What makes the 509T X2 and 508T X2 gain considerable attention from shooters, firearm enthusiasts, military personnel, home defense gun owners, and budget-conscious buyers?
Are you interested in learning more about the characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and technical details of these two well-known red dot optics?
You don’t need to worry, though, because I will use my experience to bring you insights into these two optics’ unique features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Whether you are an experienced shooter or unfamiliar with red dot optics, knowing the advantages and strengths of these models will help you make the right decisions.
This red-dot optics has been dedicated to developing cutting-edge optic and laser/IR technologies for a broad spectrum of shooting and hunting applications.
With breakthroughs like patented multi-reticle system MRS, solar fail-safe technology, up to 100,000-hour battery life, and much more, this optic is at the forefront of feature development today.
Both models are popular red dot optics designed for Pistols, handguns, rifles, etc.
Holosun is the industry leader when it comes to offering high-quality, feature-rich items at a price that won’t leave you short on cash.
The 508T optic has the same footprint as the Trijicon RMR, which is great. This means that if you like to try something a little different, you can run the 508T. One thing I love about this optic is that it has a titanium housing. Unlike the RMR, you don’t have to take the optic off to change the battery because it has a battery compartment on the side, making it more convenient. You don’t have to re-zero anything.
The big difference between the 509 and anything else is that it’s a closed-emitter optic, which means there are two lenses, one on the front and one on the back. Nothing can get on the emitter. That’s the big difference between the 509 and the 508. It’s just that it’s a closed emitter versus an open emitter. As far as window size and everything like that, they’re identical. And what I have fallen in love with is how big the window is.
Let’s discuss some in-depth technical features of both sights and determine the right choice to enhance your shooting experience!
Technical Features
- Reticle size
- Battery life
- Size and intended use
- Footprints
- Brightness settings
- Durability and Compatibility
Reticle Size
509T X2
This 509T X2 sight comes in red or green reticles and is equipped with a Multi-Reticle System to determine the type of aiming point you want to use when you use this optic. The MRS system in this optics will help you select a fast-sight picture for shorter distances.
Equipped with 2 MOA dots and 32 MOA circles, the large circle helps you obtain a sight picture faster, allows for a hold-over reference, and helps you to guide your eye to 2 MOA dots.
It also features optical quality glass lenses with a multilayer coating to maximize light transmission and improve wear resistance. This results in industry-leading reticle intensity, clarity, and battery efficiency
508T X2
This 508T X2 sight comes in red or green reticles and is equipped with a Multi-Reticle System providing 2MOA dot only, 32MOA Circle only, or a Circle-Dot combination.
The multi-reticle system offers the ultimate in optical sight customization for sportsmen and professional users,
Multilayer-coated quality glass lenses to maximize transmission and improve wear resistance are also present.
Battery Life
509T X2
This optic is powered by a CR1632 battery, which is commonly available. Thanks to additional power-saving features and efficient LED technology, it offers an extended battery life of up to 50,000 hours. The 509T also features shake-awake technology, which helps save battery life and keeps your optic ready to go during your shooting adventures.
These latest optics have a shake-awake feature that extends battery life by turning off the LED when not in use. This is beneficial for smooth firearm operation during duty. The motion sensor detects inactivity, and after 10 minutes, the shake-awake turns off the LED until motion is detected again.
508T X2
Like the 509T X2, the optic is powered by a CR1632 battery and has a life of up to 50,000 hours on setting 6 out of 12. The 508T features a side-loading battery tray for easy replacement and shake-awake technology to save battery life.
Along with shake-awake technology, these optics also feature a solar failsafe; with a solar failsafe, if your battery fails, you always have a backup power source when natural or artificial light is available. The system is activated in auto mode, where reticle intensity is automatically adjusted based on the amount of light the solar cells receive. For models equipped with a supercapacitor, it is possible to use the optic in both daytime and nighttime conditions without a battery.
Size and Intended Use
509T X2
This optic sight measures 4.75 x 3.75 x 3 inches and weighs around 3 ounces. It is slightly taller and heavier than 508T and is suitable for larger sights and firearm enthusiasts who need a larger grip on their optics.
It is designed for pistols but can also be used for short guns and rifles. It is an ideal optic sight for scenarios where durability and reliability are crucial, such as military applications or law enforcement.
.508T X2
This optic sight measures 4.72 x 3.62 x 2.52 inches and weighs around 2 ounces, making it lighter than 509T X2. Its lightweight and compact size make it the best choice for firearm enthusiasts who do not want heavy-weight optics for shooting endeavors.
508T X2 is a versatile optic suitable for a wide range of firearms, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
Which one is bulkier and heavier, and what’s the reason for the additional weight?
The 509T X2 and 508T X2 are somewhat similar in size. The 509T X2 has more weight due to the adopter plate and the enclosed emitter.
The window sizes on both are very similar but the 509T X2 has a little more view ability.
Both optics are meant for use on full-size or compact pistols. They aren’t intended for use on subcompact, micro-compact, or slim pistols and most likely won’t fit anyway due to their RMR footprints.
Footprints
509T X2
The 509 T X2 uses a customized Proprietary footprint unique to its enclosed construction. However, it comes with an adaptor plate that can be installed on platforms that take the RMR footprint, expanding its mounting choices.
The 509t’s customized footprint might make it less compatible with some weapons. However, the adaptor plate that comes with it allows it to be mounted on various rifles.
508T X2
508T utilizes the RMR footprints. This is one of the most popular and in-demand footprints for red-dot sights, making it more compatible to mount with a wide variety of firearms.
It has a benefit: It can be mounted on a wider range of guns because many manufacturers construct their slides to accommodate RMR sights. This gives you more options for matching the 508T with a firearm.
Brightness Settings
509T X2
509T features 10-level brightness settings for daytime vision and 2-level brightness settings for nighttime vision with manual and automatic brightness adjustment settings.
It also features a Brightness memory function. This function helps the optic remember the last brightness setting used, making it convenient for shooters like me who prefer consistent brightness levels whenever we use the optic.
508T X2
It also features 10-level brightness settings for daytime vision and 2-level brightness settings for nighttime vision. The brightness memory function retains the last brightness settings used, making it user-friendly and convenient.
Durability and Compatibility
509T
It is a compact and lightweight optic made of titanium housing material, which makes it easy to use and not very bulky.
The windage, elevation, and adjustment knobs are very tough and not easily scratched.
The 509T is waterproof and can be easily carried in rainy, snowy, or wet conditions.
One of the 509 T’s major advantages is its closed emitter, which makes it impermeable to dirt or impurities inside the lens and prevents it from blocking the reticle.
508T X2
When it comes to durability, this optic is made of compact Titanium housing, which is lightweight and doesn’t add extra weight. The windage and elevation adjustment feature ensures the durability of the optic, as the adjustment knobs are designed not to break off.
Additionally, it is waterproof-rated IPX8, making it suitable for use in rainy, snowy, or wet conditions.
This optic is compatible with many devices as it comes with an RMR footprint, which is commonly used for shotguns, handguns, rifles, and pistols.
Final Verdict: Who is the Winner?
After conducting a thorough analysis as an experienced shooter, I have concluded that the 508T X2 is the better choice for several reasons:
- The 508T sits lower and is more standard, eliminating the need for an extra plate on RMR cut slides.
- The 509T may sit too high with the plate, requiring customization for a direct mount.
- I prefer the 508T due to its smaller size compared to the 509T.
- I opted for the 508T as the 509T appears bulkier and extends more from the sides.
The 508T is a full-size optic with a titanium body and is relatively less expensive than the 509T as it does not require an adapter to be mounted. Both models are great, but the choice depends on mounting plans and preference for optic height. The direct mount provides more confidence as it clamps directly to the slide. Shooters like me will choose the 508T over the 509T primarily because it is more compatible, lightweight, smaller, and, most significantly, affordable.