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- Alfred Mendoza
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Table of Contents
Primary Differences Between EXPS3 & EXPS2
Between the EOTech EXPS2 and EXPS3, the main difference lies in the night-vision (NV) compatibility factor. The EXPS3 screw mount model features NV compatibility while the EXPS2 QD mount standard reticle series does not. The EXPS3 is also submersible to 33 feet, while the EXPS2 only has a 10-feet capacity. When it comes to control buttons, the EXPS3 series can easily accept a magnifier since the buttons are located on the side. In comparison, the EXPS2 has rear control buttons.
The EOTech Model EXPS2 features a 68 MOA outer ring with a 1 MOA center aiming dot for close to medium range encounters. Simultaneously, the EXPS3 uses an impact point correction at 1/2 MOA per click with an elevation adjustment range. It also has total windage of ± 40 MOA to recompense for most terrain and conditions.
Specification Chart
EXPS2
- Magnification: 1x
- Low Light Capability: Unavailable
- Water-proof: Yes
- Fogproof: Yes
- Field of View: 90’ at 100 yd
- Travel per Rotation: +/- 40 MOA travel
- Parallax Setting: Parallax-Free
- Brightness Setting: 20
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Country of Manufacturer: USA
- Warranty: Limited 10-Year Warranty
EXPS3
- Magnification: 1x
- Low Light Capability: Available
- Water-proof: Yes
- Fogproof: Yes, Nitrogen Filled
- Field of View: 91.9’ at 100 yd
- Travel per Rotation: +/- 40 MOA travel
- Parallax Setting: Parallax-Free
- Brightness Setting: 30
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Country of Manufacturer: USA
- Warranty: Limited 10-Year Warranty
In-Depth Comparison
Price
EOTech EXPS3 Holographic Weapon Sight (Black, Ring/Quad Dot Reticle) is more expensive than the EOTech Model EXPS2 (Red Circle-Dot Reticle). Their price difference is about a hundred dollars, so it’s somewhat hard not to notice.
For other functional yet affordable scopes, here’s our Nikon vs Leupold article.
EXPS2 & EXPS3 Reticles
Between the EXPS2 vs EXPS3 reticles, the EXPS3 has better reticles than the EXPS2’s reticle, which only features a red laser illumination with two dots. On the other hand, the EXPS3 features a quad dot reticle.
Not only does the EXPS3 offer better reticle options, but it also features Night Vision, which the EXPS2 doesn’t have. With the EXPS3’s red illumination, it is easy to see in full daylight, low light, or dark.
Weight
Like many other rifle accessories, weight and size matter because they affect the rifle’s overall weight. Both sights weigh the same with only 11.2 oz. (317.5g) They use the 123 lithium battery instead of two AA batteries, which can last for 600 hours.
For lightweight and compact scopes, check out this Osprey scopes review here.
Controls - EXPS3 or EXPS2?
The button locations, battery life, and MOAs are similar in both products. They both use 0.5 MOA adjustment per click at 100 yards, ±40 MOA windage/elevation adjustments, recessed side windage, and elevation dials reduce snag points, and user-facing raised on/off and intensity selection buttons.
The only main difference between these optics is the button placement, which is side-mounted.
Height
Like their weights, both sights also share the same height. Both models measure 3.8 inches, quite a typical size for a regular sight. Their size and weight affect the rifle’s overall weight, but then again, comparing their sizes is also deemed unnecessary at this point.
EXPS3 & EXPS2 Durability
The EXPS2 is submersible up to 10 feet, while EXPS3 can be underwater up to 33 feet. Aside from being water-proof, both optics are also internally fog-resistant.
The EXPS3 is nitrogen gas-purged, and anti-fog maintains a clear view and has a metal housing that surrounds its lens for increased protection against impact and recoil, making it shockproof, more durable than the EXPS2.
Eye Relief
Field of View
The EXPS2 has a field of view of 90 feet at 100 yards compared to the EXPS3, which has a FOV of 91.9 feet at 100 yards. The EXPS3 has a higher FOV, meaning it can show a brighter and clearer image at a farther distance than the EXPS2. Being a quad dot reticle capable is another plus for the EXPS3.
EXPS2 Pros & Cons
PROS
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Uses less rail space due to the small optic
- Made with high-quality materials
- Cheaper
CONS
- Incompatible with Night Vision
- Cannot be adjusted
EXPS3 Pros & Cons
PROS
- Allows co-witnessed sighting
- Nitrogen gas-purged and anti-fog
- Anti-glare optic lenses
- Night Vision Compatible
- Adjustable brightness setting
CONS
- Batteries drain fast
EXPS3 or EXPS2? The winner is...
If you wonder which between the EXPS2 vs EXPS3 sight impressed us the most, the winner is the EXPS3 because it is the enhanced version of the EXPS2. We are impressed with its night vision compatibility and a more submersible depth of 33 feet. Shooting at targets becomes easier and quicker because of the anti-glare and anti-reflection features of the EXPS3. It also has an adjustable brightness setting, making the red dot very visible in broad daylight and night.
If you’re looking for AR-15 barrels, check out this Ballistic Advantage and Faxon barrels comparison.
Our #1 Recommendation
EXPS3
- Nitrogen gas-purged and anti-fog
- Anti-glare optic lenses
- Night Vision Compatible
- Adjustable brightness setting
