Is Aimpoint's New Duty Optic Worth A....

Published on July 26, 2022
Duration: 21:34

This video provides an in-depth review of the Aimpoint Duty RDS, comparing it extensively to the Aimpoint T2 and Patrol Pro. The presenter, an experienced firearms instructor, highlights its value proposition for law enforcement and civilian shooters seeking Aimpoint quality at a reduced price point. Key aspects discussed include battery life, brightness settings, weight, durability, and mounting compatibility, concluding that it's a strong contender in the market.

Quick Summary

The Aimpoint Duty RDS is a new red dot sight offering Aimpoint's renowned durability and performance at a more accessible $500 MSRP. It features a 2 MOA dot, 30,000-hour battery life, and is submersible to 80 feet, making it a strong contender for law enforcement and civilian shooters seeking a reliable optic without the premium cost of the T2.

Chapters

  1. 00:33Introduction & Welcome
  2. 00:42Introducing the Aimpoint Duty RDS
  3. 00:56Relationship with Aimpoint
  4. 01:07Sponsor: Shooting Surplus Discount
  5. 01:44Sponsor: US Brass House Ammo
  6. 02:39Aimpoint as the Gold Standard
  7. 03:01Aimpoint Durability & Cost
  8. 03:26Personal Experience with Aimpoint T2
  9. 03:47The Aimpoint Duty RDS Entry
  10. 04:22Duty RDS Announcement at Shot Show
  11. 04:53Law Enforcement Focus & Price Point
  12. 05:45Duty RDS vs. T2: What's Different?
  13. 06:00Comparison Points: Duty RDS, T2, Patrol Pro
  14. 06:23MSRP Comparison: Duty RDS, T2, Patrol Pro
  15. 06:41Dot Size & Battery Life
  16. 07:15Battery Life Settings Explained
  17. 07:32Daytime vs. Low Light Battery Use
  18. 07:42T2 Battery Life Comparison
  19. 07:56Patrol Pro Battery Type
  20. 08:11Battery Convenience Discussion
  21. 09:15Brightness Settings & Night Vision
  22. 09:35Brightness Comparison: Duty RDS vs. Comp M5
  23. 09:43T2 Night Vision & Daytime Settings
  24. 10:28Patrol Pro Settings
  25. 10:33Duty RDS as Patrol Pro Replacement
  26. 10:43Weight Comparison: Duty RDS, T2, Patrol Pro
  27. 10:54Water Submersion Ratings
  28. 11:18Included Mount Analysis
  29. 11:33Aftermarket Mount Options
  30. 11:51Mount Height & Co-Witness
  31. 12:09Department Mount Considerations
  32. 12:29Footprint Compatibility (T2/M5)
  33. 12:47Adjustment Controls: Buttons vs. Knobs
  34. 13:17T2 Knob Stiffness
  35. 13:42Button Recess & Glove Use
  36. 13:59Support Hand Adjustment Advantage
  37. 14:18Windage/Elevation Adjustment Tool
  38. 14:50Glass Clarity & Blue Tint Debate
  39. 15:30Blue Tint Impact on Astigmatism
  40. 16:00Duty RDS as Patrol Pro Replacement (Revisited)
  41. 16:22Durability Concerns & User Scenarios
  42. 17:00Real-World Toughness Expectations
  43. 17:26Likelihood of Future Purchases
  44. 17:45Overall Verdict: A Winner
  45. 17:58Metal Construction (Forged Aluminum)
  46. 19:00Potential Feature Request: Setting Lock
  47. 20:17Final Conclusion & Future Follow-up
  48. 20:36Outro & Sign Off
  49. 20:44Rapid Fire Question: Squirrels vs. Hippo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Aimpoint Duty RDS and how does it compare to other Aimpoint optics?

The Aimpoint Duty RDS is a new red dot sight designed with law enforcement in mind, offering Aimpoint's signature durability and performance at a reduced price point. It's positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to the high-end Aimpoint T2 and a modern replacement for the Aimpoint Patrol Pro, featuring a 2 MOA dot, 30,000-hour battery life, and a robust forged aluminum construction.

What are the key features and specifications of the Aimpoint Duty RDS?

The Aimpoint Duty RDS features a 2 MOA red dot, 30,000-hour battery life on setting 7, six daytime brightness settings, four night vision settings, and is submersible to 80 feet. It weighs 3.8 ounces without a mount and uses the same footprint as the T2 and Comp M5, ensuring compatibility with many aftermarket mounts.

How does the battery life of the Aimpoint Duty RDS compare to the Aimpoint T2?

The Aimpoint Duty RDS offers approximately 30,000 hours of battery life on setting 7, equating to about three years. In comparison, the Aimpoint T2 boasts a longer battery life of 50,000 hours, or five years, on its equivalent setting, making the T2 more suitable for users prioritizing extended operation without battery changes.

Is the Aimpoint Duty RDS durable enough for tactical use?

Yes, the Aimpoint Duty RDS is constructed from high-strength forged aluminum and is designed for durability, meeting Aimpoint's reputation for robust optics. While not explicitly tested against extreme abuse like the T2, it is submersible to 80 feet and is considered tough enough for duty and demanding civilian use.

What is the price point of the Aimpoint Duty RDS compared to other models?

The Aimpoint Duty RDS has an MSRP of $500, making it significantly more affordable than the Aimpoint T2 (around $922 MSRP). It is priced slightly above the older Aimpoint Patrol Pro (around $445 MSRP), but offers a lighter weight and more modern design, making it a compelling value proposition.

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