Arken EP5 is it worth it?
- Thread starter KPerry7
- Start date
It’s ok, he’ll just be like others that have come and gone. Time to just ignore him and move on. Caustic personalities don’t deserve attention.
To the OP. I’m sorry this turned into a pissing match. I hope you got at least SOME of the info you were looking for about Arken optics. Good look in your search!
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I bought two Arken SH4 6-24X50 scopes and was pleasantly surprised to see how good they are and how accurate Joe R's videos describe them. I have one mounted on a rimfire and the other on m 30 cal Impact that I use for 100 yd shooting. One day, I saw an Athlon Helos BTR GenII 6-24X56 scope on sale for $464. I couldn't resist the price since it usually sells for around $650 or more, and it's specs most closely compare with the Arken. Both have 34 mm tubes and similar reticles. The Athlon focuses down to 10 yards as opposed to 25, is 2 oz lighter and the reticle is fully illuminated rather than just the center cross. I would give the Athlon the advantage on that basis, but honestly, the Arken is a fantastic scope regardless and for the price, you can overlook the differences. All 34 mm scopes are heavy, so you can't really criticize it for that. The huge benefit is that if you use the CYCLOPS code, you get the $195 combo pack free which includes rings or 20 MOA one piece mount, scope caps, level and other stuff. Nit pick all you want.
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UPDATE My friend sent several emails to Arken about his defective scope and he did receive a email from them Friday. They said they never received his other emails. Sent him a overnight return label. He mailed it to them Friday.Arken received his scope today and notified him that were sending him a replacement overnight.
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I just purchased a ep5 should be here this weekend. I'll let you know how it looks as I'm sure it'll be a great optic I already have the sh4 G2 and loving it!
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I purchased the SH4 4-16X50 GEN2 on Saturday night and it was delivered today. I was pleasantly surprised to see it actually has parallax adjustment down to 20 yard’s.
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The new sh4 gen 2's have a 20y min parallax. On my EP5's, they are usable in the lower mag range inside of 25y.
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My EP5 just arrived yesterday. Thanks Douger.
I have only done any unboxing, so nothing really to report. It is a little shorter than I expected in a 5-25 34mm tube, so nice. Turrets are beefy! Basically got the extra goodies for super cheap on the combo. I like their levels, as I have one on another non-Arken. Scope caps are nice and remind me of Vortex defenders, which I like (caps fold flat!). Rings are pretty heavy, which is fine by me. I usually pay up for rings, so I’m hoping I like these.
I’ll get it mounted and try to report back my findings. I have used a lot of scopes, but while I won’t have many to test side by side, I’ll do my best to offer my thoughts.
At first glance, I don’t know how you beat this deal. We will see.
I have only done any unboxing, so nothing really to report. It is a little shorter than I expected in a 5-25 34mm tube, so nice. Turrets are beefy! Basically got the extra goodies for super cheap on the combo. I like their levels, as I have one on another non-Arken. Scope caps are nice and remind me of Vortex defenders, which I like (caps fold flat!). Rings are pretty heavy, which is fine by me. I usually pay up for rings, so I’m hoping I like these.
I’ll get it mounted and try to report back my findings. I have used a lot of scopes, but while I won’t have many to test side by side, I’ll do my best to offer my thoughts.
At first glance, I don’t know how you beat this deal. We will see.
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Just got in my ep5 and it's awesome as I expected! The glass is crispy clear and the turrets are rock solid very audible and precise. It is a bit heavy but I'm a big guy so no worries, some might have to eat their Wheaties before handling 
lol.. At minimum 5 power I can clearly see hundreds of yards away very clear optic. I did grab the extra accessories to complete the scope which is working out great. Thanks (Cyclops) use that name at checkout for free combo pack! Enjoy
lol.. At minimum 5 power I can clearly see hundreds of yards away very clear optic. I did grab the extra accessories to complete the scope which is working out great. Thanks (Cyclops) use that name at checkout for free combo pack! EnjoyUpvote 0
Scope is nice. The "eye box" or the area you can achieve visual down the scope at higher magnification isn't as good as higher prices scopes.
That means you'll find your eye searching to see what's down range.. At higher mags. It's noticeable...
The eye needs to be in this sweet spot to view into the scope at the higher mags.
I'm not saying it's a bad scope. I'm saying it isn't close to premium. You'll see what I'm talking about if you use it enough. May not matter to some people
That means you'll find your eye searching to see what's down range.. At higher mags. It's noticeable...
The eye needs to be in this sweet spot to view into the scope at the higher mags.
I'm not saying it's a bad scope. I'm saying it isn't close to premium. You'll see what I'm talking about if you use it enough. May not matter to some people
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Parallax is what takes it off my list, and the weight is a bit much. Will consider for a powder burner down the road.
I do worry about Arken's long term viability. A lot of challenges still brewing in the supply chain they are relying on, not sure they will have the funds to weather a storm or two in the next 3-5 years.
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Parallax is fine if you’re not on highway mag. I just tested my 4-16 sh4, and at lowest mag, it parallaxes down to 3yds. I don’t see anyone shooting that close on full mag. Keep in mind these companies parallax numbers are for their highest mag.
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I have read somewhere on Al Gore's Internet that Arken is coming out with lower parallax scopes earmarked for the Airgun community.
So, they must be paying attention to what folks are saying.
So, they must be paying attention to what folks are saying.
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I don’t see why guys think the 25yd parallax is a deal breaker? My vortex on my maverick only goes down to 50yds and it is crystal clear at 15yds as long as I stay below 9x. I don’t plan on shooting flea’s off the tree rats anyway!
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I think I am going to try a Arken Optics EP5 5-25x56 next. Does anyone have hands on experience comparing the ep5 to the element helix ffp?
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