Introduction
DI Optical is a Korean optics manufacturer that specializes in making rifle and machine gun sights. Their products have been tested and approved by various organizations, including NATO. They are known for durability, robustness and capability of withstanding extreme weather conditions. EG1 is an aluminum-made reflex red dot sight, perfect for AR platforms and similar firearms. It features a single CR2032 battery and promises 5000 hours of continuous operation on mid-brightness level.
Physical properties
each EG1 – as is typical for DI Optical – passes a rigorous testing procedure. It is robust, durable and impervious to both extreme heat and cold – its operation remains unimpaired even on -30°C. Its robustness is outstanding and can be compared to that of Meprolight Mepro M21. It features a huge window with a great field of view which facilitates aiming and shooting. The lenses are protected from sunlight and abrasion by rubber hoods which can be easily removed should they not be needed. The device features elevation and windage turrets – one click moves the point of impact for 28 mm on 100 m (1 MOA). It is queer that both elevation and windage turret are on the side – it takes some time to get used to that. In the package, there is a special tool provided – with it, you can rotate the counter-clockwise turrets (if you forget the tool, you can use a coin or a screwdriver). Clicks produce a nice, crisp sound. It is fascinating that this dot is completely enclosed – we have never seen an enclosed red dot sight with a window as big as this one (32×32 mm).
Optical properties
EG1 features a 1x magnification. It is very pleasant to look through its big window as there is no optical distortion or any tint to impair the optical experience. What we find absolutely amazing is EG1’s dot brightness intensity span – the user can choose from 15 illumination intensities (the first six are meant exclusively for use with night vision devices, levels 7–9 are great for dusk use and levels 10–15 already produce a daytime-bright red dot). It is a bit odd that only every second illumination intensity level is marked with a number on the rotary switch (levels 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 are marked with a white dot). The rotary switch for adjusting brightness is quite rugged, so use of gloves is advised. The reticle is a 1.5 MOA dot, delicate enough to shoot accurately even at longer distances (there is also an option of buying EG1 with a dot and 65 MOA circle).
Conclusion
EG1 is a great choice for hectic situations – the huge window that it is equipped with provides a great field of view and allows rapid target acquisition. It can withstand extreme cold as well as extreme heat, and 15 brightness intensity settings are enough to aid the user in all lighting conditions. If you are looking for a robust red dot sight, this sight will not let you down. Based on the quality of this device, the price slightly above 600 € is more than reasonable.
