EOTech Laser Battery Cap Review

EOTech has several drop in replacements for their holographic weapons sight (HWS) series, and two of the most popular drop-ins are the EOTech Laser Battery Cap, or LBC, and the LBC 2.

The LBC and LBC 2 were both released in 2014. They may be purchased as part of a package deal [sight + LBC (or LBC 2)], or as a standalone product for use with a pre-existing, compatible EOTech HWS. These are intended for models 512/552/518/558.

Laser Battery Cap Model

Essentially, the laser battery cap is precisely what it sounds like. It is a device which upgrades a sight from a standard EOTech HWS to an infrared and/or laser sight.

EOTech Laser Battery Cap

Some technical specifications on the EOTech LBC:

• Dimensions – Length/Width/Height: 2.75 x 2.77 x 0.96 inches
• Weight – 4.1 oz.
• Power source – 2 AA batteries (powers HWS and laser beam)
• Battery life –
  • Lithium: 60 continuous hours with laser on at room temperature
  • Alkaline: 50 continuous hours laser on at room temperature
• Adjustable windage and elevation dials
• Water resistant up to 10 feet
• Input port for remote pressure switch (sold separately, ~$70)

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this unit is $285. For a quality visible laser, which can transform your HWS into an even greater and more accurate threat – you can’t beat that price. It is an item that is sure to stay with you for a long time.

This top-grade laser device is made in the U.S.A, and it comes with a 2-year warranty on defects in craftsmanship and materials.

Laser Battery Cap 2 Model

This LBC unit is also meant for the very same HWS models: 512/552/518/558. But, there is a key difference between the two LBC models.

EOTech LBC 2

While the LBC employs a visible laser beam, the LBC 2 takes the whole thing a step or two further. The LBC 2 has a visible laser beam, and an invisible infrared beam. This is a very useful combination, and it is ideal for home-defense or combat training.

Technical specifications for the LBC 2:

• Dimensions – Length/Width/Height: 2.75 x 3.27 x 0.96 inches
• Weight – 5 oz.
• Power source – 2 AA batteries (powers HWS, laser beam, and infrared beam)
• Battery life –
  • Lithium: 36 continuous hours with laser on at room temperature
  • Alkaline: 24 continuous hours laser on at room temperature
• Adjustable windage and elevation dials
• Water resistant up to 33 feet
• Input port for remote pressure switch (sold separately, ~$70)

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this unit is $429. The infrared technology used on the LBC 2 is civilian legal Class I, meaning it is eye safe.

The EOTech holographic sights were made primarily for short-range, close-quarter battle (CQB) confrontations. There is the ability to use them for mid and long range, but they really shine at close ranges. It is a convenient and speedy way to acquire a target, especially one which is near.

Close Quarter Battle

However, what the LBC products bring to the table is more than just convenience. The ability to use a visible or invisible beam to take a shot – it can be downright crucial. It means that a shooter has the option of shooting from the hip, quickly, without having to meet the holographic window to effectively acquire a target. In a tight spot, those split seconds can make all the difference in the world.

This is why the LBC and LBC 2 make such outstanding optic upgrades, and it is also why the optional remote pressure switch is also something worth considering. The switch facilitates momentary or prolonged activation of the laser/infrared beam, without your eyes leaving the target. The LBC and LBC 2 are worth every penny, and if you treat them right, there is no reason why they won’t last a very long time.