I like how u mentioned the fake data of the FOV, I have always felt like their advertisement are shady dodgy however u call it and that shows it. Thank you very much for reviewing, great vid as always!
Thank you for spending your time and money to provide these types of honest reviews. Look forward to the quad stack lower and possibly wlvn review 🤞 coming soon!
@@FocusTripp agreed. Getting used to the height of an Lpvo and getting behind the optic. Thinking about throwing an ADM 1.7” mount on there to see if it makes it feel more normal to me
I just got me a EP8. It was sweet looking. But right out of the box the illumination would come and go and now its inop. Arkens told me to bend the battery cap tabs, and clean out using a q-tip and they said they have seen this a few times now. Once that didn't work and I requested a replacement, all emails stopped. The same day i got a review email where I gave it a one star. That was 3 days ago and my review still isn't posted. Im figuring there is many bad review but they are not letting them be seen. There seems to be alot out there that work great. But just know if it don't work right, Arken will leave you hanging. Being I now have to go out and buy a LPVO that works, I would recommend just going out and buying a good optic from a company that has good customer service. Arken Optics isn't that company! Good video man!
****UPDATE**** Arken did end up getting back with me almost a week later. They had me send it in and then sent me a replacement optic. After around 400 rounds shot with it I forgot to turn illumination off. Replaced the battery and the next time using it, the replacement optic started doing the same thing. I bought whatever battery it came with thinking it had something to do with that, but it didn't. As of now, I have to play with the illumination knob at times when it glitches out. Its a great daylight Optic, but I wouldn't trust it for a Defensive unit.
Thank you for the great, even-handed, clear, and positive video! I just bought one of these for C_DOES to test, drop shipped, because of your review. He does optical only testing, so should complement your hard-use testing well!
Thank you for giving honest reviews and being willing to build your channel with some good ol’fashioned Tegridy bro. I think going from a PA to this would be a lateral move. Venom is kinda wild. I think Arken was trying to put their own spin on a bunch of hijacked reticle components and slap it into a 1-8x28 and steal the poors market share by looking like it might have some features of a Razor or EoTech 1-10x28. No comparison. I’m gonna stick with my PSTs. I feel like they do everything I want and have good enough glass to match and exceed my capabilities. Although I am looking forward to Q2’s PLXC 1-8x Nova release. If I get one, I’d love to see it reviewed. Saving my Pennie’s and dimes for that $1500 glass.
Wish one of these companies would make a simplified and lightweight scope 1-4 or 1-6. Acog style reticle. I don't want or need a Christmas tree recticle. Chevron or Triangle would be good.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6 SFP is what you want. ACSS Nova Fiber Wire Reticle - crosshair style with some basic elevation holds, nothing else. ACSS Illuminated 5.56/5.45/.308 - Chevron with elevation holds. A couple windage dots but nothing overbearing. ACSS Raptor - this one may be a little busy for you but it's an ACOG style but with more windage holds. Still not really super busy IMO.
Got mine for 327$ with Tennessee tax and Cyclops code 1/4 off …. I have Strike Eagle 1-8 (worst of the bunch), Delta Stryker 1-6(best of the bunch), Continental 1-6 (really good) and Swampfox 1-10 (better than SE)to check against and honestly. I really like it (2nd to 3rd behind Delta Stryker)
@@ComeOnPelican91the Stryker is fully made in Japan - L.O.W. falls out of the same factory as Trijicon. It’s nuclear bright and the DSMR is just missing longer wind holds which I don’t care for
I have most of the scopes you listed, and I agree with your assessment. I would argue that the FOV on the Swampfox Arrowhead 1-8 and overall experience with it is a little better than the 1-10, but again that's possibly subjective in some ways. The Arken is a slightly better deal for what you get, but I'm a fan of the push-pull tactical turrets on the Swampfox. I think the Arrowhead II series will be FFP.
A few months back, I picked up the Swampfox Warhorse 1-6x FFP. I've been pretty curious to how the Warhorse compares to the Arken EP-8. The EP-8 seem pretty.. OK for the price, tbh. And I mean the discounted price, not the MSRP asking price.. especially for being FFP. It's does have it's short comings. I've been looking at picking the EP-8 up and probably will eventually.. And I'll make sure to avoid the Arken mount. 🤘🤘
Thanks for the honest review. I was looking for it. I watched some crazy reviews about it even comparing it with the pa plx 1-8 and I was skeptical about it. I almost got it but I pressed the brakes because the increased the price. I’ll pass on it now. Thanks.
They're currently on sale for $299 which is a really great deal for anyone on a tight budget and or looking for their first LPVO in my opinion. I don't really think you're going to find anything better in that price range. As you mentioned there is the new Vortex Venom 1x6 for around the same price but in my opinion for an extra 50 bucks the Arken EP8 is the better deal.
Thank you for not being a sellout! Too many people these days can be bought. Luckily I didn’t end up buying the EP8 upon release, went with the Vortex strike eagle. Hopefully the second gen EP8 won’t be a let down.
Great video! I have been waiting for an honest review. RTT did a great job too. I think if I’m in the market for another LPVO I may give this one a try. I’ll wait to pass that judgement after next weeks review. I like how it survived the drop test. Side note, is that a MagPul bipod? If so, what one and did you do a review on it?
Omg you borrowed that for a test, oh he's going to be pissed off 😮 ! WOW 😲😳 I do like the circle dot at 1x to 2x nice for quick close targets . Thanks 👍
I got in at the 300 price point when it came out, mounted on an ADM recon 1.7 mount. No issues so far, had it for a year. Hopefully, scopes like these push other manufacturers to innovate/step up and provide some better options for cheaper. Competition is always good.
The thing that killed me most about this optic was the reticle. I was excited when I heard rumors about them making a lvpo. When it dropped and I saw it, I was instantly turned off. If the reticle was better laid out I probably would have bought one even with it's other compromises. Yet here I am looking at one again...
Vortex Venom Vs the Vortex Strike Eagle would be a great comparison. The Arken EP-8 Looks fine for what it is, but at its current price point I couldn't justify it. I'm still poor.
Strike eagle really isn’t that good. About everything at or just above it’s price beats it. Field of view at 1x is really poor. And the illumination is daylight dim
@@palvikr Do you even have a Strike Eagle? I do, and the illumination is very bright at the top level. I have comparably priced scopes in the 3-600 dollar range and don't find any of them hands down superior to the Vortex, some are better in some ways, worse in others, they all have pros and cons. Not to mention, if your main concern with a magnified optic is the FOV at 1x, you're doing it wrong. Get a dot/magnifier or prism.
@@jmsn36 You are actually suggesting they have it in stock??? "O.P." are scum who immediately pull your funds for items they "MAY " ship 21-24 days later. I made the mistake of dealing with them twice.................. ADBVISE YOU DO NOT!
@@stevem4783 Yes I indeed have a stike eagle 1-8 with ar-bdc reticle. I guess you have never shot with a lpvo that has the center dot made with fiber optic. Just switched to GPO spectra 1-6 and the brightness at full blows your retinas out indoors. And indeed my concern with 1-6/1-8 scopes is the 1x, that is what i bought. Not a 2-6x or just a 6x scopes with exta steps.
I have a hard time trusting anything Arken. I purchased one of their scopes a couple years ago and was immediately grossed out by the glass quality. I did some digging and found out about all of their scummy marketing. I returned it and bought a clearance Viper PST G2 4-16 and was blown away at how much better the glass was. Hell, how much better everything was. On clearance the Viper was $440, so almost a straight trade.
I shoot with a guy that used to be one of their reps. He stopped representing them and they no longer sponsor matches in my region. The scopes were on the crap end of mediocre, and frequently had optical defects visible in the glass. Interesting that none of the SOF guys I shoot with will vouch for this “SOF Veteran Owned” company…
Venom is #1 for value Continental probably looks the best but is missing a throw lever and is more expensive The Arken EP8 is pretty good at everything.
I have one and got it for 200 dollars. It actually works really well for me but the BDC just seems off. I hit at 500 with the reticule at the 600 mark. It works fine to dial though.
Like the review... However, does anyone use kentucky windage? Maybe all this matter with 500+ yard target shooting... but will this work for hunting? At 400yrd in... hunting distance and pushing it... Does all the reticles matter? look at the hunting scopes... they have none of this stuff. Does it it hold zero... does it track... does it have glass for hunting?
Well built durable 1x8 lpvo w " Phillipino " glass for under 400.00$ . I personally love the human hunting reticle. Highly considering this vs PA's new slx acss made in U.S.A... Since,,,, the old gen3 acss reticle was discontinued.
I picked one up for two reasons, with the first being price and the second reason being ease of use.. I didn't want to spend a bunch of $ on my first scope and the KL Box Reticle is simple to use and effective. Has decent quality glass and the reticle was developed by a Seal, so I feel ok with it for a first LPVO, even though I'm getting hassles from more serious shootin' buddies..
I think the reticle might be the only downside, and it’s only really a downside if you’re used to a bdc or moa reticle. If you’re not, you can simply learn how to shoot using the kill box reticle and you’ve saved the $1000+ you’d spend on a better ffp 1-8.
@@knobbynut6353Word. Don't let all the internet operators get you down. Most never even served, and even more are giving combat advice without ever having some live rounds coming back their way.
I watched that video of that man that sent you that scope he drop test and mess the scope up it was off about 8 inches did you zero it again and if did how did it group you know what your ar groups are i drop mine from 6 feet and it didn't do anything to my zero great video
F T ? This optic for 300 or the 1-6 slx primary gen 4 or the vortex venom … your valued opinion … hunting predators coyotes mainly inside of 300 yards on a 6.5 grendel 18 inch ar platform. All are below 400 dollar’s or is there something else I am missing out on.
@@gaylantucker281 mount? The others are 30mm this is 34mm. I think optics force (link in pinned comment) has them for $299. If I was going to buy one for 300 and in I would probably go with the Nova though. Lightest and simplest for the application
Not bad. You can have several ranging measurements for different angels and positions, all in the aimming point of the reticle. In lieu off having to go to anther part of the scooe to range and then move back thethe aimming point. Deer and boars can be measured as well. Plus if you true your zero at 600yds, no matter what velocities or atmospherics, you will be on. Great reticle!
The Vortex Viper Pst 1-6x24 is the best LPVO I own, I have a couple of Strike Eagle's and a PA SLx 1-6 which all have worked well, but I would really like to step up to the Primary Arms compact PLXC 1-8x24.
You can use mil drops decently well for hits at range. With 5.56 on a 16inch gun there are zeros to get pretty simple drops. I think they’re generally harder for most to use and a good bdc is nicer, but you can also use a mil reticle for any gun so they’re pretty versatile. Strelok makes it a really simple affair to get your dope.
Id love to see you review "Atibal Optics". I get ads for them on Facebook but there isnt much info on TH-cam. They seem to push "quality on a budget" as their overall ethos as well. I think everyone is looking for those unicorns where you pay $500 but get something that competes with the $1500 price range.
Any recommendations on budget friendly, close range, point shooting laser? Something for room clearing or something similar. Not night vision or laser designation.
Just mounted up a Vortex Venom 1-6 per your latest review on it. The fine increments/stadia of the BDC are superior to the PA Nova, but the nova's fiber optic center dot is preferable IMHO. For those on the fence, preference of reticles and stadia may make or break depending on application. Thanks as always for all you do. - Godspeed
Man... your reviews are awesome... not buying a product before checking om your reviews... by the way Romeo 5 XDR and MSR sig 1-6 got both and they are great as you reviewed them.
I currently run this optic on a 14.5 Daniel. It is fantastic for what I do with it. I got it for $400 with the mount included and I think that is excellent value. Yes there are better LPVOs I totally agree, but it becomes “diminishing returns” at that point for my use case. (I’m just a guy who hunts and shoots fairly often and this EP-8 works in multiple scenarios for what I do) Excellent review. - glad the optic is tough. 😂
that south Dakota farmer is wondering why this new guy to the aera is on overwatch on my farm 😂😂just kidding. ive folled you since u were talking about the air filter on ur fird focus and the stevens 320lol. i got 1 of ur 1st 11.5 uppers and its still going strong. great video. alot of ppl glazing arken. which imo actually hurt them bc they believed their own hype and raised pricing way too much.i almost bougjt that lpvo but my son got me a sig 1-10 which is a decent budget optic. i guees. but after arkens price hike im glad i got the sig 1-10 now. anyways,congrats on the channel and thanks for all the info. hope u like the new place 2.
Good review! Glad you finally picked up an Arken EP-8 to understand that it is in fact the "King of the Poors" and demands respect for that reason. As someone who owns a Vortex Strike Eagle SFP 1-8x and an EP-8 I can tell you that the Vortex sucks ass compared to the Arken. Still debating if I should buy a 2nd Ep-8 or save up for something more expensive?
Just put a 2-10 on it. You could get the PLXc, but anything cheaper than that will kinda struggle at long range in a 1-8 or 1-10 zoom factor. The GLX 2.5-10 is like 20 oz, less than the viper 1-6
It's a shame the glass quality isn't up there. It's (for me at least as an EU customer) the first 28mm 1-8 FPP scope that is at a decent price (500 EUR). Now deciding between the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24 FFP (740 EUR) or the VectorOptics Continental 1-10x28FFP (1100 EUR)
The conti 1-10x has a really tight eyebox. Cant recommend. Stick to the 1-6x SFP Continental, its really good. Also on Black Friday they will have really good Deals in european vector store. Last year they sold the 1-10x ffp for 500 Euros.
Call me biased, but for the $, I would go with the PA Nova ACSS 1-6x SFP. Seems like a “cheap” option for an LPVO in FFP is a pipe dream. Either pony up the $ for something more expensive and better quality, or get something budget friendly SFP, like a delta Stryker or PA NOVA ACSS, vortex PST, etc. and get some training & practice then go from there. Literally anything comment 😅
Why do you need FFP in a 1-6x anyway? Honestly it's a waste at that magnification range, I'd rather have SFP since I wouldn't be using the holds unless I'm at 6x anyway but the reticle will be a lot more visible at 1x.
@FocusTripp for an 556 0-300 is where the cartridge is most effective. Strange that it goes all the way 800 but they just skip 300... I would love to buy this but the reticle is very disappointing. Would be nice if they came out with a version with a better reicle like vortex ar reticle or the raptor accs reticle. Great price, not quite there...
Why mention a BDC problem when shooting short barreled 6.5C when it is not the scopes fault? Good review. Stick to the scopes intended use. Like, not putting on more than 1x in your garage.
campsite.bio/focustripp
To check his review for this optic?
@@dandetande288 also as thanks for letting me use it
hey dude, what suppressor are you running?
Your honesty and integrity do not go unnoticed sir. Keep it up
🇺🇸
10.5 is average.... whew no wonder why my wife is always disappointed
Beat me to it lmao
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
She's usually satisfied with me though
@@DinoNucci atleast someone makes her happy then
@@MiseryDuke69 👍👍
I like how u mentioned the fake data of the FOV, I have always felt like their advertisement are shady dodgy however u call it and that shows it. Thank you very much for reviewing, great vid as always!
It's probably close but doesn't feel like 120'
I love mine
@@mattjones2597 if you prefer company that lies on their data sheet.
Can you review athlon helos btr 2-12 ffp mil@@FocusTripp
Don’t think I didn’t catch that fire Halo Reach soundtrack at the beginning of the episode. Excellent taste sir
:)
The feels
Thank you for spending your time and money to provide these types of honest reviews. Look forward to the quad stack lower and possibly wlvn review 🤞 coming soon!
Great video and thanks for the mention! When it shifted POA/POI for me, it was probably the mount that tweaked as well. Again. Great video.
I really like the C_Does style run through on the optic. that goes a long way to see what the scope is really like.
Kind of, it's not reflective of real world performance.
C_Does, the best optic reviews. But, hey, that’s just like my opinion man.
Love RTT, great guy and great video as always.
Great review as always, thanks.
Videos and quality getting better and better. Honesty and Integrity are still tops! Thank you sir for what you do.
Very appreciated sir!
Glad that I didn’t pull the trigger on this and bought the Venom 1-6 per your recommendation! It is pretty awesome and amazing for the price point!
Hard to beat for the money.
@@FocusTripp agreed. Getting used to the height of an Lpvo and getting behind the optic. Thinking about throwing an ADM 1.7” mount on there to see if it makes it feel more normal to me
I just got me a EP8. It was sweet looking. But right out of the box the illumination would come and go and now its inop. Arkens told me to bend the battery cap tabs, and clean out using a q-tip and they said they have seen this a few times now. Once that didn't work and I requested a replacement, all emails stopped. The same day i got a review email where I gave it a one star. That was 3 days ago and my review still isn't posted. Im figuring there is many bad review but they are not letting them be seen. There seems to be alot out there that work great. But just know if it don't work right, Arken will leave you hanging. Being I now have to go out and buy a LPVO that works, I would recommend just going out and buying a good optic from a company that has good customer service. Arken Optics isn't that company! Good video man!
Sorry to hear that man.
Exactly! Thank you for sharing this
****UPDATE****
Arken did end up getting back with me almost a week later. They had me send it in and then sent me a replacement optic. After around 400 rounds shot with it I forgot to turn illumination off. Replaced the battery and the next time using it, the replacement optic started doing the same thing. I bought whatever battery it came with thinking it had something to do with that, but it didn't. As of now, I have to play with the illumination knob at times when it glitches out. Its a great daylight Optic, but I wouldn't trust it for a Defensive unit.
Awesome, honest review. Thank you.
Please keep the Halo Reach sound track going 🔥
I didn't even notice that's what it was because it's so subtle, as background music should be. I like it
This is fucking amazing, 6 months of researching and i have finally found the perfect scope outside the nx8. Thank you 🙏
Which scope did you get?
@tste8361 arken ep8, I got it for my Ruger sfar.
Thank you for the great, even-handed, clear, and positive video!
I just bought one of these for C_DOES to test, drop shipped, because of your review.
He does optical only testing, so should complement your hard-use testing well!
Has he done a review yet? I’m not finding it
Thank you for giving honest reviews and being willing to build your channel with some good ol’fashioned Tegridy bro. I think going from a PA to this would be a lateral move. Venom is kinda wild. I think Arken was trying to put their own spin on a bunch of hijacked reticle components and slap it into a 1-8x28 and steal the poors market share by looking like it might have some features of a Razor or EoTech 1-10x28. No comparison. I’m gonna stick with my PSTs. I feel like they do everything I want and have good enough glass to match and exceed my capabilities. Although I am looking forward to Q2’s PLXC 1-8x Nova release. If I get one, I’d love to see it reviewed. Saving my Pennie’s and dimes for that $1500 glass.
I would also love to get one.
Wish one of these companies would make a simplified and lightweight scope 1-4 or 1-6. Acog style reticle.
I don't want or need a Christmas tree recticle.
Chevron or Triangle would be good.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6 SFP is what you want.
ACSS Nova Fiber Wire Reticle - crosshair style with some basic elevation holds, nothing else.
ACSS Illuminated 5.56/5.45/.308 - Chevron with elevation holds. A couple windage dots but nothing overbearing.
ACSS Raptor - this one may be a little busy for you but it's an ACOG style but with more windage holds. Still not really super busy IMO.
Check out the steiner tx6i 1-6
Me too. A small lightweight 1-4 that doesn’t make the gun too heavy. And under 500 doll hairs
@@stevem4783 Too much clutter. A simpler reticle. I have 2 ACSS sights already.
@@SA-xf1eb Vortex Crossfire II with a dead-hold reticle then.
Nothing but a crosshair and an illuminated dot.
Got mine for 327$ with Tennessee tax and Cyclops code 1/4 off …. I have Strike Eagle 1-8 (worst of the bunch), Delta Stryker 1-6(best of the bunch), Continental 1-6 (really good) and Swampfox 1-10 (better than SE)to check against and honestly. I really like it (2nd to 3rd behind Delta Stryker)
Could you rank them right now while disregarding price?
@@ComeOnPelican91Stryker, Continental, Arken, Swampfox, StrikeEagle
@@ComeOnPelican91the Stryker is fully made in Japan - L.O.W. falls out of the same factory as Trijicon.
It’s nuclear bright and the DSMR is just missing longer wind holds which I don’t care for
I have most of the scopes you listed, and I agree with your assessment. I would argue that the FOV on the Swampfox Arrowhead 1-8 and overall experience with it is a little better than the 1-10, but again that's possibly subjective in some ways. The Arken is a slightly better deal for what you get, but I'm a fan of the push-pull tactical turrets on the Swampfox. I think the Arrowhead II series will be FFP.
Comparing an $800-850 optic to A $300-340 optic is not A valid comparison.
Great content per usual always honest and straightforward! Thanks!
I appreciate that!
@@FocusTripp we appreciate you brother.
Theres my Halo OST PTSD! Remember Reach, and good video as always.
Thanks!
The freakin lumen stick in the background is pretty cool. Lit you might even say.
I wonder if you ever seen the swampfox warhorse or the new gen2 swampfox tomahawk, cause im curious on how those hold up for the budget category
I have not, maybe I will pick one up.
A few months back, I picked up the Swampfox Warhorse 1-6x FFP. I've been pretty curious to how the Warhorse compares to the Arken EP-8. The EP-8 seem pretty.. OK for the price, tbh. And I mean the discounted price, not the MSRP asking price.. especially for being FFP. It's does have it's short comings. I've been looking at picking the EP-8 up and probably will eventually.. And I'll make sure to avoid the Arken mount. 🤘🤘
How is the Warhorse?
Good video with lots of nuance, like always.
Thanks for the honest review. I was looking for it.
I watched some crazy reviews about it even comparing it with the pa plx 1-8 and I was skeptical about it.
I almost got it but I pressed the brakes because the increased the price.
I’ll pass on it now.
Thanks.
Comparing it to the PLX is hilarious.
Reach and MW2 music? I think I'm in love. Great video
Thank you for the review, i was wafor this review 💪🏾
No problem 👍
Yeasssss! Been waiting for this review to drop
If they just put a simple mil or moa reticle in this, it would dominate.
I think they will come out with some other reticles.
@@FocusTrippI hope so
Great video as always brother!!!
They're currently on sale for $299 which is a really great deal for anyone on a tight budget and or looking for their first LPVO in my opinion. I don't really think you're going to find anything better in that price range. As you mentioned there is the new Vortex Venom 1x6 for around the same price but in my opinion for an extra 50 bucks the Arken EP8 is the better deal.
Thank you for not being a sellout! Too many people these days can be bought. Luckily I didn’t end up buying the EP8 upon release, went with the Vortex strike eagle. Hopefully the second gen EP8 won’t be a let down.
Appreciate your sincere and thorough review sir!
Although, Arken customer service sucks when they're needed the most. 🤣
Great video! I have been waiting for an honest review. RTT did a great job too. I think if I’m in the market for another LPVO I may give this one a try. I’ll wait to pass that judgement after next weeks review. I like how it survived the drop test.
Side note, is that a MagPul bipod? If so, what one and did you do a review on it?
It's a UTG Bipod, it's fine.
@@FocusTripp okay thanks! I’ll check into that.
“Japanese Glass” -“The (marketing) Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded” - Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi. Thanks for looking out for us!
"Happy Meal magnifying glass". Too funny!
*sheepishly hides handmade lpvo made with McDonald’s magnifying glasses behind my back *
Omg you borrowed that for a test, oh he's going to be pissed off 😮 ! WOW 😲😳 I do like the circle dot at 1x to 2x nice for quick close targets . Thanks 👍
I'd like you to take the Happy Meal magnifying glass out to 930 yards on the 6.5 creedmoor.
This
Next up.
Agreed!
Literally anything.
Cheers!
I got in at the 300 price point when it came out, mounted on an ADM recon 1.7 mount. No issues so far, had it for a year. Hopefully, scopes like these push other manufacturers to innovate/step up and provide some better options for cheaper. Competition is always good.
how would you say the glass compares to the primary arms SLx 1-6x gen IV Nova?
The thing that killed me most about this optic was the reticle. I was excited when I heard rumors about them making a lvpo. When it dropped and I saw it, I was instantly turned off.
If the reticle was better laid out I probably would have bought one even with it's other compromises.
Yet here I am looking at one again...
Vortex Venom Vs the Vortex Strike Eagle would be a great comparison. The Arken EP-8 Looks fine for what it is, but at its current price point I couldn't justify it. I'm still poor.
Strike eagle really isn’t that good. About everything at or just above it’s price beats it. Field of view at 1x is really poor. And the illumination is daylight dim
I believe I can still do more with my 1x6 vortex strike eagle gen 2 and I can pick it up on sale for 200 on optics planet almost every time
@@palvikr Do you even have a Strike Eagle?
I do, and the illumination is very bright at the top level. I have comparably priced scopes in the 3-600 dollar range and don't find any of them hands down superior to the Vortex, some are better in some ways, worse in others, they all have pros and cons. Not to mention, if your main concern with a magnified optic is the FOV at 1x, you're doing it wrong. Get a dot/magnifier or prism.
@@jmsn36 You are actually suggesting they have it in stock??? "O.P." are scum who immediately pull your funds for items they "MAY " ship 21-24 days later. I made the mistake of dealing with them twice.................. ADBVISE YOU DO NOT!
@@stevem4783 Yes I indeed have a stike eagle 1-8 with ar-bdc reticle. I guess you have never shot with a lpvo that has the center dot made with fiber optic. Just switched to GPO spectra 1-6 and the brightness at full blows your retinas out indoors.
And indeed my concern with 1-6/1-8 scopes is the 1x, that is what i bought. Not a 2-6x or just a 6x scopes with exta steps.
Love the honesty on all your reviews.
I try
I have a hard time trusting anything Arken. I purchased one of their scopes a couple years ago and was immediately grossed out by the glass quality. I did some digging and found out about all of their scummy marketing. I returned it and bought a clearance Viper PST G2 4-16 and was blown away at how much better the glass was. Hell, how much better everything was. On clearance the Viper was $440, so almost a straight trade.
I shoot with a guy that used to be one of their reps. He stopped representing them and they no longer sponsor matches in my region. The scopes were on the crap end of mediocre, and frequently had optical defects visible in the glass. Interesting that none of the SOF guys I shoot with will vouch for this “SOF Veteran Owned” company…
John,
Do you rank Venom # 1, Continental # 2, EP-8 # 3?
Venom is #1 for value
Continental probably looks the best but is missing a throw lever and is more expensive
The Arken EP8 is pretty good at everything.
Very professional, informative review.
I have one and got it for 200 dollars. It actually works really well for me but the BDC just seems off. I hit at 500 with the reticule at the 600 mark. It works fine to dial though.
It really depends on ammo and barrel length.
Like the review... However, does anyone use kentucky windage? Maybe all this matter with 500+ yard target shooting... but will this work for hunting? At 400yrd in... hunting distance and pushing it... Does all the reticles matter? look at the hunting scopes... they have none of this stuff. Does it it hold zero... does it track... does it have glass for hunting?
Well built durable 1x8 lpvo w " Phillipino " glass for under 400.00$ . I personally love the human hunting reticle. Highly considering this vs PA's new slx acss made in U.S.A... Since,,,, the old gen3 acss reticle was discontinued.
Literally anything! Always here for the content💪
Thanks sir!
I picked one up for two reasons, with the first being price and the second reason being ease of use.. I didn't want to spend a bunch of $ on my first scope and the KL Box Reticle is simple to use and effective. Has decent quality glass and the reticle was developed by a Seal, so I feel ok with it for a first LPVO, even though I'm getting hassles from more serious shootin' buddies..
I think the reticle might be the only downside, and it’s only really a downside if you’re used to a bdc or moa reticle. If you’re not, you can simply learn how to shoot using the kill box reticle and you’ve saved the $1000+ you’d spend on a better ffp 1-8.
@@tyrantula767 I appreciate the comment and what you say makes sense. I got my AR setup just in case SHTF, so I think I'll be OK with this scope .
@@knobbynut6353Word. Don't let all the internet operators get you down. Most never even served, and even more are giving combat advice without ever having some live rounds coming back their way.
I like muddy waters & Happy Meals. And my Sig MSR 1-6. Thanks for the share!!
Sub earned here. Reslly appreciate the honesty
I watched that video of that man that sent you that scope he drop test and mess the scope up it was off about 8 inches did you zero it again and if did how did it group you know what your ar groups are i drop mine from 6 feet and it didn't do anything to my zero great video
Dude love the halo reach music and the scope awesome
Looks awesome to me!👍🏆
Love a warne mount too. Hard to beat for usa made at their price
F T ? This optic for 300 or the 1-6 slx primary gen 4 or the vortex venom … your valued opinion … hunting predators coyotes mainly inside of 300 yards on a 6.5 grendel 18 inch ar platform. All are below 400 dollar’s or is there something else I am missing out on.
@@gaylantucker281 mount? The others are 30mm this is 34mm. I think optics force (link in pinned comment) has them for $299.
If I was going to buy one for 300 and in I would probably go with the Nova though. Lightest and simplest for the application
Thanks for your knowledge… your response time is unmatched… stay true too one’s self we appreciate that about your info
Suggestion on a mounting option under 100…
Not bad. You can have several ranging measurements for different angels and positions, all in the aimming point of the reticle. In lieu off having to go to anther part of the scooe to range and then move back thethe aimming point. Deer and boars can be measured as well. Plus if you true your zero at 600yds, no matter what velocities or atmospherics, you will be on. Great reticle!
The Vortex Viper Pst 1-6x24 is the best LPVO I own, I have a couple of Strike Eagle's and a PA SLx 1-6 which all have worked well, but I would really like to step up to the Primary Arms compact PLXC 1-8x24.
Me too!
BTW on their website in the questions area - the support guy stated a MIL Variant is coming
doesn't matter, nobody dials on an lpvo
@@dsxzfor the euro market
You can use mil drops decently well for hits at range. With 5.56 on a 16inch gun there are zeros to get pretty simple drops. I think they’re generally harder for most to use and a good bdc is nicer, but you can also use a mil reticle for any gun so they’re pretty versatile. Strelok makes it a really simple affair to get your dope.
I prefer Mils
Id love to see you review "Atibal Optics". I get ads for them on Facebook but there isnt much info on TH-cam. They seem to push "quality on a budget" as their overall ethos as well. I think everyone is looking for those unicorns where you pay $500 but get something that competes with the $1500 price range.
Any recommendations on budget friendly, close range, point shooting laser? Something for room clearing or something similar. Not night vision or laser designation.
I don't have a lot of experience with lasers in general.
love the halo reach music
Just mounted up a Vortex Venom 1-6 per your latest review on it. The fine increments/stadia of the BDC are superior to the PA Nova, but the nova's fiber optic center dot is preferable IMHO. For those on the fence, preference of reticles and stadia may make or break depending on application. Thanks as always for all you do.
- Godspeed
Totally agree.
Man... your reviews are awesome... not buying a product before checking om your reviews... by the way Romeo 5 XDR and MSR sig 1-6 got both and they are great as you reviewed them.
Glad you like them!
I currently run this optic on a 14.5 Daniel. It is fantastic for what I do with it. I got it for $400 with the mount included and I think that is excellent value. Yes there are better LPVOs I totally agree, but it becomes “diminishing returns” at that point for my use case. (I’m just a guy who hunts and shoots fairly often and this EP-8 works in multiple scenarios for what I do) Excellent review. - glad the optic is tough. 😂
Send a pic to Hop.
So is the bdc more true (if that’s the wording) for a 20inch barreled 556 77gr?
@@PapaBDR that depends on the load I guess. I think it's set for 55/62 grain out of a 16"
@@FocusTripp thanks for the reply dude!
YOOOOOOOOOO LITERALLY ANYTHING 🤘🤘🤘😂😂😂
If fantastic for 375 then what is it for 300$ (like it is right now)
@@JamesNelson-199 best budget ffp option
What is the point of 556. at 600 yds
Thanks!
that south Dakota farmer is wondering why this new guy to the aera is on overwatch on my farm 😂😂just kidding. ive folled you since u were talking about the air filter on ur fird focus and the stevens 320lol. i got 1 of ur 1st 11.5 uppers and its still going strong. great video. alot of ppl glazing arken. which imo actually hurt them bc they believed their own hype and raised pricing way too much.i almost bougjt that lpvo but my son got me a sig 1-10 which is a decent budget optic. i guees. but after arkens price hike im glad i got the sig 1-10 now. anyways,congrats on the channel and thanks for all the info. hope u like the new place 2.
Thanks man! you are one of the OGs!
That mount shows how much you could f-up your scope's sight line by incorrect scope mounting. That scope bent quite a bit to allow that mount failure.
The scope is fine.
Good review! Glad you finally picked up an Arken EP-8 to understand that it is in fact the "King of the Poors" and demands respect for that reason. As someone who owns a Vortex Strike Eagle SFP 1-8x and an EP-8 I can tell you that the Vortex sucks ass compared to the Arken. Still debating if I should buy a 2nd Ep-8 or save up for something more expensive?
RTT video on Arken’s 1-8x scope: the scope failed the drop test; it was off by 9 inches.
Right, the mount isn't good.
I’m currently searching for the best budget lpvo. Had the msr but the tight eye box was a deal breaker for me. Any suggestions appreciated
If you think it has a tight eye box maybe LPVOs just aren't for you.
Please do a quick comparison between the Vortex Venom and the Vector Continental 1-6i when you review the Venom. Keep up the great work!
I gave away the Continental, so I don't have it here.
So, would you replace a Strike Eagle 1-8 SFP gen 2 with this optic?
I wouldn't feel the need to. But if you want FFP and you like the reticle it is a slight improvement.
What the heck is the music at the beginning of the video from? I know the music but a can't place from where.
Halo Reach OST.
What optic would you put on your 14.5" 6.5cm for optimal 600-1000yard shooting without mounting a whole ass telescope?
Trijicon Credo 1-8.
Mark 5 2-10 in you got $ - Athlon 2-12x44 otherwise Check C_does
Just put a 2-10 on it. You could get the PLXc, but anything cheaper than that will kinda struggle at long range in a 1-8 or 1-10 zoom factor. The GLX 2.5-10 is like 20 oz, less than the viper 1-6
For 600-1000? I'd go with a stronger magnification than 1-8 personally, I'd be looking at a 3-18 most likely.
I think 10-15x top end is fine for 1000 yard shooting but some people do prefer more. I have a new Maven 2.5-15 that is going on my 14.5" 6.5c
Was just looking at this scope
Well I hope I helped.
EP8 or PA NOVA chat? Which one do I get
0-400 optimized or 0-800 doable.
Literally Anything 👍
I will comment a comment, rather than anything :)
Edit: noooo! I wanna know about that Vortex right now!
The Venom is SFP tho. Does that make the EP8 the winner for FFP scopes?
If you have to have a FFP 1-8, yeah.
It's a shame the glass quality isn't up there. It's (for me at least as an EU customer) the first 28mm 1-8 FPP scope that is at a decent price (500 EUR). Now deciding between the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24 FFP (740 EUR) or the VectorOptics Continental 1-10x28FFP (1100 EUR)
The conti 1-10x has a really tight eyebox. Cant recommend. Stick to the 1-6x SFP Continental, its really good. Also on Black Friday they will have really good Deals in european vector store. Last year they sold the 1-10x ffp for 500 Euros.
Someone at my gun club had one of these and I got to shoot with it. I did not like the reticle. Glass was OK.
Exactly.
Call me biased, but for the $, I would go with the PA Nova ACSS 1-6x SFP. Seems like a “cheap” option for an LPVO in FFP is a pipe dream. Either pony up the $ for something more expensive and better quality, or get something budget friendly SFP, like a delta Stryker or PA NOVA ACSS, vortex PST, etc. and get some training & practice then go from there.
Literally anything comment 😅
Why do you need FFP in a 1-6x anyway? Honestly it's a waste at that magnification range, I'd rather have SFP since I wouldn't be using the holds unless I'm at 6x anyway but the reticle will be a lot more visible at 1x.
I like SFP LPVOs
AY YO MASS EFFECT MUSIC
At the begining of this video I thought you had a 120 MOA scope mount for a second
👍👍👍👍
Why no 300 yard hash?
I dunno
@FocusTripp for an 556 0-300 is where the cartridge is most effective. Strange that it goes all the way 800 but they just skip 300... I would love to buy this but the reticle is very disappointing. Would be nice if they came out with a version with a better reicle like vortex ar reticle or the raptor accs reticle. Great price, not quite there...
You moved from the NorthLeft?
yessir
Why mention a BDC problem when shooting short barreled 6.5C when it is not the scopes fault?
Good review.
Stick to the scopes intended use. Like, not putting on more than 1x in your garage.