In 2015, L-3 EOTech paid $25.6 million to settle a fraud lawsuit with the US Department of Justice. The core issues: thermal drift (the reticle shifted point of impact at extreme temperatures, -40F and 120F+) and delamination (moisture ingress caused the holographic film layers to separate, degrading the reticle). These were not minor defects - they affected sights used by military personnel in combat zones.
EOTech claimed to have fixed the issue with post-2016 redesigned seals and manufacturing. The reality is more complicated. As of 2025, users continue to report delamination on newer production units across forums like AR15.com and Reddit. Some owners report all their EOTechs delaminating within a few years, including post-settlement models. EOTech's response has been lukewarm - offering $79 out-of-warranty repairs rather than acknowledging a systemic problem.
The EXPS3 HD announced at SHOT Show 2026 eliminates the plastic battery compartment door entirely with an all-aluminum body, which removes a primary moisture entry point. Whether this actually solves delamination long-term remains to be seen - it's a new product without years of field data.
What This Means for Buyers
- !Delamination is still reported on post-2016 production units as of 2026
- !EOTech charges $79 for out-of-warranty delamination repairs
- !EXPS3 HD (2026) may fix it with all-aluminum body, but no long-term data yet
- !Avoid used EOTechs unless you can verify manufacture date and inspect the glass
- +If you need proven reliability without this risk, Aimpoint T2 has no delamination history
