Arken EP5 7- 35 .. Standing in for some Alpha Glass

Let's see............

5) ZCO's. greatest thing since sliced bread. Until they weren't. Sent all 5 of them back through his Dealer for a refund. $20K USD approximately (?)

1) maybe 2 S und B's that were "Far better" than the "junk" ZCO's that he previously returned. But, apparently, S und B also fell out of favor, just like ZCO and were returned to the factory for "repair". Wonder if he's asking for/demanding a credit for those as well.

Now, the favorite "child” is "Arken". Obviously, much better than ZCO or S und B............... :rolleyes:

If I was his "Dealer", I'd draw the blinds, lock the doors and put out the "closed" sign if I saw him coming.
 
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I love how these Arkan threads pop up being the best thing since sliced bread. But hey you do you, if you love cheap Chinese shit have at it. The rest of us will keep using this shity alpha glass.
That's the thing.....I have always owned and used "Alpha" glass......Still do.

My Dealer here who distributes all the "Alpha" glass in Aus pushed me to try the Arken as a point of interest.... I own lots of "Alpha" glass so easy to compare.

I in General hate Chinese crap......and presumed the Arken would fall into that category. Just hasn't been the case.

Never said the Arken was the "Best".... but considering its price point it is superb value when put into comparison to some of my optics which retail for $8k and up !!

If you were to actually talk to my dealer.....you might be shocked at the return/warranty numbers of some of the "Alpha" glass !!!!!!!
 
Hurr durr look at me. alpha glass is overhyped garbage, but my low tier made in China optic is amazing!

Personally I think you're full of shit...
Let's see............

5) ZCO's. greatest thing since sliced bread. Until they weren't. Sent all 5 of them back through his Dealer for a refund. $20K USD approximately (?)

1) maybe 2 S und B's that were "Far better" than the "junk" ZCO's that he previously returned. But, apparently, S und B also fell out of favor, just like ZCO and were returned to the factory for "repair". Wonder if he's asking for/demanding a credit for those as well.

Now, the favorite "child” is "Arken". Obviously, much better than ZCO or S und B............... :rolleyes:

If I was his "Dealer", I'd draw the blinds, lock the doors and put out the "closed" sign if I saw him coming.
I love how these Arkan threads pop up being the best thing since sliced bread. But hey you do you, if you love cheap Chinese shit have at it. The rest of us will keep using this shity alpha glass.
To be fair, @wooferocau contributes regularly in the Desert Tech thread and has for a long while now. I remember when be first picked up all those “alpha” scopes on top of what he already owns and how pleased he was with them until he wasn’t……….but you boneheads wouldn’t know that.
 
$1250 Arken ( Left) vs $9500 S&B ( Right) at 1200yds
I really appreciate your post. I have 2 Arkens: one on a Bergara HMR B14 in 6.5 creed and one on a Vudoo (.22 LR). I feel they are adequate for me, but I am not experienced and haven't used high end optics. I sometimes wonder what I am missing, but $300 USD vs $1,200 USD is a big financial jump for me.

It sounds like, until I shoot well enough to have it make a difference, I have a good optic for where I am at and what I am shooting.
 
It sounds like, until I shoot well enough to have it make a difference, I have a good optic for where I am at and what I am shooting.
Honestly......The Arken will NOT hinder your shooting performance!!!

Sometimes I think we all need to get off the "Elitest " platform and judge things purely on their merits.
 
NX8 vs ZCO vs Arken..
So
$4k vs $7.5k vs $1.2k
 

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What's the point here?
My point..
To "Try" and show there are options if..
#1 Someone doesn't want to pay top dollar for an optic
#2 Someone can NOT afford to pay top dollar for an optic.

Many here infer that using the "Cheap /Chinese /Arken " optic will inhibit your shooting experience ....and that is utter BS.

Myself and a young friend who is one of the top PRS/NRL shooters here ( His Rim X outfit in the pics) compared the 3 optics yesterday.
Both the Arken and ZCO are noticeably better than the NX8 ( a mid priced optic here in Aus)
The ZCO ( An Upper end scope here in Aus) resolves "slightly" more detail than the Arken... BUT gee its close , far closer than it should be considering the price differential!!
Is the ZCO better than the Arken optically ...... Yes .. BUT is it $6K+ better.......no way in hell!!

I used to be of the attitude that pure optic quality aside, the reason we pay far more for top tier optics is for durability/reliability . Well that theory over the past year or so has gone completely out the window!!
The numbers of "Top Tier" optics i have had fail trashed that theory completely !!

My dealer here in Aus is a good friend, he runs and owns one of the largest dealerships ( Tactical gear.....Optics..... Rifles....accessories) here in Aus . He distributes all the top tier optics available.
When he disclosed the warranty/return rate of some of the Top Tier ( expensive) optics it was a shock!! I think this aspect would raise eyebrows on a lot of people.
He is the one responsible for pushing me to try the Arkens.

I was one to fall into the " Elitist " attitude camp as are many here , that has changed .

One of the Arkens will live on one of my spare HTI,s for an indefinite period...it will be a mix of 50 bmg and 375CT . If it dies or has issues i will document it here.
I have a batch of S&B 6-36,s and 10-60,s coming back from repair in Germany......lets see how they hold up this time around.
 
Your anecdotal experiences with alpha glass don’t translate into real world experience, so please stop acting like they do. It makes you look like a fool. I don’t give a shit if it’s your thread or not because this is a discussion forum…clearly full of opinions and not facts.
Also pretending a ZCO has “slightly” better resolution makes you look equally as retarded. I’m not discounting whatever Wade has to say about your character and input into the shooting community previously. I’m making a point of how little you’re actually contributing now with this garbage. Everyone knows there’s other options and that YOU’VE had shitty luck with some alpha brands. There’s also a fuck ton of people that could say the same with Arken, myself included. I still own 5 or 6 of them but not going to pretend they’re God’s gift to shooting.
 
Your anecdotal experiences with alpha glass don’t translate into real world experience, so please stop acting like they do. It makes you look like a fool. I don’t give a shit if it’s your thread or not because this is a discussion forum…clearly full of opinions and not facts.
Also pretending a ZCO has “slightly” better resolution makes you look equally as retarded. I’m not discounting whatever Wade has to say about your character and input into the shooting community previously. I’m making a point of how little you’re actually contributing now with this garbage. Everyone knows there’s other options and that YOU’VE had shitty luck with some alpha brands. There’s also a fuck ton of people that could say the same with Arken, myself included. I still own 5 or 6 of them but not going to pretend they’re God’s gift to shooting.
You have your opinion and experiences...I respect that..
Please respect mine.
 
Coming into the rifle world in the USA from overseas is a completely different animal . Ive never seen so many snobs in the gun world then here. Judgmental and nothing can change their stubborn mind no matter what . Best part is they have no experience with them but are always willing to speak .
Nothing in this post told me you were talking down on high end optics nor saying the arken was better. You simply stated it held up to your test and sighted well in long range and I thank you for this as im interested in this optic . Those that took offense are just insecure men scared of a Chinese product meeting the standards of higher end optics
So many of you need to stop acting like youre Fn GI Joe . Youre not , I can assure of this. so Laughable
Either enjoy his review or go elsewhere
 
It's nice to have decent kit but sometimes the budget doesn't stretch that far.

I don't shoot long range comps anymore but have won comps with all kinds of scopes from high end to Chinese cheapies.

As long as the scope tracks and holds zero, and the glass is adequate that's all I need. I certainly haven't missed a shot that I could blame on not running alpha glass.

Better glass does come into its own when conditions are difficult, sunlight/flare, mirage, spotting hits etc.

We'd all love a high end precision rifle with a ZCO on top but sometimes life gives you other priorities and dollars are short.

I've won quite a few comps with a bog standard Tikka T3 Varmint and cheap arse scope. I've handloaded from age 13 and believe there's more bang for your buck there with a solid performing load over an alpha scope and shit handloads or factory ammo.

I still gaze in wonder at peoples 15k+ rigs but absolutely don't feel handicapped in the least by my more modest setups lol.

Too be honest I'd be more embarrassed to be the bloke with all the alpha kit who has next to no idea what he's doing and consistently gets his arse handed to him by others with cheap kit. Sort of gives you nowhere to go or nothing to blame other than your shit shooting lol. No shortage of these blokes running around the ranges either!
 
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My point..
To "Try" and show there are options if..
#1 Someone doesn't want to pay top dollar for an optic
#2 Someone can NOT afford to pay top dollar for an optic.

Many here infer that using the "Cheap /Chinese /Arken " optic will inhibit your shooting experience ....and that is utter BS.

Myself and a young friend who is one of the top PRS/NRL shooters here ( His Rim X outfit in the pics) compared the 3 optics yesterday.
Both the Arken and ZCO are noticeably better than the NX8 ( a mid priced optic here in Aus)
The ZCO ( An Upper end scope here in Aus) resolves "slightly" more detail than the Arken... BUT gee its close , far closer than it should be considering the price differential!!
Is the ZCO better than the Arken optically ...... Yes .. BUT is it $6K+ better.......no way in hell!!

I used to be of the attitude that pure optic quality aside, the reason we pay far more for top tier optics is for durability/reliability . Well that theory over the past year or so has gone completely out the window!!
The numbers of "Top Tier" optics i have had fail trashed that theory completely !!

My dealer here in Aus is a good friend, he runs and owns one of the largest dealerships ( Tactical gear.....Optics..... Rifles....accessories) here in Aus . He distributes all the top tier optics available.
When he disclosed the warranty/return rate of some of the Top Tier ( expensive) optics it was a shock!! I think this aspect would raise eyebrows on a lot of people.
He is the one responsible for pushing me to try the Arkens.

I was one to fall into the " Elitist " attitude camp as are many here , that has changed .

One of the Arkens will live on one of my spare HTI,s for an indefinite period...it will be a mix of 50 bmg and 375CT . If it dies or has issues i will document it here.
I have a batch of S&B 6-36,s and 10-60,s coming back from repair in Germany......lets see how they hold up this time around.
I fall somewhere between #1 and #2. To wit, I could afford to buy one or two alpha tier scopes...but I own a lot more rifles than that. For now, I'm outfitting all my guns with "budget" stuff. A Bushnell Engage on the low end (it's a 3-9 that I paid $171 for) up to a Steiner Predator 4 (2.5-10 and I paid $670) on the "high" end. I do own an Arken. For the $299 I paid...it's amazing. I'll eventually replace some of these with top tier glass, but for now, everything is doing what I need for my opportunities and abilities.
 
Your anecdotal experiences with alpha glass don’t translate into real world experience
They do in fact as they are 1st person experiences. His. If you were trying to say that his experiences do not reflect those of the average persons experience with alpha glass, you failed, miserably.
It makes you look like a fool.
You are doing a bang up job yourself.
I don’t give a shit if it’s your thread or not because this is a discussion forum…clearly full of opinions and not facts.
Everything you seem to post is your opinion. Not sure if you know what a fact is at this point
There’s also a fuck ton of people that could say the same with Arken, myself included. I still own 5 or 6 of them but not going to pretend they’re God’s gift to shooting.
So your anecdotal experiences are valid, and his are not. Sometimes you encounter someone so stupid, you just have to step back and marvel. Thanks for making today that day.
 
They do in fact as they are 1st person experiences. His. If you were trying to say that his experiences do not reflect those of the average persons experience with alpha glass, you failed, miserably.

You are doing a bang up job yourself.

Everything you seem to post is your opinion. Not sure if you know what a fact is at this point

So your anecdotal experiences are valid, and his are not. Sometimes you encounter someone so stupid, you just have to step back and marvel. Thanks for making today that day.
Cool story bro
 
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Feel like there is a lot of snobby high end scope owners in here that have big hurt feelings. Y’all need to chill. He makes a valid point with way more facts than anybody else is presenting. Not just opinion. Not the first time I’ve heard someone say that a much cheaper scope looks better than a nightforce.

We all realize 5k scopes are more than likely much nicer than a $300 arken, but damn if I would t rather actually own a $300 optic and have money left over for ammo to practice with and enjoy at the range or in the field. Some of us may have other priorities than multiple thousand dollar optics to put on our cheap ruger Americans or budget aero solid “long range” guns.
 
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Feel like there is a lot of snobby high end scope owners in here that have big hurt feelings. Y’all need to chill. He makes a valid point with way more facts than anybody else is presenting. Not just opinion. Not the first time I’ve heard someone say that a much cheaper scope looks better than a nightforce.

We all realize 5k scopes are more than likely much nicer than a $300 arken, but damn if I would t rather actually own a $300 optic and have money left over for ammo to practice with and enjoy at the range or in the field. Some of us may have other priorities than multiple thousand dollar optics to put on our cheap ruger Americans or budget aero solid “long range” guns.
I own Arkens, as I’ve said. I think they’re great for the money and punch far above the price. They have their place. If someone likes a scope and it works for them, more power to them.
It’s the unrealistic notion that Arkens compare to or exceed alpha glass. This is where the level of retard is obtained. That goes for the other morons excusing his claims and opinions. If you want real knowledge speak to Ilya or someone that actually tests scopes properly.
 
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I have several Arken scopes myself. They will never compare to a top tier scope. That being said, they are good scopes for the money. Just stick with the Arken models with Japanese glass. I have the SH4 6024 with Chinese glass and the SH4J 6-24 with Japanese glass. The Japanese glass is definitely a lot better in all conditions.

I don't compete or even shoot out past 500 - 600 meters anymore so a lower cost scope suits my needs.Now if I was shooting out to 1000 yards or farther or was competing then I would definitely buy the best scope I could afford.
 
I own Arkens, as I’ve said. I think they’re great for the money and punch far above the price. They have their place. If someone likes a scope and it works for them, more power to them.
It’s the unrealistic notion that Arkens compare to or exceed alpha glass. This is where the level of retard is obtained. That goes for the other morons excusing his claims and opinions. If you want real knowledge speak to Ilya or someone that actually tests scopes properly.
You wouldn't know "real" knowledge if you stepped in it. You have an opinion, as does everyone else. I don't see you providing any proof, or data to back up your opinions. Why should anyone care what you think rando blowhard?
 
This thread reminds me of certain members who hailed the mighty EP5. Then 5 months later hailed the mighty Burris as the latest/greatest.

I say we give it some time. Revisit this thread in a few years and see where we’re at then.

So far every thread of the latest and greatest that has been out for a while has another thread crapping all over the same optic

Alpha glass give or take a few lemons has been alpha for longer than some of these companies like Arken have been alive

I’ve owned many budget and alpha optics. I have yet to come across that $500-$800 optic that is touted as a $3000 optic killer actually stack up and make it long enough in the market to steal those contracts or dominate the alpha game

Most times we see it for a while. Then the newest $3000 optic killer comes out. We spill our koolaid and grab the other cup

Not saying a $500 optic isn’t great. But great for the price and true alpha optic with a track record are very different things
 
This thread reminds me of certain members who hailed the mighty EP5. Then 5 months later hailed the mighty Burris as the latest/greatest.

I say we give it some time. Revisit this thread in a few years and see where we’re at then.

So far every thread of the latest and greatest that has been out for a while has another thread crapping all over the same optic

Alpha glass give or take a few lemons has been alpha for longer than some of these companies like Arken have been alive

I’ve owned many budget and alpha optics. I have yet to come across that $500-$800 optic that is touted as a $3000 optic killer actually stack up and make it long enough in the market to steal those contracts or dominate the alpha game

Most times we see it for a while. Then the newest $3000 optic killer comes out. We spill our koolaid and grab the other cup

Not saying a $500 optic isn’t great. But great for the price and true alpha optic with a track record are very different things
Exactly
 
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You wouldn't know "real" knowledge if you stepped in it. You have an opinion, as does everyone else. I don't see you providing any proof, or data to back up your opinions. Why should anyone care what you think rando blowhard?
You’ve been here 4 months and are supporting ignorance. I don’t have to prove or show anything, there’s a whole community of shooters on here that agree with me. I know this because I’ve been here long enough to see this retarded argument posted about every year or so.
Welcome to the Hide, idiot.
 
You’ve been here 4 months and are supporting ignorance. I don’t have to prove or show anything, there’s a whole community of shooters on here that agree with me. I know this because I’ve been here long enough to see this retarded argument posted about every year or so.
Welcome to the Hide, idiot.
Argumentum ad populum - it's popular and people agree with me, so it must be true.
-- good lord, did you even graduate high school--
You may have been here longer than me. You might have people that will support you.

After all, idiots travel in groups.

Your tilted and you don't have a prayer going toe to toe with me. So just quit now and save some face.
 
Feel like there is a lot of snobby high end scope owners in here that have big hurt feelings. Y’all need to chill. He makes a valid point with way more facts than anybody else is presenting. Not just opinion. Not the first time I’ve heard someone say that a much cheaper scope looks better than a nightforce.

We all realize 5k scopes are more than likely much nicer than a $300 arken, but damn if I would t rather actually own a $300 optic and have money left over for ammo to practice with and enjoy at the range or in the field. Some of us may have other priorities than multiple thousand dollar optics to put on our cheap ruger Americans or budget aero solid “long range” guns.
My OPINION is my experience having bought 5 Arken scopes, and using 7 of them (2 were garbage right out of the box), including their SH4 Gen2, EP5, and EPL4 models. Not a single one of them could even remotely compete with my $1000 Vortex Viper HD, and I actually removed several Arkens and replaced them with Burris XTR-II 5-25x50 SCR MIL scopes that were on sale @ EuroOptic for $550 at the time, because they were better scopes, better glass, and built better. Facts are facts. Are Arkens good for their price point? Yes. Are they alpha-tier glass? Good luck trying to convince me otherwise, when I've looked through them side-by-side with my Kahles K624i & K318i scopes, Nightforce ATACR F1, Zeiss S3, Burris XTR-III, Vortex Razor Gen3, and many other "alpha tier" scopes I own.

The reason I'm curious is because 1.) I like that MPR reticle, 2.) I wouldn't mind a decent 7-35x56 for one of my target rifles, and 3.) the image he's posted up is exponentially better than any Arken I've ever seen, and I'm curious to know if they really stepped up their glass game that much.

If I can get him to ship me one for like $550-600 USD (like the sale price on their website), but from Oz with that MPR reticle that we can't get here in the US, and the glass is just as good as the images he shows, then I'm highly curious to try one myself.
 
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Are Arkens good for their price point? Yes. Are they alpha-tier glass?
Alpha tier glass is a bs term that really doesn't mean anything because what it means is subjective to whomever is saying it. Brand bias and petty tribalism is really all this is.
In six months, new junk will come out and perhaps opinions will change. It doesn't matter, because they were opinions to start with.
Unless you have some provable repeatable test and findings, it's all nonsense.

A $650 scope vs a $3000 scope. Is one better than the other, likely. But a better question is, what do you really get for the extra $2350. It that worth it, a whole custom rifle worth of scopyness. Not likely.
 
My OPINION is my experience having bought 5 Arken scopes, and using 7 of them (2 were garbage right out of the box), including their SH4 Gen2, EP5, and EPL4 models. Not a single one of them could even remotely compete with my $1000 Vortex Viper HD, and I actually removed several Arkens and replaced them with Burris XTR-II 5-25x50 SCR MIL scopes that were on sale @ EuroOptic for $550 at the time, because they were better scopes, better glass, and built better. Facts are facts. Are Arkens good for their price point? Yes. Are they alpha-tier glass? Good luck trying to convince me otherwise, when I've looked through them side-by-side with my Kahles K624i & K318i scopes, Nightforce ATACR F1, Zeiss S3, Burris XTR-III, Vortex Razor Gen3, and many other "alpha tier" scopes I own.

The reason I'm curious is because 1.) I like that MPR reticle, 2.) I wouldn't mind a decent 7-35x56 for one of my target rifles, and 3.) the image he's posted up is exponentially better than any Arken I've ever seen, and I'm curious to know if they really stepped up their glass game that much.

If I can get him to ship me one for like $550-600 USD (like the sale price on their website), but from Oz with that MPR reticle that we can't get here in the US, and the glass is just as good as the images he shows, then I'm highly curious to try one myself.
As per my PM To you...
I now wonder if there is any glass differences between the "Aussie" version vs the USA version ???
 
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My OPINION is my experience having bought 5 Arken scopes, and using 7 of them (2 were garbage right out of the box), including their SH4 Gen2, EP5, and EPL4 models. Not a single one of them could even remotely compete with my $1000 Vortex Viper HD, and I actually removed several Arkens and replaced them with Burris XTR-II 5-25x50 SCR MIL scopes that were on sale @ EuroOptic for $550 at the time, because they were better scopes, better glass, and built better. Facts are facts. Are Arkens good for their price point? Yes. Are they alpha-tier glass? Good luck trying to convince me otherwise, when I've looked through them side-by-side with my Kahles K624i & K318i scopes, Nightforce ATACR F1, Zeiss S3, Burris XTR-III, Vortex Razor Gen3, and many other "alpha tier" scopes I own.

The reason I'm curious is because 1.) I like that MPR reticle, 2.) I wouldn't mind a decent 7-35x56 for one of my target rifles, and 3.) the image he's posted up is exponentially better than any Arken I've ever seen, and I'm curious to know if they really stepped up their glass game that much.

If I can get him to ship me one for like $550-600 USD (like the sale price on their website), but from Oz with that MPR reticle that we can't get here in the US, and the glass is just as good as the images he shows, then I'm highly curious to try one myself.
Idk if any of you watch the mullets merica dude, but he shot an elr match with the ep5 7-35. He seemed very impressed at that price point. I’ll say the video looked really damn good considering that it’s an Arken and in my experience, video usually degrades quality. Most impressive imo was the video through the scope at the 1 mile target. Sure peaked my interest.