Welcome to my comparison review of the Eotech Exps2 and Exps3 in 2024.
As someone who’s experienced in the field, I’ve had the chance to test and assess both of these highest-quality holographic sights thoroughly. In this review, I’ll detail the parallels and disparities between the two and give my professional opinion on which is preferable in light of various situations and user needs.
I will be thoroughly examining the functions, usability, and characteristics of both sights in this review, as well as outlining their advantages and disadvantages.
After reading this comparison, you will have an in-depth knowledge of the similarities and distinctions between these two outstanding holographic sights and be able to choose which one is the most suitable fit for your shooting requirements. So without any more delay, let’s begin!
What’s Inside The Box?
The Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 holographic weapon sights’ box contents may differ based on the particular pack and things that the supplier or seller includes. However, the following is a list of typical box contents for both common models:
- Eotech EXPS2 or EXPS3 holographic sight
- User manual and quick start guide
- CR123 lithium battery
- Adjustment tool for windage and elevation
- Protective case or pouch for storage and transport
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Core Specifications: Exps3 vs Exps2
| Exps2 | Exps3 | |
| Magnification | 1x | 1x |
| Housing Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Power Source | CR123 lithium battery | CR123 lithium battery |
| Battery Life | 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 | 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 |
| Water-resistant | 33 ft (10m) depth | 33 ft (10m) depth |
| Reticle | Two Reticle Options | Three Reticle Options |
| Brightness Settings | 20 DL | 20 DL + 10 NV |
| Eye Relief | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| L × W × H | 3.8” x 2.3” x 2.9” | 3.8″ × 2.3″ × 2.9″ |
| Weight | 11.2 oz (317.5g) | 11.2 oz (317.5g) |
| Auto Shut-Down | At 8 hrs- programmable to 4 hrs | At 8 hrs- programmable to 4 hrs |
| Sealing | Fog-resistant internal optics | Fog-resistant internal optics |
| Mount | 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD 1913 rail | 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD 1913 rail |
What’s The Difference between Exps2 vs Exps3?
The Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 are both holographic weapon sights created for use with both handguns and long guns. The main difference between the two models is that the Eotech EXPS3 has three reticle options, while the Eotech EXPS2 has two.
Another difference between the Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 is the options for brightness settings. The Eotech EXSP2 has 20 brightness settings while the Eotech EXSP3 has 10 additional brightness settings. The Eotech EXPS3 also has a night vision setting while the Eotech EXPS2 does not.
Feature Comparison Of Exps 2 vs 3
1. Durability
Both the Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 are made to be dependable and resilient in a variety of conditions. These sights are shockproof, waterproof as well, and mist proof and have tough aluminum housing. Both models have been evaluated to withstand the recoil forces generated by different firearm calibers and can function in conditions of extreme heat or cold.
The Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 both come equipped with a quick-detach lever, which makes it simple to attach and remove from a weapon while holding zero, which is a notable characteristic between the two models concerning durability. These sights may be slightly more prone to damage from impacts or unintentional damage as a result of this feature.
Winner: Draw
2. Reticle
The Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 share the same reticle options but the Eotech EXPS3 comes with an additional reticle option, which is made to offer shooters a quick, precise, and simple aiming approach. The reticle is a holographic sight that eliminates the need to line up conventional iron sights by allowing the shooter to see both the target and the reticle simultaneously.
The reticle has a 1 MOA dot in the middle of a 68 MOA circle. The smaller dot allows for precise long-range aiming while the larger circle serves for close-range shooting and quick target acquiring.
A laser diode is used to brighten the reticle, making it visible in an array of lighting situations, including vibrant daylight and low-light settings. Overall, the Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3’s reticle is made to enable quick aiming at an assortment of distances and under a diversity of conditions of light.
Winner: Eotech EXSP3
3. Size and Weight
The Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 are both lightweight and slim holographic weapon sights. The dimensions of the Eotech EXSP2 and EXPS3 are 3.8 inches long, 2.3 inches wide, and 2.9 inches tall. When the CR123 battery is installed, these sights weigh roughly 11.2 ounces, whereas once the AA battery is installed, they weigh roughly 12.8 ounces. The two models are identical in terms of weight and size.
Winner: Draw
4. Lens and Glass Clarity
Both the Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 are top-notch optics with lenses that offer a sharp and clear sight image. High-quality glass was used to make the lenses, and an anti-reflective coating improved clarity under all lighting conditions. Additionally, the lenses have a wide field of view, which gives the shooter a greater sense of the situation and the capacity to locate and engage targets swiftly.
Both designs employ a holographic reticle that appears on the glass and serves as an accurate and distinct aiming point. Additionally, the reticle is parallax-free, guaranteeing that the point of aim will always be fixed on the intended object regardless of head or eye setting. Any weapon sight must function properly, and this includes the glass’s transparency and the optics’ excellence.
Winner: Draw
5. Power Source
The Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 have different battery types. The EXPS2 utilizes a single CR123 lithium battery, which is renowned for its long shelf life and capacity to operate effectively in a variety of temperatures. The EXPS2’s battery can be used continuously for 1000 hours at its recommended setting.
Contrarily, the EXPS3 can run on either a single AA battery or a single CR123 lithium battery. It’s practical for users who might not have access to CR123 batteries to use an AA battery instead. The EXPS3 has a battery life of roughly 600 hours on a single AA battery and 1,000 hours on a CR123 battery when used continuously at setting 12.
Both models have a battery compartment on the rear of the housing that makes changing batteries simple and swift. Both models also have a safety feature that, to preserve battery life, turns the sight off after 8 hours of nonstop use.
In the end, availability and battery preferences may determine which of the two models you choose. The EXPS3 offers the option to use a more typical AA battery as an alternative to the CR123 battery, whereas the EXPS2 uses a more conventional lithium battery.
Winner: Eotech EXSP3
6. Brightness Setting
The brightness settings for the reticle on the Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 are both configurable, enabling the shooter to customize the level of illumination to the ambient lighting. Using the buttons found on the side of the housing, it is simple to change the brightness settings.
There are 20 brightness settings on the EXPS2, all of which are for daylight. As opposed to the EXPS3, which has 30 brightness settings, 20 are for daylight and 10 are for night vision. To preserve battery life, both models have a built-in shutdown function that turns the sight off after 8 hours of nonstop use.
Shooters benefit from having the option to change the reticle’s brightness level because it enables them to maintain an ideal sight picture under a variety of lighting situations. The Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 give shooters the adaptability they need to perform well in any setting via a variety of brightness settings.
Winner: Eotech EXSP3
7. Windage and Elevations
Both the Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 have simple elevation and windage adjustments that let users zero the sight to their particular gun and ammunition. Without the use of any special tools, it is simple to adjust the windage and elevation settings, which are situated on the housing’s sides. Since modifications are made in 0.5 MOA steps, the point of aim can be adjusted precisely.
Both versions also come with a locking mechanism that keeps the windage and elevation settings from being accidentally changed, keeping the sight zeroed in and on target.
Any sight’s ability to adjust for windage and elevation is essential because it enables the shooter to adjust the point of aim precisely to account for changes in distance, wind, and other variables. The Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 give shooters the ability to rapidly and precisely zero their sight while hitting targets with trust due to simple windage and elevation modifications.
Winner: Draw
8. Mounting Options
Utilizing common Picatinny or Weaver rails, the Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 can be mounted on many firearms. Both models have a quick-detach lever that makes attaching and detaching the sight simple.
Winner: Draw
Pros Of Eotech EXPS2
Following are the pros of Eotech EXSP2 holographic sight.
- The Eotech EXPS2 is durable and versatile.
- It offers great accuracy and speed for fast target acquisition.
- It has a long battery life of up to 1000 hours.
- The EXPS2 features a quick-detach mount
Cons Of Eotech EXPS2
Following are the cons of Eotech EXSP2 holographic sight.
- It is expensive.
- It is a heavy sight.
Pros Of Eotech EXPS3
Following are the pros of Eotech EXSP3 holographic sight.
- The Eotech EXPS3 is durable and versatile.
- It offers great accuracy and speed for fast target acquisition.
- It has a long battery life of up to 1000 hours.
- The EXPS2 features a quick-detach mount.
- It is compatible with night vision devices.
- It has more reticle options.
Cons Of Eotech EXPS3
Following are the cons of Eotech EXSP3 holographic sight.
- It is an expensive and heavy sight.
Final Thoughts
The specific requirements and preferences of the shooter will determine which of the Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 models is superior. Both models, which share many identical characteristics and specifications, are well-known for their trustworthiness, clarity, and usability. The illumination settings and reticle layout are the two models’ main distinctions from one another.
Shooters who require a sight that can function in a variety of lighting conditions should consider the EXPS3, which has more brightness settings and a newer reticle design. The EXPS2, on the other hand, is a more cost-effective choice that still provides consistent performance. Additionally, it has a tried-and-true reticle style that has been in use for a long time.
FAQs
Are the Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 waterproof?
Yes, both EXPS2 and EXPS3 are waterproof.
Can the Eotech EXPS2 be used with night vision?
No, Eotech EXPS2 is not compatible with night vision devices.
What is the warranty on the Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3?
10-year warranty.
How much does the Eotech EXPS3 cost in comparison to the EXPS2?
Due to its extra specs, the EXPS3 is typically a bit more costly than the EXPS2.