Holosun 509T-X2 FDE

This product belongs to a higher-end category within the Holosun spectrum: optics intended for very hard duty use. The 509T-X2 has an IPX rating (water resistance and others) of 8, higher than the 67 of most Holosun pistol red dot sights. The T in its name indicates housing made of titanium instead of the usual aluminium.

Additionally, this device has an enclosed emitter, meaning the LED light responsible for the red dot is not exposed to the elements and foreign objects that can potentially obstruct it. This optic is meant to compete with the Aimpoint ACRO series.

The fact that this particular device has such widespread aftermarket support (rifle Picatinny mounts, LPVO Piggyback mounts, milled pistol slides, ranger wraps) indicates the reputation for reliability and ruggedness that it has conquered. It being available in FDE colour also indicates its aspirations to be a serious duty optic.

The “shake awake” feature means the device will power off automatically after a few minutes of not detecting movement, and will power on immediately after detecting the slightest movement or vibration. However, we recommend turning off the device when not in use.

It comes with all the hardware necessary for its installation. We recommend applying Loctite 243 on all the screws and direct mount to a slide milled with the specific footprint of this optic (no adapter plate). The 509T-X2 has a proprietary footprint with no screws and with a solid cross bolt that actuates as a recoil lug, providing a very solid mount and great resistance to side impacts, not unlike the Aimpoint ACRO.

How does the solar mode work?
The solar panel doesn’t work as most people think.
When on solar mode, the brightness of the dot automatically adjusts to ambient light conditions. When not enough solar energy to power the reticle, the device taps into the battery to compensate. In practice, we find solar mode to always produce a very weak dot, so we recommend running the device always on battery mode.

What are the differences between the EPS and the 509T-X2?
The differences are:
-    The EPS is made of aluminium, the 509T-X2 of titanium
-    The EPS is lighter
-    The EPS has a more convenient modified RMS footprint, but at the same time more fragile due to the use of screws
-    The EPS sits lower on the slide and more easily compatible with iron sights
-    The EPS comes with an aluminium adapter plate, the 509T-X2 with a steel one

What are the differences between the 509T and the 509T-X2? 
The 508T was released in 2019. At the beginning of 2020, Holosun released the second generation, named V2. The X2 is the third generation of the device, released months after the V2.
The differences are:
-    The V2 and X2 versions have a side battery compartment instead of a bottom compartment, in order to accommodate the CR1632 battery.
-    The first gen had small buttons in a horizontal layout, the V2 has larger buttons placed vertically, the X2 went back to the original layout.
-    The first gen had a curved upper top and thus a larger window. All other gens have a flat top design with a slightly smaller window but greater structural integrity.
-    The X2 introduced a button lock-out feature to prevent accidentally pressing the buttons.
-    The latest generations have better glass clarity
-    The latest generations have less optic distortion (fish-eye effect) especially along the edges
-    The latest generations have more reticle options

What are the differences between the 508T-X2 and the 509T-X2?
The differences are:
-    The 508T-X2 has an open emitter, the 509T-X2 has a closed emitter
-    The 508T-X2 has a common RMR footprint with vertical screws, the 509T-X2 has a proprietary footprint with no vertical screws
-    The 508T-X2 window sits low on your slide, the 509T-X2 has a considerable height, especially when using Holosun adapter plates. If cowitnessing mechanical sights through the window of the device is needed, the sights must be slightly higher than suppressor height.