Arken Optics company are waaaaay out in front. If I could spend more on optics, it would only be because I wanted to. No a need at this time for this fudd. This stuff is satisfying. Going for the LPVO next. Stay strapped.
Well this is the optic I finally pulled the trigger on... It only took a month of research...lol... But seriously between 20-24 mag the eye box is not great... lol... But still glad I bought it... This and the Discoveryopt 4-20x52 were the two I decided between... But weight and the covered windage turret won out on the Arken.... Hope Discoveropt pays attention to this model in both functionality and weight. Thanks again for all your time spent in making these videos n' God bless
Got 2 of them. Love them. Use one of them on 17 hm2. Squirrel killer. Got another on new air rifle. Still trying to tune new rifle. Too cold and windy as of late.
I have the 5-25 ep-l on my 300wm and the new 1-8 on my 308 ar-10. In a few months I'm gonna get another 1-8 to put on a Mk12ish build I'm putting together. Great optics.
Hello, first I want to thank you for all the awesome content, I have been binge watching your videos and so far, I haven't found one that isn't top notch. I am in the process of building a budget ar10 (PSA-10 in .308 with an 18" barrel) setup for hog/large game hunting and some long-distance target shooting when I get the opportunities to do so. I am struggling to decide on the scope for that build, and my top three choices are: EPL-4 VPR, EP5, or the Discovery ED-ELR 5. My very loaded and extremely subjective question is: For a weekend hunter and occasional long-range enthusiast, would the EP5 be superior enough to the others to warrant saving up a little more for it and "growing into the scope" as I get deeper into the game and upgrade my rifle? Or would the more budget friendly other two be more than adequate? And does the weight savings of the EPL-4 make a noticeable advantage? I will say I do not have a range or the capability to shoot past 800 yards, but I may get the chance a couple times a year. In all honesty I have never had a scope over $200 (most range in the just below or just above $100 category) so I don't have any reference for $400 glass compared to $600 glass. For most of the year I may throw it on my PCP or .22 to utilize the "long range" features of these scopes because I really want to get into the dialing in and holdovers for distances, and 100 yards for a PCP is close to 1000 yards for a centerfire in fundamentals and all that. I know it's difficult to say for my situation because you don't really know my situation, but if you were only going to shoot say, less than 500 rounds a year (hunting, competitions, and target plinking combined), you don't want to spend a lot of money on gear but want the best bang for your buck, and you are only used to UTG and Walmart type scopes in terms of quality and glass, what scope would you opt for? I will say I am leaning towards the EPL-4 for its light weight and cheaper price and just use the extra 130 bucks on ammo, other gear, and training. But I would not mind spending a little more if it's really worth it to do so. Sorry for the long-winded comment but thank you for all the information and content again, and I'm sure whichever one I end up getting will be a welcomed upgrade to my optics collection. Thank you.
Well it's an absolute privilege and thank you for subbing and watching my content! I appreciate your compliment. In your case, I would be comfortable with the EPL 4. You can't dial as far with it, that's the limitation. Glass is pretty decent, reticle is very functional in all 3, but I'm leaning towards the EPL 4. The weight savings is noticeable. The reticle dot is pretty small though for hog hunting at close distances, that's one thing to consider. This reticle is something that will grow on you. Turrets are very trustworthy and eyebox is decent at around 12-16 power which is optimum mag for targets or longer shots on hogs.
@@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan thank you for the quick reply! I was thinking of mounting an offset red dot for those quick or close shots up to 100 yards and then the scope for anything further. And for the times when I want to pretend like I'm Carlos hathcock lol. Thanks for the recommendation and all the info. Very refreshing from the other "big shots" that don't respond or just regurgitate info from the side of the box without any real world knowledge of said equipment.
@@kevindflowers234 I was going to suggest a side mounted red dot but you’re already there. I run pic rails on my guns so I can do this. You can run a higher magnification scope when you have a red dot on the side for close in shooting. I use Arisaka mount for three reasons. It can be adjusted for either 35 or 45 degree angle, it’s thinner than the others and the big reason is it keeps the sight centered over the barrel which is a huge factor. I then use a Holosun 507 pistol optic because it’s so small and easy to mount. I’ve found I’m not limited by the small sight picture at all. So my suggestion is similar. Go with the EPL-4 6-24 and the red dot. You’re covered in distances from your boot laces to however far you can see. Just a heads up. Your next upgrade is going to be dumping the 308 and going 6.5 when you get tired of the accumulating recoil fatigue.
Glad to see you do a review of this optic as you always seem to reply to people's comments, i have the EP5 so just wondering how would you compare this lightweight to the Monster of the EP5 ?Also ive seen your reviews of the element titans,im curious to know how the EPL4 stands up against the titan optically also as im planningon adding the EPL4, Brilliant review and love the scopecam footage 👍,Richie from Ireland 🇮🇪
Hey Richie! What a privilege to have a friend from Ireland. I'm That's a great question. Optically the EP5 and the EPL4 are very similar. Eye box seems slightly more touchy at full power on the EP5 actually, but a lot of that has to do with the positions you should and how your rifle is set up. I tend NOT to shoot at full power, almost never. I do use it for spotting though. Optically and mechanically I'm confident the Titan and the EPL4 are similar tracking capability, although I know that Arken places a lot of emphasis on precision tracking. The turrets feel and operate way better on the new Arkens vs the old Element line. The New Element are right up there though. I still run a Titan btw, love it. Optically, the new Arken jap optics are superior to the Element Titan series from a few years ago.
Thanks for your reply,can't get anymore detailed than that ,im the same ,never use high mag,and on the the EP5 anything passed 20x is no benefit.I think you did an excellent job of reviewing the EPL4 and made me realize this needs to be my next optic.I love the EP5 but it's too much of a beast for hunting which is where the EPL4 fits in perfectly. Only thing is Arken do not ship outside the US.Gona have to rely on my generous US relatives to do me a big favor, "again" and send 1 over as I can purchase from this side.thanks again for the review and love the scopecam footage,it's the only way to show optical quality and type of reticle.👍🇮🇪
Love your video. I am about to buy a Arken for my AR10 6.5cr, and thinking between the EP-5 and EPL-4. thinking the EPL-4 due to weight. Can I ask what the difference in the VHR and VPR is and which would be best? also would you recommend the cantilever for the AR10 over just the rings? and if so would a 0 MOA be best or 20 MOA? Also would a 4-16 x44 or 6-24x50 be the best for out to about 1000yds? i am new to the better scopes lol
Hey man thanks so much. The optical image is equally good between the two options, but the EP5 has more travel, and the EPL-4 is lighter for sure and has a nice small footprint. If weight matters I'd say EPL-4. Also it's cheaper. I would say get a cantilever and skip the 20moa if you go with the ELP-4. Optical image is best with the 0moa centering, it just doesn't leave you much for internal elevation but you only need like 9 mils to get to 1k, so no biggy. I suppose I'd personally get behind either magnification, I like them both, but probably the 6-24x. Reticle differences are just tree or no tree, and that's totally preference but I like trees for long range.
@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan awesome, thank you for getting back to me. I was looking at the scopes I have and heaviest is the 1.5lb on my 30/30 lever. It's a 1.5 -4.5x32. Then 3-9x 40 on the 223 wylde only 1.25ld. So thinking probably the 6-24 x 50 might be best for the 6.5cr. And being a AR10 I do think the lighter would be better. Since will be used out in the feld.lol and thank you for your advice. I will go with the 0 moa mount and thinking MIn and the tree one. Basically to have a decent "sniper " rifle
Where about are you? I lived half my life on the Range. I have 3 EPL 4's. One in MOA and two in MIL. I love these scopes. I feel the illuminated reticle is lacking but I dont use it anyway. You have the low mounts.
Love Arken as they have the best glass for price point. I think the biggest downfall they continue to have is the scopes at higher magnification levels. Everyone seems to agree the Japanese glass is amazing up until the highest mag levels. That’s when the glass becomes to blurry to be as accurate as you could be. My EP5 beats out my viper pst in every aspect aside from the 23-25X. I like the rings that came with my Arken and will continue to purchase from Arken. I hope they put a more precise reticle on their 1-8 lpvo. Or at least add more options. Also they need to come out with a legit mpvo as the market is lacking and wide open. I can tell ya right now that if they did it right they would beat out the athlon helos (mine looks like I’m looking through a toilet paper roll).
Yes I pushed it back and forth and did some testing that was kind of obnoxious, but I actually did see a difference in group size as well as group location. It was kind of hard for me to believe that it actually did something
The Athlon Helos 2-12x42 is a very capable hunting scope with reliable tracking with locking turrets, positive zero stop, decent glass that's equal to if not better than the Japanese ED glass used in the Arken EP5 and EPL4s, excellent illumination definitely better than Arkens and worth paying $300-$350 whenever they go on sale such as Black Friday. LIFETIME WARRANTY including their electronics/illuminated reticle while there'sany companies that only have limited short term warranty on their electronics/illuminated reticle. FFP reticle is actually useable throughout it's entire magnification range and easy to see at 2x perfect for hunting. Negatives- MADE IN CHINA, rather heavy for a hunting scope, does not include a sunshade nor flip up lens covers or any lens covers for that matter, and typical selling price of $459 is an outright rip off especially since it is still made in CHINA. Reticle may be too large for precision target shooting since the center dot covers 1 inch at 100 yards. Glass/image quality isn't crystal clear past 10x which may be still good but not great. I would like to see Athlon use HD glass in these or add this reticle in their Midas Tac and Ares BTR Gen 2. Another decent FFP scope is the Sightmark Presidio 3-18x50 illuminated reticle with zero stop for $279.99 when they go on sale like they recently did on Amazon or from places that offer at least 10% discount such as Optics Planet or Midway USA or Brownells or Cabela's or Bass Pro and sometimes EuroOptic and Scopelist have good deals. Lifetime warranty including their electronics but need a copy of your proof of purchase receipt in order to claim any warranty. Another possible worthwhile scope at a very good sale price is the Bushnell Engage 4-16x44 with illuminated FFP reticle for $299.99 with free shipping at EuroOptic and Scopelist if you don't mind a crappy warranty that Bushnell might not even honor.
@@commonsense5709 good to know I appreciate the reply. Seems like the average ffp is around 23-30oz so I guess I considered it average. I am surprised by it's weight considering it's shorter than most scopes but it's not a deal breaker to me. I originally was looking at vortex but I prefer alot of the features the helos has over alot of other scopes out there especially for it's price point.
Appreciate it man. How's your new rimfire doing? I'm interested to see your experience with it more. My friend Alex just posted a review on it, kinda rough experience.
Do NOT buy Arken. I got my first one and it immediately had to be sent back the same day because when you turned on the illumination, the entire scope glass was lit up. Was told the scope glass was over-polished and immediately sent a new one. Got my replacement a week or so later. Opened that one up and it was full of black flakes and had a glue spot on the inside objective glass. Got an actual call from someone at Arken and they verified both scopes were bad and sent me a 3rd. I refused to open the replacement they sent me and the WONDERFUL guys @ CameraLand are going to take it back and give me full credit towards something else WAAAYYYY outside of return time. THANK YOU SO MUCH CameraLand!!! Do not buy an Arken! They do not have any qc it seems and you truly have no idea what you are going to get till you get it. It’s a 50-50 gamble on you getting a good scope. Or in my case, not at all.
I own 5 and never had a problem when received and love shooting long range with them. Gen 2 5-25x56 one moa at 1750 yards with a special barreled 7prc. Took a 3500 dollar vortex off to usebthis scope after useing ine on a10 308 at 100 yards.
Good review but the glass used in the EPL4s aren't that good. Not as good as reviewers make them appear to be. Not even the EP5 is clear on maximum magnification. If they're really using Japanese ED glass they must be using the cheapest and lowest quality possible. For their EPL4 $299-$329 and $397.49 EP5 current sale prices they may be worth buying but not at their regular prices. The Arkens are better than the Element Optics Helix and Titan though for a lot cheaper and also better than the Vortex Diamondback Tactical and Athlon Argos BTR and Bushnell Match Pro and Ritons.
Out of the big six identifiers of glass quality, which one do you think suffers the most in the EPL line? Just out of curiosity, I'm wondering what feature is insufficient for its price point MSRP? I can speak to the Japanese production and say that they are only making it to the specifications that are can requested, so calling it Japanese glass may not mean as much as it used to when specifications were all higher. Also, the way the rest of the scope is designed and where the lenses are placed and how many will affect the overall image. If a person uses combination lenses with a majority Chinese glass and a few Japanese lenses, The image may be better than a totally Chinese lens optic but still not as good as the image from something like March. Appreciate your views and your thoughtful comment, keep your powder dry and keep shooting!
Listen, this optic can be hand for under $300 on sale, it's got a great image, reasonable eyebox for price point, great reticle, and good tracking. The reason so many people speak highly of the product is NOT because this is as good as my Zeiss or Element or Zerotech Optics.. it's because it's good in relation to other products of the price point. It is versatile, it does perform well, and I do recommend it to budget constrained folks.
Well I have an SH-4 6-24 and an EPL 4 6-24. I wasted $2150 on my Nightforce 4-32 now that the 7-35 Arken is out. Sorry but this talk like Arken is a good product “for the money” is crap. It implies it’s a low quality budget scope when it’s just a budget PRICED brand. I too fell for the snob factor and bought Nightforce, Steiner, Leupold,Tract and other more expensive glass thinking I must be getting more of SOMETHING. Whatever that something is I can tell you this. I can’t see whatever it may be. If you can’t see it why pay for it? There may be better build quality but if you’re target shooting or popping varmints on a sunny day you aren’t exactly beating on it. Now if I were to be on a guided expensive elk hunt in terrible conditions I would use one of my higher end scopes to be sure. However unless I’m in that specific scenario I’ve admitted to myself I could have saved big money not buying brands I didn’t need for the task at hand. So I’m done with the brand name snobbery crap. Same with guns, the machining quality is so good the lines are getting blurred between high and low priced options. One example is prefit barrels. You can spend $900 on Brux or Bartlein, wait 6-8 months for it and have a .3 barrel. Or you can call NSS in Bismarck , order a Criterion for $325, have it on your doorstep in a week, screw it on to your action and be shooting .3’s breaking it in. Guess who wasted tons more cash on big money barrels? Now it’s actions. Guaranteed headspace actions a few years ago were $1300- $1800 but now we have new options like Aero Solus, ARC CDG and now Defiance actions coming in at about $900 or even less. I bought actions 2 years ago and regret most of those choices now also. My overarching point is this. Don’t just assume higher priced means higher quality any more because it’s just not true especially in the shooting space.
It must be cool to get free samples sent to you by companies, but this is an advertisement, not a review. What's the real difference between VHR and VPR? What's the FOV at 10,12,14 and 16 between 4-16 and 6-24? What's the CA? What's the eye box exactly? YTubers kept raving about EP5. In reality it weights in at 40 ounces, and it's unusable past 16X due to impossibly tight eye box.
You should start a channel and share these opinions. (I'm not being sarcastic, you really should) If a product is good, I tell people about it. If it's not a good product, I send it back, which happens. Either way, I appreciate your viewership. I like my Arkens for what they are.
@@GTMGunTotinMinnesotanI don't have the time to start a channel, that's why I come to see the info that's shared by those that do. I'm not being sarcastic either. The known problem with lower end scope is that at higher magnification the image quality deteriorates badly, especially at high mils. EP5 is a dud for practical us while being good enough for paper punchers. If I were top make a choice between 4-16 and 6-24, I would not be able to since there is no info on the facts that matter - what is the factual k field of view and eye box at given magnification settings? I don't know that. You shoot well, .308 at those ranges starts to drift past 800. Do you see trace with your Arkens at those ranges or do you adjust by splash as you did in the vid?
@@BigSmartArmed Splash 99% of the time, but I can see trace. I used the parallax to gauge wind at a couple distances but it depends on the weather conditions. Thanks for watching again. Keep your powder dry
Are u sponsored by Arken? Or given free/discounted anything? I mean the hat, the shirt....kind of giving yourself away. Sponsored opinions mean NOTHING to ANYONE
I think you missed the disclaimer of affiliation. Affiliation and sponsorship are not the same thing. Also, marketing statistical content proves that sponsored content still means something to quite a few people, otherwise they wouldn't do it. Do my hits on steel somehow not count at long range because I have an affiliation. And when I critique other Arken products, does that somehow not count too? Just something to consider. Either way I appreciate you watching, even if it's just for your entertainment. Fine by me, I've got no skin in the game.
@@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan Really?? U think I believe Lebron James ACTUALLY loves Sprite? Or Tiger Woods drives a Buick? Your opinion was paid for. Dont get mad most people sell out for money, u likely hate the mainstream media right? Wondeer why they tell lies to damage their country? They were bought. Were you? 🤷🏼♂️ People hate mirrors pointed at them....it forces them to look hard at themselves.
Kevin, go back and reread what I wrote. I don't think that you thought about what I was actually saying verses your rant. I'm a 2A supporter, we have more in common than not. Let's not devour one another over semantics or suspicions. I am allowed to like a product, and be affiliated with them, and simultaneously be honest. Like, dude, look how small my channel is. I have no skin in this aside from the fact that I really use these products. This scope is on my favorite air rifle right now, I shoot it every single day. Enough man.
I just got my arkin ep8 and it has a problem with the power ring. I have e-mailed arkin several times and they won't respond to my email. I texted them no reply, and that's the only way arkin has for a customer to contact them. I am very unhappy with the scope and their customer service sucks. Warning don't buy a arkin product it is a scam
Just want to double check, in the email are you spelling it Arkin or Arken? Just in case there was a typo, but remember this is on the heels of Black Friday man - it doesn't excuse the problem - but all businesses are crazy busy after BF and prior to Christmas. It's that time of year for sure.
Arken Optics company are waaaaay out in front. If I could spend more on optics, it would only be because I wanted to. No a need at this time for this fudd. This stuff is satisfying. Going for the LPVO next. Stay strapped.
Well this is the optic I finally pulled the trigger on... It only took a month of research...lol...
But seriously between 20-24 mag the eye box is not great... lol... But still glad I bought it... This and the Discoveryopt 4-20x52 were the two I decided between... But weight and the covered windage turret won out on the Arken.... Hope Discoveropt pays attention to this model in both functionality and weight.
Thanks again for all your time spent in making these videos n' God bless
Got 2 of them. Love them. Use one of them on 17 hm2. Squirrel killer.
Got another on new air rifle. Still trying to tune new rifle. Too cold and windy as of late.
Thanks for a good review. Ordered a 6-24x50 today (from Astro in Sweden since I live there) 🙂
Can you review the new LH4 ? I haven't seen any reviews. But I ordered one waiting for it to come. I have 3 other Arkens , so far pleased with them!
I want to, we will see if they send it
I have the 5-25 ep-l on my 300wm and the new 1-8 on my 308 ar-10. In a few months I'm gonna get another 1-8 to put on a Mk12ish build I'm putting together. Great optics.
Hello, first I want to thank you for all the awesome content, I have been binge watching your videos and so far, I haven't found one that isn't top notch.
I am in the process of building a budget ar10 (PSA-10 in .308 with an 18" barrel) setup for hog/large game hunting and some long-distance target shooting when I get the opportunities to do so. I am struggling to decide on the scope for that build, and my top three choices are: EPL-4 VPR, EP5, or the Discovery ED-ELR 5.
My very loaded and extremely subjective question is: For a weekend hunter and occasional long-range enthusiast, would the EP5 be superior enough to the others to warrant saving up a little more for it and "growing into the scope" as I get deeper into the game and upgrade my rifle? Or would the more budget friendly other two be more than adequate? And does the weight savings of the EPL-4 make a noticeable advantage? I will say I do not have a range or the capability to shoot past 800 yards, but I may get the chance a couple times a year. In all honesty I have never had a scope over $200 (most range in the just below or just above $100 category) so I don't have any reference for $400 glass compared to $600 glass. For most of the year I may throw it on my PCP or .22 to utilize the "long range" features of these scopes because I really want to get into the dialing in and holdovers for distances, and 100 yards for a PCP is close to 1000 yards for a centerfire in fundamentals and all that. I know it's difficult to say for my situation because you don't really know my situation, but if you were only going to shoot say, less than 500 rounds a year (hunting, competitions, and target plinking combined), you don't want to spend a lot of money on gear but want the best bang for your buck, and you are only used to UTG and Walmart type scopes in terms of quality and glass, what scope would you opt for?
I will say I am leaning towards the EPL-4 for its light weight and cheaper price and just use the extra 130 bucks on ammo, other gear, and training. But I would not mind spending a little more if it's really worth it to do so.
Sorry for the long-winded comment but thank you for all the information and content again, and I'm sure whichever one I end up getting will be a welcomed upgrade to my optics collection. Thank you.
Well it's an absolute privilege and thank you for subbing and watching my content! I appreciate your compliment. In your case, I would be comfortable with the EPL 4. You can't dial as far with it, that's the limitation. Glass is pretty decent, reticle is very functional in all 3, but I'm leaning towards the EPL 4. The weight savings is noticeable. The reticle dot is pretty small though for hog hunting at close distances, that's one thing to consider. This reticle is something that will grow on you. Turrets are very trustworthy and eyebox is decent at around 12-16 power which is optimum mag for targets or longer shots on hogs.
@@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan thank you for the quick reply! I was thinking of mounting an offset red dot for those quick or close shots up to 100 yards and then the scope for anything further. And for the times when I want to pretend like I'm Carlos hathcock lol. Thanks for the recommendation and all the info. Very refreshing from the other "big shots" that don't respond or just regurgitate info from the side of the box without any real world knowledge of said equipment.
@@kevindflowers234 I was going to suggest a side mounted red dot but you’re already there. I run pic rails on my guns so I can do this. You can run a higher magnification scope when you have a red dot on the side for close in shooting.
I use Arisaka mount for three reasons. It can be adjusted for either 35 or 45 degree angle, it’s thinner than the others and the big reason is it keeps the sight centered over the barrel which is a huge factor. I then use a Holosun 507 pistol optic because it’s so small and easy to mount. I’ve found I’m not limited by the small sight picture at all.
So my suggestion is similar. Go with the EPL-4 6-24 and the red dot. You’re covered in distances from your boot laces to however far you can see.
Just a heads up. Your next upgrade is going to be dumping the 308 and going 6.5 when you get tired of the accumulating recoil fatigue.
Glad to see you do a review of this optic as you always seem to reply to people's comments, i have the EP5 so just wondering how would you compare this lightweight to the Monster of the EP5 ?Also ive seen your reviews of the element titans,im curious to know how the EPL4 stands up against the titan optically also as im planningon adding the EPL4, Brilliant review and love the scopecam footage 👍,Richie from Ireland 🇮🇪
Hey Richie! What a privilege to have a friend from Ireland. I'm That's a great question. Optically the EP5 and the EPL4 are very similar. Eye box seems slightly more touchy at full power on the EP5 actually, but a lot of that has to do with the positions you should and how your rifle is set up. I tend NOT to shoot at full power, almost never. I do use it for spotting though. Optically and mechanically I'm confident the Titan and the EPL4 are similar tracking capability, although I know that Arken places a lot of emphasis on precision tracking. The turrets feel and operate way better on the new Arkens vs the old Element line. The New Element are right up there though. I still run a Titan btw, love it. Optically, the new Arken jap optics are superior to the Element Titan series from a few years ago.
Thanks for your reply,can't get anymore detailed than that ,im the same ,never use high mag,and on the the EP5 anything passed 20x is no benefit.I think you did an excellent job of reviewing the EPL4 and made me realize this needs to be my next optic.I love the EP5 but it's too much of a beast for hunting which is where the EPL4 fits in perfectly. Only thing is Arken do not ship outside the US.Gona have to rely on my generous US relatives to do me a big favor, "again" and send 1 over as I can purchase from this side.thanks again for the review and love the scopecam footage,it's the only way to show optical quality and type of reticle.👍🇮🇪
Good video nice shooting. I need an Arken hat I like it.
Love your video. I am about to buy a Arken for my AR10 6.5cr, and thinking between the EP-5 and EPL-4. thinking the EPL-4 due to weight. Can I ask what the difference in the VHR and VPR is and which would be best? also would you recommend the cantilever for the AR10 over just the rings? and if so would a 0 MOA be best or 20 MOA? Also would a 4-16 x44 or 6-24x50 be the best for out to about 1000yds? i am new to the better scopes lol
Hey man thanks so much. The optical image is equally good between the two options, but the EP5 has more travel, and the EPL-4 is lighter for sure and has a nice small footprint. If weight matters I'd say EPL-4. Also it's cheaper. I would say get a cantilever and skip the 20moa if you go with the ELP-4. Optical image is best with the 0moa centering, it just doesn't leave you much for internal elevation but you only need like 9 mils to get to 1k, so no biggy. I suppose I'd personally get behind either magnification, I like them both, but probably the 6-24x. Reticle differences are just tree or no tree, and that's totally preference but I like trees for long range.
@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan awesome, thank you for getting back to me. I was looking at the scopes I have and heaviest is the 1.5lb on my 30/30 lever. It's a 1.5 -4.5x32. Then 3-9x 40 on the 223 wylde only 1.25ld. So thinking probably the 6-24 x 50 might be best for the 6.5cr. And being a AR10 I do think the lighter would be better. Since will be used out in the feld.lol and thank you for your advice. I will go with the 0 moa mount and thinking MIn and the tree one. Basically to have a decent "sniper " rifle
Where about are you? I lived half my life on the Range. I have 3 EPL 4's. One in MOA and two in MIL. I love these scopes. I feel the illuminated reticle is lacking but I dont use it anyway. You have the low mounts.
Got 5 and just ordered number 6. 2 leoupols on shelf and 2 vortex. Yep I like.
Haha wow that's awesome
Love Arken as they have the best glass for price point. I think the biggest downfall they continue to have is the scopes at higher magnification levels. Everyone seems to agree the Japanese glass is amazing up until the highest mag levels. That’s when the glass becomes to blurry to be as accurate as you could be. My EP5 beats out my viper pst in every aspect aside from the 23-25X. I like the rings that came with my Arken and will continue to purchase from Arken. I hope they put a more precise reticle on their 1-8 lpvo. Or at least add more options. Also they need to come out with a legit mpvo as the market is lacking and wide open. I can tell ya right now that if they did it right they would beat out the athlon helos (mine looks like I’m looking through a toilet paper roll).
Concise informative review. Since it's still on there, I assume that barrel damper had a positive effect?.
Yes I pushed it back and forth and did some testing that was kind of obnoxious, but I actually did see a difference in group size as well as group location. It was kind of hard for me to believe that it actually did something
Interesting. Thanks for the reply. Since none my barrels are threaded, I can't use a tuner/ break. Might try one of these.@@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan
Well done ... lot of good info in your video..
Thanks Randall, really enjoying this optic.
Where is this range you are shooting at in Minnesota?
Curious what your thought are on the helos 2-12x42 gen 2. Its been 2 years can you still reccomend it? Will be primarily for hunting
Yes I can. I actually sold mine, but I wish I didn't. It was a decent optic configuration.
The Athlon Helos 2-12x42 is a very capable hunting scope with reliable tracking with locking turrets, positive zero stop, decent glass that's equal to if not better than the Japanese ED glass used in the Arken EP5 and EPL4s, excellent illumination definitely better than Arkens and worth paying $300-$350 whenever they go on sale such as Black Friday. LIFETIME WARRANTY including their electronics/illuminated reticle while there'sany companies that only have limited short term warranty on their electronics/illuminated reticle. FFP reticle is actually useable throughout it's entire magnification range and easy to see at 2x perfect for hunting.
Negatives- MADE IN CHINA, rather heavy for a hunting scope, does not include a sunshade nor flip up lens covers or any lens covers for that matter, and typical selling price of $459 is an outright rip off especially since it is still made in CHINA. Reticle may be too large for precision target shooting since the center dot covers 1 inch at 100 yards. Glass/image quality isn't crystal clear past 10x which may be still good but not great. I would like to see Athlon use HD glass in these or add this reticle in their Midas Tac and Ares BTR Gen 2.
Another decent FFP scope is the Sightmark Presidio 3-18x50 illuminated reticle with zero stop for $279.99 when they go on sale like they recently did on Amazon or from places that offer at least 10% discount such as Optics Planet or Midway USA or Brownells or Cabela's or Bass Pro and sometimes EuroOptic and Scopelist have good deals. Lifetime warranty including their electronics but need a copy of your proof of purchase receipt in order to claim any warranty.
Another possible worthwhile scope at a very good sale price is the Bushnell Engage 4-16x44 with illuminated FFP reticle for $299.99 with free shipping at EuroOptic and Scopelist if you don't mind a crappy warranty that Bushnell might not even honor.
@@commonsense5709 good to know I appreciate the reply. Seems like the average ffp is around 23-30oz so I guess I considered it average. I am surprised by it's weight considering it's shorter than most scopes but it's not a deal breaker to me. I originally was looking at vortex but I prefer alot of the features the helos has over alot of other scopes out there especially for it's price point.
@@codigray624 UPDATE please read ROKSLIDE review and comments for the Athlon Helos 2-12x42 before making any decisions to buy one.
Great video!
Appreciate it man. How's your new rimfire doing? I'm interested to see your experience with it more. My friend Alex just posted a review on it, kinda rough experience.
I would like to know where in Minnesota you are shooting also? I am looking for a long range shooting venue also.
Check out the range in New York Mills
I thought I was the only one still shooting a 308. lol
I can afford it at least 🤙
I’m still shooting .308 using the AR10 platform. I have the EP5 5-25x56 and it’s a perfect entry level scope.
Don't forget to check out their social media: instagram.com/arkenopticsusa/
Love mine
That the tc compass with a chassis?
Savage 10!
Do NOT buy Arken. I got my first one and it immediately had to be sent back the same day because when you turned on the illumination, the entire scope glass was lit up. Was told the scope glass was over-polished and immediately sent a new one. Got my replacement a week or so later. Opened that one up and it was full of black flakes and had a glue spot on the inside objective glass. Got an actual call from someone at Arken and they verified both scopes were bad and sent me a 3rd. I refused to open the replacement they sent me and the WONDERFUL guys @ CameraLand are going to take it back and give me full credit towards something else WAAAYYYY outside of return time. THANK YOU SO MUCH CameraLand!!! Do not buy an Arken! They do not have any qc it seems and you truly have no idea what you are going to get till you get it. It’s a 50-50 gamble on you getting a good scope. Or in my case, not at all.
lol
@@eaSTS9 not sure what’s funny about 2 bad scopes and quite a bit of hassle but ok 👍🏻.
@@joshuatriggs2941 lol
I own 5 and never had a problem when received and love shooting long range with them. Gen 2 5-25x56 one moa at 1750 yards with a special barreled 7prc. Took a 3500 dollar vortex off to usebthis scope after useing ine on a10 308 at 100 yards.
Yah I have one as well and really like it. Its illumination isn’t perfect but it’s really great for the price in my opinion.
Good review but the glass used in the EPL4s aren't that good. Not as good as reviewers make them appear to be. Not even the EP5 is clear on maximum magnification. If they're really using Japanese ED glass they must be using the cheapest and lowest quality possible. For their EPL4 $299-$329 and $397.49 EP5 current sale prices they may be worth buying but not at their regular prices.
The Arkens are better than the Element Optics Helix and Titan though for a lot cheaper and also better than the Vortex Diamondback Tactical and Athlon Argos BTR and Bushnell Match Pro and Ritons.
Out of the big six identifiers of glass quality, which one do you think suffers the most in the EPL line? Just out of curiosity, I'm wondering what feature is insufficient for its price point MSRP? I can speak to the Japanese production and say that they are only making it to the specifications that are can requested, so calling it Japanese glass may not mean as much as it used to when specifications were all higher. Also, the way the rest of the scope is designed and where the lenses are placed and how many will affect the overall image. If a person uses combination lenses with a majority Chinese glass and a few Japanese lenses, The image may be better than a totally Chinese lens optic but still not as good as the image from something like March. Appreciate your views and your thoughtful comment, keep your powder dry and keep shooting!
@@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan Did you purchase the Arken scopes you reviewed with your own money or did you get them for free?
Did you see my previous reply?
@@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan
#1 Very bad chromatic aberration.
It appears as though the EP5 uses slightly better glass compared to the EPL4s.
Oh wow, another Arken shill who is honest and gives a fair, objective opinion on a scope they were given by the manufacturer. This is gonna be good.
Listen, this optic can be hand for under $300 on sale, it's got a great image, reasonable eyebox for price point, great reticle, and good tracking. The reason so many people speak highly of the product is NOT because this is as good as my Zeiss or Element or Zerotech Optics.. it's because it's good in relation to other products of the price point. It is versatile, it does perform well, and I do recommend it to budget constrained folks.
Well I have an SH-4 6-24 and an EPL 4 6-24. I wasted $2150 on my Nightforce 4-32 now that the 7-35 Arken is out. Sorry but this talk like Arken is a good product “for the money” is crap. It implies it’s a low quality budget scope when it’s just a budget PRICED brand.
I too fell for the snob factor and bought Nightforce, Steiner, Leupold,Tract and other more expensive glass thinking I must be getting more of SOMETHING. Whatever that something is I can tell you this. I can’t see whatever it may be. If you can’t see it why pay for it?
There may be better build quality but if you’re target shooting or popping varmints on a sunny day you aren’t exactly beating on it. Now if I were to be on a guided expensive elk hunt in terrible conditions I would use one of my higher end scopes to be sure. However unless I’m in that specific scenario I’ve admitted to myself I could have saved big money not buying brands I didn’t need for the task at hand.
So I’m done with the brand name snobbery crap. Same with guns, the machining quality is so good the lines are getting blurred between high and low priced options. One example is prefit barrels. You can spend $900 on Brux or Bartlein, wait 6-8 months for it and have a .3 barrel. Or you can call NSS in Bismarck , order a Criterion for $325, have it on your doorstep in a week, screw it on to your action and be shooting .3’s breaking it in.
Guess who wasted tons more cash on big money barrels?
Now it’s actions. Guaranteed headspace actions a few years ago were $1300- $1800 but now we have new options like Aero Solus, ARC CDG and now Defiance actions coming in at about $900 or even less. I bought actions 2 years ago and regret most of those choices now also.
My overarching point is this. Don’t just assume higher priced means higher quality any more because it’s just not true especially in the shooting space.
It must be cool to get free samples sent to you by companies, but this is an advertisement, not a review.
What's the real difference between VHR and VPR?
What's the FOV at 10,12,14 and 16 between 4-16 and 6-24? What's the CA? What's the eye box exactly?
YTubers kept raving about EP5. In reality it weights in at 40 ounces, and it's unusable past 16X due to impossibly tight eye box.
You should start a channel and share these opinions. (I'm not being sarcastic, you really should) If a product is good, I tell people about it. If it's not a good product, I send it back, which happens. Either way, I appreciate your viewership. I like my Arkens for what they are.
@@GTMGunTotinMinnesotanI don't have the time to start a channel, that's why I come to see the info that's shared by those that do. I'm not being sarcastic either. The known problem with lower end scope is that at higher magnification the image quality deteriorates badly, especially at high mils. EP5 is a dud for practical us while being good enough for paper punchers. If I were top make a choice between 4-16 and 6-24, I would not be able to since there is no info on the facts that matter - what is the factual k field of view and eye box at given magnification settings? I don't know that. You shoot well, .308 at those ranges starts to drift past 800. Do you see trace with your Arkens at those ranges or do you adjust by splash as you did in the vid?
@@BigSmartArmed Splash 99% of the time, but I can see trace. I used the parallax to gauge wind at a couple distances but it depends on the weather conditions. Thanks for watching again. Keep your powder dry
30 minutes that could have been said in 10 minutes. 👎
I'll try to please you better next time, my lord
Are u sponsored by Arken? Or given free/discounted anything? I mean the hat, the shirt....kind of giving yourself away.
Sponsored opinions mean NOTHING to ANYONE
I think you missed the disclaimer of affiliation. Affiliation and sponsorship are not the same thing. Also, marketing statistical content proves that sponsored content still means something to quite a few people, otherwise they wouldn't do it. Do my hits on steel somehow not count at long range because I have an affiliation. And when I critique other Arken products, does that somehow not count too? Just something to consider. Either way I appreciate you watching, even if it's just for your entertainment. Fine by me, I've got no skin in the game.
@@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan Really?? U think I believe Lebron James ACTUALLY loves Sprite? Or Tiger Woods drives a Buick? Your opinion was paid for.
Dont get mad most people sell out for money, u likely hate the mainstream media right? Wondeer why they tell lies to damage their country? They were bought. Were you? 🤷🏼♂️
People hate mirrors pointed at them....it forces them to look hard at themselves.
@@KevinWood44 Relax dude....don't watch it if you don't trust it.
Kevin, go back and reread what I wrote. I don't think that you thought about what I was actually saying verses your rant. I'm a 2A supporter, we have more in common than not. Let's not devour one another over semantics or suspicions. I am allowed to like a product, and be affiliated with them, and simultaneously be honest. Like, dude, look how small my channel is. I have no skin in this aside from the fact that I really use these products. This scope is on my favorite air rifle right now, I shoot it every single day. Enough man.
You get that stiff every time you by a atken product. So I also wete my five hats and shirts on a regular bases slso.
I just got my arkin ep8 and it has a problem with the power ring. I have e-mailed arkin several times and they won't respond to my email. I texted them no reply, and that's the only way arkin has for a customer to contact them.
I am very unhappy with the scope and their customer service sucks. Warning don't buy a arkin product it is a scam
Just want to double check, in the email are you spelling it Arkin or Arken? Just in case there was a typo, but remember this is on the heels of Black Friday man - it doesn't excuse the problem - but all businesses are crazy busy after BF and prior to Christmas. It's that time of year for sure.