Arken scopes

[shedhunt]

There are a lot of threads of Arken vs ..., what I would like to find out is, who is using this scope and what has been your experience?

I've been reading and watching a lot of reviews of the U-tube, but personally don't know anyone who owns a new to go and actually see first hand. I'm half tempted to purchase one, but would like to get a little more info before I do such a thing.

Thanks for your input and feedback!

 

[FEENIX]

There are a lot of threads of Arken vs ..., what I would like to find out is, who is using this scope and what has been your experience?

I've been reading and watching a lot of reviews of the U-tube, but personally don't know anyone who owns a new to go and actually see first hand. I'm half tempted to purchase one, but would like to get a little more info before I do such a thing.

Thanks for your input and feedback!

Click the similar threads below or search the site for Arken scopes (there are at least 10 pages).

 

[xsn10s]

I'm biased so take my opinion with a grain of salt. In in order to try and not buy Chinese products I opted for SWFA fixed scopes instead of Arkens and such. They've proven tough, reliable, and functional in the field. Some of the Arken glass might be nicer but I don't think they are as tough or reliable. YMMV.

 

[shedhunt]

I'm biased so take my opinion with a grain of salt. In in order to try and not buy Chinese products I opted for SWFA fixed scopes instead of Arkens and such. They've proven tough, reliable, and functional in the field. Some of the Arken glass might be nicer but I don't think they are as tough or reliable. YMMV.

Thank you, the SWAF is definitely one that I've been looking at.

I would have never thought of Arken to be honest, but I watched a video and then several more which has perked my curiosity, thus the question that I've asked.

Appreciate your response.

 

[biednick]

I owned and sold 2, and have shot a handful of other people's rifles with them.

They're inexpensive scopes that come with a popular feature set. They're built to hit a price point while maintaining the features folks want for PRS and similar competitions. They're good scopes for the price, but don't compare favorably to high end scopes from any manufacturer. They perform similarly to other scopes in the same price range with a similar feature set. There's a decent amount of variability in glass quality from one scope to the next. One of mine had noticably worse CA in identical conditions than the other. I don't have any personal experience with their CS, but I've heard lots of reports of it being pretty bad.

 

[FEENIX]

I'm biased so take my opinion with a grain of salt. In in order to try and not buy Chinese products I opted for SWFA fixed scopes instead of Arkens and such. They've proven tough, reliable, and functional in the field. Some of the Arken glass might be nicer but I don't think they are as tough or reliable. YMMV.

I have both Chinese and Japanese-made models, and they are surprisingly good for their price point. I got mine well below retail prices at the right time.

I also have a few SWFA scopes: 5-25, 10X, 16X, and 20X, and they are built like a tank, having served me well for my intended purpose.

 

[shedhunt]

I have both Chinese and Japanese-made models, and they are surprisingly good for their price point. I got mine well below retail prices at the right time.
View attachment 692202
I also have a few SWFA scopes: 5-25, 10X, 16X, and 20X, and they are built like a tank, having served me well for my intended purpose.

Thank you Feenix, always appreciate your responses.

 

[blksno]

I had 2 Arken EP5 5-25s. Ran one on a RimX and one on a 308. Still have one on the 308.
IMO, the DNT 7-35 is a much better optic for the money BUT, many people don't want something that big.
If, "WHEN" DNT releases something in the 2-12x or 3-21x they will be VERY hard to beat in that price point.

Another solid competitor in that price range is the Vector Optics Continental line up. Chineese also, but german glass. Good turrets, good reticle options.
3-18x
4-24x
5-30x
6-36x

I bought a 4-24x in their FDE color way and hated it (scope was great, just hated the color) ...its' the same as Vortex Purple...so I returned it for a black 3-18x. (not here yet)

Arken was "KINDA" a pioneer in that space for offering a great budget option, but some of the competitors have caught and passed them in the last year or two.

Maybe that means Arken is working on some new things behind the curtain. Not sure.
IMO, an Arken EP5 5-25 on the preowned market is going to be worth $400 for a very long time.

 

[Gary in MD]

I have 3 of the Arken 4-16x44 and 3 of the 6-24x50, also a 7-35x56
No problems with mine yet, they track and hold zero.

 

[Jester560]

Pray you dont need the warranty. Their custoner service sucks!

 

[bowhunter123456789]

I have 8 total , 6 6-24x50 , 1 6-25x56 , and 1 4-16x50 all shooting phenomenal out to 1000 yds . Yes better glass is out there at high prices, but for me, they work great. I do have high end Vortex and Night Force on my custom guns , but overall you can't beat the quality for price of Arken.

 

[Stonyman88]

There are a lot of threads of Arken vs ..., what I would like to find out is, who is using this scope and what has been your experience?

I've been reading and watching a lot of reviews of the U-tube, but personally don't know anyone who owns a new to go and actually see first hand. I'm half tempted to purchase one, but would like to get a little more info before I do such a thing.

Thanks for your input and feedback!

I have several Arken, love them all, hold zero's and very good glass, have the 5-25 and even the new 7-35 x 35, it's awesome, shot several same hold groups at 100 yd. the bit numbers on the turrets are outstanding, For the money you can't beat then, or even the Athlon are amazing, as good as any $1500 to $2500 scope in my opinion, mine are FFP in mils. Any Q's just ask me and I'll try to help you out. Also just sighted a 22-250 in at 100 yds, bore sighted it first, and was dead center for elv. but 4.5 inches right, so dialed 1.3 mils tot he left, next 4 shots were in the center, dime size bullseyes, 2 same hole, tracking is perfect . You won't be disappointed

 

[Turkeytider]

I have an Arken SH4J Gen II 6-24 on my Tikka Super Varmint 6.5 Creedmoor range rifle. Japanese glass, though as I understand put together in China. Excellent tracking and zero hold. Turrets and parallax adjustments are great. Has taken me to 1K yards without any problems.
Arken scopes are notorious for having the turret screws loosen and back out. Don't know why that happens, mine did. Shouldn't happen but very easy fix. Drop of low strength Vibratite solves it.
I've been very satisfied with mine. Nightforce and upper end Vortex glass ? No, of course not, not at their price point.

 

[Coach Jay]

We have either Arken or Athlon glass on all rifles in our house, there is a model for everyone!!
I've have every brand scope imaginable, in the last 25 years, yet I've never had to send one back for "service"…
Realistically the average member on here will not spend thousands on just an optic, it's bc of supporter talk or grumpy old man syndrome.
Take for example the last thread about what did you last buy….The were way more people that voice their opinions everyday on here, naysaying others…..talking about they don't have the money…would you rather just not have anything or waiting till the magic money fairy drops off a wad of cash for them to get a NF, S&B, and so forth…