Table of Contents

• EXPS2 and XPS2 Comparison
• EOTech XPS2 and XPS2 Sight

What is the difference between EOTech XPS2 and EXPS2?  The most obvious of which is that the EXPS2 has the letter E at the beginning of its name.

But seriously, folks. OTech has been producing holographic weapon optics since the 1990s. During the 2010s, EOTech released the XPS and EXPS line. This series of sights offers more reticle options, a smaller and more compact package, and the ability to add other accessories with greater ease.

EXPS2 and XPS2 Comparison

So, these two sights are similar in many ways, but there are a few crucial differences:

– The XPS series is absolute co-witness, and the E series is raised a little (7mm riser), which provides lower 1/3 co-witness. When it comes to close-quarter battle (CQB), the 1/3 co-witness is a much better option. That way, the iron sights don’t take up the window, and you can get a clearer field of view.

– The XPS series has the control buttons on the rear of the device, and the E series has them on the side. The side-placement allows for easier manipulation when other accessories – such as a magnifier – are mounted on the rifle.

– The XPS series is mounted using mounting screws, and the E series has a quick detach lever. In a pinch, the quick detach lever is much easier to work with. If you find yourself in sudden need, you don’t want to start fiddling with an Allen key.

– The XPS2 model has 5 different reticle patterns to choose from, and the E model has 2. When you choose a model, you only choose 1 reticle pattern, so this difference may not be such a game-changer.

– Last, but not least, there is the difference in price. The difference is not huge, but hey – money is money. $40 is a lot of money to a lot of people. An optic is not something you should skimp on by any means, but on the other hand, you shouldn’t buy an optic which you are not going to use. Any accessory you have on your weapon should be one which is beneficial for your weapon and yourself. If you aren’t going to use – don’t get it.

EOTech XPS2 and XPS2 Sight

Both of these sights are rugged, battle-tested, and clear. They get the job done, whether you are a beginner or a pro. Of course, a good sight will only take you so far. You need to have the skills to back it up, and these EOTech sights can help you develop your skills, and eventually they can transform your shooting experience to something a lot more productive.

NOTE: don’t rely solely on your optic. Make sure to take the time to train with iron sights as well. If your rifle has no iron sights, you should get some. You never know when you are going to need them, and they can be very useful should your optic suddenly malfunction or otherwise fail.

Many people who have made the switch from regular 5XX EOTech sights to the newer XPS/EXPS sights, say they will not be returning to those older models. The new EOTechs are smaller, more reliable, and more advanced.

As stated in the tech spec, the XPS2 and EXPS2 sights do not offer night vision compatibility. If night vision is something which you are planning to use, these sights are probably not for you. The XPS3 and EXPS3, however, are night vision compatible. They may suit your needs a lot more than the two we are discussing. Again, weapons accessories are all about what you need. Looks and aesthetics are important, but ultimately you want a tool which gets results.

The EXPS2 has another advantage, but it is one which doesn’t relate completely to the “versus” situation which we have going on here. The EXPS2-2 (ballistic dual dot reticle) is available as a holographic hybrid model. The hybrid consists of an EXPS2-2 sight, with a G33.STS 3x magnifier attached to its rear. If you are thinking of getting a magnifier to use with your optic, you might as well go straight for the hybrid EXPS2-2 sight. That way, you will save some time and money, and get the optic you need in one neat setup.

Both of these sights are warrantied for a period of 2 years, for defects in materials and workmanship. These sights are made at the EOTech plant, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Buying a scope or sight is something which should not be done lightly. Some people spend many weeks or months doing their research, asking themselves the very questions which we have raised here: what am I going to use this weapon for? How much am I willing to spend on an optic? Will I need night vision capabilities or not? What is the battery life? Etc., etc.

If – after the research – you decide to go with EOTech, you will not be disappointed. They have a history of making shooters of all kinds happy. Civilians, soldiers, officers, government agents – there aren’t too many out there who would turn their noses at an EOTech sight.

So, the differences between the XPS2 and the EXPS2 are here in front of you. Take your time, and choose wisely. You can listen to friends and consult with fellow gun-owners and weapons-enthusiasts, but ultimately the decision is yours. Your weapon is a deadly device. One which you entrust with your life. Make it count, and keep on training. When the time comes for you to take that shot, you will be glad you went with a quality sight.

Rapid target acquisition is paramount. The rest is kind of debatable, as far as I am concerned. So, whether you are into it for home defense, active duty, or 3-gun competitions – EOTech’s sights are worth every penny.

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One of the most commonly asked questions in the history of the firearm-accessories universe is: which one is better? It is asked about everything, from triggers and rails, through light and sights, to scopes and magazines. It is also true to the EOTech holographic weapon sight (HWS) models 512 and 552. People are constantly asking what is the difference between EOTech 512 and 552 and which one they should go for.

Well, I feel that the question itself is fundamentally flawed. It shouldn’t be “which one is better?”, but rather “which one is better for me?”

Weapons accessories are a matter of personal opinion and taste. Just because you feel comfortable with an item of some kind, it does not mean that others will gain the same satisfaction from it. So many people are preoccupied with telling others how sight A is perfect and sight B is trash.

If you have decided on an EOTech sight – good for you. You are making a wise choice. If you treat your optic well, it will serve you for many years to come. So, with all congratulations aside, the question remains: 512 or 552 – which ones is better for me?

Comparison Between EOTech 512 and 552

Okay, it’s a fair question. The 512 and 552 are very much alike, though. Let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison:

As you can plainly see, the only real difference between these two excellent sights is the night vision-compatibility, and the increase in price (due to that compatibility). These two sights are almost identical – they look the same, they weigh the same, they work the same, and they will give you the same accurate results, whether you are at the neighborhood range or in the middle of actual combat.

Ultimately, every single optic or weapon accessory is only as useful and beneficial as its operator. If you have the skills to back it up, you can hit anything, at any distance. It is all about using the tools which are at your disposal. What a sight does is make target acquisition faster, easier, and more convenient. Everything else is up to you, the shooter. In short – train, train, and train some more, even if you have the world’s best eyesight and gunsight.

Not everyone needs night vision capabilities on their sights. As an example – if you know that you are going to be using this weapon for run-of-the-mill home defense, and not much else, there is a good chance that night vision is not even on your list of requirements.

The EOTech HWS series is probably the best of its kind. No other company does it quite like EOTEch. They were the first company to introduce holographic sights into the market in the 1990’s, and – thanks to their superb craftsmanship and ingenuity – they have stayed popular and relevant with civilians, law-enforcement, military, and government agencies. That is impressive, especially when considering the competition in this field. There are so many scopes and sights out there, but people keep coming back to EOTech for a reason. It works. It is durable. It is battle-tested and battle-proven. The U.S. Armed Forces and law-enforcement departments use EOTech sights, as do other forces around the world.

EOTech Sights 512 and 552

Okay, we’ve gone over the basic differences and similarities. By now, you should have some idea of what kind of sight is the one for you. I suppose that if I had to choose one, I would obviously go with the one which has the most potential for growth. In other words, even though I may not be using night vision now, you never know what the future will bring. If you are really split down the middle, invest the extra money and pick up a 552.

If, on the other hand, there is no place for night vision in your intended use – don’t think twice, and pick up the 512. Both of these sights will help your bullet hit the mark. The 512 and 552 have the potential to seriously transform your shooting experience.

Fast and easy target acquisition is what EOTech is all about. When the chips are down, and you have split-seconds to react, you need to use your skills and hit the target. EOTech’s sights, including the 512 and 552, are there for that reason. It is why they exist. I agree, they are very cool. But, they also serve an actual purpose, besides looking nice on your AR-15.

One last note, about price. Many shooters are tempted to spend a very low amount on their scope or sight. This is usually not the best way to go about buying an optic. A quality optic costs money. Sometimes, it cost a lot of money. These companies are not out there to overcharge you for nothing. Companies like EOTech, Trijicon, and Aimpoint set the standards for the rest of the optic world, and their sights and scopes are pricey for a reason. They are worth it.

The 512 and 552 HWS are also worth every dime. When you mount that sight on your rifle, switch it on, and take a peek through that window at that beautifully-lit ring and dot reticle – you will know where that money has gone. Not down the drain or into anyone’s pocket, but rather into protecting yourself and the ones you love. It is an investment not only in the weapon, but in yourself.

If you like EOTech’s HWS series, but have the need for a more compact package, check out the XPS and EXPS HWS series.

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The holographic weapon sight (HWS) series, by EOTech, is considered one of the best red dot optics available today. In 2012, they added the XPS line to this already-impressive series of sights.

At the time of its release, the EOTech XPS2 model was one of the shortest, smallest, and lightest of the entire EOTech catalogue. The XPS2 is incompatible with night vision equipment and devices, so it may not be for everyone. But, it does have a few very clear advantages over other red dot sights, and even over other EOTech HWS models.

Technical Specifications of the XPS2

• Magnification – 1x
• Dimensions – L 3.8 x W 2.1 x H 2.5 inches
• Weight – 9 oz.
• Eye relief – unlimited
• Power source – 1 (one) 123 lithium battery
• Battery life – approximately 600 continuous hours at room temperature
• Submersible to a 10-foot depth
• Mounts to any MIL-STD-1913 (picatinny) rail or 1-inch weaver rail
• Fog-resistant and anti-reflection lens coating
• 20 brightness settings (daytime)
• Auto shut down at 8 hours, programmable to 4 hours
• Auto battery-check indicator, signifying 2 – 5 hours of battery life

The XPS2’s body style is what makes it stand out. It is designed to better utilize rail space. With the XPS2 is in place, a shooter can mount other accessories to the rail, such as magnifiers or back-up iron sights.

Another thing which makes this model stand is the amount of sub-models available. There are 5 of them, and they differ by reticle pattern:

• XPS2-0 – 65 MOA ring and 1 MOA dot reticle
• XPS2-1 – 1 MOA dot reticle
• XPS2-3 – 2-dot ballistic reticle
• XPS2-FN – FN Herstal’s less lethal reticle
• XPS2-SAGE – targeting and ranging reticle

The manufacturer suggested retail price for the XPS2 HWS is $539. It can be found for lower prices elsewhere on and offline. Now, when it comes to prices of weapons accessories, everyone has their ideas and theories on which one is better. Obviously, not everyone will have the same opinion on everything. Accessories are a lot about personal taste and preference.

However, when dealing with sights and scopes, there is a golden rule which almost never fails. That rule simply states: the more expensive the optic is, the better it will usually be. This doesn’t apply to all weapons optics 100% of the time, but – more often than not – if the optic costs a hefty sum, it will be made of higher grade materials, and better quality glass. There will probably be more advanced coatings on the lenses, and a sturdy, durable exterior. Put plainly – you get what you pay for, for better or worse. And, in the case of EOTech it is definitely for the better.

Like others in the EOTech HWS family, this sight is also intended mainly for close- to mid-range targets. It is meant for quick, easy, accurate target acquisition, and under 100 yards is where you can really see it shine. Sure, you could hit at long range with the XPS2. Some shooters are better than others, regardless of any optic.

But, keep in mind that the XPS2 has no magnification. For longer ranges, you would probably be better off pairing the XPS2 with the G33.STS magnifier. Alternatively, you could wait till August (2016), and get your hands on one of EOTech’s brand new Vudu scopes.

This sight resembles the 512 model in many ways, and it is mainly its smaller build and battery type which make it different. The shooter has the option of acquiring the target with both eyes open, thereby gaining a much larger field of view and staying fully aware.

XPS2 Features

EOTech’s HWS line is parallax-error free, so there is no need to compensate for it. There have been some users who complained of fuzziness or distortion, but in my opinion the cause for that was one of two things: either the brightness setting was way too high, when it was uncalled for – or, those users need their eyes checked. This thing gets very bright, and it could be that some mistake it for fuzziness.  Of course, there is a third option. Not every sight is the same, and it could very well be that a small percentage of EOTech sights have problems, just like any other product.

For that precise reason, there is a limited 2-year warranty on the sight’s materials and workmanship. If you feel something is wrong with the electronics or optics, get in touch with EOTech. Send it in, and take advantage of their fine service. The company will repair or replace your sight, if necessary.

Their factory is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and there are no plans to move. EOTech has been making quality optics for 20 years, and it is by no mere chance that this company is considered to be one of the best in the world.

This sight is rugged and battle-proven. When you’re moving room to room within a poorly-lit house – with only your commander having continuous night vision, through a helmet-mounted device – you gotta be ready for anything. The XPS2 facilitates good combat training, and this is why EOTech and the military enjoy such a close relationship. The ring-dot reticle fits perfectly into close-quarter battle (CQB) doctrine, which is why sights like these are also popular with many law-enforcement officers and government agents.

This HWS is worth its price tag. Yeah, it hurts to click that “Submit Order” button. But if you want the best, you have to be ready to pay for it. This sight can be amazingly useful, whether for home defense or on active, everyday duty.

A note on sights in general: don’t forget to get in some range time with iron sights. I feel you shouldn’t rely 100% on your optic, no matter how advanced or durable it is. You never know when it is going to malfunction or become unusable. Training with iron sights guarantees you don’t get caught with your optic’s pants around your ankles. Or something like that…

At any rate, it’s important to have a quality optic, and it is also important to continue training without it sometimes. The XPS2 is a high-grade piece of glass. If you feel it is the sight you are looking for, then reach out and make it yours. You will not regret it.

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Several types of sights fall under the category of ‘red dot’ sights: reflex sights, holographic sights, and laser sights. All three of these are non-magnifying sights, and they achieve target acquisition by marking the target with a red (sometimes green) dot, cross, etc.

Laser vs Reflex vs Holographic sights

While reflex and holographic sights utilize a system of optical glasses and a superimposed image, the concept behind non-magnifying laser sights for firearms is much more straightforward. With a laser sight, a beam of visible light (or at times invisible, such as infrared light) is emitted from a device which is aligned with the barrel. The beam then bounces off the target, and it appears to the viewer as a small dot.

Lasers are powerful, concentrated beams of light. If the laser’s field is unobstructed, it can reach very far. Practically, though, lasers are more effective at close-range shooting. Watching that dot can give you a great idea of where that next bullet is going to hit.

A laser beam shoots straight forward. The shooter simply places the dot on the target, and is good to go. However, some things cannot be accounted for simply by aiming a laser: windage, ballistics (bullet drop), barrel alignment (or lack of alignment), and target movement, to name a few. This is part of the reason why lasers are great for home defense or police beats, but less suitable for long-range targets.

Many of the laser sights available in today’s market use a red laser diode. Some, as mentioned earlier, make use of an infrared diode. This enables the dot to cross the field unseen, and become visible only to those with night vision capabilities. A shooter with night vision goggles and an infrared laser will be able to pick off targets without them even knowing they were targeted. Some systems combine both visible and invisible light, giving the shooter the best of both worlds.

Laser Sights for Handguns

Of the wide selection of sights and scopes available for firearms, it is lasers that are the most handgun-oriented. Laser sights are meant primarily for smaller firearms, but this doesn’t mean that they are less effective or inferior in any way. Holographic sights, telescopic sights, and reflex sights all serve different uses.

One big advantage you get with a laser beam is that there is no need to look through an eyepiece, and there is no glass involved. It is probably the least “optical” of all the optic accessories. A laser beam is more like an assistant. What does that mean? Well, it means that the beam is there to verify that you are on target. It is most certainly not there to replace the need to aim properly. Even if you have the greatest laser sight ever made attached to your pistol, you should still have the skills to back it up.

Attaching a laser beam to your gun should not alter the way you carry, your holster, your grip, or any other preexisting method of use. The only thing – literally, the only thing – which a laser beam should do is assist the shooter. If it is inconvenient, or uncomfortable, or if it simply does not do its job properly – trust me, you don’t need that kind of accessory.

This can be a temptation to some, since laser sights have the potential to be significantly cheaper than other kinds of sights. Remember not to compromise or sell your security short. If you are looking for a quality item, don’t settle for anything else. You get what you pay for, so choose wisely.

Popular Laser Beam Configurations for Sights

Traditionally, lasers were always red. In the 90’s, technological advances made it possible for lasers to come in green as well. Red lasers are great at night, but are less effective during the day time. Green lasers, on the other hand, are visible in day in night. Many companies are in the process of making the transition from red to green.

Laser beams come in several popular configurations. Some are mounted under or over the gun, via accessory rail. Some are grip-based, and can be activated simply by grasping the gun’s handle. Others are built right into the gun, replacing the factory recoil spring and rod, and utilizing a button for activation.

Lasers, like other optical accessories, can be zeroed for optimal performance. And speaking of optimal performance – there is an ongoing debate on lights VS lasers, and here are my two cents on that issue: if you are interested in having the best of both worlds, attach a light to your handgun as well as a laser. Some companies take it a step further, and produce laser/light combination accessories.

After all, what good is a powerful (but small) laser beam, if you can’t see anything to begin with? You’ll be looking at pitch darkness broken by a single small red/green dot. Again, the laser is more like an assistant, and not necessarily a target finder on its own. Of course, you can fire the gun on the strength of the laser beam, without knowing precisely where the target is – and, you may even get some nice groupings that way – but it may not be the best way to train.

When it comes to laser sights, the first name on many people’s list is Crimson Trace. The Crimson line of laser sights is rich and broad, with enough of a selection to accommodate any shooter.

Lasermax is another well-known company, who has been marketing its laser-related inventions since the late 80’s. Lasermax products are known for their precision and accuracy, which is why they are used not only in the firearms industry, but in the world of science and industry as well.

Other popular brands of laser sights include Sightmark, Ade Advanced Optics, and Truglo.

Whether you choose to go for the green or red beam, mounted or integrated, combo or straight up laser – what is important is that you take the time to train with your weapon, with and without the laser. Pimping out your gun is great, since it helps to strengthen the relationship between the weapon and the shooter. In that sense, accessorizing certainly does help the gun become your gun, and that counts for a lot. However, if you don’t take the time to get to know your sight, you may find that it doesn’t do its job when the time comes.

Stay aware, stay responsible, and stay armed.

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