Before Buying an EOTech, Be Aware of This Seemingly Common Issue
I'm sure many of you are aware of the problems regarding EOTech's delamination, thermal drift, and parallax for their pre-2014 models, so much so there was a lawsuit regarding the defective sights. Many have documented their models manufactured in 2018 experiencing the issue of delamination, and I thought I'd throw my hat into the ring. I have an EXPS2-0 manufactured in September of 2021 experiencing noticeable delamination.
I have 3 EOTech sights (2 EXPS3-0-TANs, and the EXPS2-0 in question) all of which haven't been subject to the "abuse" that these optics have garnered prestige for. They mainly sit in rifle cases, with the occasional trip to the range (because I'm too broke to afford ammo due to buying these sights, but that's another story).
These optics were not submerged in water or subjected to heat greater than what is usually associated with semiautomatic firing. Yet the EXPS2-0 has noticeable delamination and one of the EXPS3-0-TANs I have (on a suppressed .300 blk MCX, with a riser, so heat isn't an issue) is beginning to delaminate on the very base of the rear lens as well.
Out of a sample size of 3 EOTech sights, two of my optics have begun to delaminate under light usage. I am without a doubt certain that EOTech's customer service will make this right, but the fact this is occurring is beyond unacceptable from an American optics manufacturer. For an optic that retails for $750.00, you would expect your optic's film to not melt off the glass, but I guess that's what you get from superior American manufacturing.
If I continue further, I would need to have a wamublance called for me. Outside of ranting and complaining, I wanted to love the EOTech HWS, as they give many benefits under magnification and a beautiful viewing window under night vision use, but reliable and stable construction are the most important values in the firearm world.
So before you jump into shilling out some serious dosh for that high-speed low-drag tacticool operator optic you run on R6, understand that this is an extremely prevalent and real issue that many people have experienced with EOTech sights. If you do decide to purchase it, please be prepared to RMA it, which I'm certain EOTech will do for free for optics under their 5-year warranty. It's not a matter of IF delamination, it's a matter of WHEN delamination.
TL;DR - 2 of my EOTech's delaminated, and yours most likely will too.
(Side note: I have worked in a gun shop for 2 years, my GM is originally the one that made me aware of this issue, as he had an old (definitely pre-2014 model) EOTech that delaminated on him. For old HWS optics, EOTech might refuse to repair them as they may no longer have the parts for older models. Instead, they will give you a 50% off coupon for another EOTech brand optic of your choice. For older models outside of their new warranty, I believe they charge a $79 bench fee to service the optic. Be aware of these conditions before buying second-hand EOTech optics, ask for images of the rear glass to ensure it isn't already delaminated.)
EDIT: I added photos of all EOTechs I have. EXPS2-0 was purchased on 12/27/2021 from the gun shop I currently work at (before I started working there for story continuity). EXPS3-0-TAN #2 3/24/2023 directly from EOTech's site. EXPS3-0-TAN #1 (which shows no signs of delamination) was purchased on 05/09/2024 directly from the gun shop I currently work at.
EXPS2-0 Delamination with timestamp
EXPS3-0-Tan #1 no delamination :)
Circled EXPS3-0-TAN #2 Delamination
[UPDATE]
I shipped out the EOTechs for RMA on 9/29/24 and received them back on 6/8/24 (including shipping time), which was an incredibly fast turnaround. The optics, as expected, are as good as new and EOTech even went out of their way to refinish a scratch I had on my EXPS3-0-TAN's housing. I am extremely impressed with how well the repair was handled. I received a checklist card that had the diagnostics of the optics including glass clarity and purging (see images below). The RMA was no-nonsense, fast, and free for my more recent models. While it is unfortunate that delamination exists, it seems to be an inevitability with the optic's platform, but EOTech made it right. This post wasn't made to degrade the quality of EOTech, as they make rugged optics, it was made to display a fairly common issue and how one may remedy the problem if it is something you encounter. Hope this helps, and happy shooting!
RMA card with redacted S/N & RMA Request #
