The XPS2 is a compact holographic tactical sight offered by EOTech, and its size makes it ideal for competitive, tactical, or defensive shooters.
Introduced in 2012, the XPS line of holographic weapon sights (HWS) was a progressive step forward by EOTech over its former 512 line. The XPS2 is a non-QD version of the EXPS model which remains part of the Department of Defense contract to military forces. Per the manufacturer, the HWS system “…is for the M4A1 carbine and CQBR in Close Quarters Battle” but is not limited to those applications.
The XPS2 comes in five different models based on functionality and weapon platform:
- XPS2-0: 68 MOA ring w/1MOA dot reticle
- XPS2-1: 1 MOA dot reticle
- XPS2-2: 2-dot ballistic reticle
- XPS2-300: 300 BLK 2-dot ballistic reticle
- XPS2-0GREY: Gray exterior housing, 68 MOA ring w/1MOA dot reticle
- XPS2-0GRN: Green exterior housing, 68 MOA ring w/1MOA dot reticle
- XPS2-FN: FN Herstal less lethal reticle
- XPS2-SAGE: Targeting and ranging reticle
In the XPS2-0 (featured) the 68 MOA outer ring enables for rapid target acquisition of threats within 7m and less, while the 1 MOA dot is intended for mid-to-close range targets. The XPS2 body measures 3.8” x 2.1” x 2.5” (97 x 54 x 64 mm) and has 20 levels of reticle illumination. The window dimensions are 1.2″ x .85″ and the front window material is 1/8” glass, while the rear window material is 3/16” laminate.
The XPS2 shares the same body-style as the XPS3, which is the model that offers night-vision compatibility. The XPS2 uses the standard 1” weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail as a mounting platform. Using a 123-lithium power source, the XPS2 can run for approximately 1000 hours at a brightness setting of 12 at room temperature.
- Magnification – 1x
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Powersave: Auto shut-off at 8 hours, programmable to 4. Auto battery-check (reticle flashes) indicator at start-up signals 2-5 hours battery life remaining
- Fog-resistant and anti-reflection lens coating
- Adjustment (per click): Approx. 0.5 MOA (1/2″ at 100 yds) when zeroing
- Adjustment Range: +/-40 MOA travel
- Water resistant to 10 ft. (3 m)
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): At a current cost of $555.00, the XPS2 and its variants can be found on any number of online second or third-hand retailers for less. It should be noted however, that there is a dearth of overseas counterfeits on the market and purchasing through retailers such as eBay runs the associated risk. Ensure that you buy through a vetted dealer. Otherwise, in terms of HWS optics the XPS2’s most direct competitors are the UH-1 Razor from Vortex ($649), the Leupold Carbine Optic ($909), and the Holosun 510 ($352). The price point of the XPS2 places it in the mid-price range of these optics and one that has built a longstanding legacy over years of service in Iraq, Yemen, and Afghanistan.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): With its large 1.2″ x .85″ window, the EOTech line has one of the largest fields of view on the market. The XPS2 allowed to easily identify the target while still maintaining situational awareness around the periphery. The larger 68 MOA reticle made lining up off the front/rear irons easier and quicker in that it was basically lining up matching circles. The 1 MOA dot allowed for easy focused shooting on smaller targets. The variable brightness of the green reticle on the XPS2 appeared bright and clear, but not as crisp as other red dot or HSW optics that have come out to market after the XPS was first introduced.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): Much like other EOTech HWS optics, the XPS2 has a protective aluminum shroud that covers the main housing and optic glass. This shroud is connected into the main body through a slotted groove and two, star hex bolts. Because of its size and prominence, the shroud did deflect a lot of incidental contact and received some surface marring. The demo model did arrive from the vendor a little loose, but was easily tightened. The optic glass was of similar thickness as other combat-style optics and ensured ejecting brass or other debris did not damage the surface. The XPS2 has an extensive history behind it for military applications, and wouldn’t have that lineage if its durability were in question. EOTech has taken great strides in its HWS quality control following the 2015 L3 lawsuit, sacrificing none of the XPS’s durability in the process. This is in large part why in 2019 it was awarded another contract to USSOCOM for further EOTech optics. Newer generation EOTech optics can be readily identified by the revised logo on the protective shroud.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): The XPS had rather straightforward functionality, with its adjustable brightness settings, and powersave function. The XPS2-0 (featured) did have some measurable range finding functionality built into the design of the 68/1 MOA reticle. That is consistent with its purpose of being a mid-to-close range optic. The XPS2-0 did not have any nightvision compatibility, but other models of the XPS do. The battery cap does have a cable-attached lanyard that prevents loss. The rubberized button back panel does protect the switch controls and allows for “scrolling” between brightness settings, but did not have any tactile feel when pressing. The most awkward function is the XPS necessitating a two-button press to power down the optic. It was nice that the XPS didn’t take up as much space on top of the AR rail as its previous 512 models, an improvement that is especially beneficial to SBRs.
- Weight – Good (4/5): At 9oz. (255g) the XPS is one of the lightest of electro-optics in its class, but not the heaviest (that distinction is reserved for Vortex’s UH-1 at 11.08oz.). Other optics, such as the Leupold Carbine Optic weigh 9.5oz. and are almost a third more expensive. In comparison, the Holosun 510 is 9.3oz. and less expensive, but does not have the large field of view or durability. Thus, there is a tradeoff in terms of weight and the XPS, whereas the XPS was near the upper range of weight, but had some of the largest gains in field of view comfort and robustness.
Overall Rating – Good (20/25)
Product Link: https://www.eotechinc.com/holographic-weapon-sights/model-xps2
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