TL;DR
Unity Tactical’s FAST™ mounts are the go-to choice for those wanting a taller optic setup that pairs well with gear like NODs, helmets, and larger over-ear hearing protection. For most AR-15s, a 2.26-inch FAST reflex sight mount and an AXON™ switch cover both your optic and your light. Step up to the FAST LPVO Mount for a variable optic or go with the 1.54-inch REKE™ for a precision rifle.
- Top Reflex Sight Mount – FAST Aimpoint Micro Mount: A 2.26-inch optic mount made of 7075-T6 Aluminum; comes with a set of backup iron sights built directly into the mount.
- Top Holographic Sight Upgrade – FAST Riser: Designed to raise Lower 1/3 height optics, like the EOTech EXPS3, to 2.26 inches like the FAST Reflex Sight Mount.
- Top LPVO Mount – FAST LPVO Mount: Designed to give 30mm and 34mm LVPOs a 2.05-inch centerline; compatible with clip-on thermal units.
- Top Light Control – AXON SYNC: A multi-functional light switch with an angled button activates both your light and IR unit’s visible laser together, and a flat pressure pad runs the laser alone.
Unity Tactical: Brand Overview
Founded in 2012 by Trent Zimmer, Unity Tactical has become one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of aftermarket optic mounts, light controls, and even magnifiers. Their FAST series optic mounts, AXON illumination controls, and GASCAP™ have long been favored by professionals, competitors, and enthusiasts alike. They offer superior reliability and have intuitive designs, and each offering in their lineup offers a unique set of advantages.
Unity Tactical FAST Mounts: What Are They?
Unity Tactical’s FAST Mounts are some of the industry’s most popular aftermarket optic mounts. Machined from 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy, these mounts are exceptionally durable and feature unique mount heights, such as 2.05- and 2.26-inch mount height. In fact, their reflex mounts were the ones that popularized the 2.26-inch mount height—we’ll cover this mount height’s advantages further below.
For protection against abrasion and debris, each FAST Mount is hardcoat anodized. Lastly, depending on the model FAST mount you look at, they can come equipped with other features as well, such as built-in backup iron sights.
| FAST Mount Model | Optical Centerline | Compatible Models | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAST Reflex Sight Mounts | 2.26 inches | Aimpoint Micro (T1/T2) Aimpoint COMP series Aimpoint CompM5s Trijicon MRO MRDS-footprint dots Holosun AEMS Select Primary Arms MicroPrism™ Scopes | 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction Hardcoat Anodized Finish FAST QD Lever Compatible Built-in Backup Iron Sights (Only on Aimpoint Micro Mount) |
| FAST Riser Mounts | 2.26 inches | EOTech EXPS Leupold LCO Vortex UH-1 Other Optics With A Built-In Lower 1/3 Base | 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction Hardcoat Anodized Finish |
| FAST Magnifier Mounts | 2.26 inches | EOTech Magnifiers Vortex Magnifiers Trijicon Magnifiers SIG Sauer Magnifiers Holosun Magnifiers Aimpoint Magnifiers SLx 3x Micro Magnifiers GLx® 6x Magnifier | 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction Flip-To-Center Design Built-In QD lever |
| FAST LPVO Mounts | 2.05 inches | 30mm Rifle Scopes 34mm Rifle Scopes | 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction Clip-On Night Vision Compatible Accepts FAST Offset Optic Base |
| FAST REKE Mounts | 1.54 Inches | 30mm Rifle Scopes 34mm Rifle Scopes | 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction Supports Offset Accessory and Laser Range Finder Mounts Designed for Higher Power Scopes |
FAST Reflex Sight Mounts
By far, some of the most popular reflex sight mounts available are Unity Tactical’s FAST Mounts for reflex sights. These mounts are available for a lot of different model optics, and they all provide you with a 2.26-inch mount height. As noted above, these optic mounts are incredibly durable. Being made of 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy, they’re able to take a beating in rough conditions, making them a solid pick for casual enthusiasts and professionals alike.
One of the key features that makes this mount unique is its 2.26-inch mount height. Most other optic mounts top out at around 1.93 inches, but why go that high in the first place? Contrary to the untrained eye, high riser mounts offer a few advantages over lower 1/3 and absolute cowitness height optics. For starters, they keep your head in more of an upright position, allowing you to more easily acquire your sights from a low-ready position. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages these optic mounts have is their night vision compatibility.
When using Night Optical Devices (NODs) or other night vision goggles, actively aiming through a reflex sight can be difficult if they’re mounted too low. As such, many enthusiasts who run NODs typically favor taller optics like lower 1/3 and 1.93-inch options. But, with Unity Tactical’s 2.26-inch mount height, you have even more clearance to use your optic in conjunction with NODs. This gives you more room for vertical adjustment, allowing you to get the most optimal cheek/chin weld (where your cheek/chin contacts the stock) possible.
As shown in the table above, these mounts are available for most of the industry’s most popular reflex sights. Common models like the Aimpoint Micro T2, Trijicon MRO, and other optics with the same mounting footprint are all compatible with select FAST Mounts. Unity Tactical even offers a FAST Mount that’s compatible with the SLx® and GLx® 1x MicroPrism™ Scopes too.
It’s worth noting that the Aimpoint T2 mount is available with an upgraded design that includes a set of back up iron sights built directly into the mount. Although this feature isn’t available on optics with other footprints as publishing this article, they are all compatible with Unity Tactical’s QD (Quick-Detach) lever. Finally, these mounts are some of the more premium options on the market. And depending on which one you look at, they can cost anywhere from around $140 to upwards of around $190.
FAST Riser Mounts
Unity’s FAST Riser Mounts are a lot like their standard FAST mounts for reflex sights. They’re built to the same spec, meaning they boast the same durability, rigidity, and lightweight. However, instead of being tailored to fit one specific optic mounting footprint, they act as an added picatinny rail for single-body optics like the EOTech EXPS3, SIG Sauer ROMEO 8T, and the Leupold LCO Pro F2.
Such optics already have a lower 1/3rd cowitness mount height (meaning iron sights would sit in the lower 1/3rd of the optic window), and with a Unity riser, they have a 2.26-inch height, just like the standard FAST mount. With it, you can reap the same benefits you would from running a standard smaller red dot sight. However, in this case, you can use a larger, more durable red dot, or even a holographic sight.
On their own, optics like the EOTech EXPS3 are already some of the most sought-after optics for dedicated night vision performance. And with a Unity Riser, you can really take advantage of its night-vision capabilities. You can usually find these risers priced at around $100.
FAST FTC OMNI Magnifier Mounts and 4x Magnifier
Reflex sights of all types are typically ran in conjunction with red dot magnifiers to max out their ranged capabilities, and Unity Tactical has you covered with the FAST Magnifier Mount.
The FAST FTC OMNI Magnifier Mount put your magnifier at a 2.26-inch height, and like most other magnifier mounts, you can flip your optic out of the way when not in use. However, rather than flipping to the side, the FAST FTC OMNI Mount has a unique flip-to-center design (hence the name FTC). This minimizes the risk of snagging on gear when the magnifier isn’t being used and keeps your entire optic package on the centerline of your rifle.
Unity Tactical offers these mounts for a wide range of magnifiers too. They’re compatible with multiple mounting footprints too, such as EOTech’s G33-style footprint, 30mm tube mounts like Aimpoint Magnifiers, and even Primary Arms Optics’ SLx Micro Magnifier. All of them are typically priced around $265.
In addition to magnifier mounts, Unity Tactical also offers their own magnifier in the form of the FAST 4x Magnifier. Using the same 7075-T6 Aluminum for the optic body, these optics are both light and rugged, making them a solid pick for all kinds of rifle builds. Its 4x fixed magnification makes it a great in-between choice, as most red dot magnifiers are available in either a 3x, 5x, or 6x magnification. With 4x magnification, you gain some extra ranged performance over 3x models, and with it weighing only 8.5 ounces, it makes for a rather lightweight optic setup. Unity also offers their magnifier with an integrated mount too.
Without the mount, the FAST 4x Magnifier is priced around $450. Meanwhile, the integrated mount version costs around $680. If you already have a mount, we recommend just getting the magnifier on its own. But, if you’re planning to run an optic on a Unity FAST Mount or Riser, we recommend going with the integrated mount version for simplicity’s sake.
FAST LPVO Mount
Taller mounts are beneficial for LPVOs (Low-Power Variable Optics) as well, and as far as rifle scope performance goes, LPVOs are some of the most adaptable. Unity Tactical’s FAST LPVO Mounts give your optic a 2.05-inch height, giving you many of the same benefits as the FAST Reflex Sight Mounts. Plus, Unity Tactical designed these mounts to be compatible with clip-on thermal units, which mount in front of your primary optic. They’re made from 7075-T6 Aluminum, and they’re currently available in both a 30mm and 34mm configuration to accommodate a wide range of LPVO models.
LPVOs are exceptionally versatile—they can have either a 1-6x, 1-8x, and at times, a 1-10x magnification range. As such, users can quickly switch between 1x zoom, which offers agility that’s nearly on par with reflex sights, to max power, which can allow you to engage targets out to 800 yards away, depending on the scope’s power and reticle.
Rifle scopes, in general, are paired with a wide range of different mount heights. And for the uninitiated, it might seem counterintuitive to run a taller mount with a variable power scope. However, doing so has some key advantages. Just like with the 2.26-inch FAST mounts listed above, a taller mount height allows you to more easily get your eyes behind the glass when aiming, which is great for dynamic applications. When magnified, taller mounts are still more than adequate for most applications.
It’s worth mentioning that these are some of the industry’s most premium scope mounts, so they’re priced as such. You can typically find these mounts priced around $350, and for that price, you get an extremely well-engineered scope mount that’s built to handle anything you can throw at it.
Unity Tactical FAST REKE™ Mount
If you’re building a precision rifle, the FAST REKE Mount is a great option to consider. Designed for medium and high-power rifle scopes, they’re a more robust scope mount with a more standard 1.54-inch mount height. These scopes are popular on large caliber semi-auto rifles and even bolt action rifles. Plus, Unity Tactical offers a wide range of accessories specifically for the REKE. Depending on what kind of functionality you want out of your finished rifle, you can add offset optics, laser range finders, and more.
Like the FAST LPVO Mount, the REKE Mount is available in both a 30mm and 34mm configuration, making it compatible with most of the industry’s most popular rifle scopes. Also, this is another premium scope mount option that’s also priced around $350. We recommend going with this mount if you’re building a high-performance rifle that demands a high-quality optic mount.
Unity Tactical AXON Light Controls
Outside of their optic mounts, Unity Tactical also provides the industry with some of its finest weapon light components, the most notable of which is the AXON series light switch. Compatible with a wide range of weapon light models, AXON switches are available in multiple configurations that are designed to accommodate different illumination setups. Currently, Unity Tactical offers two distinct versions of it: The AXON SL and AXON/AXON SYNC.
| AXON Switch Model | Buttons | Compatibility | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXON SL | 1 | LINK USB-C SureFire Streamlight Crane-style laser plugs | 45-Degree Angled Button Impact-Resistant Polymer Construction 4.5- or 7-inch Cable Length |
| AXON/AXON SYNC | 2 | LINK USB-C/Crane laser SureFire/Crane laser plugs | Separate Buttons for Light and Laser Units Impact-Resistant Polymer Construction 7-inch Cable Length |
Unity AXON SL Remote Switch
The AXON SL Remote Switch is the most compact weapon light switch offered by Unity Tactical. Rather than having a flat body, with the button lying along your mounting surface, the button is positioned at a 45-degree angle. By design, the button is more pronounced, making it easier to feel in low light environments, allowing for easier activation in stressful conditions. In addition to this, it’s also easier to use this switch when wearing gloves, and there’s less risk of accidentally activating it since the housing is more pronounced.
Like other push button switches, the AXON SL has both a momentary and continuous setting. Pushing on the button lightly activates the light, causing the switch to function like a pressure pad/tape switch. If you click the button though, the light stays on until you press it again. Being the most compact switch offered by Unity Tactical, these switches are a great choice for rifles of all sizes, though they work especially well on more compact builds with limited rail space.
Currently, the AXON SL is made in an assortment of configurations. Depending on the model you look at, they can come with either a 7- or 4-inch cable that’s compatible with either USB-C, Streamlight, or SureFire tailcaps. Regardless, they’re all priced at around $105.
Unity Tactical AXON/AXON SYNC Remote Switch
The AXON switch is designed to maximize versatility. Coming with the two lead cables and two buttons, it’s designed to control both weapon lights and IR illuminators. That flat pressure pad activates your IR laser, while the top button works both your weapon light and visible laser on the IR unit. This gives you a lot of control over how you use your illumination setup, and it’s an excellent choice for those who train at night with NODs. But it’s important to note that there are two versions of this switch—there’s the AXON and the AXON SYNC, and both control your setup differently.
Most, if not all, popular IR illuminators have multiple modes that control its output. For instance, you can select your illuminator to project only an IR laser, an IR flood, or both at the same time. With a standard AXON switch, the flat pressure pad will control your IR unit, while the angled button will control just the light. On the AXON SYNC, the flat pressure pad still projects whatever your IR Illuminator is set to, but the angled button that controls visible light activates both your weapon light and your IR illuminator’s visible laser. If you want to use a visible laser in conjunction with your weapon light, go with the AXON SYNC. If that isn’t a feature you want, the standard AXON is the move.
Regardless of which one you go with, since both switches are at different angles, you’ll be far less likely to accidentally activate visible light instead of IR light. And finally, just like the AXON SL, there are multiple variants of the AXON available. They can come with USB-C, SureFire, and Streamlight light cables, as well as either Crane Laser, DBAL, or NGAL laser cables. They can range anywhere from around $140 to as much as around $275.
Weapon Light and AXON Switch Accessories
Unity Tactical also offers accessories to go with the AXON switches.
While not necessarily an accessory for the switches themselves, the Unity Tactical GASCAP is a nice replacement tailcap for the SureFire Scout Light. The GASCAP uses a unique design that includes both a button for manual operation, as well as a USB-C Plug that’s compatible with select AXON switches. They’re made from a specialized high-impact polymer that’s designed to withstand use in harsh environments, so it’s a worthwhile upgrade if you’re looking to maximize the utility of your weapon light.
Outside of the GASCAP, Unity Tactical also offers several mounting accessories for the AXON switch. They offer a wide range of mounting kits, with one of the most popular being their M-LOK Mounting Kit. All AXON switches come equipped with a 1913 Picatinny mounting base, but it can be swapped out for an M-LOK base. With it you can mount your switch along the side of your handguard without needing a separate M-LOK to Picatinny rail adapter. The M-LOK Mounting Kits are priced around $16 too, making them a great budget-friendly upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What height are Unity Tactical FAST mounts?
It depends on the mount, but most feature a 2.26-inch mount height. FAST reflex sight mounts, FAST risers, and FAST FTC magnifier mounts all put your optic’s centerline at a 2.26-inch height. FAST LPVO mounts sit lower at 2.05 inches, so they can still be compatible with clip-on thermal units. Lastly, Unity’s REKE scope mount, designed for long-range precision, has a 1.54-inch centerline.
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Why would you want a 2.26-inch optic mount?
2.26-inch mounts allow you to keep your head up while acquiring your sights rather than having to press your cheek down into the stock. This higher height also makes it easier to properly aim with your optic if you’re wearing night vision goggles, a larger helmet, a gas mask, or bulky ear protection, all of which can make the cheek weld needed for lower optics a bit awkward.
Despite their benefits, you need to take their added height over bore into consideration. The taller your optic sits above the barrel, the lower your bullet hits below the dot at close range. With training, you can get used to the holds needed for close-up shooting, but they can have a steep learning curve for beginners. Also, taller mounts aren’t always easy to use in the prone position, but again, with training, they can be used quite effectively. -
Do Unity FAST mounts co-witness with iron sights?
No, they don’t, at least not with standard height iron sights. Co-witness means you can see your back up iron sights through your primary optic’s window, and standard flip-up irons, which have around a 1.4- to 1.5-inch height, sit far too low to line up with a 2.26-inch optic.
That’s why the FAST Aimpoint Micro Mount has its own backup iron sights built into the optic mount. They even have adjustable windage and elevation too. Its front post is removable, so you can pair it with a separate front sight for a longer sight radius. As of publishing this article, this feature is only present in Unity Tactical’s Aimpoint FAST Mount. -
What’s the difference between the AXON and AXON SYNC?
The difference is what the angled button does. Both switches have two buttons: an angled button for your weapon light and a flat pressure pad for your IR Illuminator. On the standard AXON, the angled button runs the light alone. On the AXON SYNC, that same button fires your light and your IR unit’s visible laser at the same time, while the flat pad still activates the laser on its own.
Go with the SYNC if you want your light and visible laser on one press. Go with the standard AXON if you’d rather keep them separate. -
Do you need a GASCAP to use an AXON switch?
No, you don’t. The GASCAP is an aftermarket tailcap that features both a USB-C insert for light controls and a push button for manual light activation. Unity’s LINK USB-C switches plug into the GASCAP, but if you’re running a SureFire or Streamlight weapon light, Unity Tactical offers AXON switches that are compatible with their tailcaps. As of this article’s publication, the GASCAP is priced around $100, but always double check which tailcap your light uses before you buy a remote switch of any kind.
