Aimpoint Pro vs EOTech: Comparing Top-Tier Red Dot Sights for Tactical Shooters

Choosing the right optic for your firearm can be a tough decision. Two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Aimpoint PRO and EOTech sights. Both are well-respected brands in the shooting community, but they have some key differences.

The Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) is known for its incredible battery life and durability. It uses a simple red dot reticle that’s easy to acquire in various lighting conditions. The EOTech, on the other hand, offers a more complex reticle with a 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA center dot, which some shooters find faster for target acquisition.

When deciding between these two optics, it’s important to consider factors like battery life, reticle type, and intended use. The Aimpoint PRO might be better suited for those who prioritize long battery life and simplicity, while the EOTech could be preferable for shooters who want a more precise aiming point for close to medium-range shooting.

Key Takeaways

• Aimpoint PRO offers longer battery life and simpler operation
• EOTech provides a more complex reticle for faster target acquisition
• Both optics are durable and suitable for various shooting applications

Overview of Aimpoint Pro and EOTech

Aimpoint Pro and EOTech are two leading red dot sight manufacturers. They make optics for firearms that help shooters aim quickly and accurately. These sights are popular with military, law enforcement, and civilian users.

History and Development

Aimpoint started in Sweden in 1974. They made the first electronic red dot sight. The company focused on making tough sights for hunting and military use. Their Pro model came out in 2011 for police and civilian shooters.

EOTech began in 1995 in Michigan, USA. They created holographic weapon sights. These use lasers to make a reticle that looks like it’s floating in space. The U.S. military adopted EOTech sights in 2005.

Both brands have grown by improving their tech and listening to users’ needs.

Key Features

Aimpoint Pro:

• 2 MOA red dot
• 30,000 hour battery life
• Fully waterproof
• Night vision compatible

EOTech:

• 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dot
• Holographic reticle
• About 1,000 hour battery life
• Quick target acquisition

Aimpoint Pro has a simpler dot but lasts much longer. EOTech’s reticle is more complex but helps with range estimation. Both work well in bright light and low light conditions.

Operational Use Cases

Aimpoint Pro shines in:

• Long-term use without battery changes
• Harsh weather conditions
• Situations needing a crisp, simple aiming point

EOTech excels in:

• Close quarters combat
• Scenarios requiring fast target acquisition
• Situations where range estimation is useful

Both sights work on rifles, carbines, and some handguns. They’re used by military and law enforcement around the world. Hunters and sport shooters also like these sights for their speed and accuracy.

The choice between them often comes down to personal preference and specific needs of the user.

Technical Specifications

The Aimpoint PRO and EOTech sights have distinct technical features that set them apart. These differences impact their performance in key areas.

Reticle Details

The Aimpoint PRO uses a 2 MOA red dot reticle. This small, precise dot allows for accurate aiming at various distances. It’s simple and doesn’t block much of the target.

EOTech sights use a holographic reticle. The standard design is a 1 MOA dot inside a 68 MOA circle. This setup helps with quick target acquisition at close range. The circle aids in estimating distances and leading moving targets.

Both reticles are visible in bright daylight. The Aimpoint’s dot is crisp and clear. EOTech’s holographic reticle appears to float on the target plane.

Battery Life

Aimpoint PRO boasts an impressive battery life of up to 3 years. It uses a single 3V lithium battery. The sight can be left on for long periods without worry.

EOTech sights have shorter battery life, typically around 600-1000 hours. They use either AA or CR123 batteries, depending on the model. Users need to remember to turn off the sight when not in use.

The long battery life of the Aimpoint PRO is a big advantage for some users. It reduces the need for frequent battery changes.

Durability and Reliability

Both sights are built to withstand harsh conditions. The Aimpoint PRO is water-resistant to 150 feet. It can handle extreme temperatures from -49°F to 160°F.

EOTech sights are also rugged. They’re waterproof to 33 feet and can operate in temperatures from -40°F to 150°F.

Both sights use high-quality glass and coatings for clear views. They’re designed to handle recoil and impacts. The Aimpoint PRO has a slight edge in extreme conditions due to its deeper water resistance.

Optical Performance

Aimpoint PRO and EOTech sights have key differences in their optical performance. These affect how shooters view targets and use the sights in various conditions.

Field of View

The EOTech 512.A65 Tactical offers a wider field of view compared to the Aimpoint PRO. This allows shooters to see more of their surroundings while aiming.

EOTech’s holographic sight design creates a large, square viewing window. This helps with situational awareness and target acquisition.

Aimpoint PRO uses a tubular design. It has a slightly narrower field of view. But it still provides clear sight picture for most shooting scenarios.

Both sights allow for shooting with both eyes open. This technique helps maintain peripheral vision and situational awareness.

Brightness Settings

Aimpoint PRO and EOTech sights offer multiple brightness settings to suit different lighting conditions.

The Aimpoint PRO features:

• 4 night vision compatible settings
• 6 daylight settings
• 1 extra-bright setting for use with laser protection glasses or in bright desert sunlight

EOTech sights typically have:

• 20 daylight settings
• 10 additional settings for use with night vision devices

EOTech’s wider range of settings allows for finer adjustments. This can be helpful in rapidly changing light conditions.

Aimpoint’s fewer settings are simpler to use. They still cover most lighting scenarios effectively.

Night Vision Compatibility

Both Aimpoint PRO and EOTech sights work well with night vision devices. But they have some differences in this area.

Aimpoint PRO has 4 night vision settings. These allow for use with all generations of night vision equipment.

EOTech sights often have 10 night vision compatible settings. This gives more options for fine-tuning brightness with different night vision devices.

Both sights can switch quickly between day and night settings. This is crucial for operations that might transition between light conditions.

The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and specific use cases. Both perform well in low-light and night vision scenarios.

Mounting Options

The Aimpoint PRO and EOTech offer different mounting options for attaching to firearms. These options affect compatibility and ease of installation.

Compatible Firearms

The Aimpoint PRO works well with AR-15 style rifles and carbines. It also fits many shotguns and submachine guns. The PRO comes with a QRP2 mount that attaches to Picatinny rails.

EOTech sights like the 512 and XPS2 are made for AR-15 platforms too. They also fit other rifles and carbines with Picatinny or Weaver rails. Some EOTech models work on shotguns and handguns.

Both brands offer options for different weapon types. The key is matching the mount to your firearm’s rail system.

Attachment Methods

Aimpoint PRO uses a quick-detach lever mount. This lets users take it on and off quickly without tools. The mount has a tensioning knob to adjust tightness.

EOTech sights often use a thumb screw mount. This needs more time to attach but is very secure. Some EOTech models have quick-detach levers too.

Both brands make lower 1/3 co-witness mounts. These line up the sight with iron sights on AR-15s. Aftermarket mounts like the Scalarworks 1.93″ offer more height options for better cheek weld.

Ergonomics and Design

The Aimpoint PRO and EOTech sights differ in their physical design and user interface. These factors affect how shooters interact with the optics in the field.

Size and Weight

The Aimpoint PRO is a compact and lightweight option. It measures 4.6 inches long and weighs 11.6 ounces with the mount. This size allows for easy handling and quick target acquisition.

EOTech sights are generally bulkier. The popular XPS2 model is 3.8 inches long but weighs 9 ounces without a mount. When mounted, it can be heavier than the Aimpoint PRO.

The Aimpoint’s tubular design gives it a lower profile on the weapon. EOTech’s rectangular shape is wider but shorter in length. This can affect sight picture and gun balance for some shooters.

Control Layout

Aimpoint PRO features simple controls. It has a large knob on top for adjusting brightness. The battery compartment is easily accessible. Flip-up lens covers protect the optic when not in use.

EOTech sights use button controls on the left side. These control power and brightness settings. The buttons are smaller than the Aimpoint’s knob but offer precise adjustments.

Both optics allow for quick changes without breaking shooting position. The Aimpoint’s larger knob may be easier to use with gloves. EOTech’s side buttons keep the top of the sight clear for an unobstructed view.

Price Comparison and Value

The Aimpoint PRO and EOTech XPS2 differ in price. The Aimpoint PRO typically costs $100-110 less than the XPS2. This price gap can be significant for budget-conscious buyers.

Both optics offer good value for their price points. The Aimpoint PRO provides excellent durability and battery life at a lower cost. The EOTech XPS2 offers a unique reticle design and faster target acquisition.

Key value factors to consider:

• Battery life
• Durability
• Reticle design
• Warranty

The Aimpoint PRO shines in battery life, lasting up to 3 years on a single battery. EOTech sights generally have shorter battery life but offer a more precise reticle.

Both optics come with robust warranties, adding to their long-term value. The Aimpoint PRO has a 2-year warranty, while EOTech offers a 10-year warranty on their XPS2 model.

When choosing between these optics, buyers should weigh their specific needs against the price difference. The lower-priced Aimpoint PRO may be ideal for those prioritizing battery life and simplicity. The EOTech XPS2 could be worth the extra cost for users who prefer its reticle design and faster target acquisition.

User Feedback and Reviews

Users of Aimpoint PRO and EOTech sights have shared varied experiences. Their feedback highlights key differences in performance, durability, and usability across professional and recreational settings.

Law Enforcement and Military Feedback

Many police and military personnel prefer the Aimpoint PRO for its durability and battery life. Officers report it holds up well under harsh conditions and stays on for years without battery changes.

Some units favor EOTech for its wider field of view and faster target acquisition in close quarters. The holographic reticle is praised for its precision in urban environments.

Concerns about EOTech’s thermal drift issues have been noted, though newer models have addressed this. Aimpoint gets high marks for reliability in extreme temperatures.

Civilian and Recreational Use

Recreational shooters often choose the EOTech for its unique reticle design. Many find the circle-dot pattern intuitive for quick aiming, especially in competitive shooting.

Hunters tend to lean towards Aimpoint for its simplicity and long battery life. The always-on feature is valued for unexpected encounters in the field.

Both sights receive praise for their clarity and ease of use. EOTech users appreciate the larger sight picture, while Aimpoint fans value its compact size and weight.

Price is a factor for civilians, with some opting for the more affordable EOTech 512 model over the Aimpoint PRO.

Warranty and Customer Service

Aimpoint and EOTech both offer strong warranties for their optics. Aimpoint provides a 10-year warranty for the PRO model. This covers defects in materials and workmanship.

EOTech’s warranty is slightly different. They offer a 10-year limited warranty on most models. This warranty protects against defects and workmanship issues.

Both companies have responsive customer service teams. They aim to address issues quickly and efficiently.

For repairs, Aimpoint and EOTech have different processes:

• Aimpoint typically asks customers to send the optic directly to them
• EOTech often works through authorized dealers for repairs

Turnaround times can vary. In general, both companies try to complete repairs within 2-4 weeks.

It’s worth noting that EOTech had a recall in 2015 due to thermal drift issues. They have since resolved this problem and improved their quality control.

When considering warranty and service, buyers should weigh:

• Length of coverage
• What’s included in the warranty
• Ease of contacting customer support
• Reputation for honoring warranties

Both Aimpoint and EOTech have strong track records in these areas. Their commitment to customer satisfaction helps explain their popularity among shooters.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Aimpoint PRO and EOTech sights both offer excellent features for tactical optics. Each has strengths that may appeal to different users.

The Aimpoint PRO provides better battery life and comes with useful accessories like flip-up lens covers. It’s also more water-resistant, making it suitable for harsh conditions.

EOTech sights offer a larger field of view and faster target acquisition for some shooters. The reticle design allows for more precise aiming at various distances.

For general use, the Aimpoint PRO is a solid choice due to its durability and long battery life. Law enforcement and military personnel may prefer its reliability.

Competitive shooters might lean towards EOTech for its speed advantages in certain situations. The holographic reticle can be beneficial for quick target transitions.

Key factors to consider:

• Battery life
• Reticle design
• Durability
• Field of view
• Personal shooting style

Ultimately, both optics are high-quality options. The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Trying both sights at a range can help determine which feels more natural and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aimpoint Pro and EOTech sights have key differences in performance, battery life, and reticle options. Their strengths suit different scenarios and user preferences. Environmental factors and field experiences also impact their functionality.