First Impressions of Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight
The red dot sight market is saturated, but the Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight aims to stand out with its titanium construction, enclosed emitter, and advanced features like Shake Awake and Solar Failsafe. Holosun has been making waves in the optics world, known for offering features typically found on higher-end optics at a more accessible price point, and the HE509T X2 continues that trend. I was eager to see if this optic lived up to the hype.
My eyesight isn’t what it used to be, and I have a slight astigmatism that makes traditional red dots appear blurry. I was looking for a rugged, enclosed emitter optic that could offer a crisp, clear reticle and withstand the rigors of daily carry and occasional competition use. I was tired of constantly cleaning lint and debris from open-emitter optics.
The Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight arrived in a well-protected box, and my initial impression was positive. The titanium housing felt incredibly solid and lightweight, and the optic’s overall design appeared sleek and modern. Compared to the Trijicon RMR and Aimpoint Acro P-2, the HE509T X2 seemed to offer a similar feature set at a significantly lower cost, making it an attractive alternative.
My first impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. The specifications and features sounded impressive, but I needed to see how it performed in real-world conditions before making a final judgment. This could be a game-changer or just another hyped-up optic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight at my local outdoor shooting range on my Glock 19. I tested in sunny conditions, experiencing no problems. The enclosed emitter kept the reticle crystal clear, and the multiple brightness settings allowed me to easily adjust to the ambient light.
The optic was easy to zero and required minimal adjustment out of the box. I was surprised by how quickly I was able to acquire the target and maintain accurate groupings. After the first use, I was impressed, but wanted to see if the HE509T X2 could hold up during more strenuous activities.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve carried it daily, subjected it to various weather conditions, and even used it in a few local shooting competitions. There are no signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic blemishes.
The titanium housing has held up remarkably well against scratches and impacts. Cleaning the lens is simple, and the battery life seems to be living up to Holosun’s claims, thanks to the Shake Awake technology. This optic outperforms my previous red dots in terms of durability, clarity, and feature set, making it a significant upgrade.
Breaking Down the Features of Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight
Specifications
The Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight boasts impressive specifications. Its key features include:
- Manufacturer: Holosun
- Finish: CNC Machined
- Fabric/Material: 7075 Aluminum
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.66 – 0.9 in
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle, 2 MOA Dot, 32 MOA Circle
- Illumination Type: LED
- Brightness Settings: 10 Daylight & 2 Night Vision Compatible
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Parallax: Parallax Free
- Optical Coating: Multi-Coated
- Battery Type: Lithium, CR1632
- Battery Quantity: 1
- Operating Temperature: -30 – 60 Celsius
- Water Resistance Level: IP67
- Length: 1.61 in
- Width: 1.21 in
- Height: 1.35 in
- Weight: 1.72 oz
- Mount Type: Picatinny
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 30 MOA
These specifications translate to a lightweight, durable, and versatile optic suitable for various applications. The titanium construction ensures it can withstand harsh conditions, while the multiple reticle options allow users to customize their sight picture. The long battery life and Solar Failsafe provide added peace of mind.
Performance & Functionality
The Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight performs exceptionally well in practical shooting scenarios. The dot is crisp and clear, even for those with slight astigmatism, and the enclosed emitter prevents debris from obstructing the view. Its strengths include its durability, clear reticle, and long battery life, but the brightness adjustment buttons can be a bit small and difficult to manipulate with gloved hands.
This optic meets and exceeds my expectations, providing a reliable and accurate aiming solution for my carry pistol. The Holosun HE509T X2 delivers on its promises.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight is exceptional. The titanium housing feels incredibly robust, yet the optic remains lightweight and comfortable to use. The window size is generous, providing a wide field of view and excellent situational awareness.
The optic is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a straightforward zeroing process. While there’s a slight learning curve associated with the Shake Awake technology and multiple reticle options, the user manual provides clear instructions. The HE509T X2 is an ergonomic and well-designed optic that enhances the shooting experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The titanium construction of the Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight suggests it will last for many years with proper care. The IP67 water resistance rating provides added protection against the elements. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens with a microfiber cloth.
Repairing the optic may require sending it back to Holosun, but the robust construction minimizes the likelihood of needing repairs in the first place. This is a durable and low-maintenance optic that is built to withstand the rigors of daily use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight comes with a Picatinny rail mount, a Torx wrench for installation, and a lens cloth. While it doesn’t offer extensive customization options like different color housings or reticle patterns beyond what’s already included, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket pistol mounts and adapter plates. This allows users to adapt it to various firearm platforms.
The optic is also compatible with various laser aiming modules and backup iron sights, providing additional versatility. The compatibility with popular accessories makes the HE509T X2 a highly adaptable and customizable optic.
Pros and Cons of Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight
Pros
- Durable titanium construction for long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Enclosed emitter design ensures a clear and unobstructed view, even in dusty or wet environments.
- Shake Awake technology and Solar Failsafe provide extended battery life and added reliability.
- Multiple reticle options (2 MOA Dot, 32 MOA Circle, or both) for versatile aiming solutions.
- Crisp and clear reticle, even for users with slight astigmatism, improving accuracy and target acquisition.
Cons
- Brightness adjustment buttons can be small and difficult to manipulate with gloved hands.
- The initial price point may be higher than some other red dot options, although the features justify the cost.
Who Should Buy Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight?
The Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight is perfect for concealed carriers, law enforcement officers, and competitive shooters who demand a durable, reliable, and versatile optic. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone with slight astigmatism who struggles with traditional red dots.
Those on a very tight budget or who don’t require the advanced features of an enclosed emitter optic may want to consider other options. Must-have accessories include a high-quality pistol mount and a reliable holster.
Conclusion on Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight
The Holosun HE509T 2x 0.66 x 0.9 in Reflex Red Dot Sight is an outstanding optic that delivers exceptional performance, durability, and versatility. The titanium construction, enclosed emitter, and advanced features make it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters. The price is justified by the quality and features offered.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this optic to anyone looking for a top-tier red dot sight. If you’re in the market for a durable, reliable, and feature-rich optic, the Holosun HE509T X2 is definitely worth considering.