REVIEW: EOTech EXPS3 and G33 Magnifier

The wheel keeps turning at EOTech, and the most advanced way to enhance your weapon with laser optic technology is the EXPS3 in combination with the latest-generation G33 magnifier. This new optic can now be seen, for example, with the Navy SEALs. It carries the SOPMOD Block II signature SU-231A and is considered a replacement for the EOTech 553. We at SPARTANAT have tested the G33 set for you.

The EOTech combination of EXPS3 and G33 is delivered in very sturdy black boxes. The magnifier must first be mounted on the mount and can only be flipped to the side with force by hand.

The set is mounted on the weapon so that the shooter has approximately a hand's width distance from the magnifier with the aiming eye. This is to prevent the reticle from being disturbed by black inner circles that occur when looking incorrectly into an optic. Furthermore, it is also intended to improve the reticle when aiming through the EOTech with both eyes open.

The G33 Magnifier can be adjusted in height, depth, and from left to right. This does not affect the red dot reticle in the EOTech itself, but simply allows for clear viewing through the EOTech window with the magnifier. The magnification factor of the magnifier is 3.25x, it is waterproof up to ten meters and does not fog up from the inside. However, this does not mean that it will not fog up in winter like any other optic if you breathe on it while looking through the aiming line.

The set comes with an EOTech EXPS3. The difference from the XPS 2-0 series is that there is a second hold point in the reticle (on the right in the image, next to the normal red dot and on the left the normal EOTech sight). This allows the weapon to be zeroed at 100 meters using the middle point and to use the point below it as an additional distance point for approximately 200 meters.

The clear advantage of the XPS series lies in its weight and length. The older EOTech models could only be turned on and off at the rear, which often caused difficulties when used with a magnifier. The new XPS series allows for side activation as well as brightness level adjustments.

Compared to other optics, the EOTech makes it much easier for the shooter not to fall into tunnel vision and aim with only one eye. You can quickly acquire and engage the target. However, this is only possible as long as the magnifier is flipped to the side. Experience has shown that many shooters first target an object over 50 meters with the EOTech and then flip the magnifier to take targeted shots. The 1MOA dot covers 3 centimeters of target area at 100 meters, which is very precise for a red dot reticle. There is nothing comparable in this sector.

The greatest advantage EOTech offers is in combat in built-up areas. Here, the outer 65MOA circle can be used, which covers a 30 centimeter target area at 50 meters. This allows for very fast target acquisition. The only drawback of the G33 system is that the magnifier must be flipped to the side. In close quarters combat, a weapon is already being pushed to its limits, hitting walls, etc. It has often happened that the magnifier has been damaged, bent, and in rare cases torn off. The total weight of the EXPS3 plus magnifier is 600 grams, which is within the tolerable range.

CONCLUSION: With the EXPS3 product range, EOTech has created an optic that is unmatched and will probably not be surpassed in the coming years. The production of magnifiers was a response to other manufacturers of red dot optics that already had internal magnification in their devices. Nevertheless, it can be said that EOTech has made a very good leap forward with the G33 set, which is not due to the magnifier, but rather to the EXPS3 series and the predecessors XPS2-2, and the advanced sight/hold points used. Overall, a good system that is very affordable at a price between 1000€-1200€.

You can find the EOTech EXPS3 and G33 Magnifier in Germany at I-E-A Mil-Optics. The EXPS3 costs 665€, and the G33 is available for 585€.

EOTech presented the system at the Shot Show in 2012. Here is the video about it.