Since you’ve ended up finding this article, we can assume you had fun using the red dot sights and now would like to explore a bit more in the advanced sighting system. For that Holographic sights obviously a great option to consider. Even though they tend to be costlier than the red dot sights, they can really impress you with their aiming accuracy.
Similar to the red dot sights, they come in compact design and work perfectly for close-quarter target acquisition. So, buying them can be a good investment to make. And if we talk particularly about these Holographic sights, we will just say they’re worth every penny.
You will love how both of them can support you through all shooting situations. The best part is they don’t take much of the rail space. Hence, if you want to add an accessory like a G33 magnifier, you can use it along with the sights. All in all, they are quite identical in their functions.
However, there is a BUT! They do have one or two differences which may work as an ultimate deciding factor for you. Want to know what that is? Just scroll down!
EOTECH 518/ EXPS2 – Outlooks
EOTECH 518/ EXPS2 – Specs
| Specs | EOTECH 518 | EXPS2 |
|---|---|---|
| Reticle | 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA | 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA |
| Mount | 1″ Weaver/ MIL-STD-1913 rail | 1″ Weaver/ MIL-STD-1913 rail |
| Windage & Elevation | 0.5 MOA per click | 0.5 MOA per click |
| Brightness Adjustment | 20 daylight settings | 20 daylight settings |
| Side Button Control | Up & Down push buttons | Up & Down push buttons |
| Water Resistant | 10ft. (3 m) depth | 10ft. (3 m) depth |
| Magnifier Compatibility | G33 Magnifier compatibility | G33 Magnifier compatibility |
| Night Vision Compatibility | No | No |
| Battery | Two 1.5 V AA batteries | One CR123 battery |
| Length x Width x Height | 142.2 x 55.9 x 73.7 mm | 96.5 x 58.4 x 73.7 mm |
| Weight | 13.8 oz | 11.2 oz |
EOTECH 518/ EXPS2 – Differences
The specification list is self-explanatory enough to give you an overall idea about the products. They have similarities in almost every features, except in these three:
- They have differences in their batteries. When the EOTECH 518 is offered with two 1.5 V AA batteries, the EXPS2 comes with one CR123 battery.
- Even though the height of the sights is similar, they have differences in their length and width.
- The weight of the sights are also different.
Differences Of The Holographic Sights
Note that, the dissimilarities of the sights are only part of their configurations. It has nothing to do with their quality. So, by discussing these factors we mainly want to help you to decide better which model will be right for your shooting needs. So let’s begin!
Battery
Since the sights need a power source to function, different manufacturers provide various types of batteries along with the products. These battery types allow the sights to work for different shooting purposes. Plus, they also create variation in the sight price range.
EOTECH 518: To operate this model sight you will need a pair of standard AA or Lithium batteries. If you continuously use the sight at the nominal setting 12, it can support you nearly 2200-2500 hours. Hence, the shooters who prefer sights that can function for a longer period of time will love this sight model.
EXPS2: On the other hand, the EXPS2 needs only one 123 Lithium battery to operate. With this battery the optic can function around 1000 hours at the 12 nominal setting. So, if you’re someone who doesn’t need to use the optic for a long time, you can settle with this one.
Overall, though both of the sights are great, the EOTECH 518 weighs a bit higher when it comes to the battery life.
- EOTECH 518.A65 - Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68MOA ring & 1 MOA dot reticle
- Mount - Quick Detach lever fits 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails
- Adjustable Brightness - The 518 has 20 brightness settings for use in any lighting scenario
Design
The sights’ dimensions can play out as an advantage or disadvantage for you. Since we always opt for compact sight design, one of these sights weigh over than the other.
EOTECH 518: The length of this sight is 5.6-inch whereas its width is 2”. Besides, the sight’s height is 2.9”. Therefore, even though the width and height of the sights are in perfect sizes, the length is a bit long.
EXPS2: Conversely, the length of this model is 3.8” and the width is 2.3”. Moreover, like the 518, the height of this sight is 2.9”. Interestingly, in terms of the length difference the EXPS2 is quite shorter than the 518 (5.6”). However, width-wise the 518 has a shorter width (2”) than the EXPS2.
All in all, if you’re looking for a sight which has a compact design, you can choose EXPS2 instead of the 518 model.
Weight
The weight of the sights are equally important like the other features. If the optic has a heavy weight, it will add extra grams to your firearms. As a result, you may face a bit of difficulty while carrying the firearm in different terrains.
EOTECH 518: When the sight needs more batteries, its construction also gets affected by it. In order to occupy the batteries, naturally the optic will need more space and will weigh a bit more than the other sights. Therefore, this sight model weighs a little more than the EXPS2. It has nearly 13.8 oz of weight.
EXPS2: Since this model optic needs a singular battery, it is really lightweight. It weighs around 11.2 oz. Hence, the shooters who like lightweight sights may prefer the EXPS2 model over the former one.
So, in terms of weight, the EXPS2 has got an extra point than the EOTECH 518 model.
- EOTECH EXPS3-4 - Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68MOA ring & (4) 1 MOA dot reticle
- Night Vision Compatible - Works with all Gen 1-3 night vision devices
- Side Button Operation - Compact design and side button operation consumes minimal rail space and is ideal for use with a G33 Magnifier
EOTECH 518/ EXPS2 – Videos
Summary
Therefore, it really comes down to you and your shooting needs. If the weight doesn’t matter to you and a longer battery life is what you prefer most in your sights then the choice is easy. The EOTECH 518 sight will be right for you.
But if you prefer lightweight, compact sights and don’t need long battery life for your shooting purposes, choose EXPS2 for your firearm. Having said all, let’s not forget, both of the sights are equally good in quality. They work great to improve your shooting accuracy. And of course, both of them are expensive!
