problem. The best solution for you is to flip up your rear BUIS and look through the small peep sight. The small hole acts like a pin hole camera which will significantly increase the depth of field of your visiion. With that, you should be able to see both the red dot and objects in the distance clearer and more defined. Yes, turn down the red dot to the lowest power level that gives you a clear dot. |
| I used Eotechs for years with the fuzzy red dot. I always thought they were supposed to look that way, until my son set me straight. Although it isn't completely fixed by going with a simple, more conventional red dot, it is better. Not so fuzzy. What fixed it for me was going to an ACOG TA44S-10. It has a circle dot reticle very similar to that of the Eotech, but since it is an etched reticle rather than projected light, it is VERY clear and defined. The downside is that they run around $900, without the mount. The plus side is that it does have a small bit of magnification (1.5X) that made a world of difference for my aging eyes. The eye relief on the little ACOGs is so forgiving that it really isn't an issue. You can shoot it in any position that you would an Eotech or Aimpoint. |
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The eotech will look fuzzy if you are not using it properly. Shoot with both eyes open, and it will not look fuzzy. Its fuzzy when one closes the other eye.
[/quote Don't know EOtechs but with Aimpoints and my astigmatism, I get the starburst when I focus on the dot, but its sharp when I focus on the target.
These are both excellent points! The system is designed to work with both eyes open while shooting. While shooting at distances out to and past 100 yards I typically use my dominant eye while shooting and both for any CQB work! |
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The eotech will look fuzzy if you are not using it properly. Shoot with both eyes open, and it will not look fuzzy. Its fuzzy when one closes the other eye. or if you have an astigmatism wich you obviously do not.
It does make a difference though if you look at the target at range and don't focus on the reticle. On a side note the 3x magnifier made it perfect for me, even with an astigmatism.FWIW if you ever go that route. Also, trust me when I tell you it will be a problem with most if not all unmagnified red dots and holo sights. I also have an Aimpoint and its usable but not perfectly round either. |
| I ran into the same problem with my aging eyes. Purchased an Eotech EXPS 2-0 and before even mounting to my AR I tried it out holding it in my hand and sighting through it. The reticle looked like star cluster without my glasses. With my glasses it was pretty good but the thing is I don't need the glasses for everyday tasks, seldom wear them and WTSHTF I'm pretty much guaranteed not to have them. So I returned it and picked up an Aimpoint H1. It too looks like a star with my glasses but with only one point it is manageable and plenty sharp enough for close quarters. The best thing I have found is a scope like the TR-24 with a diopter adjustment which will produce a razor sharp reticle but I prefer the size and weight of a red dot. |
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Quoted: I ran into the same problem with my aging eyes. Purchased an Eotech EXPS 2-0 and before even mounting to my AR I tried it out holding it in my hand and sighting through it. The reticle looked like star cluster without my glasses. With my glasses it was pretty good but the thing is I don't need the glasses for everyday tasks, seldom wear them and WTSHTF I'm pretty much guaranteed not to have them. So I returned it and picked up an Aimpoint H1. It too looks like a star with my glasses but with only one point it is manageable and plenty sharp enough for close quarters. The best thing I have found is a scope like the TR-24 with a diopter adjustment which will produce a razor sharp reticle but I prefer the size and weight of a red dot. IF you had mounted it and focused on a target with both eyes and not the reticle you would have kept it. |
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I have an older Eotech 552 or 553 I think it is... I love it and have pretty good luck wit it, but I do think the AIM points dot looks smaller, brighter and more like a defined DOT than the Eotechs... Again, I don't dislike my Eotech its done me pretty well over the years but I think the next gun I build will have either an Comp M4s or the T1... Who knows, I may not really like them and may switch back to Eotech soon after, if I ever the next one done. |
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Welcome to the wonderful world of astigmatism. Sucks doesn't it...
With contacts in my astigmatism is pretty well corrected.. Without them I cannot use a red dot..it looks like a enormous jacked up blob. I am running a 2moa aimpoint with good success, but I did consider the new 1moa eotech. I think any future optics for me will be standard scopes in a QD mount with a good BUIS. Then I could still use them if I don't have my contacts in. |
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I have an older Eotech 552 or 553 I think it is... I love it and have pretty good luck wit it, but I do think the AIM points dot looks smaller, brighter and more like a defined DOT than the Eotechs...Again, I don't dislike my Eotech its done me pretty well over the years but I think the next gun I build will have either an Comp M4s or the T1... Who knows, I may not really like them and may switch back to Eotech soon after, if I ever the next one done. That's funny I have both and it's the exact opposite. Wich it should be considering the Eotech has a smaller MOA dot and more visible brightness settings(than the COMP M2). With the AIMPOINT In sunlight ,focused on the target ,I get 3 settings ; Super Bright 4 MOA blob, Lighter Faded 2ish MOA dot , and then a Realy Small almost invisibly dim dot. With the Eotech In sunlight, focused on the target, I get 1 MOA blinding, 1 MOA a little less blinding, 1MOA realy bright, 1MOA bright, 1MOA still visible...etc. down to the lowest 1 or 2 setting when it disapears. I love both sights for different reasons but for reticle aquisition/visibility Eotech crushes Aimpoint even with an astigmatism. A 1 MOA blob is still more accurate than a 4 MOA blob
O/P your best bet is to turn the brightness down to the lowest setting that is still visible and in contrast to the target and focus on the target Or get contacts or script shooting glasses |
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Eyes suck! Unfortunately you have to live with what you got. My first EOTech was a real learning experience. It's kinda like looking at those 3D pictures where you can't see anything until you stare at it for a while. Once your brain figures it out, you can see it. With the EO, you MUST focus on the target, and look THROUGH the EOTech. You'll swear you'll never "get it", but then all of a sudden, you do. Crappy eyes definitely play a part, but once you find the secret, you got it.
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Just an update.
Tried all suggestions and never found anything that will work for me. To complicate matters I am right handed and my right eye is 20/50. (20/25 left eye) I have taught myself to shoot left handed (very difficult) but my right eye is more or less useless. Anyway, I finally sold the EOTech and put the cheapo Tru Glo back on and, oddly enough, I can see the dot well???????? After re-sighting it I found I could ring the gong every time at 200 meters (a 16 X 16 steel plate) with a rest. The dot appears to be about the same size as the plate at that range. Strange........ I'm thinking my next experiment might be a Trijicon 1X4 Your thoughts? |
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I picked up on this thread a little late, but I've had a 512.A65 for two years now. I experienced frustration with mine as well when shooting precision targets. I always felt that the red dot obscured the target. There was never any doubt in my mind that the Eotech is effective in close combat, point and shoot. If I have to hit a bad guy quickly, the Eotech is effective. If I have to hit a bullseye, it's going to be a challenge. I have recently added the Eotech 3X magnifier and it has cured many of the problems I was having. Now with the FTS mount I have the best of both worlds. I was afraid that a magnifier would just make the red dot obscure the target even more but I haven't found that to be a problem.
If you are shooting precision targets, get a scope. I have no real experience with Aimpoint or other brands, so I can't comment. You might want to try a magnifier before you sell off your Eotech. |
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I'm 65 and can't half see either, but I took to my EOtech XPS2-0 right off the bat. They're great for what they're made for, CQB. I have another AR with a 4x32 military-style scope and I like that too. I can shoot a better group at 100 with the EOtech than with the irons. With the 4x, my group is about 2.5", and that's all me - failure to keep the gun still and half-ast trigger control. I need more practice with both set-ups, but at least they're both sighted in and cleared for action.
Dapper Dan: whatever sight you can use, use it. You didn't do anything wrong by posting where you did. The EE is for posting 'for sale' ads. If I were you, I would try posting your EOtech there before trying ebay. |
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My Eotech works great with my astigmatism afflicted eyes. Dial it down if you're getting starbursts. Ditto that...my Eotechs work great with my astigmatism too. me 2 me 3 it will never be 100% clear but thats not the point if you use a magnifier it will be perfect |
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