@pantherhollow5290 thanks for putting a video out that tells the truth. The shills almost convinced me but I remember learning years ago that when it comes to scops, you generally get what you pay for. This video reinforced that rule.
The very fact that there is an EP5 on the same table as some of these other scopes tells me that this scope at it's price is awesome for a lot of people!
It is a great scope for the price. I said that in the video. When you compare two similar things in 2 totally different price ranges there are REAL differences!! Just my two cents.
Your rant just helps prove how the Arken optics team has shook the optics world as far as what the simple common man can afford and have the same controls as a $4000 scope! Tracking is +-1% deviation that's way better than most 4k euro scopes! Glass is certainly not on par and the illumination...works lol. Vortex needed a wake up call anyway with the sh*t they've been getting away with price gauging on their 500 to $1000 scopes.
@@samstone8652 lol.. I did love the comment for sure. Do you know how many of the same comment I received? let's just say a lot. this is just another of the same and shows that the channels like mine have a lot of work to do when it comes to helping people be more educated. Sorry man, $550 scope is just that.. It's not a $4000 scope. We can beat this horse all day. These are the facts. Thank you for the commentary!
@@samstone8652 lol... that is funny.. You have a baseless argument just like every other key board warrior.. you should be on the range learning that might work better for you!
Fair rant, sir. I appreciate your perspective and I think you are right that we can more clearly define our terms. When we say "better" it is certainly subjective. Keep em coming.
Thank you sir... I appreciate you replying back. When info is put out like this,,,, it is left to us to deal with the people that think they are buying a $550 Night Force. We deal with this in house the best we can. People like me get the brunt of it when they finely make it to the range, and the scope does not live up to expectation. Have a blessed week!
@@pantherhollow5290 CONTEXT is key. I would hope full context of qualified remarks on another channel would be considered especially before accusing brothers of spewing garbage, telling fibs, or being shady, etc… Flinging arrows at other people is cheap, building constructive dialogue can be more difficult but is more classy.
@@TiborasaurusRex Well as you put it in other Videos. Are you asking me to be politicly correct or black and white.. Big boy pants time brother?? No arrows here.. Just the truth.. When people come to me unhappy because they did not get a 1k scope for $550. I am talking straight to you and not in riddles.. Black and white NO GRAY area.. The Bible is black and white bro.. You know that!!
@@pantherhollow5290 Outstanding phone call, sir. I appreciate your professionally and straightforwardness. May we work together for the education of the community as a whole. Peace.
I agree with your comments. As the owner of quite a few scopes in ranges up to 3k. I recently purchased an Arken. I had no expectation that the scope would perform at an unrealistic level. The scope is certainly not as good as 1-2k plus scopes. I would say that at its price point it is hard to beat in that range. As a family man who can not afford to equip every rifle with 1-2k plus dollar scopes it is nice to see a sub 800 dollar scope that performs very well. Its a great option in its space for what I believe is its target audience. Thanks for taking the time to put out a real honest opinion that is pretty spot on.
I have a night force in excess 8x32x56 and I have the arcken ep5 The night Force has better glass indeed and a better overall sight picture but as far as tracking and performance the ark and ep5 stands toe to toe with it I will stand by that
Not sure you are the guy to be making comments to others!! If you would like to trade the Night Force let me know. If you feel bad about your purchase.
@@shawncrittenden6216 I guess it depends on what you know about glass. For as a competition shooter that relies on seeing my bullet trace... than YES a $1500 scope is better, Some $800 are better than the EP5. I have ran them and I have tested them. If you want to buy an EP5 for your self then get one. They are great scope for the price bracket they set in. But if some one tells you that they are better than or equal to some top shelf optics. They are trying to sell the product!! plane and simple. Buy once cry once is the only real rule in optics!
I bought the Arken SH 4 and the NX8 Nightforce and here’s what surprised me. The Arken is much better than I expected while the NF was much less than I expected. The turrets on the NF are small, almost inaudible, mushy and without turret locks. The Arken is vastly superior in this regard. The weight difference is substantial as the NF is 28 oz while the Arken is 36 oz. Neither in my opinion are hunting rifle scope for this reason alone. I think the Tract Toric combines the great mechanics of the Arken with the optics and durability of the NF at a price that splits the difference
The hubbub with the recent Arken praising reminds me a lot of Swampfox. It seems more like paid advertising/endorsements from guntubers. I think the bottom line is that most people in the market for a $500 optic aren’t going to buy a $1.5-$3k optic. Arken is filling a spot for your average weekend shooter who wants a good combination of frills, function and repeatable performance in a budget friendly scope…..me being one of those people
Thank you for the video. I would like to add my thoughts. I own an Arken, Vortex, Leupold, and some others. The Arken is not as bright as the Vortex or Leupold. The tracking and illumination is as good. The zero stop is as good. For those that need the brightest scole because maybe their vision requires it or you're shooting at a mile or better, spend more money for sure. Out to 1000 yds, i didn't see enough difference to pay that much more. In your video, we did get your opinion but you didn't show us video through compared scopes, or compare tracking or other features. Pls show us what makes the others worth so much more. Those are just my comments.
I own an old hunting Leupold VXR, a bunch of Nikon Rimfire scopes, a cheap Burris LPVO, a few Vortex optics from low end to Razor HD Gen1, 3 Athlon Midas Tac, 2 Ares ETR & BTR (1ea), and an Arken SH4 Gen 2. Only one of these scopes has a clear defect (chip) in the glass that is large enough to be seen at 6x: Arken. Only one has such poor coating that I cannot shoot at my range before noon, because the light flare washes out the entire viewing area: Arken. Only one has such bad edge clarity that I can barely see the holdovers over 4-5mil: Arken. I have also seen some decent examples of Arken optics, but mine never should have left the factory. I work in QC for a living and would ream one of my inspectors for letting something this bad get out. Either they don’t care or they lied about inspecting it. Everything I noticed would have been seen if someone even looked through the scopes or a second. It was so bad I pulled the scope before getting my rifle zeroed. Cleaned it up and checked it again at home. Looking past a thick cloth shaded lamp at a reasonably similar light angle to the range (with sunshade on) and results were duplicated. Back in the box and back to Arken. Nice they offer a refund option, though, rather than just the roulette of another of the same.
Its as if we are just supposed to take his word over another bloke on the internet. No proof, just opinion without merit. I hate videos like this, waste of time when nothing is proven.
My sh4 gen2 does great to 1000 yards.. not as bright as my nikon and if i even feel the need to buy another it will be a nikon but the arken really was impressive and works very nice for me!
If you can see the bullet impact and accurately move your reticle … what more do you need . If you can spend $2000.00 go ahead . If $600.00 gets you into the game … for not much less performance .
This all depends on if you want to win a match. or just be a money donator. What if the ground is soft and you do not have a spotter??? HMMM Maybe seeing trace could put you on the points board.. I know it did me... Food for thought.
That is my point. It depends on PLU. If your happy with the Arken and what it offers as a package, then that is great.. GREAT choice for its price range. NO top F-class guys are shooting Arken scopes, NO top PRS guys are shooting Arken scopes, NO bench rest guys are shooting Arken scopes!! NONE.. So if you like shooting for fun and you like shooting and occasional match then it will be fine. If you are serous about winning then you will need a sharper more clear scope that you can see your trace with!! I guess if you never miss then you are correct about impacts. BUT if you are like everyone else then seeing your trace on a miss would be beneficial. These are the facts. Thanks for watching
Rex was referring to the tracking of the turret system on the Arken’s. I never got the impression he was comparing the glass of the EP5 to $2k+ optics.
@@pantherhollow5290 I do believe that Rex was making two (different/separate) points: 1) The Arken is outperforming name brand scopes (presently) in the categories he listed, within the similar price ranges. 2) The Arken has features and performance that were only found in scopes that "was" (were) $2K or better - when he started shooting seriously (10 to 25 years ago). That's just how I took his take.
@@OC_Lofton no problem, man... The guy has some good points, but the fact is he is paid to say kind thing about a product he had a hand in making. I do not have a problem with that.. Why would you compare a 1960 chevy to a 1990 chevy! The answer is? So, you can make one look better that what it really is... Let's do apples to apples... Thanks for watching man.. Thanks for the impute!
@@pantherhollow5290 Thanks for your reply. I understand your point(s) as well. I watch You, Rex, Joe Rhea, Affordable Optics, Bullets 4 Bucks, The Hide and some others when it comes to scope reviews. I'd like to see how the Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 6-24x56 compares to the Arken EP5 5-25x56. The Athlon Helos BTR Gen2's are hard to beat in their price range.
@@OC_Lofton I am talking with Rex now... I sent him my phone number.. I do not expect he will call.. Thanks for watching buddy.. I did a side by side with the helos already.
Brother thanks for being real. Popularity and video views are last priority in reviews. Your a competition shooter that uses these scopes. Experience is hard to explain in scope reviews, your doing an excellent job
I own everything from a monstrum 1-3 on a squirrel gun 17HMR/22LR to ZCO and March for MRAD, SCAR 20 and custom guns, so I really don't have an issue with buying cheap to cutting edge riflescopes. Arken makes range scopes( sunny day, clear skies). Rain or water, nope. You are right about them making a scope that is better then a few other sub 1000 dollar optics. I think this optic is good for a beginner, first optic for ELD, super budget optic. Like you said, as soon as we are talking 1000 or over, it's just to push sells in my opinion. I also own Arken, Vortex, Athlon, Swampfox, Steiner and NightForce. Twenty optics currently, I have yet to find one that I felt the need to sell or return. However I don't kid myself that my Vortex 1-8 Strike eagle is going to match my NightForce 1-8 ATCAR passed 600meters/ 656yards in illumination, glass or image quality. And 600 meters is pushing it, more like 500 meters in real life on the best of conditions. But for for .223/5.56, the Strike eagle 1-8 is more then enough. Could make a shot passed 600m say 800m, I can, but if I gave you both riflescopes on the same gun, you would pick the NightForce every time. That's not being a snob, that's just the truth.
Old saying, but true saying, " You get what you pay for"! Do these video makers have a vested reason to review the way they do? FOR THE PRICE, Arken are great scopes. Just my opinion of course 😊
I have to admit, at 1st I didn't like your videos (not sure why, I think bc you weren't filming thru the scope) but you have come to be one of the only people I truly trust in the optics community. I 100% agree with you about this Arken (well.....90% because I think the Athlon Midas Tac is neck and neck with the Arken) but the degree to which the Arken is propped up youtube is insane!! I lost faith in Arken bc they come across as the new Vortex (buying good reviews from youtubers) I no longer believe ANYTHING I hear about the Arken!! Thank you for being honest!! I would really love to see you review some of the next tier scopes such as the Sightron SVIII and the Zeiss S3 Keep up the great work and honesty!!!
I’m an Arken dealer as well here in Utah, I’m sponsoring PRS/NRL shooter Greg Hebert, he’s gonna run it on his 6 ARC, looking forward to his feedback and review. They have been selling like hot cakes, especially for the new shooters that want to get into the game, tested the tracking against my Schmidt and Bender, tracks just as well, but I do agree we do need actual videos of the performance, hopefully coming soon
I would argue being able to spot bullet trace is a secondary factor not a primary factor in getting hits on target at distance. It is helpful to aid in wind reads for follow up shots. Durable and reliable turrets that track I would say matters more.
In Rex’s detailed review vs the Viper and the EP5 he clearly says the glass on the EP5 is a 5 out of 10 for the glass, so I think his detailed review redeems his enthusiasm in his first thoughts video
@@pantherhollow5290 it’s this video th-cam.com/video/KQDUmmfweLI/w-d-xo.html And starting at 4 minutes he starts with the score for the Vortex Venom (4.5/10) then the EP5 (5/10) The conversation leading up to that gives a fair description of both scopes glass that clearly articulates that this isn’t $3000 glass
@@ronmartblog this all depends on how many glasses of wine Rex has had... lol I watched this video and his opinion on how much the Aken actually should sell for changes A-LOT.. Sorry man I have spent several hours on the phone with this guy. I KNOW his opinion is BOUGHT. this is a fact of TH-cam. he may have picked the Venom on some things and not the Arken on others. the truth is BOTH scopes are VERY cheaply made. those scope are both under $100 wholesale. So, the fact he even states that these types of scopes are in the same league as a $1500 to $2000 scope is complete BS. The facts are: 1. He gets paid to sell scopes 2. He teaches Long Range Shooting, and he pushes the narrative of gear that works. Well, I have NEVER seen and Arken or a Vortex Venom on ANY pro-shooters gun! 3. these kickbacks and channel reviews put cash in his pocket, and this is why they are GROSSLY overrepresented! 4. knowing all of this PLUS much more it blows me away to see videos with that content. My channel is NOT based on who is putting money in my pocket as I pay for all of it. this allows me to have ALL the freedom I want on my channel. Thanks for watching.😁 😁
I watched that video from Rex and I thought he said it was as good as $3000-4000 scopes from 5-10 years ago. That is still impressive, but not nearly as bold a statement that it is as good as modern top-tier scopes.
To be fair I think TiborasaurusRex was referring to scopes that not to long ago (8 or 10 years) were $2000 and was not just talking about the glass, but tracking and robustness as well (the scope as a whole). At least that's how I took his video. The key word in your clip of him is "Was a couple thousand bucks" past tense and I'm pretty sure he mentioned at least once in his video how far scopes have come recently.
I agree that scopes today are much better than years past. My 5-year-old Vortex is a better scope. It's a VERY popular scope and it is under $2k. Thanks for watching man..
Indeed, the context of my clarity assessment was simply that the EP5 is outperforming "a lot of stuff" in the higher price ranges from before, not a definite article of ultimate universal superiority of course.
@@TiborasaurusRex So did you compare the EP5 to older stuff to make it look better than it is?? I mean a 3800 S and B,,,, Come on.. Even if that S and B was 10 years old.. The glass in that scope has to be awesome!!
How u gonna conpare a current tech to old tech.lol..... im sure he did not compare old to new.lmfao.... he knew he meant current to current and obviously got caught...now got called on😂😂😂😂...
Very well said! I am a huge Arken fan and have a new one on order and I couldn't agree more. Some of these Utube reviewers are overstating how good an Arken EP5 is. I don't know if they are just that exited or getting some kind of kickback. Who knows. I have a SH4 6-24 I bought back in 2019 and its great . Its not a Schmidt and Bender tho. Arken has improved the SH4 into the EP5. It has a larger range 5-25 and larger element at 56 vs 50 and it has a step up in glass quality. All at about the same price! Its not a $2000.00 scope tho. There is nothing else I could find that could match their SH4 specs back in 2019 and probably still isn't to match a EP5 unless I want to spend much more money than $550.00. I bet its about double to get anything with the same specs and as good of quality glass and turrets that are even close.
This is my thought, I have an EP5, it is a lot of bang for the buck in its price range, if it were to have top end glass, where would the price point be. You brought up a really good point about trace I hadn't even considered. I mainly focus on 22lr, I feel between my Athlon scopes and the Arken it is decent enough to get the job done. I would like to have one top tier scope someday
If the Arken was made in Japan, it would be higher for sure. The profit margin would be less, and it would be a better product. That being said, The Athlon Eries ETR is a Chinese scope, and it is the BEST on the market. It has been around for a long time and has a proven track record. This is yet to be seen with the EP5. The scopes over the $1500 dollar mark are the ones that have the ability to catch trace. This is a huge advantage over someone that is using a lesser scope. I hope you get a top tier scope someday as well.. It is hard to go back once you have experienced the other.
Thank you for the honest info a review. I purchased the Arken EP5 as I am just getting into long range bench shooting. I watched the video and many others about the EP5 as well as some other scope reviews. I am not naive enough to believe my scope is going to out preform any $2k scopes. But at the moment, it will out perform me and it gives me a decent budget scope for my budge rifle. If I find that long range shooting isn't for me, I have not dumped $2k into a scope I don't use. I love to reload and shoot, but due to a car accident, I cannot stand very long.
I did a simple tracking test on my EP5 And my Burris XTR III, they both were almost identical. The turret sound and crispness on both were very close as well. But it really comes down to glass clarity and what it does in low light situation for me. I think it falls off around 800 yards and over 20x. But if you’re shooting under 20x and under 800 yards, it’s an amazing scope.
@@josephfeghhi Burris glass has better glass, less chromatic aberration. Very similar glass clarity up until about 16x power, though. After that the Burris really shines.
got my EP5 today - I compared my EP5 to a Cronus and a Sig Tango 6 5x30x56 and the $1500 scopes are much clearer and brighter -- I also compared it to a Midas Tac 5x25x56 and it is also clearer and brighter - I then compared it to a SightMark Latitude PRS and the EP5 was about the same - it is cheaper than the SightMark - - The EP5 has a very quality feel it will be more than fine for it's intended use, I wasn't expecting a $1500 scope - - I did my comparison at around 100 yard all on 20x just holding all the rifles looking at a shed window - not very scientific but was lucky to have everything mounted and in the same place to compare -
You bring up a lot of good points, and I will never dispute anything you said. However, I have two SH4 Gen II 6-24x50 and two EP5 5-25x56. I have compared them to several Vortex models, Nightforce, Leupold, Bushnell, Primary Arms, Athlon, Tract, Hawke and others. ARKEN set out to build a very high quality precision rifle optic and keep it affordable for the average shooter, and you know what? They did just that! Their scopes WILL absolutely run neck and neck with the highest priced optics out there in any environment. As with any scope, there are some rather minor issues, but they are just that...MINOR, very minor. Lets face it, nothing is perfect. In this current economy and financial crisis, if one still has thousands of dollars sitting around to spend on an optic, then go right ahead. I am sure that person will not be disappointed with their chosen purchase, nor would I ever tell them that they made the wrong choice. But the rest of us can now spend $400 to $500 and lay right next to that same shooter at a long range match and shoot just a well or even better! ARKEN scopes are fantastic products and will perform way better than most shooters will ever demand or have the ability to actually see the difference. Heck, one of the best hunting scopes I have used and own is the Redfield Revolution made by Leuplod. It is very light weight, has super clear glass, very forgiving and easy to use eye box, great eye relief and the hold overs are dead on the money for the intended cartridges at max power. I spent $180 on it. Lets just say that one will not be disappointed with an ARKEN scope, but in the end, each shooter should buy what he/she wants and can afford. The old guide to optic purchasing of spending more on the optic than one has spent on the rifle does not hold true any longer...Enter ARKEN Optics. Try one! You wont regret it.
your right buddy.. The Arken is the best and everyone should buy one and they will not ever need anything else.. It does everything the high end scopes can do.. why would you buy a Nightforce or a Zero comp.. Heck the Arken is better!! They might as well close up shop and stop selling scopes!! I think the PRS , F-Class and Benchrest guys are ALL going to switch to ARKEN.. THEY NEVER FAIL.. NEVER.. you can drive nails with them and the still hold zero!!! dang I am so glad that Arken scopes are the best on the market because I have NEVER actually tried one in competition for myself, and I did not do any research to backup what I have said!! Hell, I just make this up as I go, and I enjoy lying to people.. youtube is NOT a place that is used to sell product and make it seem like it is better that is actually is.. NO WAY!! 😁😁😁😁 hope you get a laugh out of this, have a great 4th..
@@pantherhollow5290 I can laugh, and I did, but it's pretty obvious that you are not fan of ARKEN products, and thats fine bud. If you read my response, at no time dud I bash another scope or claim that ARKEN was BETTER. They are ALL great products. Some are just quite expensive. Way out of thr average shooters budget. All I'm saying is that ARKEN has a VERY well made optic at a price mist everyone can afford. Have not and will not say BETTER....just darn close at a fraction of the cost. Give credit where credit is due. Pretty much all the reviews I have seen are dead on. It's about cost vs. what quality one actually gets for the money.
@@gouldgibbonsiii4742 No buddy.. I love my Arkens... I also sell them.. As a competitor it is hard to tell someone something that is not true. you said... I have compared them to several Vortex models, Nightforce, Leupold, Bushnell, Primary Arms, Athlon, Tract, Hawke and others. I know for a fact the Tract has MUCH better glass.. There is nothing on the EP5 that is better than the Tract Toric. The Only thing that is better bout the EP5 is the price.. My number is 417-761-1099.. I would like to talk with you if you do not mind.. It just blows me away when people make comments similar to this.. I am an easy-going fun guy to visit with if you have the time.. Thanks..
I can't imagine that any of the Arken models would compare to my Nightforce BEAST. That being said, my SWFA will compete with my Leopold M1 Mk4s all day long. I just want a second plane scope with a plain mil dot reticle and minute turrets again. My absolute favorite scope is my Unertl 10X / MST 100. 🌝
Thanks for your input and no I am not a 'fancy-show-off-shooter' and am in the lower price range and yes I just have ordered a Arken scope for a sloppy 350 bucks today and am sure to get a very good deal for that scratch knowing that there are better scopes in the upper price range!
A breath of fresh air. I don’t know why people can’t accept that this is a great scope without becoming a runaway freight train and going off the rails about being better than 1500 dollar scopes.
I own an Arken EP4. I’ll be honest, it leaves me wanting more when I am shooting past 700 yards. I appreciate reviews like this. I like Rex, but I could sense his bias as well. I also really appreciate your opinion that the Arken EP5 competes with $800 scopes. That tells me that I need to save $1000+ if I want a tangible upgrade. The fact you “myth busted” the EP5 AND you’re a dealer just lends to your honesty. I subscribed today. Keep up the honesty, it’s very appreciated in a time when many reviews are bought and paid for.
I recently purchased this arken scope on they're 25% discount. My expectations are for it to be a great scope for what I paid but I do not expect it to be as good or better than a $1500 + scope. Arken makes great scopes for the price and that's what anyone should expect
If you're going to be shooting at a mile or farther, spend $1200 for an Athlon Ares ETR or $3500-4000 for a S&BII or Steiner M7xi, etc. You can't expect a $500 optic to match a $2000 optic but if it's 90% as good for 1/4th the cost?!!! I took Rex's statement to be in the context of benefits/features received in relation to costs.
@@rkba4923 soory man... Please continue to comment... My fault... It has been an uphill battle all day... I have never seen so many people by in to the BS... Again my fault totally..
I feel like as ass... I did not read your hole comment!! I did now... It is like if you stand up and say what's right you have to battle the brain washed first.. SHEEP-people...
I am the proud owner of the Arken EP 5. 5x25x56 and also a NF ATACR 5x25x56 in comparison they are pretty close up until you try to zoom out past 20 or look at a 1MOA target at 1000 yards. Simply said you can get it done with the Arken you just get it done much easier with the NIGHTFORCE
I bought an SH4 gen2 a few weeks ago, everyone on a couple of FB groups were saying it was as good as the Athlon Ares ETR 3-18x50 I own for less than half. While it does have some nice features it is nowhere near my Ares ETR, it might not even be as good as my Athlon Helos BTR gen2 although it does have a few features that are close. I would have loved if the SH4 gen2 or an EP5 were better than the Athlons at a lower price point yeah but it just didn't happen.
Good Sir, instead of just presenting words, It would be very helpful and convincing if you could do precise, comparison tests which visually reveal the differences scope-for-scope, in clarity (sharpness at range) aberrations, tracking performance and so forth, then price. With a chart of comparison per above, you would definitely have and gain my attention and a higher measure of respect. In general, of course it is true there are PRICE vs PERFORMANCE considerations. From experience alone, without examining the published, proven specifications, I would certainly not expect the Arken to perform equally on any one comparison spec against high end optics. As an experienced mechanic would say: "You want to use the right tool for the specific job to be done." If one is going to compete in championship Bench Rest or competition Long Range shooting, it is highly improbable you will find a champion who wins with an Arken. However, like a Bushnell, Burris, Nikon, Leupold, or Swarovsky, Valdata, etc., each of which produce different models in different PRICE v PERFORMANCE ranges, for the active shooter looking to acquire the best optic tool that can be afforded to meet the basic needs of the particular sporting activity chosen, the Arken has a niche, as do all the others. Thank You. Respectful Regards
I pick out scopes to compare that are similar in price and glass. It would be a waste of time to compare the EP5 to the Maven RS4. Now that being said I spend A-Lot of time behind my optics, and I am sure that the person that I am talking with has NOT done the homework that I have!! I understand the niche as you put it but there is a difference between a and niche and misrepresentation!! The EP5 looks and feels like a quality product, and I look forward to testing it. I like my Arken scopes but let's be real they will not compete with 1000-to 1200 scopes like some of these guys are saying!! Thanks for watching!!
I think what they're trying to convey and got carried away is a very good scope for the for the money. When they first came out I can tell you this I bought one I could not believe the mechanics of the scope unbelievable. The reticle was unusable for me at distance. I know that this has been updated I also am 65 years old. I think the younger person would good eyes would have had no problem with reticle. Good company I sent it back after months of having it. No problems sent me my money back wanted to help me in any way they could. Thinking of trying one again they have changed the radical slightly that's all I needed. Would recommend it to a friend knowing that they didn't like it good company will give you your money back. 0 affiliation with the just trying to help my fellow shooters with a low or lower budget LOL everybody's on. Keepshooting guys love the sport my whole life. Have competed in several different disciplines enjoyed every one of them
As a longtime amateur astronomer, I am under no illusion that the Arken can out perform scopes costing more than twice as much. I am interested in the best scope in the neighborhood of it's price.
I think you did not understand what Rex was talking about. For years you could not get robust reliable tracking without spending thousands of dollars. Even scopes costing thousands of dollars often times had poor unreliable tracking. What the Arken EP5 represents is a scope with $700-$1000 glass, $300 dollar illumination, and several thousand dollar tracking. The tracking precision and robust build quality are the areas Rex was referring too when he said the scope is on par with and in some cases better than some high dollar scopes. I get where you are coming from and why you made the video. I just just think you are making a big deal over something you misinterpreted or took out of context. Just my two cents. Have a nice day.
but I do sir.. you see we talked on the phone for and hour and a half.. Rex and I (Mike) and he admitted that he needed to be clearer on his context. many, Many people do not watch a whole 15 minute video.. I made the video as I stated in the video because of ALLLLLLL the emails I got asking ME about this scope!! Thanks.. please read the comments... you will need popcorn as it is a very interesting read!!
@@pantherhollow5290 I stand corrected. I missed him saying clarity at the start. You are spot on. The glass is defiantly not on par with the high dollar scopes I have used or currently have. I am excited about the EP5 because I have lots of friends who refuse to spend over $500-$600 on a scope and now they can get a great long range scope that tracks properly within their budget instead of the unreliable garbage I have seen for 15 years.
Great review, I appreciate your honesty. I have an Arken SH4 Gen II that plan on using in NRL22 base class. I feel for the money, it is at the top of the pile as far as value goes. Does it compete with my Vortex Razor, not even close. The Vortex glass is much brighter and clearer. However, for my need to keep the rifle/scope cost below $1200 combined, the Arken does fit the bill perfectly. At the end of the day, I feel that Arken gives you a good scope for the money you paid, nothing more, nothing less. Keep up the great reviews!!
@@pantherhollow5290 damn commenting system didn't tag the other person, sorry it responded to you, I know you aren't a shill, this video was incredibly informative and balanced.
It’s good to have a contrary view of the scope. I am considering it for a medium range rifle I am building. I am not interested in spending $2,000+ for a scope. In this day and age, I don’t trust anyone. The truth has been destroyed by our media. Thanks for your review!
Again, I guess you might want some attention. Well, you have mine..., If you would like to discuss this more my number is 417-761-1099.. This is another thing you will not see a TH-cam-r do is give out their number... You don't know what you don't know. This is a good mod-O to live by man... Food for thought!!
Metalhead I can personally say that while I haven't played w the ep5 I HAVE played w some of the other scopes @pantherhollow has done videos on. Hell I OWN two of them. He's straight and too the point. He gets a new scope in....the guys who shoot w him regularly get too play w it some and he asks for their input.
The EP5 is a nice scope when used specifically as a 5-20x56. Past 20x image quality goes downhill where chromatic aberration and milkiness becomes very noticeable.
I have the same scopes as you. The athlon tac is a better scope over the ep5. And the ares and tract. Out of all my scopes. The only scope the ep5 beat was my burris xtr2. Other then. That it's a cheap 550 scope.
You must have the early XTR2 with the terrible glass. I bet if you sent it in to Burris they would send you a new one with superior glass compared to the EP5.
Very VERY well said Buddy . The Arken is a great under $800 scope . But saying it’s better than the badass scopes you laid out is 100% Accurate. It’s like saying my lil budget phone against a iPhone 13 is same 😵💫
Thank you sir... A VERY WELL THOUGHT out comment... As always your eloquence is never over looked here man!! you always add to a country boys view point my friend!!
I have actually never in my life ever had a circumstance where I had to have to be able to see bullet Trace in order to make a shot. What about a first round shot where you don't have any bullet trace? Using bullet Trace is a pretty lame argument dude.
Well that might be the case if you where shooting close range. If your shooting any kind of distance bullet trace sure make life a lot easier if you where needing to make adjustments. That’s just my two cent being someone who shoot distance.
HMMMM ?? Are you serious? Scenario: Your at a match and the ground is wet.. You are shooting out at 800 yards. You are aiming at a MOA size target. In this case 8inches You miss the target and there is no backdrop. How do you know how far you missed by???? I guess you must not be a competitor, or you do not shoot by yourself... Or maybe you have no idea what you are talking about. I any case my phone number is 417-761-1099. If you would like to talk to a lame shooter over the phone......!!!! Up and to this point you had some good comments going!!
I'm by no means a scope snob, Arken is as high dollar as my stuff gets, because I'm not good enough to need anything any better... That being said, I'd occasionally been able to see bullet trace/vapor trail with lower level scopes, and when set up with a shooting partner (I mentor young men/teens), when telling them what to watch for they've been able to see it, but not consistently... But I think part of that also plays into the weather when you're shooting... I've had 1000 yard hits with several different scopes, including Arken, CVLife (yes I just typed CVLife in 6-24x50 with 1/8 inch at 100 yard clicks, that was repeatable and tracked good enough for a 1000 yard hit and then cranked back down and was accurate at it's 100 yard zero), Monstrum (don't laugh again, 2 different ones hit at ,1000, and you could intermittently see the traced with them), and Athlon, on 3 different rifles... Hopefully in the next couple weeks coming I have 2 more rigs I want to try to get there with, one with an Arken and the other an Athlon... For my style of shooting, these scopes are more than enough to get me where I need to be...
I think you did a fair video! I just purchased a Arken EP5 and put it on a Bergara B14R. Very happy with the quality and functionality of it. I have a Falcon Endura (same price) the Arken has better Glass. And clearer IMO . I have used the Bushnell and Bosh &Lomb scopes for many years. Great budget scopes. But I have a Leica Amplus 6 on my 7mag It has better glass better illumination Absolutely love the Dot it is precise. Triple the price of a Arken But you get what you pay for. That being said I really think the Arken is a great great value for the money. I am very pleased with mine.👍👍 Thanks for letting me share. Cheers
Being able to see trace gives you a competitive edge out in the field. Whether it be hunting or competition. My point is that you will not get that with the Arken, but a higher end scope will afford you that option. Thanks for watching.
It’s impossible to make a $500 scope preform like a $2000+ scope. I feel like what people are saying about this scope is that it preforms extremely well for its price point. Look people buy what you can afford.
I am an optics dealer. So, I am not sure what you mean. These scopes are all for sale and you will not find another guy that can do this type of comparison and give you honest feedback!
It would be a TOTAL waste of time to compare the Arken EP5 to the Maven, Tract, Athlon Cronos, Vortex Razor or Valdada. This is the point of the video.
First and foremost, you've made no enemy of me. I agree with everything you said. Image quality in a rifle scope is not even what I'm primarily after though. It's ability to hold zero and that I have accurate turret tracking with good internal adjustment for elevation are much more important to me. Glass has gotten better in the last 5 years and at very affordable prices. But that said, there is no way this ep5 has better image quality than my Tract Toric. That scope is phenomenal for it's $ and it is $1,500. I'm a pretty practical guy and I really like my Toric. I'm glad you put this video out and you are absolutely right. Keep on keepin on 👍
One way that the Arken EP 5 may have better tracking then some older 1500 and 2000 dollar scopes is the failure of three piece high dollar scopes to reach the full level of their adjustments. I own a newer Vortex Venom that does not actually utilize its advertised full adjustment levels, when the windage is set passed 5 Mils. But Rex and Affordable Optics share that it happens in even the high dollar stuff, Rex elaborates, most likely the older stuff. Thanks.
I don't disagree with anything you said. But I'd point out that the EP5 is marketed as an affordable alternative to high-end scopes. I take everything Rex says with a grain of salt, but I admit his sniper 101 series helped get me into long range shooting. I personally don't mind giving up a little bit of glass quality in exchange for the features it has, at a great price point. Most people, myself included, won't be shooting farther than 1200 yards with ANY scope, so it makes sense to save money for other things (like ammo).
Id also like to point out that the cheapest nightforce in FFP you can get is a 4-14 SHV and its 1300. and its The NF in a 5-25x56 is 3100 dollars. NOW we are comparing apples to apples. Dude claims it cant compare to 1500 dollar scopes. Well a NF NXS 5.5-22x50 is 1800 dollars and still a POS SFP. If FFP doesnt matter to you, but illumination does, you may be an idiot. I dont think ive even installed my batteries in the last 5 or 6 scopes ive owned because frankly its a feature i could do with out.
I appreciate this video. I've owned just about every high-end scope on the market except Steiner, the newer brands like Zero Compromise and a few you had on the table. You are correct. We absolutely get what we pay for in glass quality. I believe people get lost in the idea that we pay a lot for a name but forget the name brings quality. There's a reason Kahles has been making scopes since 1898!
Most of my scopes are Arken optics I agree with what you have said, during the evening when the light conditions goes down you can notice the difference between and Arken scope and a $2000 or more scope the clarity es far superior. Arken scope are good for the price that you are paying I don't regret any purchase that I made.
yup. I always find it funny people reviewing glass clarity thru their windows. feels good to listen to something else of an infomercial. Still I am interested into that little contender for my long range 22LR. But I will take more time gathering info before clicking the bait. Still wondering how it survives fog, canadian winter deep cold, etc. Some reviews out their shows it is not as waterproof as claimed... Thanks for the time you put into this.
Sounds like you need a Leupold (USA) or SWFA SS (Japan) if you need scope to be rugged enough in harsh environmental conditions. They gave a variety of scopes to fit any budget.
Thanks for the honest review Mike, I agree its a great scope for the price and slightly higher.... but Tract, Athlon etc are a different tier. And yes, its getting harder to fine honest/accurate reviews on TH-cam
I understand not getting a porsche for a VW price but the bottom line is Arken just raised the bar for best value on scopes. I have 2 and could not be happier with my purchases. I do not have the same warm fuzzy feeling about any other scope. I have a second place best buy company that is SWFA. Just my opinion. Thanks for the review
Everyone is entitled to their opinions and that said i purchased the Arken EP5 5-25X56 in 2022 from Amazon on a really good black friday deal. luckly for me the timing was so good i was able to return my $2,145.64 scope before my return period was up.
Well crap man you are right. I own a 6x24 and its nice. But I was going to purchase the ep5 for my new 6.5. Then i got to look through and shoot mk5 and a razor gen 2. Very noticeable difference. So now im just going to bite the bullet and either get a mk5 or the new gen 3 razor. Out of those two which do you prefer.
The problem I see with all scope reviews is that there is a lack of objective measurements. You can measure light transmission through optical glass. All my telescopes will give their light transmission scores, but you don't see scope reviewers demanding that information. Color and clarity are also measurable. APO glass will bring all 3 colors together at the right spot. Non-APO glass will give lens aberration. And just what glass is being used? Are they using Ohara glass or something less. I'm sure there must be ways to measure the stiction of every moving part on the scope and provide some idea as to what is too loose or too tight. So while it stands to reason you aren't getting a $3000 scope for $500, but how close is the EP5 to the high end competitors? Saying it can't be as good is likely true but how close does it get. I"m betting for some competitors the new 7x35x56 gets pretty close.
Finally an honest review. I just wanted to know if the scope was worth the money. Sounds like it is. I’m gonna order one and throw it on my “budget” AR10.
Rex clearly states that he is emphasizing the utility of the tracking and it's ability to holding zero. I have a NX8 and needed another scope. Going into debt to get another was not in the cards. I pulled the trigger on the EPL-4. The glass works. The zoom dial is stiff. If it tracks and holds zero. It's a win.
Thank for the review. What's your thought on a swarovski z5 3.5x18x44 on my rimfire build. It's a target, squirrel rifle build, cz 457 action, mdt xrs chassis, kelbely alumnium rings. Trigger is at 9 Oz grouping rws hvhp bullets.
So I have seen a lot about the arken both good and bad. Just like you were talking about. I am considering getting into NRL22 in the price limited competition and I am considering the sh4. Do you think this would be a decent place for that scope? All shooting should be within 100 yards but targets as small as 1/4”. I am not trying to shoot a mile or even 1000 yards.
I think something is missing from their statements. They say that one is "just as good" as a more expensive scope. What they really should be saying is, "for my money, this scope is just as good". I won't deny that a more expensive scope with higher quality glass is better, but for my money, I'll stick with the lesser priced scope that still have great quality in its price range.
I have 2 arken scopes gen 2 ,good for the price, they are on my plinkers. On my good hunting rifles I run Leopold scopes. Thanks for the great evaluation !
About time somone called these people out. They will do anything for an affiliate link and to have the the first "reviews". Funny how alot of these guys give reviews with zero time behind the optic on a gun. A honest review is gonna take a few months and several hundred rounds rain or shine. Thank you!.....Also I am an arken owner..
I love my Arken scopes!!! But they are not a Valdada Recon Gen2 or a Maven RS4... They are a GREAT budget scope and live in that realm well. Thank you for the comment and thank you for watching.
MIKE , I KNOW YOU ARE STRAIGHT UP ON TRUTH ....!!!!!! WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS AND SEEING IS BELIEVING BROTHER....!!!!! THANK YOU FOR A GREAT VIDEO ....!!!!! DOUBLE G . HERE ...!!!!!!! NO ONE HAS A REVIEW LIKE THIS ...!!!!!!
There’s levels to this shit. I personally can’t afford a $1k plus optic so this works for me. However like I said, there’s levels to this. I’ve shot with razor HDs, Leupolds, NFs and difference is night and day. But it’s also nice that there’s companies that can get people who are on a budget into entry level optics, and hopefully grow us into higher end optic buyers. I do however think it’s awesome you’re running Athlon’s. I’m personally an Athlon fan and have a Midas Tac HD, and it’s awesome but it’s not a $1-2K optic.
The best Chinese scopes are the Athlon Midas Tac and Ares BTR and ETR and believe me, I've tried a lot of the other brands already and I'm a scope glass snob who actually prefers to use Japan made scopes.
Thanks for your opinion sir. Unfortunately this is the problem in the TH-cam world. Views and sales are what "TH-camrs" are after....this tends to kick the door open to bias and the ever so popular hype-train. To lend my .02....I run Athlon Midas TACs 5-25s....but I would LOVE to run ZCOs or Tangents....just cant hide those from the wife. :) Good day all.
So......10 months in....I sold both my Athlons after some issues.....I currently run a Minox ZP5 on my match gun and just purchased a EP 5 for my wife's match rifle. She will be getting a Minox as well in due time.
I have personally done a side by side between the two from high noon to sundown at the range, and glass wise i could not tell a difference (It was not the LP version). Granted there was a 7 year difference in age, but the PM2 was not beat up or abused at all. No, its not the best, but it was able to do everything that the PM2 was doing and was slightly brighter at dusk. For those that are on a budget, I would say its the best option at current.
I have two Mark fives two Mark 4S and a few vortex scopes . I do have an sh4 on a ar it does not stack up to my other high-end scopes but for the cost it is very impressive. yes I have seen bullet trace on a fairly dry day but it's not consistent on seeing trace or mirage
i just bought an ep-5 for 300 dollars and it is certainly better than some scopes that I have spent 800 to 900 dollars on, for most people it is just the best budget scope on the market.
Can you read mirage with the EP5 or the EPL4 ? The SH4 lacks in that department for me personally with my eyes. I can hit targets out to 800 and even 1000yds with the SH4 but it leaves a little on the table for reading hints the atmosphere gives you. I dont need to plug a quarter at a mile, I need minute of "evil mammal" at a long damn way away and the ability to read the wind through mirage.
If you were shooting to only 800 yards (FN SPR .308 20” barrel), I have no fantasies that I’m a competitive shooter or capable of much more than that with the time I have to invest, what scope would you mount? Cheaper is better and around $600 is the max for me. There is so much hype over these newer Chinese scopes it seems hard to determine the truth. I have no real experience behind any decent scope, just what came mounted on my hunting rigs and one Redfield.
bottom line.. you get what you pay for!! I cannot tell you the amount of people that simply cannot understand this statement. more equals more!! thanks for watching!
Thank you for the effort, I have been looking for this for long time ! What are the diff between Athlon Ares ETR gen1 and 2? Which scope under 2k is closest to the Razor gen 2 in your opinion ?
Nothing made in China can compete with a Japan made Vortex Razor gen 2. You need a Japanese made scope in order to at least match the quality level of the Vortex Razor gen 2 such as the Athlon Cronus BTR or Tract Toric ELR or Maven RS4. The Athlon Ares ETRs are made in China. The quality simply isn't as good.
I own a few high dollar scopes and compared to my Arken. I’ll stick to Arken especially bc of the price. I think it’s almost just as great. Talking about fractions.
"I don't know that yet, because I have not tested it" is really all you need to hear. Just wondering if it is considered "better" if you are able to see the vapor-trail as the projectile it hits the bullseye verses just hitting the bullseye. (??) Maybe, just maybe,... I don't need to buy the vapor-trail... I just want to hit the bullseye. If you are shot in the head and killed with a 44 rather than a 22... it doesn't make you twice as dead. More often than not... "You do get what you pay for" (I agree). Come back with some measurable data after you've "Tested" it rather than using price to justify what' you believe is better. Yep, enjoyed the rant. Yep, not popular enough to subscribe.
GREAT... I do not need you sub!! I have tested these scopes and have videos to prove it... If you want a dog and pony show your on the wrong channel.... if you want the truth then thanks for stopping by!!!
@@pantherhollow5290 ok,,, didn't want to start a feud. I came for an opinion. Your opinion is YOUR truth. AND THAT"S OK. Just pointing out that there were multiple times during the post you claimed you had "Not tested" several aspects... yet your conclusion was adamantly "Not better" without torturing the scope. (you even said one looks better than another...I guess that has value of some sort) Just handing back some truth. I agreed you get what you pay for. It may not have $2000 glass... but it doesn't cost 2grand either (Truth) I agreed with your claim that it would be a rant (it turns out as Truth) I agreed with your statement that would not be popular. When, as you claimed, you hadn't tested and tortured each scope providing empirical measurable evidence by category of test... it reduces the truth to your "opinion without evidence". Just sayin'... "A rant with evidence has more value." (and might even be popular... think about it) ok... here is my unsolicited opinion/truth: Big bang for the buck... if you have more bucks go ahead and spend'em. Seeing the vapor trail/bullet trace has as much value to me as knowing the bullet passed between the ribs vs through a rib at 800 yards. Critter-down ! Repeatable point of contact is where the big-dollar value is at. Extreme low light capability, YES...big value at legal shooting time extremes. Seeing grass and leaves move at that distance. It's NOT the ability to see the "Bottom-line" vapor trail. If you have the rugged durability and repeatability along with "pretty good low-light view" and reasonably good "old-man eyes clarity"... AT A SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER PRICE...I'll just claim I aimed for that rib. ("don't aim too high... there's legs underneath them")
I’m at the point where I need a better system on top my .308, I made a poor selection years ago and I want an upgrade. Where I’m needing help is at what point does the Arken fall off enough that I should make a jump to $1000 to a vortex pst for example. Is it a distance range? Like 5-25 magnification but using it well up to 18x then it falls on its face so out 300 yards it’s a good buy or if you want quality in the magnification another 2-300 yards do I need to step up to x model.
I’m happy with my EP5, which I decided to purchase based on some positive reviews. Is it as good as my NF scopes? Certainly not, as I personally feel that Nightforce optics have the best quality glass. Additionally, the EP5 is very heavy. Agree it’s a lot of scope for the money. It’s just not in the same universe as Nightforce.
I believe it is fair to say that it is far better than a Vortex Viper PST 2 it has a 34 mm main tube 56 mm of objective lens far more internal adjustment. And the glass quality is on par with it as well. It also has great tracking and I did see some bullet trace the other day running mine. I will not say this is a $2,000 scope I would say $1,500 tops and under. Reason being very nice solid zero stop solid audible clicks good easily visible markings nice fine reticle. This isn't tract or razor hd gen 2 glass but viper pst2 yes. For the price you can't go wrong but no you are not getting a Schmidt and Bender a Razor HD or tangent Theta or zero compromise or kahles. But you are getting something that offers a good solid zero stop a decent amount of light entering the scope good color and similar and in some cases better maximum elevation and windage. That's just where I stand on it this will always be subject to opinion everyone's eyes are different.
The Athlon Aries ETR is $1100 and from what I have seen so far the Ep5 is not as good. I will be doing a head to head this weekend. I do not carry lower end Vortex scopes, So thank you for taking the time to do this!! I like you thought process man.. Great comment!!
I'm comparing what I feel it's worth just based off of feel and features. A razor hd isn't the best glass but it is great. It's locking turrets are nice but I have seen them track worse than a Arken. And a vortex razor hd gen 2 4.5-27x56 has a little more vertical adjustment. But a Decent amount less than an arken ep5 when it comes to windage adjustment. To me for its glass to be on par and its turrets to be better than a Viper pst2 and have perfect tracking. And razor hd level adjustment. And good color and light transfer because the tube and lens size and coatings to me that's whyi stated $1500 but no more. Because I feel it's a far better scope than the viper pst2 5-25x50. As it offers far more for the price. The viper is tried and true used in prs etc. And it's msrp was $1299 and considering the arken was more on par with the hd because of the better tracking zero stop turrents glass quality and internal adjustment. That's why I gave it a bump to the $1,500 value as to me it's not a $2,000 scope quality but pushing the envelope. Thanks for the content and look forward to more videos.
That Ruger gun guy is on the Facebook Arken page sharing those videos. I had the pleasure of a small back and forth with him earlier. There was a guy stating the EP5 had better glass than his NX8. I told him to compare it to a ATACR and he would absolutely see the difference. That Ruger guy says "Wrong again" and tags me with his video of him and his buddy comparing a Nighforce ATACR with the EP5 by showing the glass. Now, I personally CAN see a difference in the video and its obvious that the nightforce is superior but in the video he says "You decide" then proceeds to tell people on Facebook that they are wrong because him and his buddy can't tell the difference between the two there for "I'm right in saying the EP5 is on par with a ATACR". Without making this to long, I don't even need to explain to anyone who knows better how stupid of a statement that is and saying a scope is on par based off of mainly the glass clarity is ridiculous, amateur bullshit. Anyway, keep up the good work.
LOL... I say...(you can't fix stupid)... LOL... NICE comment man... Thank you for the info.. The correct information makes us stronger and better at what we do!!
th-cam.com/video/uKfPSyaQnCI/w-d-xo.html
@pantherhollow5290 thanks for putting a video out that tells the truth. The shills almost convinced me but I remember learning years ago that when it comes to scops, you generally get what you pay for. This video reinforced that rule.
The very fact that there is an EP5 on the same table as some of these other scopes tells me that this scope at it's price is awesome for a lot of people!
It is a great scope for the price. I said that in the video. When you compare two similar things in 2 totally different price ranges there are REAL differences!! Just my two cents.
I agree completely. My goal was to be close to the strike eagle at a $350 discount.(with rings)
Look everyone a scope snob...
bro what are you even on about
@@danielbarker9647 right!?
Your rant just helps prove how the Arken optics team has shook the optics world as far as what the simple common man can afford and have the same controls as a $4000 scope! Tracking is +-1% deviation that's way better than most 4k euro scopes! Glass is certainly not on par and the illumination...works lol. Vortex needed a wake up call anyway with the sh*t they've been getting away with price gauging on their 500 to $1000 scopes.
dang man.. Take another drink of cool aid.
@@pantherhollow5290 Lol heart my comment 2 weeks ago and comment 2 weeks later...get this man a gf!
@@samstone8652 lol.. I did love the comment for sure. Do you know how many of the same comment I received? let's just say a lot. this is just another of the same and shows that the channels like mine have a lot of work to do when it comes to helping people be more educated. Sorry man, $550 scope is just that.. It's not a $4000 scope. We can beat this horse all day. These are the facts. Thank you for the commentary!
Yeah just stop calling out other famous youtubers to get views man it's lame and weak. Carry your rocks and water and shut the f*ck up!
@@samstone8652 lol... that is funny.. You have a baseless argument just like every other key board warrior.. you should be on the range learning that might work better for you!
Fair rant, sir. I appreciate your perspective and I think you are right that we can more clearly define our terms. When we say "better" it is certainly subjective. Keep em coming.
Thank you sir... I appreciate you replying back. When info is put out like this,,,, it is left to us to deal with the people that think they are buying a $550 Night Force. We deal with this in house the best we can. People like me get the brunt of it when they finely make it to the range, and the scope does not live up to expectation. Have a blessed week!
@@pantherhollow5290 CONTEXT is key. I would hope full context of qualified remarks on another channel would be considered especially before accusing brothers of spewing garbage, telling fibs, or being shady, etc… Flinging arrows at other people is cheap, building constructive dialogue can be more difficult but is more classy.
@@TiborasaurusRex Well as you put it in other Videos. Are you asking me to be politicly correct or black and white.. Big boy pants time brother??
No arrows here.. Just the truth.. When people come to me unhappy because they did not get a 1k scope for $550. I am talking straight to you and not in riddles.. Black and white NO GRAY area.. The Bible is black and white bro.. You know that!!
%%%%%
@@pantherhollow5290 Outstanding phone call, sir. I appreciate your professionally and straightforwardness. May we work together for the education of the community as a whole. Peace.
I agree with your comments. As the owner of quite a few scopes in ranges up to 3k. I recently purchased an Arken. I had no expectation that the scope would perform at an unrealistic level. The scope is certainly not as good as 1-2k plus scopes. I would say that at its price point it is hard to beat in that range. As a family man who can not afford to equip every rifle with 1-2k plus dollar scopes it is nice to see a sub 800 dollar scope that performs very well. Its a great option in its space for what I believe is its target audience. Thanks for taking the time to put out a real honest opinion that is pretty spot on.
I have a night force in excess 8x32x56 and I have the arcken ep5
The night Force has better glass indeed and a better overall sight picture but as far as tracking and performance the ark and ep5 stands toe to toe with it I will stand by that
Not sure you are the guy to be making comments to others!! If you would like to trade the Night Force let me know. If you feel bad about your purchase.
OK is the Glass and sight picture $1500 better???????
@@shawncrittenden6216 I guess it depends on what you know about glass. For as a competition shooter that relies on seeing my bullet trace... than YES a $1500 scope is better, Some $800 are better than the EP5. I have ran them and I have tested them. If you want to buy an EP5 for your self then get one. They are great scope for the price bracket they set in. But if some one tells you that they are better than or equal to some top shelf optics. They are trying to sell the product!! plane and simple. Buy once cry once is the only real rule in optics!
@@pantherhollow5290 aS a CoMpEtItIvE sHoOtEr...who do you think you're impressing with that line?
I bought the Arken SH 4 and the NX8 Nightforce and here’s what surprised me. The Arken is much better than I expected while the NF was much less than I expected. The turrets on the NF are small, almost inaudible, mushy and without turret locks. The Arken is vastly superior in this regard. The weight difference is substantial as the NF is 28 oz while the Arken is 36 oz. Neither in my opinion are hunting rifle scope for this reason alone. I think the Tract Toric combines the great mechanics of the Arken with the optics and durability of the NF at a price that splits the difference
The hubbub with the recent Arken praising reminds me a lot of Swampfox. It seems more like paid advertising/endorsements from guntubers. I think the bottom line is that most people in the market for a $500 optic aren’t going to buy a $1.5-$3k optic. Arken is filling a spot for your average weekend shooter who wants a good combination of frills, function and repeatable performance in a budget friendly scope…..me being one of those people
Thank you for the video. I would like to add my thoughts. I own an Arken, Vortex, Leupold, and some others. The Arken is not as bright as the Vortex or Leupold. The tracking and illumination is as good. The zero stop is as good. For those that need the brightest scole because maybe their vision requires it or you're shooting at a mile or better, spend more money for sure. Out to 1000 yds, i didn't see enough difference to pay that much more. In your video, we did get your opinion but you didn't show us video through compared scopes, or compare tracking or other features. Pls show us what makes the others worth so much more. Those are just my comments.
I own an old hunting Leupold VXR, a bunch of Nikon Rimfire scopes, a cheap Burris LPVO, a few Vortex optics from low end to Razor HD Gen1, 3 Athlon Midas Tac, 2 Ares ETR & BTR (1ea), and an Arken SH4 Gen 2. Only one of these scopes has a clear defect (chip) in the glass that is large enough to be seen at 6x: Arken. Only one has such poor coating that I cannot shoot at my range before noon, because the light flare washes out the entire viewing area: Arken. Only one has such bad edge clarity that I can barely see the holdovers over 4-5mil: Arken.
I have also seen some decent examples of Arken optics, but mine never should have left the factory. I work in QC for a living and would ream one of my inspectors for letting something this bad get out. Either they don’t care or they lied about inspecting it. Everything I noticed would have been seen if someone even looked through the scopes or a second. It was so bad I pulled the scope before getting my rifle zeroed. Cleaned it up and checked it again at home. Looking past a thick cloth shaded lamp at a reasonably similar light angle to the range (with sunshade on) and results were duplicated. Back in the box and back to Arken. Nice they offer a refund option, though, rather than just the roulette of another of the same.
@@christopherfreeman3095 send it back then
Its as if we are just supposed to take his word over another bloke on the internet. No proof, just opinion without merit. I hate videos like this, waste of time when nothing is proven.
Well said!!! 👍
My sh4 gen2 does great to 1000 yards.. not as bright as my nikon and if i even feel the need to buy another it will be a nikon but the arken really was impressive and works very nice for me!
If you can see the bullet impact and accurately move your reticle … what more do you need . If you can spend $2000.00 go ahead .
If $600.00 gets you into the game … for not much less performance .
This all depends on if you want to win a match. or just be a money donator. What if the ground is soft and you do not have a spotter??? HMMM
Maybe seeing trace could put you on the points board.. I know it did me... Food for thought.
@@pantherhollow5290 I just want to bring meat for my family at a decent price that don't break the bank. Thank you!
That is my point. It depends on PLU. If your happy with the Arken and what it offers as a package, then that is great.. GREAT choice for its price range. NO top F-class guys are shooting Arken scopes, NO top PRS guys are shooting Arken scopes, NO bench rest guys are shooting Arken scopes!! NONE.. So if you like shooting for fun and you like shooting and occasional match then it will be fine. If you are serous about winning then you will need a sharper more clear scope that you can see your trace with!! I guess if you never miss then you are correct about impacts. BUT if you are like everyone else then seeing your trace on a miss would be beneficial. These are the facts. Thanks for watching
@@eloymarquez4783 Great choice then!!!
Rex was referring to the tracking of the turret system on the Arken’s. I never got the impression he was comparing the glass of the EP5 to $2k+ optics.
That is exactly what he said in his opening.. Better clarity. Thanks for watching man.
@@pantherhollow5290 I do believe that Rex was making two (different/separate) points:
1) The Arken is outperforming name brand scopes (presently) in the categories he listed, within the similar price ranges.
2) The Arken has features and performance that were only found in scopes that "was" (were) $2K or better - when he started shooting seriously (10 to 25 years ago).
That's just how I took his take.
@@OC_Lofton no problem, man... The guy has some good points, but the fact is he is paid to say kind thing about a product he had a hand in making. I do not have a problem with that.. Why would you compare a 1960 chevy to a 1990 chevy! The answer is?
So, you can make one look better that what it really is...
Let's do apples to apples... Thanks for watching man.. Thanks for the impute!
@@pantherhollow5290 Thanks for your reply. I understand your point(s) as well. I watch You, Rex, Joe Rhea, Affordable Optics, Bullets 4 Bucks, The Hide and some others when it comes to scope reviews. I'd like to see how the Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 6-24x56 compares to the Arken EP5 5-25x56. The Athlon Helos BTR Gen2's are hard to beat in their price range.
@@OC_Lofton I am talking with Rex now... I sent him my phone number.. I do not expect he will call.. Thanks for watching buddy.. I did a side by side with the helos already.
Brother thanks for being real. Popularity and video views are last priority in reviews. Your a competition shooter that uses these scopes. Experience is hard to explain in scope reviews, your doing an excellent job
Thanks man!!
I own everything from a monstrum 1-3 on a squirrel gun 17HMR/22LR to ZCO and March for MRAD, SCAR 20 and custom guns, so I really don't have an issue with buying cheap to cutting edge riflescopes. Arken makes range scopes( sunny day, clear skies). Rain or water, nope. You are right about them making a scope that is better then a few other sub 1000 dollar optics. I think this optic is good for a beginner, first optic for ELD, super budget optic. Like you said, as soon as we are talking 1000 or over, it's just to push sells in my opinion. I also own Arken, Vortex, Athlon, Swampfox, Steiner and NightForce. Twenty optics currently, I have yet to find one that I felt the need to sell or return. However I don't kid myself that my Vortex 1-8 Strike eagle is going to match my NightForce 1-8 ATCAR passed 600meters/ 656yards in illumination, glass or image quality. And 600 meters is pushing it, more like 500 meters in real life on the best of conditions. But for for .223/5.56, the Strike eagle 1-8 is more then enough. Could make a shot passed 600m say 800m, I can, but if I gave you both riflescopes on the same gun, you would pick the NightForce every time. That's not being a snob, that's just the truth.
❤
Old saying, but true saying, " You get what you pay for"!
Do these video makers have a vested reason to review the way they do?
FOR THE PRICE, Arken are great scopes. Just my opinion of course 😊
Vortex is total trash.
😂😂😂
I have to admit, at 1st I didn't like your videos (not sure why, I think bc you weren't filming thru the scope) but you have come to be one of the only people I truly trust in the optics community.
I 100% agree with you about this Arken (well.....90% because I think the Athlon Midas Tac is neck and neck with the Arken) but the degree to which the Arken is propped up youtube is insane!! I lost faith in Arken bc they come across as the new Vortex (buying good reviews from youtubers) I no longer believe ANYTHING I hear about the Arken!!
Thank you for being honest!!
I would really love to see you review some of the next tier scopes such as the Sightron SVIII and the Zeiss S3
Keep up the great work and honesty!!!
I’m an Arken dealer as well here in Utah, I’m sponsoring PRS/NRL shooter Greg Hebert, he’s gonna run it on his 6 ARC, looking forward to his feedback and review. They have been selling like hot cakes, especially for the new shooters that want to get into the game, tested the tracking against my Schmidt and Bender, tracks just as well, but I do agree we do need actual videos of the performance, hopefully coming soon
I have made them
Where at in Utah?
I would argue being able to spot bullet trace is a secondary factor not a primary factor in getting hits on target at distance. It is helpful to aid in wind reads for follow up shots. Durable and reliable turrets that track I would say matters more.
It may be secondary to you but to me it is a need... It is just an edge on the next guy on the range. Thanks for watching.
In Rex’s detailed review vs the Viper and the EP5 he clearly says the glass on the EP5 is a 5 out of 10 for the glass, so I think his detailed review redeems his enthusiasm in his first thoughts video
Hmmm I may have missed that I will rewatch... Thanks
@@pantherhollow5290 it’s this video
th-cam.com/video/KQDUmmfweLI/w-d-xo.html
And starting at 4 minutes he starts with the score for the Vortex Venom (4.5/10) then the EP5 (5/10)
The conversation leading up to that gives a fair description of both scopes glass that clearly articulates that this isn’t $3000 glass
@@ronmartblog this all depends on how many glasses of wine Rex has had... lol I watched this video and his opinion on how much the Aken actually should sell for changes A-LOT.. Sorry man I have spent several hours on the phone with this guy. I KNOW his opinion is BOUGHT. this is a fact of TH-cam. he may have picked the Venom on some things and not the Arken on others. the truth is BOTH scopes are VERY cheaply made. those scope are both under $100 wholesale.
So, the fact he even states that these types of scopes are in the same league as a $1500 to $2000 scope is complete BS.
The facts are:
1. He gets paid to sell scopes
2. He teaches Long Range Shooting, and he pushes the narrative of gear that works. Well, I have NEVER seen and Arken or a Vortex Venom on ANY pro-shooters gun!
3. these kickbacks and channel reviews put cash in his pocket, and this is why they are GROSSLY overrepresented!
4. knowing all of this PLUS much more it blows me away to see videos with that content.
My channel is NOT based on who is putting money in my pocket as I pay for all of it. this allows me to have ALL the freedom I want on my channel. Thanks for watching.😁
😁
I watched that video from Rex and I thought he said it was as good as $3000-4000 scopes from 5-10 years ago. That is still impressive, but not nearly as bold a statement that it is as good as modern top-tier scopes.
I agree... Thanks for watching..
To be fair I think TiborasaurusRex was referring to scopes that not to long ago (8 or 10 years) were $2000 and was not just talking about the glass, but tracking and robustness as well (the scope as a whole). At least that's how I took his video. The key word in your clip of him is "Was a couple thousand bucks" past tense and I'm pretty sure he mentioned at least once in his video how far scopes have come recently.
I agree that scopes today are much better than years past. My 5-year-old Vortex is a better scope. It's a VERY popular scope and it is under $2k.
Thanks for watching man..
Indeed, the context of my clarity assessment was simply that the EP5 is outperforming "a lot of stuff" in the higher price ranges from before, not a definite article of ultimate universal superiority of course.
@@TiborasaurusRex So did you compare the EP5 to older stuff to make it look better than it is?? I mean a 3800 S and B,,,, Come on.. Even if that S and B was 10 years old.. The glass in that scope has to be awesome!!
How u gonna conpare a current tech to old tech.lol..... im sure he did not compare old to new.lmfao.... he knew he meant current to current and obviously got caught...now got called on😂😂😂😂...
Rex fans will always agree wit their guy NO matter right or wrong..Truth..😂😂🤣🤣🤣
Very well said! I am a huge Arken fan and have a new one on order and I couldn't agree more. Some of these Utube reviewers are overstating how good an Arken EP5 is. I don't know if they are just that exited or getting some kind of kickback. Who knows. I have a SH4 6-24 I bought back in 2019 and its great . Its not a Schmidt and Bender tho. Arken has improved the SH4 into the EP5. It has a larger range 5-25 and larger element at 56 vs 50 and it has a step up in glass quality. All at about the same price! Its not a $2000.00 scope tho. There is nothing else I could find that could match their SH4 specs back in 2019 and probably still isn't to match a EP5 unless I want to spend much more money than $550.00. I bet its about double to get anything with the same specs and as good of quality glass and turrets that are even close.
Thank you sir!! well said
This is my thought, I have an EP5, it is a lot of bang for the buck in its price range, if it were to have top end glass, where would the price point be. You brought up a really good point about trace I hadn't even considered. I mainly focus on 22lr, I feel between my Athlon scopes and the Arken it is decent enough to get the job done. I would like to have one top tier scope someday
If the Arken was made in Japan, it would be higher for sure. The profit margin would be less, and it would be a better product. That being said, The Athlon Eries ETR is a Chinese scope, and it is the BEST on the market. It has been around for a long time and has a proven track record. This is yet to be seen with the EP5. The scopes over the $1500 dollar mark are the ones that have the ability to catch trace. This is a huge advantage over someone that is using a lesser scope. I hope you get a top tier scope someday as well.. It is hard to go back once you have experienced the other.
So, a $2000 scope is better than a $550 scope? Roger. That checks out.
Vortex selling scopes made in china that cost them $150 to manufacture and selling them for $2000 checks out and has actual data to back the claim
Thank you for the honest info a review. I purchased the Arken EP5 as I am just getting into long range bench shooting. I watched the video and many others about the EP5 as well as some other scope reviews. I am not naive enough to believe my scope is going to out preform any $2k scopes. But at the moment, it will out perform me and it gives me a decent budget scope for my budge rifle. If I find that long range shooting isn't for me, I have not dumped $2k into a scope I don't use. I love to reload and shoot, but due to a car accident, I cannot stand very long.
thank you buddy.. have a good one!
I did a simple tracking test on my EP5 And my Burris XTR III, they both were almost identical. The turret sound and crispness on both were very close as well. But it really comes down to glass clarity and what it does in low light situation for me. I think it falls off around 800 yards and over 20x. But if you’re shooting under 20x and under 800 yards, it’s an amazing scope.
600 to 800 depending on conditions. Just what I have seen so far.. Great 22lr scope.
How does the glass compare between the EP5 and Burris xtr 111?
@@josephfeghhi Burris glass has better glass, less chromatic aberration. Very similar glass clarity up until about 16x power, though. After that the Burris really shines.
From what I've heard from many others. The Burris XTRii is just a Steiner T5Xi. The similarities between the two are very close.
got my EP5 today - I compared my EP5 to a Cronus and a Sig Tango 6 5x30x56 and the $1500 scopes are much clearer and brighter -- I also compared it to a Midas Tac 5x25x56 and it is also clearer and brighter - I then compared it to a SightMark Latitude PRS and the EP5 was about the same - it is cheaper than the SightMark - - The EP5 has a very quality feel it will be more than fine for it's intended use, I wasn't expecting a $1500 scope - - I did my comparison at around 100 yard all on 20x just holding all the rifles looking at a shed window - not very scientific but was lucky to have everything mounted and in the same place to compare -
THANKS MAN!! I hope people read this!!
The sig is 2k scope but you are right
You bring up a lot of good points, and I will never dispute anything you said. However, I have two SH4 Gen II 6-24x50 and two EP5 5-25x56. I have compared them to several Vortex models, Nightforce, Leupold, Bushnell, Primary Arms, Athlon, Tract, Hawke and others. ARKEN set out to build a very high quality precision rifle optic and keep it affordable for the average shooter, and you know what? They did just that! Their scopes WILL absolutely run neck and neck with the highest priced optics out there in any environment. As with any scope, there are some rather minor issues, but they are just that...MINOR, very minor. Lets face it, nothing is perfect. In this current economy and financial crisis, if one still has thousands of dollars sitting around to spend on an optic, then go right ahead. I am sure that person will not be disappointed with their chosen purchase, nor would I ever tell them that they made the wrong choice. But the rest of us can now spend $400 to $500 and lay right next to that same shooter at a long range match and shoot just a well or even better! ARKEN scopes are fantastic products and will perform way better than most shooters will ever demand or have the ability to actually see the difference. Heck, one of the best hunting scopes I have used and own is the Redfield Revolution made by Leuplod. It is very light weight, has super clear glass, very forgiving and easy to use eye box, great eye relief and the hold overs are dead on the money for the intended cartridges at max power. I spent $180 on it. Lets just say that one will not be disappointed with an ARKEN scope, but in the end, each shooter should buy what he/she wants and can afford. The old guide to optic purchasing of spending more on the optic than one has spent on the rifle does not hold true any longer...Enter ARKEN Optics. Try one! You wont regret it.
your right buddy.. The Arken is the best and everyone should buy one and they will not ever need anything else.. It does everything the high end scopes can do.. why would you buy a Nightforce or a Zero comp.. Heck the Arken is better!! They might as well close up shop and stop selling scopes!! I think the PRS , F-Class and Benchrest guys are ALL going to switch to ARKEN.. THEY NEVER FAIL.. NEVER.. you can drive nails with them and the still hold zero!!! dang I am so glad that Arken scopes are the best on the market because I have NEVER actually tried one in competition for myself, and I did not do any research to backup what I have said!! Hell, I just make this up as I go, and I enjoy lying to people.. youtube is NOT a place that is used to sell product and make it seem like it is better that is actually is.. NO WAY!! 😁😁😁😁 hope you get a laugh out of this, have a great 4th..
@@pantherhollow5290 I can laugh, and I did, but it's pretty obvious that you are not fan of ARKEN products, and thats fine bud. If you read my response, at no time dud I bash another scope or claim that ARKEN was BETTER. They are ALL great products. Some are just quite expensive. Way out of thr average shooters budget. All I'm saying is that ARKEN has a VERY well made optic at a price mist everyone can afford. Have not and will not say BETTER....just darn close at a fraction of the cost. Give credit where credit is due. Pretty much all the reviews I have seen are dead on. It's about cost vs. what quality one actually gets for the money.
@@gouldgibbonsiii4742 No buddy.. I love my Arkens... I also sell them.. As a competitor it is hard to tell someone something that is not true.
you said... I have compared them to several Vortex models, Nightforce, Leupold, Bushnell, Primary Arms, Athlon, Tract, Hawke and others.
I know for a fact the Tract has MUCH better glass.. There is nothing on the EP5 that is better than the Tract Toric. The Only thing that is better bout the EP5 is the price.. My number is 417-761-1099.. I would like to talk with you if you do not mind.. It just blows me away when people make comments similar to this.. I am an easy-going fun guy to visit with if you have the time.. Thanks..
I can't imagine that any of the Arken models would compare to my Nightforce BEAST. That being said, my SWFA will compete with my Leopold M1 Mk4s all day long. I just want a second plane scope with a plain mil dot reticle and minute turrets again. My absolute favorite scope is my Unertl 10X / MST 100. 🌝
Thanks for your input and no I am not a 'fancy-show-off-shooter' and am in the lower price range
and yes I just have ordered a Arken scope for a sloppy 350 bucks today and am sure to get a very
good deal for that scratch knowing that there are better scopes in the upper price range!
A breath of fresh air. I don’t know why people can’t accept that this is a great scope without becoming a runaway freight train and going off the rails about being better than 1500 dollar scopes.
DANG MAN!!! THAT IS THE TRUTH!!! thanks brother!!
I own an Arken EP4. I’ll be honest, it leaves me wanting more when I am shooting past 700 yards. I appreciate reviews like this. I like Rex, but I could sense his bias as well.
I also really appreciate your opinion that the Arken EP5 competes with $800 scopes. That tells me that I need to save $1000+ if I want a tangible upgrade.
The fact you “myth busted” the EP5 AND you’re a dealer just lends to your honesty. I subscribed today. Keep up the honesty, it’s very appreciated in a time when many reviews are bought and paid for.
Thank you sir.. It is nice to get some good feed back.
I own both, the EP5 filled in what the SH4 was missing and is a pretty tangible upgrade over the SH4 in terms of clarity.
@@PineyJustice Thank you sir!
I recently purchased this arken scope on they're 25% discount. My expectations are for it to be a great scope for what I paid but I do not expect it to be as good or better than a $1500 + scope. Arken makes great scopes for the price and that's what anyone should expect
good for the price... YES
If you're going to be shooting at a mile or farther, spend $1200 for an Athlon Ares ETR or $3500-4000 for a S&BII or Steiner M7xi, etc. You can't expect a $500 optic to match a $2000 optic but if it's 90% as good for 1/4th the cost?!!! I took Rex's statement to be in the context of benefits/features received in relation to costs.
Look... If you think that scope is 90% as good as Cronos, Maven, Tract... Take a chance... its only money...
@@pantherhollow5290 You tend to read more into what people say than maybe they intend. Jmho. I'll try to refrain from commenting in future.
@@rkba4923 soory man... Please continue to comment... My fault... It has been an uphill battle all day... I have never seen so many people by in to the BS... Again my fault totally..
I feel like as ass... I did not read your hole comment!! I did now... It is like if you stand up and say what's right you have to battle the brain washed first.. SHEEP-people...
@@pantherhollow5290 It's ok. We all have those days.
I am the proud owner of the Arken EP 5. 5x25x56 and also a NF ATACR 5x25x56 in comparison they are pretty close up until you try to zoom out past 20 or look at a 1MOA target at 1000 yards. Simply said you can get it done with the Arken you just get it done much easier with the NIGHTFORCE
I bought an SH4 gen2 a few weeks ago, everyone on a couple of FB groups were saying it was as good as the Athlon Ares ETR 3-18x50 I own for less than half. While it does have some nice features it is nowhere near my Ares ETR, it might not even be as good as my Athlon Helos BTR gen2 although it does have a few features that are close. I would have loved if the SH4 gen2 or an EP5 were better than the Athlons at a lower price point yeah but it just didn't happen.
Not even the Arken EP5 can compare to the Athlon Ares ETRs. Not even close.
Thank GOD you are pointing this out. Some of these guys are absolutely nuts. Quality glass Costs$$$
Checkout paramount tactical he believes that arken hangs or beats NF ATACR. Unbelievable
For sure buddy.. Thanks for the comments!!
Good Sir, instead of just presenting words, It would be very helpful and convincing if you could do precise, comparison tests which visually reveal the differences scope-for-scope, in clarity (sharpness at range) aberrations, tracking performance and so forth, then price. With a chart of comparison per above, you would definitely have and gain my attention and a higher measure of respect. In general, of course it is true there are PRICE vs PERFORMANCE considerations. From experience alone, without examining the published, proven specifications, I would certainly not expect the Arken to perform equally on any one comparison spec against high end optics. As an experienced mechanic would say: "You want to use the right tool for the specific job to be done." If one is going to compete in championship Bench Rest or competition Long Range shooting, it is highly improbable you will find a champion who wins with an Arken. However, like a Bushnell, Burris, Nikon, Leupold, or Swarovsky, Valdata, etc., each of which produce different models in different PRICE v PERFORMANCE ranges, for the active shooter looking to acquire the best optic tool that can be afforded to meet the basic needs of the particular sporting activity chosen, the Arken has a niche, as do all the others. Thank You. Respectful Regards
I pick out scopes to compare that are similar in price and glass. It would be a waste of time to compare the EP5 to the Maven RS4. Now that being said I spend A-Lot of time behind my optics, and I am sure that the person that I am talking with has NOT done the homework that I have!!
I understand the niche as you put it but there is a difference between a and niche and misrepresentation!! The EP5 looks and feels like a quality product, and I look forward to testing it. I like my Arken scopes but let's be real they will not compete with 1000-to 1200 scopes like some of these guys are saying!! Thanks for watching!!
Now if you would like to make a video and show me how it is done or pay me for such an undertaking., I would be glad to listen!!
no reply???
I think what they're trying to convey and got carried away is a very good scope for the for the money. When they first came out I can tell you this I bought one I could not believe the mechanics of the scope unbelievable. The reticle was unusable for me at distance. I know that this has been updated I also am 65 years old. I think the younger person would good eyes would have had no problem with reticle. Good company I sent it back after months of having it. No problems sent me my money back wanted to help me in any way they could. Thinking of trying one again they have changed the radical slightly that's all I needed. Would recommend it to a friend knowing that they didn't like it good company will give you your money back. 0 affiliation with the just trying to help my fellow shooters with a low or lower budget LOL everybody's on. Keepshooting guys love the sport my whole life. Have competed in several different disciplines enjoyed every one of them
As a longtime amateur astronomer, I am under no illusion that the Arken can out perform scopes costing more than twice as much. I am interested in the best scope in the neighborhood of it's price.
I ordered both SH4 Arken scopes and they are absolutely amazing
nice
I think you did not understand what Rex was talking about. For years you could not get robust reliable tracking without spending thousands of dollars. Even scopes costing thousands of dollars often times had poor unreliable tracking. What the Arken EP5 represents is a scope with $700-$1000 glass, $300 dollar illumination, and several thousand dollar tracking. The tracking precision and robust build quality are the areas Rex was referring too when he said the scope is on par with and in some cases better than some high dollar scopes. I get where you are coming from and why you made the video. I just just think you are making a big deal over something you misinterpreted or took out of context. Just my two cents. Have a nice day.
but I do sir.. you see we talked on the phone for and hour and a half.. Rex and I (Mike) and he admitted that he needed to be clearer on his context. many, Many people do not watch a whole 15 minute video.. I made the video as I stated in the video because of ALLLLLLL the emails I got asking ME about this scope!! Thanks.. please read the comments... you will need popcorn as it is a very interesting read!!
@@pantherhollow5290 I stand corrected. I missed him saying clarity at the start. You are spot on. The glass is defiantly not on par with the high dollar scopes I have used or currently have. I am excited about the EP5 because I have lots of friends who refuse to spend over $500-$600 on a scope and now they can get a great long range scope that tracks properly within their budget instead of the unreliable garbage I have seen for 15 years.
@@TheFullNeilson no problem man... Have a great night and God bless!!
Great review, I appreciate your honesty. I have an Arken SH4 Gen II that plan on using in NRL22 base class. I feel for the money, it is at the top of the pile as far as value goes. Does it compete with my Vortex Razor, not even close. The Vortex glass is much brighter and clearer. However, for my need to keep the rifle/scope cost below $1200 combined, the Arken does fit the bill perfectly. At the end of the day, I feel that Arken gives you a good scope for the money you paid, nothing more, nothing less. Keep up the great reviews!!
100% agree my friend!
The fact that this video even exists shows that this scope is fantastic... its so good that its cost is really really worth it.
th-cam.com/video/uKfPSyaQnCI/w-d-xo.html
here is another one for you... LOL
shill moar
@@realfnneato3111 ??? Shill... ????.. you have the wrong guy!!
@@pantherhollow5290 damn commenting system didn't tag the other person, sorry it responded to you, I know you aren't a shill, this video was incredibly informative and balanced.
@@realfnneato3111 Thank you for the compliment.. Thank you for watching
It’s good to have a contrary view of the scope. I am considering it for a medium range rifle I am building. I am not interested in spending $2,000+ for a scope. In this day and age, I don’t trust anyone. The truth has been destroyed by our media. Thanks for your review!
Thanks for watching
Sounds like you're mad that you bought a $2,000 scope LOL
Again, I guess you might want some attention. Well, you have mine..., If you would like to discuss this more my number is 417-761-1099.. This is another thing you will not see a TH-cam-r do is give out their number... You don't know what you don't know. This is a good mod-O to live by man... Food for thought!!
Metalhead I can personally say that while I haven't played w the ep5 I HAVE played w some of the other scopes @pantherhollow has done videos on. Hell I OWN two of them. He's straight and too the point. He gets a new scope in....the guys who shoot w him regularly get too play w it some and he asks for their input.
Thank you! Between the videos of Cyclops, TiborasaurusRex 4 and yours I made my mind for an Arken EP5 scope.
Great choice for its price range. Like I have stated, It depends on P0U!!
The EP5 is a nice scope when used specifically as a 5-20x56. Past 20x image quality goes downhill where chromatic aberration and milkiness becomes very noticeable.
I have the same scopes as you. The athlon tac is a better scope over the ep5. And the ares and tract. Out of all my scopes.
The only scope the ep5 beat was my burris xtr2. Other then. That it's a cheap 550 scope.
You must have the early XTR2 with the terrible glass. I bet if you sent it in to Burris they would send you a new one with superior glass compared to the EP5.
Very VERY well said Buddy . The Arken is a great under $800 scope . But saying it’s better than the badass scopes you laid out is 100% Accurate. It’s like saying my lil budget phone against a iPhone 13 is same 😵💫
Thank you sir... A VERY WELL THOUGHT out comment... As always your eloquence is never over looked here man!! you always add to a country boys view point my friend!!
@That Infantry Guy I like you buddy!! VERY WWLL STATED!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! and thank you for your insightful comment!!
I have actually never in my life ever had a circumstance where I had to have to be able to see bullet Trace in order to make a shot. What about a first round shot where you don't have any bullet trace?
Using bullet Trace is a pretty lame argument dude.
Well that might be the case if you where shooting close range. If your shooting any kind of distance bullet trace sure make life a lot easier if you where needing to make adjustments. That’s just my two cent being someone who shoot distance.
HMMMM ?? Are you serious?
Scenario:
Your at a match and the ground is wet..
You are shooting out at 800 yards.
You are aiming at a MOA size target. In this case 8inches
You miss the target and there is no backdrop.
How do you know how far you missed by????
I guess you must not be a competitor, or you do not shoot by yourself... Or maybe you have no idea what you are talking about. I any case my phone number is 417-761-1099. If you would like to talk to a lame shooter over the phone......!!!!
Up and to this point you had some good comments going!!
I'm by no means a scope snob, Arken is as high dollar as my stuff gets, because I'm not good enough to need anything any better... That being said, I'd occasionally been able to see bullet trace/vapor trail with lower level scopes, and when set up with a shooting partner (I mentor young men/teens), when telling them what to watch for they've been able to see it, but not consistently... But I think part of that also plays into the weather when you're shooting... I've had 1000 yard hits with several different scopes, including Arken, CVLife (yes I just typed CVLife in 6-24x50 with 1/8 inch at 100 yard clicks, that was repeatable and tracked good enough for a 1000 yard hit and then cranked back down and was accurate at it's 100 yard zero), Monstrum (don't laugh again, 2 different ones hit at ,1000, and you could intermittently see the traced with them), and Athlon, on 3 different rifles... Hopefully in the next couple weeks coming I have 2 more rigs I want to try to get there with, one with an Arken and the other an Athlon... For my style of shooting, these scopes are more than enough to get me where I need to be...
I think you did a fair video! I just purchased a Arken EP5 and put it on a Bergara B14R. Very happy with the quality and functionality of it.
I have a Falcon Endura (same price) the Arken has better Glass. And clearer IMO . I have used the Bushnell and Bosh &Lomb scopes for many years. Great budget scopes.
But I have a Leica Amplus 6 on my 7mag
It has better glass better illumination
Absolutely love the Dot it is precise.
Triple the price of a Arken But you get what you pay for.
That being said I really think the Arken is a great great value for the money.
I am very pleased with mine.👍👍
Thanks for letting me share.
Cheers
The video was pointed towards the posers. The Arkens are great for beginners!!
Wow !
Never heard of viewing bullet trace as a criteria for glass quality of various optics. I feel you got carried away with what Rex was referring to.
Being able to see trace gives you a competitive edge out in the field. Whether it be hunting or competition. My point is that you will not get that with the Arken, but a higher end scope will afford you that option. Thanks for watching.
If you shoot a lot you’d understand why bullet trace is so important.
Arken EP-5 looks like the clearest scope, with the best zero return I have ever seen.Especially for any where near 1,000.00
It’s impossible to make a $500 scope preform like a $2000+ scope. I feel like what people are saying about this scope is that it preforms extremely well for its price point. Look people buy what you can afford.
The longer I listen the more it sounds like you're mad because you spent all that money on those other scopes LOL LOL
I am an optics dealer. So, I am not sure what you mean. These scopes are all for sale and you will not find another guy that can do this type of comparison and give you honest feedback!
It would be a TOTAL waste of time to compare the Arken EP5 to the Maven, Tract, Athlon Cronos, Vortex Razor or Valdada. This is the point of the video.
First and foremost, you've made no enemy of me. I agree with everything you said. Image quality in a rifle scope is not even what I'm primarily after though. It's ability to hold zero and that I have accurate turret tracking with good internal adjustment for elevation are much more important to me. Glass has gotten better in the last 5 years and at very affordable prices. But that said, there is no way this ep5 has better image quality than my Tract Toric. That scope is phenomenal for it's $ and it is $1,500. I'm a pretty practical guy and I really like my Toric. I'm glad you put this video out and you are absolutely right. Keep on keepin on 👍
One way that the Arken EP 5 may have better tracking then some older 1500 and 2000 dollar scopes is the failure of three piece high dollar scopes to reach the full level of their adjustments. I own a newer Vortex Venom that does not actually utilize its advertised full adjustment levels, when the windage is set passed 5 Mils. But Rex and Affordable Optics share that it happens in even the high dollar stuff, Rex elaborates, most likely the older stuff. Thanks.
I don't disagree with anything you said. But I'd point out that the EP5 is marketed as an affordable alternative to high-end scopes. I take everything Rex says with a grain of salt, but I admit his sniper 101 series helped get me into long range shooting. I personally don't mind giving up a little bit of glass quality in exchange for the features it has, at a great price point. Most people, myself included, won't be shooting farther than 1200 yards with ANY scope, so it makes sense to save money for other things (like ammo).
Id also like to point out that the cheapest nightforce in FFP you can get is a 4-14 SHV and its 1300. and its The NF in a 5-25x56 is 3100 dollars. NOW we are comparing apples to apples. Dude claims it cant compare to 1500 dollar scopes. Well a NF NXS 5.5-22x50 is 1800 dollars and still a POS SFP. If FFP doesnt matter to you, but illumination does, you may be an idiot. I dont think ive even installed my batteries in the last 5 or 6 scopes ive owned because frankly its a feature i could do with out.
I appreciate this video. I've owned just about every high-end scope on the market except Steiner, the newer brands like Zero Compromise and a few you had on the table. You are correct. We absolutely get what we pay for in glass quality. I believe people get lost in the idea that we pay a lot for a name but forget the name brings quality. There's a reason Kahles has been making scopes since 1898!
Yes sir.. Thank you.. Alot of people can not see the forest for the trees.. Nice to hear from someone that can!!
Most of my scopes are Arken optics I agree with what you have said, during the evening when the light conditions goes down you can notice the difference between and Arken scope and a $2000 or more scope the clarity es far superior. Arken scope are good for the price that you are paying I don't regret any purchase that I made.
yup. I always find it funny people reviewing glass clarity thru their windows. feels good to listen to something else of an infomercial. Still I am interested into that little contender for my long range 22LR. But I will take more time gathering info before clicking the bait. Still wondering how it survives fog, canadian winter deep cold, etc. Some reviews out their shows it is not as waterproof as claimed...
Thanks for the time you put into this.
thank you for watching!
Sounds like you need a Leupold (USA) or SWFA SS (Japan) if you need scope to be rugged enough in harsh environmental conditions. They gave a variety of scopes to fit any budget.
Thanks for the honest review Mike, I agree its a great scope for the price and slightly higher.... but Tract, Athlon etc are a different tier. And yes, its getting harder to fine honest/accurate reviews on TH-cam
Thank you sir.. Well put as always!
Rex gives honest reviews. Been watching him for over 10 years.
Love my Tract Toric. When folks talk about great products for a reasonable price I always mention Tract products.
THUNBS UP BUDDY!! Thank you for watching!!
Well I just ordered this scope hope it works as good as my $10,000 solar satellite imaging device from lower orbit!
lol.. for sure.. my scope has auto aim and it was $50..
Well said. Sure it is a great scope for the money but just like I will never be a super model it will never be a night force.
I understand not getting a porsche for a VW price but the bottom line is Arken just raised the bar for best value on scopes. I have 2 and could not be happier with my purchases. I do not have the same warm fuzzy feeling about any other scope. I have a second place best buy company that is SWFA. Just my opinion. Thanks for the review
10-4
Everyone is entitled to their opinions and that said i purchased the Arken EP5 5-25X56 in 2022 from Amazon on a really good black friday deal. luckly for me the timing was so good i was able to return my $2,145.64 scope before my return period was up.
Thank you very much for your assessment of the Arken ap5
instead of pushing a product to popularity you related facts .
Thank you sir!!
Well crap man you are right. I own a 6x24 and its nice. But I was going to purchase the ep5 for my new 6.5. Then i got to look through and shoot mk5 and a razor gen 2.
Very noticeable difference.
So now im just going to bite the bullet and either get a mk5 or the new gen 3 razor. Out of those two which do you prefer.
both are good and both work well the Mark 5 is lighter weight wise
Such a relief to hear someone that actually knows how to pronounce BOTH syllables in Porsche.
we may be back woods but we take
VO-Cab-u-larry seriously!!
The problem I see with all scope reviews is that there is a lack of objective measurements. You can measure light transmission through optical glass. All my telescopes will give their light transmission scores, but you don't see scope reviewers demanding that information.
Color and clarity are also measurable. APO glass will bring all 3 colors together at the right spot. Non-APO glass will give lens aberration. And just what glass is being used? Are they using Ohara glass or something less.
I'm sure there must be ways to measure the stiction of every moving part on the scope and provide some idea as to what is too loose or too tight.
So while it stands to reason you aren't getting a $3000 scope for $500, but how close is the EP5 to the high end competitors? Saying it can't be as good is likely true but how close does it get. I"m betting for some competitors the new 7x35x56 gets pretty close.
Finally an honest review. I just wanted to know if the scope was worth the money. Sounds like it is. I’m gonna order one and throw it on my “budget” AR10.
Nice.. Thanks for watching!
Rex clearly states that he is emphasizing the utility of the tracking and it's ability to holding zero. I have a NX8 and needed another scope. Going into debt to get another was not in the cards. I pulled the trigger on the EPL-4. The glass works. The zoom dial is stiff. If it tracks and holds zero. It's a win.
I hope you like it!!
Thank for the review. What's your thought on a swarovski z5 3.5x18x44 on my rimfire build. It's a target, squirrel rifle build, cz 457 action, mdt xrs chassis, kelbely alumnium rings. Trigger is at 9 Oz grouping rws hvhp bullets.
sounds like a nice setup for sure. What kind of elevation do you have in your Swarovski? We do not have any guys running that scope.
Who cares about light transmission at night. Not allowed to shoot after sundown where I live.
So I have seen a lot about the arken both good and bad. Just like you were talking about. I am considering getting into NRL22 in the price limited competition and I am considering the sh4. Do you think this would be a decent place for that scope? All shooting should be within 100 yards but targets as small as 1/4”. I am not trying to shoot a mile or even 1000 yards.
Image quality isn't great with the SH4 if used past 15x. The SH4 is a decent scope in the 4-16x but not the 6-24x.
just curious what Vortex model is equivalent to the Arken EP5 for airgun shooting... thanks in advance
SOOOO whats your opinion on the BEST scope (for long Range) thanks I have this scope and I like it, but I'm a beginner
I think something is missing from their statements. They say that one is "just as good" as a more expensive scope. What they really should be saying is, "for my money, this scope is just as good". I won't deny that a more expensive scope with higher quality glass is better, but for my money, I'll stick with the lesser priced scope that still have great quality in its price range.
I have 2 arken scopes gen 2 ,good for the price, they are on my plinkers. On my good hunting rifles I run Leopold scopes. Thanks for the great evaluation !
Thank you and thanks for seeing the video for what it is!!!
About time somone called these people out. They will do anything for an affiliate link and to have the the first "reviews". Funny how alot of these guys give reviews with zero time behind the optic on a gun. A honest review is gonna take a few months and several hundred rounds rain or shine. Thank you!.....Also I am an arken owner..
I love my Arken scopes!!! But they are not a Valdada Recon Gen2 or a Maven RS4... They are a GREAT budget scope and live in that realm well. Thank you for the comment and thank you for watching.
Your the exactly right you get what you pay for I went out and bought three arken scopes to be disappointed with image quality 😢
MIKE , I KNOW YOU ARE STRAIGHT UP ON TRUTH ....!!!!!! WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS AND SEEING IS BELIEVING BROTHER....!!!!! THANK YOU FOR A GREAT VIDEO ....!!!!! DOUBLE G . HERE ...!!!!!!! NO ONE HAS A REVIEW LIKE THIS ...!!!!!!
There’s levels to this shit. I personally can’t afford a $1k plus optic so this works for me. However like I said, there’s levels to this. I’ve shot with razor HDs, Leupolds, NFs and difference is night and day. But it’s also nice that there’s companies that can get people who are on a budget into entry level optics, and hopefully grow us into higher end optic buyers. I do however think it’s awesome you’re running Athlon’s. I’m personally an Athlon fan and have a Midas Tac HD, and it’s awesome but it’s not a $1-2K optic.
The best Chinese scopes are the Athlon Midas Tac and Ares BTR and ETR and believe me, I've tried a lot of the other brands already and I'm a scope glass snob who actually prefers to use Japan made scopes.
Thanks for your opinion sir.
Unfortunately this is the problem in the TH-cam world.
Views and sales are what "TH-camrs" are after....this tends to kick the door open to bias and the ever so popular hype-train.
To lend my .02....I run Athlon Midas TACs 5-25s....but I would LOVE to run ZCOs or Tangents....just cant hide those from the wife. :)
Good day all.
Thank you sir.. Thank you for you input!
@@pantherhollow5290 welcome.
So......10 months in....I sold both my Athlons after some issues.....I currently run a Minox ZP5 on my match gun and just purchased a EP 5 for my wife's match rifle. She will be getting a Minox as well in due time.
I have personally done a side by side between the two from high noon to sundown at the range, and glass wise i could not tell a difference (It was not the LP version). Granted there was a 7 year difference in age, but the PM2 was not beat up or abused at all.
No, its not the best, but it was able to do everything that the PM2 was doing and was slightly brighter at dusk. For those that are on a budget, I would say its the best option at current.
miles may very,,, They DO NOT hold up in PRS matches!! I found out the hard way!!
The Truth will set you Free. Great, Honest Video......Thanks
I have two Mark fives two Mark 4S and a few vortex scopes . I do have an sh4 on a ar it does not stack up to my other high-end scopes but for the cost it is very impressive. yes I have seen bullet trace on a fairly dry day but it's not consistent on seeing trace or mirage
i just bought an ep-5 for 300 dollars and it is certainly better than some scopes that I have spent 800 to 900 dollars on, for most people it is just the best budget scope on the market.
thanks,
Can you read mirage with the EP5 or the EPL4 ? The SH4 lacks in that department for me personally with my eyes. I can hit targets out to 800 and even 1000yds with the SH4 but it leaves a little on the table for reading hints the atmosphere gives you. I dont need to plug a quarter at a mile, I need minute of "evil mammal" at a long damn way away and the ability to read the wind through mirage.
the EP5 is lacking.. the glass hurts the the unit
@@pantherhollow5290 Thank you Sir
If you were shooting to only 800 yards (FN SPR .308 20” barrel), I have no fantasies that I’m a competitive shooter or capable of much more than that with the time I have to invest, what scope would you mount? Cheaper is better and around $600 is the max for me. There is so much hype over these newer Chinese scopes it seems hard to determine the truth. I have no real experience behind any decent scope, just what came mounted on my hunting rigs and one Redfield.
bottom line.. you get what you pay for!! I cannot tell you the amount of people that simply cannot understand this statement. more equals more!! thanks for watching!
The Arkens are great scopes. I've got 2 EP4s, but it's not a 1500. 00 scope. Spot on stuff Mike.
Thank you sir!!
Thank you for the effort, I have been looking for this for long time !
What are the diff between Athlon Ares ETR gen1 and 2? Which scope under 2k is closest to the Razor gen 2 in your opinion ?
Athlon Cronos, Tract Toric, Maven RS5 are all better in a few categories than the Razor.
Nothing made in China can compete with a Japan made Vortex Razor gen 2. You need a Japanese made scope in order to at least match the quality level of the Vortex Razor gen 2 such as the Athlon Cronus BTR or Tract Toric ELR or Maven RS4. The Athlon Ares ETRs are made in China. The quality simply isn't as good.
I think we have a scope salesman scared.!! Scared of losing his way of making a living.
man that was funny!! 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆
I own a few high dollar scopes and compared to my Arken. I’ll stick to Arken especially bc of the price. I think it’s almost just as great. Talking about fractions.
"I don't know that yet, because I have not tested it" is really all you need to hear. Just wondering if it is considered "better" if you are able to see the vapor-trail as the projectile it hits the bullseye verses just hitting the bullseye. (??)
Maybe, just maybe,... I don't need to buy the vapor-trail... I just want to hit the bullseye.
If you are shot in the head and killed with a 44 rather than a 22... it doesn't make you twice as dead.
More often than not... "You do get what you pay for" (I agree). Come back with some measurable data after you've "Tested" it rather than using price to justify what' you believe is better.
Yep, enjoyed the rant. Yep, not popular enough to subscribe.
GREAT... I do not need you sub!! I have tested these scopes and have videos to prove it... If you want a dog and pony show your on the wrong channel.... if you want the truth then thanks for stopping by!!!
@@pantherhollow5290 ok,,, didn't want to start a feud. I came for an opinion. Your opinion is YOUR truth. AND THAT"S OK.
Just pointing out that there were multiple times during the post you claimed you had "Not tested" several aspects... yet your conclusion was adamantly "Not better" without torturing the scope. (you even said one looks better than another...I guess that has value of some sort) Just handing back some truth.
I agreed you get what you pay for. It may not have $2000 glass... but it doesn't cost 2grand either (Truth) I agreed with your claim that it would be a rant (it turns out as Truth) I agreed with your statement that would not be popular.
When, as you claimed, you hadn't tested and tortured each scope providing empirical measurable evidence by category of test... it reduces the truth to your "opinion without evidence". Just sayin'... "A rant with evidence has more value." (and might even be popular... think about it)
ok... here is my unsolicited opinion/truth:
Big bang for the buck... if you have more bucks go ahead and spend'em.
Seeing the vapor trail/bullet trace has as much value to me as knowing the bullet passed between the ribs vs through a rib at 800 yards. Critter-down !
Repeatable point of contact is where the big-dollar value is at. Extreme low light capability, YES...big value at legal shooting time extremes. Seeing grass and leaves move at that distance. It's NOT the ability to see the "Bottom-line" vapor trail.
If you have the rugged durability and repeatability along with "pretty good low-light view" and reasonably good "old-man eyes clarity"... AT A SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER PRICE...I'll just claim I aimed for that rib.
("don't aim too high... there's legs underneath them")
I’m at the point where I need a better system on top my .308, I made a poor selection years ago and I want an upgrade. Where I’m needing help is at what point does the Arken fall off enough that I should make a jump to $1000 to a vortex pst for example. Is it a distance range? Like 5-25 magnification but using it well up to 18x then it falls on its face so out 300 yards it’s a good buy or if you want quality in the magnification another 2-300 yards do I need to step up to x model.
depends on what you deem necessary.
I’m happy with my EP5, which I decided to purchase based on some positive reviews. Is it as good as my NF scopes? Certainly not, as I personally feel that Nightforce optics have the best quality glass. Additionally, the EP5 is very heavy. Agree it’s a lot of scope for the money. It’s just not in the same universe as Nightforce.
I believe it is fair to say that it is far better than a Vortex Viper PST 2 it has a 34 mm main tube 56 mm of objective lens far more internal adjustment. And the glass quality is on par with it as well. It also has great tracking and I did see some bullet trace the other day running mine. I will not say this is a $2,000 scope I would say $1,500 tops and under. Reason being very nice solid zero stop solid audible clicks good easily visible markings nice fine reticle. This isn't tract or razor hd gen 2 glass but viper pst2 yes. For the price you can't go wrong but no you are not getting a Schmidt and Bender a Razor HD or tangent Theta or zero compromise or kahles. But you are getting something that offers a good solid zero stop a decent amount of light entering the scope good color and similar and in some cases better maximum elevation and windage. That's just where I stand on it this will always be subject to opinion everyone's eyes are different.
The Athlon Aries ETR is $1100 and from what I have seen so far the Ep5 is not as good. I will be doing a head to head this weekend. I do not carry lower end Vortex scopes, So thank you for taking the time to do this!! I like you thought process man.. Great comment!!
I'm comparing what I feel it's worth just based off of feel and features. A razor hd isn't the best glass but it is great. It's locking turrets are nice but I have seen them track worse than a Arken. And a vortex razor hd gen 2 4.5-27x56 has a little more vertical adjustment. But a Decent amount less than an arken ep5 when it comes to windage adjustment. To me for its glass to be on par and its turrets to be better than a Viper pst2 and have perfect tracking. And razor hd level adjustment. And good color and light transfer because the tube and lens size and coatings to me that's whyi stated $1500 but no more. Because I feel it's a far better scope than the viper pst2 5-25x50. As it offers far more for the price. The viper is tried and true used in prs etc. And it's msrp was $1299 and considering the arken was more on par with the hd because of the better tracking zero stop turrents glass quality and internal adjustment. That's why I gave it a bump to the $1,500 value as to me it's not a $2,000 scope quality but pushing the envelope. Thanks for the content and look forward to more videos.
@@coryb71chevy Thank you for your input!
That Ruger gun guy is on the Facebook Arken page sharing those videos. I had the pleasure of a small back and forth with him earlier. There was a guy stating the EP5 had better glass than his NX8. I told him to compare it to a ATACR and he would absolutely see the difference.
That Ruger guy says "Wrong again" and tags me with his video of him and his buddy comparing a Nighforce ATACR with the EP5 by showing the glass.
Now, I personally CAN see a difference in the video and its obvious that the nightforce is superior but in the video he says "You decide" then proceeds to tell people on Facebook that they are wrong because him and his buddy can't tell the difference between the two there for "I'm right in saying the EP5 is on par with a ATACR". Without making this to long, I don't even need to explain to anyone who knows better how stupid of a statement that is and saying a scope is on par based off of mainly the glass clarity is ridiculous, amateur bullshit. Anyway, keep up the good work.
LOL... I say...(you can't fix stupid)... LOL... NICE comment man... Thank you for the info.. The correct information makes us stronger and better at what we do!!
th-cam.com/video/Qd8oOjOBBq0/w-d-xo.html