@EpikArms could you do an apex vs arken review? I know you have both and im considering getting a scope from apex but if the price to performance difference i dont know if i want to spend $2500 if arken does it just as good
@@crownember560 I dont have the apex but I have 4 Arkens. I also have Athlon ETR's and one Bushnell Match Pro. I can tell you I can do anything with those Arkens that I can do with the ones I have. Granted they arent an Apex but it has been my experience that glass quality is what you are paying for. The only way I can tell the difference in clarity is if I have both scopes side by side and in many cases the little bit better they are are not worth the money difference. If I could get one improvement in the Arken, which would absolutely put them over the top in my eyes, its the reticle. Their reticle is easily serviceable but if was broken down into .20 in the MIL version, their scopes would be unbeatable. Their customer service is beyond reproach as well as their prices. The 7x35 has the reticle broke down to .25 but with thick lines. It can be better and not cost them.
I have had 2 Arken SH4's for about 3 years. I can see 22 LR bullet impacts in sand at 540 yards. I use one for NRL 22/PRS 22. I'll shoot the SH4, Leupold Mark IV 6.5-20 x 50 and Leupold 5-20 x 50 in the same range trip and think the Arken is definitely worth the money but can see the difference in the Leupolds compared to the Arkens. The one issue I've had is needing to double check the set screws on the turrets, since I've had them come loose during a match and range trip. I can quickly find the mils I'm looking for during courses of fire in 22 LR precision rifle matches. I do wish the Arkens came with .2 mils subtensions on the reticles since it makes it easier for holdovers.
Thanks for highlighting the differences between these. I have a gift certificate that I received as prize support at a rim fire match for 50% off a scope and accessories from Arken so this was helpful in making my choice.
All short scope tubes like most other manufacturers these days. Which can make them difficult to mount for proper eye relief. However with picatinny rails and offset scope rings it is not insurmountable.
Thanks. Actually today I just purchased the Arken Optics EPL-4 4-16X44 FFP Illuminated MIL-VHR Retical, 30MM Tube. I own high-powered PCP FX airgun. He asked me what distance I would be shooting and I told him for the most part 50 to 300 yards occasionally 400 yards. I'm thinking about shooting competition do you think this scope is adequate for that purpose? I'm not a hunter. Mainly target shooting.
@paulambart7111 so the best Discovery scope right now are the HD 5-30×56 and the ED-PRS 5-25×56 The hd is comparable to the Arken SH4J but the Arken SH4J is significantly better. The Discovery HD has this fish eye effect to it. The Arken ep5 and the Discovery ED-PRS are close to being on par.
my Arken EP 5 functions great but the optical quality is so bad i wouldnt recommend it. I have four Chinese scopes costing half the price with better glass
Guess i have to take a look at those Arken Scopes. Until now my best choices were the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 and some of the Element Optics like the Titan 5-25x56. Have you tested those?
one scope company that surprised me is Monstrum . The new scopes are clear rugged and so far haven't failed me when winter set in I'll be testing them in real world cold and rain and snow .....
I am super happy with My EP5. I use high end Nightforce and Leupold scopes and have a good comparison. You cannot beat these scopes for the money... period.
I just picked up a 6 creedmoor Ruger precision. Would you go for the SH4J or the Ep5-25. I'm new to long range and eventually would like to try some matches. Thanks.
I have an EP-5 in MOA, and have no idea how to use it. It's zeroed at 100 on a 20" 5.56. Can someone help me find a place to get a dope card made, or explain the hash marks in the reticle for me?
@roncarter1596 no Arken only sold the night vision stuff to DNT optics, so Arken doesn't do night vision anymore. On the other hand from what I heard DNT copied the Arken ep5 7-35×56 hence why there identical looking
@EpikArms King! Thanks! I'm buying a scope for my new tikka t3x varmint stainless 6,5x55 soon. Delta it is! It shot one hole with 3 shots at 100m when I sighted it in. With both Norma FMJ and Norma Vulkan. AND they shot exactly the same at both 100 and 300m. So I can practice and hunt with the same clicks and zero for both bullets. That is awsome IMO!
sorry but the chromatic aberration suffered with my Arken EP 5 is ridiculous for any scope over about $250. You cant effectively use the scope beyond about 16x magnification without losing the image quality beyond acceptable. Brushing off chromatic aberration as just a small drawback, is like saying a car without an engine is almost perfect. I am genuinely considering throwing my almost brand new EP 5 in the bin as i need the shelf space for better scopes.
@pepperoni-prepper I mean I've used mine to shoot out beyond 900 yards, with the small amount of abberation, it's not a significant factor. Maybe yours is a lemon, and substantially worse than all the others. I havent seen many people express what your seeing
I thought you were from Canada and I tried to order a scope using your promotion code and it takes me to the USA site that only ships to the States so that does not do me any good living in Canada.
I’ve had 2 different Discovery, 1 Vector and 3 Arken. I would say they are made in the exact same factory. The Arken and Discovery look almost identical. Both are NOT worth the money in my opinion. The Discovery has a ton of Ca. Both Discovery scopes I had, ED models, look like you were traveling 200 mph while looking through it. It warped everything so bad. Both got sent back. Bought an Arken because every YT’er touts them like they are the second coming. They are not! The first scope, sh4, had bad glass. Sent it back and got another one in like 2-3 weeks. Second one had a canted illumination lens that caused an entire red out when turned on. Fill out another return label and actually got a call from James at Arken. Last name slips my mind. He apologized profusely for me getting 2 bad scopes in a row. I spoke with him for quite a while and he said that they actually don’t use true Japanese glass. They buy Chinese glass then send it to Japan to be coated and sent back. Makes sense doesn’t it? If something sounds too good to be true it usually is. Why do you think all these YT’ers are pushing Arken with a code? Because they all make % residuals. Of course they are going to be an awesome scope when I’m making something off your purchase… Athlon is significantly better than Arken by a long shot in quality!!!
You know, we hear so much on YT on rifle scopes and frankly I get 'addled' ( if that's a word, but you get te idea ) I've been looking at Discovery scopes from a Dealer here in Canada, and 90% of the models he has in stock are First Focal Plane, I asked him why, and he said " that's what most shooters want" ! All of us here in my 'shooting circles' use Second Focal Plane as we shoot targets and or hunt out to about 200 +- . I do get frustrated by 'financially motivated reviews',. and find that I might just as well go to a local dealer who stocks a few brands and look at different makes/models to hopefully buy a scope that works for me.
I bought the EP8 LPVO. I have nothing but buyer's remorse. It is disappointing in almost every way. I wrote a review for Arken's website and they refused to post it. I guess they only post positive reviews because my positive review of their mount got posted.
@ yea I did too and they refused to post it. Nothing offensive or emotional. I just kept it to the facts and they still won’t post reviews that are not favorable. YT’ers love Arken because they are all getting kickback % for recommending and sale links. I spoke to one of the MAJOR online retailers and they told me Arken has their highest return rate for failures and problems than any other brand by over double. But all the YT’ers love them so hey, they must be amazing right?
I'm surprised that Arken let you return the SH4 because it had bad glass,. everybody knows the glass is milky, but are willing to purchase it for its price, to me that's kind of like returning a budget priced scope because it does not have range finding abilities. I think it should be made a law that scope affiliates identify themselves before they get into internet conversations about competing scopes while at the same time getting their companin name into the discussion...
Arken Sucks, they play price games jacking up prices and then offering a "sale". Also seemingly no customer supposrt as they won't respond to any of my questions. I'll shop elsewhere I guess.
Arken scopes are fucked up, they mix different units, in MRAD models have distance/paralax in "yards" which is ridiculously stupid. And it was my reason to not buy any
Parallax is never to be used at a range tool. It's only a rough estimate. Every eye is different so you have to adjust it to your eye, not just an estimated distance on a dial. It's laughable you're that worked up about it.
USE CODE: EPIKARMS for the best price on Arken's Website:
www.arkenopticsusa.com/
@EpikArms could you do an apex vs arken review? I know you have both and im considering getting a scope from apex but if the price to performance difference i dont know if i want to spend $2500 if arken does it just as good
@@crownember560 I dont have the apex but I have 4 Arkens. I also have Athlon ETR's and one Bushnell Match Pro. I can tell you I can do anything with those Arkens that I can do with the ones I have. Granted they arent an Apex but it has been my experience that glass quality is what you are paying for. The only way I can tell the difference in clarity is if I have both scopes side by side and in many cases the little bit better they are are not worth the money difference. If I could get one improvement in the Arken, which would absolutely put them over the top in my eyes, its the reticle. Their reticle is easily serviceable but if was broken down into .20 in the MIL version, their scopes would be unbeatable. Their customer service is beyond reproach as well as their prices. The 7x35 has the reticle broke down to .25 but with thick lines. It can be better and not cost them.
I gotta give Discovery optics an honorable mention, too. They make really good and way more affordable scopes.
I have had 2 Arken SH4's for about 3 years. I can see 22 LR bullet impacts in sand at 540 yards. I use one for NRL 22/PRS 22. I'll shoot the SH4, Leupold Mark IV 6.5-20 x 50 and Leupold 5-20 x 50 in the same range trip and think the Arken is definitely worth the money but can see the difference in the Leupolds compared to the Arkens. The one issue I've had is needing to double check the set screws on the turrets, since I've had them come loose during a match and range trip. I can quickly find the mils I'm looking for during courses of fire in 22 LR precision rifle matches. I do wish the Arkens came with .2 mils subtensions on the reticles since it makes it easier for holdovers.
Thanks for highlighting the differences between these. I have a gift certificate that I received as prize support at a rim fire match for 50% off a scope and accessories from Arken so this was helpful in making my choice.
All short scope tubes like most other manufacturers these days.
Which can make them difficult to mount for proper eye relief. However with picatinny rails and offset scope rings it is not insurmountable.
I opted for sh4 gen 2 4x16x50 got it for 260.00 on sale with 25% discount best glass I own
I have the SH4J 6-24x50
Thanks. Actually today I just purchased the Arken Optics EPL-4 4-16X44 FFP Illuminated MIL-VHR Retical, 30MM Tube. I own high-powered PCP FX airgun. He asked me what distance I would be shooting and I told him for the most part 50 to 300 yards occasionally 400 yards. I'm thinking about shooting competition do you think this scope is adequate for that purpose? I'm not a hunter. Mainly target shooting.
30 MOA scope mount or rail and 6x24x50 and its long range. You can go as low as 50yd zero and depending on rifle, reach out 1000yds.
@@mlone7 100%
@@EpikArms I was referring to the EPL4 but see I didnt put that in there. But your answer fits anyway.
How would you rate the Discovery series against Arken series of optics
@paulambart7111 so the best Discovery scope right now are the HD 5-30×56 and the ED-PRS 5-25×56
The hd is comparable to the Arken SH4J but the Arken SH4J is significantly better. The Discovery HD has this fish eye effect to it.
The Arken ep5 and the Discovery ED-PRS are close to being on par.
my Arken EP 5 functions great but the optical quality is so bad i wouldnt recommend it. I have four Chinese scopes costing half the price with better glass
Guess i have to take a look at those Arken Scopes. Until now my best choices were the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 and some of the Element Optics like the Titan 5-25x56. Have you tested those?
@bavarianshooter yes sir I sure have!
Servus,
Ich hab vor einer Woche mein Arken SH4 4-16x50 bekommen. Wenn du Interesse hast es zu testen - wohne in Ingolstadt.
Beste Grüße :)
one scope company that surprised me is Monstrum . The new scopes are clear rugged and so far haven't failed me when winter set in I'll be testing them in real world cold and rain and snow .....
How about a review of Arkin's sister company for barrels and chassis (Outlier)? They advertise as match hand lapped barrels.
yes im planning on getting a barrel at somoe point
Oh look another arkin scope video
Hey @EpikArms, would it be possible to make a video like this, but with discovery brand scopes?
thats a great idea currently I only have on hand their ED-PRS their HD and the ED 5-40X great idea tho!
@EpikArms These are the models that I had in mind.
How would you compare these to the primary arms?
How about the Athlon ETR vs the Arken EP5?
I would like to try one but I contacted Arken and the don’t have any official dealers in Canada so they won’t warranty them
@D.C7MM typically its through go big tactical handling all of that
Amazon
I am super happy with My EP5. I use high end Nightforce and Leupold scopes and have a good comparison. You cannot beat these scopes for the money... period.
They went up. The Arken EP5 7-35x56 is too expensive now.
I see Arken has thermal and night vision. Are you able to do a review on those scopes?
@ryannorman8900 they actually don't have the night vision stuff anymore, they sold it to DNT optics
@@EpikArmsi don't think they ship to Canada either:(
@@mrguiltyfool they might have some here I looked it up last week pretty sure there are some
@@EpikArms nice
I am under impression that Athlon Optics has comparable options for comparable money. Would you agree ?
No Arhlon doesn't have the same specs for similar prices
What the hell were you hunting on sesame Street? That green fir on your table looks a lot like Oscar the Grouch. 😮.
@Mrkeats5487 LOOOLL
What tripod set up do you have for the scopes
@@anthonywestaway9434 sunwayfoto sp180 (arca to picatinny adapter) and a sunwayfoto t3240csl tripod. I have some on my website cdnprecision.com
I just picked up a 6 creedmoor Ruger precision. Would you go for the SH4J or the Ep5-25. I'm new to long range and eventually would like to try some matches. Thanks.
@@jiblets4ace ep5 100% well worth the added cost.
Use code Epikarms for the best price!
Hi were do you get arken in Canada if email arken ca and do not get any response
I wonder if those satellite dishes can be converted to do something useful today, like use with drones or jam drone signals. Lol.
Curious your thoughts on the Sitemark Presidio series
I have an EP-5 in MOA, and have no idea how to use it. It's zeroed at 100 on a 20" 5.56. Can someone help me find a place to get a dope card made, or explain the hash marks in the reticle for me?
Download a ballistic calculator. Thats what i did. It really helps
Does Arken USA ship to Canada?
they do not
What would be your pick for the best budget USA made scope?
@jmc041071 I don't think there's an budget USA made scopes (anything below 2k) so I wouldn't know
@EpikArms ok thank you
Is Arken rebranding to DNT Optics? Are they same quality?
@roncarter1596 no Arken only sold the night vision stuff to DNT optics, so Arken doesn't do night vision anymore. On the other hand from what I heard DNT copied the Arken ep5 7-35×56 hence why there identical looking
@ No sign of the Arken EP5 7-35x56 in Canada now or anytime soon according to sources. May go with the 5-25👍🏼
Arken Sh4J or Delta javelin? ❤
@@Peter-cp7xx delta 100%
@EpikArms King! Thanks! I'm buying a scope for my new tikka t3x varmint stainless 6,5x55 soon. Delta it is! It shot one hole with 3 shots at 100m when I sighted it in. With both Norma FMJ and Norma Vulkan. AND they shot exactly the same at both 100 and 300m. So I can practice and hunt with the same clicks and zero for both bullets. That is awsome IMO!
you cannot beat a Tikka! such great rifles.
Price wise ???
sorry but the chromatic aberration suffered with my Arken EP 5 is ridiculous for any scope over about $250. You cant effectively use the scope beyond about 16x magnification without losing the image quality beyond acceptable.
Brushing off chromatic aberration as just a small drawback, is like saying a car without an engine is almost perfect.
I am genuinely considering throwing my almost brand new EP 5 in the bin as i need the shelf space for better scopes.
@pepperoni-prepper I mean I've used mine to shoot out beyond 900 yards, with the small amount of abberation, it's not a significant factor. Maybe yours is a lemon, and substantially worse than all the others. I havent seen many people express what your seeing
Anyone else think that they saw a lion out in the field? I kept seeing a bushy tail similar to a lion. What was that?
@@Quality_Guru lol didn't notice it!
I thought you were from Canada and I tried to order a scope using your promotion code and it takes me to the USA site that only ships to the States so that does not do me any good living in Canada.
@robertweeks2039 hi Robert, yeah I make videos for Canada and USA viewers. Unfortunately this one if for the USA
Like to see you pic the top 5 rifles in 2024
@Gokywildcats11 I'm going to do a hunting rifle top 5 shortly! For long range, I havent bought and reviewed enough this year
Aiwa 😘💕👍👍
I’ve had 2 different Discovery, 1 Vector and 3 Arken. I would say they are made in the exact same factory. The Arken and Discovery look almost identical. Both are NOT worth the money in my opinion. The Discovery has a ton of Ca. Both Discovery scopes I had, ED models, look like you were traveling 200 mph while looking through it. It warped everything so bad. Both got sent back. Bought an Arken because every YT’er touts them like they are the second coming. They are not! The first scope, sh4, had bad glass. Sent it back and got another one in like 2-3 weeks. Second one had a canted illumination lens that caused an entire red out when turned on. Fill out another return label and actually got a call from James at Arken. Last name slips my mind. He apologized profusely for me getting 2 bad scopes in a row. I spoke with him for quite a while and he said that they actually don’t use true Japanese glass. They buy Chinese glass then send it to Japan to be coated and sent back. Makes sense doesn’t it? If something sounds too good to be true it usually is. Why do you think all these YT’ers are pushing Arken with a code? Because they all make % residuals. Of course they are going to be an awesome scope when I’m making something off your purchase… Athlon is significantly better than Arken by a long shot in quality!!!
You know, we hear so much on YT on rifle scopes and frankly I get 'addled' ( if that's a word, but you get te idea ) I've been looking at Discovery scopes from a Dealer here in Canada, and 90% of the models he has in stock are First Focal Plane, I asked him why, and he said " that's what most shooters want" !
All of us here in my 'shooting circles' use Second Focal Plane as we shoot targets and or hunt out to about 200 +- .
I do get frustrated by 'financially motivated reviews',. and find that I might just as well go to a local dealer who stocks a few brands and look at different makes/models to hopefully buy a scope that works for me.
I bought the EP8 LPVO. I have nothing but buyer's remorse. It is disappointing in almost every way. I wrote a review for Arken's website and they refused to post it. I guess they only post positive reviews because my positive review of their mount got posted.
@ yea I did too and they refused to post it. Nothing offensive or emotional. I just kept it to the facts and they still won’t post reviews that are not favorable. YT’ers love Arken because they are all getting kickback % for recommending and sale links. I spoke to one of the MAJOR online retailers and they told me Arken has their highest return rate for failures and problems than any other brand by over double. But all the YT’ers love them so hey, they must be amazing right?
@@holystromboli Here we are then, point proved!
I'm surprised that Arken let you return the SH4 because it had bad glass,. everybody knows the glass is milky, but are willing to purchase it for its price, to me that's kind of like returning a budget priced scope because it does not have range finding abilities. I think it should be made a law that scope affiliates identify themselves before they get into internet conversations about competing scopes while at the same time getting their companin name into the discussion...
Best Arken is the DNT 7-35🤪
Lol. The sale they are running with the discount is what it was running retail. Shady f's just increased the MSRP before black Friday
That's what they all do 😂
Warranty Arken is questionable. Not as foolproof as Leopold or vortex. I'd rather spend more money on a Leupold VX 5 HD. Made in the USA not China.
Arken Sucks, they play price games jacking up prices and then offering a "sale". Also seemingly no customer supposrt as they won't respond to any of my questions. I'll shop elsewhere I guess.
And don't ship to Canada FFS
Arken scopes are fucked up, they mix different units, in MRAD models have distance/paralax in "yards" which is ridiculously stupid. And it was my reason to not buy any
Parallax is never to be used at a range tool. It's only a rough estimate. Every eye is different so you have to adjust it to your eye, not just an estimated distance on a dial. It's laughable you're that worked up about it.