The EOTECH EFLX pistol red dot sight has been on my radar for a while. With EOTECH’s reputation for rugged rifle optics, I was curious to see how their pistol offering stacked up. After sinking some range time with the EFLX, I’m here to share my experience, the good, the bad, and the lead downrange.
Best in Show: Crystal Clarity and Daylight Bright
The EFLX’s biggest strength is undoubtedly its glass. It’s crystal clear, offering an unimpeded view of your target. This clarity pairs beautifully with the crisp red dot, available in either a 3 MOA or 6 MOA option. I opted for the 3 MOA, and it provided a perfect balance between a precise aiming point and fast acquisition.
But where the EFLX truly shines is in daylight. EOTECH isn’t shy about boasting about the dot’s brightness, and they have good reason to. I cranked it up to max power on a sunny day, expecting some washout, but the dot remained crisp and clear. No more squinting to find your aiming point – this red dot cuts through the glare like a knife through butter.
Thumbs Up: Simple Controls and Top-Load Battery
The EFLX keeps things refreshingly simple with two buttons: up and down for brightness adjustments. These buttons are large and easy to manipulate, even with gloves on. Plus, the lack of a complicated button layout makes accidental adjustments less likely.
Another user-friendly feature is the top-load battery compartment. No need to mess with taking off the sight entirely or fiddling with a tray system. Just pop off the readily accessible cover and swap in a new CR2032 – a battery type most shooters already have on hand.
Room for Improvement: Durability Concerns and Battery Life
While EOTECH touts the EFLX’s durability, some aspects give me pause. The exposed adjustment buttons seem vulnerable to snags or accidental bumps during holstering or while on the move. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to consider, especially for those who plan on using the EFLX in a hard-use role.
Battery life is another area where the EFLX falls a bit short. EOTECH claims 20,000 hours, which sounds impressive on paper. However, in reality, that number depends heavily on brightness settings. Running the dot at max power in daylight will drain the battery significantly faster. This isn’t a reason to write off the EFLX entirely, but it’s worth factoring in if battery life is a major concern.
Real World Use: A Mixed Bag
At the range, the EFLX performed admirably. The sight picture was clear, the dot was crisp, and target acquisition was fast. However, some limitations became apparent. While the dot is bright enough for most daylight situations, it did struggle under the intense light of a powerful weapon-mounted light. Additionally, the exposed buttons became a minor annoyance during holster drills, occasionally getting bumped and requiring readjustment.
What People Are Saying
Online reviews for the EFLX are somewhat mixed. Users echo my sentiments about the excellent glass clarity and daylight brightness. However, the concerns about durability and battery life are shared by others. Some users also mentioned a slight blue tint to the glass, which I didn’t find particularly distracting but could be an issue for some shooters.
Alternatives: Trijicon RMR and Holosun 507C
The two main competitors for the EFLX are the Trijicon RMR and the Holosun 507C. The RMR is renowned for its bomb-proof construction, but it comes at a premium price. The Holosun 507C offers a similar feature set to the EFLX at a more competitive price point. It boasts a shake-awake feature and boasts a longer battery life.
Finding the Perfect Fit
The EFLX will mount to any pistol with a milled slide compatible with red dot sights. Popular options include the Glock MOS series, SIG SAUER P320 X-Carry, and various M&P models from Smith & Wesson. However, due to the EFLX’s wider profile, some holster compatibility might be an issue. It’s always best to check with holster manufacturers before purchasing.
The Final Verdict
The EOTECH EFLX is a solid pistol red dot sight with some definite strengths. The crystal-clear glass, daylight-bright dot, and intuitive controls make it a compelling option. However, the concerns about durability and battery life, coupled with the exposed buttons, hold it back from being a slam dunk. If you prioritize ruggedness and long battery life, the Trijicon RMR might be a better choice. But if you’re looking for