EOtech

[Muffin]

So tell me boys, whats the deal with these? I have never used one, however I see many people using them. I'll agree that they look mean and can really dress up a weapon
So I'm just curious, what advantages do these have over other RDS?

[RacingManiac]

I think it gives you a wider field of view compare to a traditional Aimpoint-type RDS as its not a tube type sight, and probably sturdier than a traditional open RDS...

[DENZILDON]

Originally Posted by RacingManiac

I think it gives you a wider field of view compare to a traditional Aimpoint-type RDS as its not a tube type sight, and probably sturdier than a traditional open RDS...

That kinda sums it up.

[Crunchmeister]

That's pretty much it when it comes to the airsoft replicas. It's nice because you don't have to be looking right down the center of the tube to really line up your target. You can look in on an angle, and if your reticle is on target and your sight is lined up, you can hit it.

When you're talking about the real deal, it's a holographic sight rather than RDS. It appears to project the reticle out onto your target in front of the gun. That's the real appeal of the real EOTech.

[Muffin]

Hmm, interesting. I know the real steal versions are quite pricey, and IMO over kill on an airsoft gun. Although I've seen some G&P EO's for 70ish bucks.
I'm very tempted to get one, I just wanted to know what all the buzz was about seeing as I've only used $30 reflex sights.

[T_A_N_K]

Im sure if you ask someone at your local field to try out they would be more than willing.

[Muffin]

Ha ya, except for the fact that I've yet to make it out to an organized game. I've had a number of Winnipeg guys ask me to come out, but I just haven't made time for it. Just curious of the hype of these beauties.

[Crunchmeister]

Some replicas have some weaknesses though. With some of the cheaper replicas, the reticle is hard to see on a sunny day out in the open. In the woods or in the shade, it's fine, but not in the open. My 552 replica from Huang is like that.

Another weakness with some models is ghosting, where you see multiple faint reticles along with the bright "real" reticle. Others, like mine, have no ghosting at all. I only see very faint ghosting if using a bright reticle setting in a dark environment.

So they're not all created equal.

[Muffin]

What make is yours crunch?

[Crunchmeister]

They're the ones Huang sells. Back when I got mine, they were in limited supply because the manufacturer that made them also supplied G&P, and many went out to them. So basically, Huangs models, at least with the particular batch I got, are the same as G&P, only with full EOTech trademarks. I don't know if his current ones are still the same.

[FlyGuy]

Lots-o-historical threads regarding real HWS technology vs. clone HWS, which is actually a LED-based RDS wrapped in a surprisingly good approximation of the real HWS' outer shell, so I won't regurgitate here. What it really comes down to are answers to a few questions such as:

1. Are you trying to load-out with a particular impression (Seals, SAS, JTF2, LE, etc.) and are looking for a relatively cheap and mostly functional (daylight/ghosting issues) "cosmetic enhancement" to your rifle such as the replica EOtech HWS' or various Aimpoint clone RDS'? Certain operators kit themselves differently so if you were trying to emulate a particular one that regularly equips an HWS, you'd need one to perfect the impression.

2. What kind of player are you and where will you play mostly? Open fields/woods where an add-on magnifier can be useful but weak reticle brightness a handicap? Or, indoor CQB style where magnification isn't an issue but rapid target recognition, acquisition (FOV thru optic) and elimination are key. IMHO, the wider FOV (field of view) of an EOtech style optic is an advantage over the narrower tube style optics in this regard. However, I must point out that both the tube style (Aimpoint etc.) and the EOtech style are designed to be used with BOTH EYES OPEN, unlike a magnified scope. Though it will feel odd at first, you will get used to it rather quickly and your target acquisition time will improve dramatically.

3. How much are you willing to pay? Cheap (performing and quality) LED-based replicas can be had for under $100.00 and better replicas for a little bit more. Above those are the Hurricanes which are purportedly the best replica of an EOtech HWS currently available though they are somewhat $expensive$ and still are not a true laser-based HWS. At the top of the $-scale are the real deal EOtech HWS'. Unfortunately, they are extremely rare in Canada due to US export (ITAR) regulations prohibiting their export from the US unless certain conditions are met, which is why you will see almost every eBay listing as USA-only. So IF you can find one up here, it will be very pricey guaranteed. That said, if you were an American living south of the 49th, you could easily obtain a BNIB EOtech 511.A65 (non NVG-capable) HWS for around $350.00 or so which isn't a whole lot more than some prices I've seen for Hurricane replicas!!

If you decide to go with the EOtech style of optic, I highly recommend purchasing a clear polycarbonate front lens protector as neither the real one but more especially the clone variety can withstand a point blank hit without serious damage. There are assorted vendors on here that have them but awhile ago there was a fellow (ASC name = Bruce) who custom-fabricated really good ones. I wonder where he's run off to lately as I've been trying to contact him for another one for quite some time, but I digress...

Anyhow, hope this helps you...

Cheers!
'Fly

[Muffin]

Thanks for all the responses. I had no idea these were prohibited by CBSA. Anyone know why?
As for me I'd be putting it a KA M4 CQB, and using primarily as my XT(XtremeTactics) gun, of which is an indoor CQB arena.

[trevor]

i would really go with a real eotech if you want that style. I tried several clones and they just do not measure up and I ended up getting a real 1 after being disapointed. If you don't want to spend the money go with a aimpoint since there clones work OK.

[RacingManiac]

Its kinda disappointed finding out people's experience with clones here, at the least I thought it will work at least as well as the Aimpoint clones, which I find difficult to use in daylight in the woods....just ordered one 553 from Dragonred, which I think is the same stuff Huang sells.

[Crunchmeister]

Originally Posted by Muffin

Thanks for all the responses. I had no idea these were prohibited by CBSA. Anyone know why?
As for me I'd be putting it a KA M4 CQB, and using primarily as my XT(XtremeTactics) gun, of which is an indoor CQB arena.

They aren't prohibited by CBSA. US export regulations prevent their export from the US to any other country except under certain condition.

For indoor use, replicas will be just fine, even a cheaper one, as they won't have the dim reticle issue. However, ghosting may be more apparent on some of the lower cost in lower light situations.