Elcan Spectre DR Replica Review

2Feb/10Off

Elcan Spectre DR Replica Review

Elcan Spectre DR Replica Review

I've owned a replica Elcan sight for some time and it has seen extensive use because I see it as having a number of advantages over the ACOG replicas I have owned. The aesthetic look of the updated Elcan Spectre DR instantly attracted me; up until this point, a replica has not been available and the $1800+ price tag on the real steel version has signified there absence from the airsoft scene.

A replica has long been rumored, and the release by Ebaybanned was greeted with much excitement and interest from the airsoft community. Unfortunately Ebaybanned and myself have not had the best of relationships, but this replica was enough of a draw to mean I found that I broe my own self imposed embargo on this particular retailer...

Real Steel

The ELCAN SpecterDR Dual Role Optical Sight represents
a revolution in optical sight design. The world’s first truly dual field
of view combat optical sight, the SpecterDR switches instantly from a
4x magnified sight to a 1x CQB sight with the throw of a lever. Unlike zoom
sights, the SpecterDR offers an optimized optical path and identical eye relief
in both 4x and 1x modes. Depending upon the situation, the user may adjust the
sight to illuminate the entire crosshair or just a brilliant red dot in the center. In 4x
mode the SpecterDR offers a generous field of view, long eye relief, and ELCAN’s
legendary crystal clear image. In CQB mode, the SpecterDR has by far the
largest field of view in the industry. The 4x and CQB Reticles are plainly visible
even in the case of loss of electrical power due to battery failure or EMP.
The SpecterDR offers the best single solution for Long Range and CQB
engagements and is designed to withstand the rigors of modern professional use.

Source: Armament.com

Replica

I placed my order with Ebaybanned on the day after its release by impulse; over the years I've had very mixed service from this shop and my recent experiences has lead me stop purchasing from them altogether, the Spectre has been on my list for some time so I ignored my past experiences and risked an order.

After placing my order, I received no communication from the retailer and after two weeks and a number of emails trying to find out what was going on with my order, it was finally shipped, and just over a week latter the parcel turned up on my door. From talking to other individuals who have tried to order the Spectre i count myself lucky; a number of people are still waiting for shipping confirmation or even communication via email. It would seem that Ebaybanned may have oversold this item and there resolving the issue with there normal cordial service ^_^.

Although I received my goods in the end, this experience has done little to raise my confidence in Ebaybanned, and I know that I have been the exception instead of the rule in terms of receiving my item.

The Spectre replica turned up in a plan brown box without markings or any distinguishing features. I have to say the packaging is rather poor quality, with the replica rapped in plastic bag and nothing else. The absence of foam packing to secure the item ment it was free to move and rattle around in the box with the possibility of damage being caused during transit in the postal system. From Hong Kong, that's a lot of chances.

Picture - Elcan replica in box

Initial impression out of the box are good with the replica Spectre having a nice wight and solid construction. The finish is matt black and without visable imperfections. Markings are white, over all they are of good quality althought shallow in places.

Above: Replica Elcan Spectre DR on AGM M4 GBB

The replica Specre weighs in at 630g ( An acog replica comes in at an adverage of 440g). Having this replica on an aeg or gbb will deffinately change its centre of gravity and will from my experiance have a noticable effect on handling, admitidly this is not as substantial as i was lead to believe initially, and within no time at all you will become used to it. Althought the added weight is noticable and will be a factor for anyone playing milsim, where the objective normaly is to try to cut your weight but the advantages in terms eye relief, clear optics and excellent field of vision, do make the choice to include the spectre in your kitlist for events a difficult one...

Picture: eclan on scales

The dementions of the the replica spectre are 154mm (L) 72mm (w) 80mm (h), this is smaller than the older eclan replicas but considerably bulkyer than acog replicas on the market.

Above: Multiple angles of the Elcan Spectre replica

The best way forward with the review I can conclude is as a comparison between the Elcan Spectre Replica and an ACOG replica as both fur fill the same role and function as a fixed 4x optics. Unlike the real Spectre the replica is restricted to 4x magnification and lacks the red dot function that is available with the real steel version. Hopefully in the future a fully functioning duel role Spectre will become available on the market.

Above: Comparison between Acog ( left ) and Spectre ( right )

The reticule of the Spectre is clear and sharp, without imperfection. Unfortunately it is also thin and small and at times the feature enabling you to illuminate the reticule is a necessity and not just a novelty. The reticule is as unfortunately not accurate to the real steel but is perfectly serviceable for the purposes of airsoft. As previously mentioned the replica has the option of an illuminated reticule; you have the option red and green with five levels of brightness on both. This activated by the large dial on the left hand side, easily adjustable and large enough to be used with gloves on if needed.

Above: Close up of the Spectre reticle

The eye relief on the Spectre is exceptional for a replica; offering from ( by experimentation) a solid 70 – 90mm of eye relief. Compared to an average of 30 – 40mm. The picture clarity is also above average, in no small part due to the large objective lens with minimal overhang from the body of the scope, allowing for great light gathering. This allows the Spectre to remain useful even in relatively low light conditions; an area I’ve experienced disappointment with when using acog replicas in the past.

Above: Demonstration of the Spectres excellent eye relief

Above: The Spectre replica has both clear options and great field of vision

These clear, quality optics come at a price though; as previous mentioned you have a increase in weight over the acog sights, but also the large front lenses is vulnerable to bb strikes. Plus, at over 100€, this is one replica you would not want to be replacing because of a cracked lens. The size of the front lenses along with the absence of any substantial over hang from the body, means the replica is easily susceptible to the issue of lens flare that can give away your position in the field.

The addition of a killflash would solve both of these problems with a small decrease in incoming light. In my eyes, the benefits far outweigh the small decrease in performance. At the moment however, no ready made killflashes are available for the Spectre replica but I believe it will be possible to construct one using easily available aimpoint killflash: This is something I will be experimenting with in the near future.

Above: Spectre replica on A&K Masada

Zeroing the Spectre replica is relatively easy compared, again, to the Acog: Both adjustments are external, with Up and Down adjustment situated at the rear of the Spectre. This is made up of a large wheel that is adjustable by hand and without the use of tools. On my replica I found although the adjustment to move the replica up was smooth, the downwards adjustment had a tendency to become locked up. After some investigation I tracked the issue down to the spring inside the up and down adjustment mechanism, this is putting pressure on the controls leading to lock ups. If you apply pressure to the top of the replica this pressure is take off of the mechanism, and allows the adjustment wheel to move smoothly.

Left and Right adjustment is located at the front of the replica, the use of a coin or screwdriver is needed to make adjustments. The Spectres adjustments are solid and accurate and hold there zero well, this I believe is a result of there external location. This allows for much more robust construction than is found within many Acog replicas on the market.

Above: Elcan Spectre replica in use on a VFC scar heavy

Both the Acog and the Spectre replicas have there positives and negatives: The acog comes out on top in terms of weight, size and cost where as the Spectre fights back with better eye relief, field of vision and quality of optics construction. In my opinion, if you're looking for a practical piece of kit to use in the field, then the Spectre would be my choice. The excellent eye relief off sets many of the negatives of the Spectre by itself. Unfortunately, this replica comes at a cost, and it's rather heavy on the wallet, costing around 130€ including vat and duty. It would not be a purchase I would imagine most people could make lightly with the Spectre coming in at over double the cost of a large number of the Acog replicas on the market.

Pros
Eye Relief - Field of Vision - Clarity of Optics - Light Gathering - Solid Construction

Cons
Heavy - Bulky - Cost - Missing Red Dot Function

More Pictures ...

I hope you find this review interesting and constructive.