NUMBERS DON'T LIE! Arken SH-4J | PA 3-18x50 | Vortex 5-25X56 | IOR 2-16x42 ~ Rex Reviews
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- čas přidán 14. 09. 2023
- Math is the blade to cut through the BRAVO SIERRA. Which optic is best for long range? Which optic had the clearest glass? Which optic tracked with the highest degree of precision? Enjoy this quantified comparative analysis of optical clarity, resolution, and turret tracking graduation precision. As a long range rifle instructor Rex the has accountability and pressure from thousands of students and from experienced professionals in his field to share the Real D.O.P.E. RESULTS between the Arken Optics SH4 6-24X50 GEN2 FFP, Arken Optics SH4 GENII SH-4J 6-24X50 FFP, Primary Arms SLx 3-18x50, Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 FFP, IOR Valdada 2-16x42.
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Rex please read EZEKIEL 32 it's tied to gog Magog and a world war please do a video connecting it.the Lord lated it on me ,to have you help me understand the connection
Would be great if Arken would start shipping internationally to consumers.
I thought they were doing that already, I guess not.@@doejohn8674
Just ordered thank you
Thanks for this awesome comparison. The code "Rex" at Primary Arms isn't working. When entered is says "This coupon code has expired or is invalid"
Rex, not only the shooting community but everyone who tries to be better as humans are forever in debt to you. Thank you for the countless hours of your irreplaceable time. God bless.
An important note is that there is more to optics selection than just optical resolution and tracking precision... high dollar optics design for military use cost a heck of a lot more due to their robust design to pass the ATM pressure tests, to exhibit soldier-proof ruggedness, to possess overall feature design and layout preferences, footprint, specialized lens coatings for other purposes and more all add up to cost a pretty penny.
so is the Night Force ATACR 7-35x56 F1 which costs $3,000 superior ?
yes or no?
@@lieutenantcolonelnicholson9228I say 200% yes.
I think most people hunting do not need military grade. I am a fan of Vortex and have several of their optics. I also have a handful of Arken. And I had to watch this video twice to really understand. That the Arken is punching way above its weight at a basement price.
One caveat for Arken owners. Because of the set screw design of the turrets, you will find they sometimes loosen from vibration. As I learned from Arken tech support, use some Vibra Tite. It is resettable and it will hold the screws. From a zero MOA rail, you can dial to 1,000 yards for a .308 165 gr factory load.
And yes, the Vibra Tite has worked, so far.
Question. How are you seeing true repeatability without having a cheek rest.
#2. My eyes and your eyes are different, and it is not one size fits all.
#3. Looking into the sun with an optic like an Arken is NOT a good idea!!! The coatings are subpar, and this is a price driven factor.
#4 Do you shoot at all??
I would love to see you at a match. That would be GREAT.
@@lieutenantcolonelnicholson9228 Night Force is WAY BETTER!!! No question!!!
The fact that he went that far into detail as far as the degree of lighting and air temp... Man that man could've sold me shit at that point. By far the most detailed review I've seen on ANYTHING.
Well, did you buy the Arken?
Bang for the buck, Arken is truly hard to beat. Love your honesty without predetermined bias. Too many people out there won't even try an Arken. Let them spend their money where they want, I will have multiple rifles scoped for their one. Thanks Rex.
The 9+ week lead time can be a bit of a turn off for some.
Arkens the shit, all I'll own anymore for a cheaper optic
@cstgraphpads2091 I ordered an Arken EP-5 last week on Monday and it was at my door on Wednesday. The only Arken right now with a lead time is their new LPVO. Besides that, you cannot beat the value of what you get with Arken. The turrets and tracking are excellent at any price. The glass is much better than it's price point, not NightForce great, but in the $400-$800 tier it is hard to beat convincingly.
With a discount code I got the SH-4 Gen II 6-24x50mm for $274 shipped. I’ve already zeroed it and there’s no other quality scope in this price range. You’d have to pay closer to $800+ for anything comparable in other brands. Imo, it’s the absolute best value out there. The lpvo is next up on my purchases from Arken so I can put it on my Recce build and my EOtech on my SBR build.
Arken is landfill.
Thanks for the research, I just bought an Arken SH-4 Gen 2 and installed it on my AR and was surprised how great it performs…Aloha from Hawaii 🤙🏽
I love your methods for testing. Very well laid out, all possible variables accounted for. The numbers don't lie.
Thank you, sir.
@@TiborasaurusRex will we ever see an updated Sniper 101 series?
Agreed
Arken tracks just fine for me.
@@RecreationalSniper....... I'd be willing to say this much. Perhaps there could be one in the future, as soon as the check clears the bank and all 7 figures are deposited. The amount of time and energy and manpower he put into the 1st one is unbelievable and mind boggling 😮😮😮😮.
But there's always hope 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼♂️
@@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740 for sure. I've been making similar videos but nothing like what he did in the 101 series. I don't have the same level of focus and organization unfortunately. But I'm trying to do better.
Thanks for the info and data, Rex! Lots of hard work that you have done for us.
I've been testing my own optics the same way! The resolution test removes all subjectivity of the optics ability to transmit a clear image to your eye. Excellent work!
You’re a noggin full of knowledge. Love it. I remember coming across your first videos many years ago and it blew my mind. Thanks a million
Rex,,Thanks again for a great video! Your testing methods are unmatched.
Based on your previous reviews of optics in the past and the reviews of others, and I viewed every one I could find last year, I bought three Arken scopes and they are great. I can't think of a better value. Made a few calls to them to verify and confirm a few things and their customer support was stellar.
Please keep up the great work you do!
Thanks again!
😎👍🦌
It just doesn’t get more comprehensive than this..Rex doesn’t mess around and does the actual math
Very valuable information Rex. Rock on!! Words alone cannot cover what you just covered. Thanks to you, I have all the models that ARKEN makes in both MIL & MOA as well as 4-16 & 6-24 (except for the EP5 5-25x56, I only have one and it is in MIL). I also have to thank a handful of other guys for it. I think you know who you are! Thanks guys! Cyclops started it all for me (shopping for "BEST BUDGET SCOPES" lol). Now I have to try this "J" version in VHR reticle.
Glad to see you doing reviews
Thanks for all your hard work Rex!
Good stuff. Thanks for putting in this work for us.
My emotions attached to an optic are price-sensitive and Arken, regularly scores very high within affordable reach. Thanks for the review 👌
Very good video Mr. Rex, thank you very much for taking the time to do these kind of Tests, it's always very helpful, but it’s Too bad you didn't include the ARKEN EP-5 in the test
Very awesome review, I’ve been looking into a more precision LD scope, and this has been extremely helpful/useful.
Excellent video. Thank you very much for comparison information.
Thank you for confirming what i have found so far in my research of the Arken optics scopes. Warranty and replacement or service and repair + turn around times would be helpful to know. Great video. Keep up the good work. We all appreciate it. Keep your weapon pointed in a safe direction and your rifle, too.
I rely on your reviews and test extensively...why? Because you have proven to be reliable, knowledgeable, and truthful over many years! As a result, of your reviews I have sold some tier 1 optics and replaced them with Arkens...I have no complaints and my wallet is happier 😂
Thanks Rex very helpful Appreciate all your hard work.
Really, really great video. All the best for 2024. Dave & The Girls 🎉
My reviews:
“And for the technical info, just reference Rex’s review on it”
Thanks for doing all the hard work man!
I have a SH4, an old PA, and a 4-16 from Swampfox. The Arken is by far my favorite. My biggest problem is stopping myself from moving it from rifle to rifle when i want to shoot.
Hi Rex. Love your methodology!. I was an Engineer with IBM and did LOTS of testing of our products versus the competition.
One thing I HAVE to mention is the following:
I was without internet/phone service for 3 weeks and when it came back, I was quite surprised to see that Amazon was selling the SH-4J. Never heard it was coming.
Here's the rub. Amazon has removed the original SH-4 offering and replaced it with the "J". Not too much of a problem, except the new model now carries some negative reviews that go back a couple of years to older models.
So, I just caution folks that might rely upon Amazon reviews (to make a buying decisions), to ignore the 160 reviews for the SH-4J, because they DO NOT apply.
BTW, I got my new J this week, and will be sighting it in soon.
Yeah, I'm an Arken 'fanboy', with 3 EP5s and 2 SH-4s....
Keep up the FANTASTIC work! We appreciate it!!!!
ron
Now that you have both models, do you think the J model is superior to the gen2 and if so, where is the improvement. I plan on buying an SH4 and would appreciate your opinion. I'm undecided whether to get the 4-16 or the 6-24. My reason was thinking the resolution on the 4-16 would be better.
Thanks Rex,
Because of your recommendation I have purchased 7 4/5 series Arlen’s
I’ve recommended at least 10 Arken scopes to my cadre. They all are very happy with the scopes. I should have my own discount code. Also Arken deleted 1700 of my points. Not happy about that but very happy about the damn tough scopes.
I have the same problem. I have recommended many people to them and I have points with them but they won't let me redeem them when I purchase scopes. I'm still trying to figure out why they have these points if we can't use them. This is one reason I keep looking at other brands when good deals pop up.
Nice to see you back
Rex, long time follower. You are a professor for the common man!
Love the data driven testing. Only problem I have with some of the tests is that the test relies on YOUR eyes. You can’t control for people’s individual differences. For example, even if someone corrects for their nearsightedness,you can’t correct (effectively) for astigmatism or other anomalies if the eye. It would probably be cost prohibitive, but there has to be an optical instrument that can’t discern an objective result for optical clarity in various lighting conditions.
Amazing Data and well put together presentation... Pulled the trigger on an Arken EPL4 over a Vortex Viper or Strike Eagle. Mainly because of price point for features and issues I've had with Vortex products in the past. It sounds like Arken has a similar warranty policy to Vortex as well in case issues arise. I hadn't found this video before I made the choice but it definitely solidified my thoughts. You've earned a subscriber!!
Great explanations! Great job!
I think what people also need to keep in mind is, go with what you can afford, and still be able to take time to practice with and enjoy it.
Ain't no sense getting an expensive paperweight of a rifle scope if you can't afford to use it.
you just saved me months of saving thank you Rex
This is a terrific example of how to log data.
Great video as always and thanks for the deeply detailed information. I have no problem trusting your recommendations, my first rifle scope was the swfa ss 10x42 in mils and it’s been a great scope. But since my eyes aren’t getting any better, I need a little more magnification to seen out at distance. Next scope will definitely be an arken.
I have the same scope, which is great, but I'm 65 and need more magnification too. It appears the Arken is a good, affordable alternative.
I just came across this video and let me say thank you. More reviews should remove feelings from the equation. Whether it's optics, ammunition or anything else. Opinions and feelings are okay to share but must be clearly stated that's what they are. Definitely subscribing to your channel as I appreciate the honesty in the clear-cut no BS answers/review.
Very informative. Thank you.
Bro, thank for being so thorough with the comparisons. It's great that someone is doing this and not basing it on 'feelings'!!!!!! Could you do a comparison between Arken SH-4J vs Arken EP-5
I really think the cheaper $299 SH4J is clearer than the EP5 on high magnification. It might have been a fluke some kind of freak of nature but all of the EP5's I looked through on high magnification didn't impress me as much as the SH4J did.
Thanks Rex, just purchased two of them. And thanks for the code.
I have a Primary Arms GLX 4-16x50 with ACSS reticle sitting on top a 6.5 Creedmoor (fantastic combination for me). Having looked through both the Primary Arms SLX and GLX the GLX glass is far superior to the SLX in my opinion for clarity and "real" light transmission. I don't do any turret work because the ACSS reticle does the work for me (where I shoot maxes out at 670 yards).
I have the sh4 on a RPR 6.5 Creedmoor and absolutely love it! It shows that you don't have to spend a fortune for a great scope anymore 🎉
Your skills aside, how many yards could you shoot that set up?
Thanks brother, I appreciate it!
Thanks for this Rex. I know it’s time consuming, but any chance of running a test with a few other scopes like the Arken EP-5, Leupold VX-5hd, Leupold MK4 etc?
Thanks great stuff!!!
Regarding tracking error, the way I would describe it as how many windage clicks would you need for every 100 elevation clicks. So for a 3% error, you'd need three windage clicks for 100 in elevation. Or more reasonably, one windage click for every 33 in elevation. Of course, there might be some error in the windage clicks.
My arkem 6 _25;is in the mail , should be here next week. , thanks for all the hard work rex
Does IOR still supply glass to hensoldt and zeiss ?
Great content 👍🏼
Lols Vortex ad for this video. Nice review Rex!
Good thoughts
Thanks man
Took your advice awhile ago. Been really happy with valdada
Another great review! Looking to upgrade my Weaver Tactical 3-15x50 that I originally bought based on your Sniper 101 video series. Works great just looking for more zoom for my RPR 308. Been saving for Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30x56 because seems like the most optic for the money but those Arken optics have me possibly willing to give up a little. The Arken EPL series 6-24x has a 30mm tube, same as the Weaver, and would save me having to buy another Spuhr mount in 34mm.
Buy the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 currently on sale for under $600. You'd need to buy a real Japan made scope at least twice the price or a Burris XTR3 in order to beat this one. It's actually really closer in comparison to the Trijicon Tenmile and at least several levels above the EP5. The Arken EPL4 is decent scope for under $300 but the Japanese ED glass glass isn't that good. You'll be disappointed coming from your Weaver tactical.
Recently got a chance to look through a new SH4J that sells for $299 it was a little clearer than the EPL4 but not as good as the Ares BTR Gen 2 not even in the same league.
I bought ane arken and so did my buddy based on your recommendation
Thanks Rex!
Finally you back online :)
Sounds great! Are you ever going to do this with the EP-5 5-25X56 and where does it stand in relationship to the SH-4J other than the obvious stated dimensions and specs.?
U are a mad scientist sir thank you
Thank you Rex. Your a treasure.
thanks brother as always
Love my sh4 gen 2, only thing I would change would be 6-24! I got the 4-16, but it's on a rig that also doubles as a hunting rig so the 4 is fine..
I'm just glad I can accept my old Bushnell Banner 2 that was made in Japan. It has the B&L stamp on it. I hit my piece of green painter's tape on a cardboard box laying on the ground at 50 yards.
Rex - what is the tripod ball head and the picatinny Mount you are using in the video for Mount the optics? I’ve been looking for something like this for awhile.
Roger that: thank you, Rex. So much VALUE over on Patreon!
My Arken "J" model is sitting in the post office. I can't wait to pick it up tomorrow!
I just received my Arken SH-4J rifle scope. After your discount $299.95 plus tax $323 delivered. Like you I have a wide range of scopes. I also own a EP5. For the money. The SH-J for the money is amazing. I wanted something lighter then the EP5 for the rifle it was going on.
I had couple of arken one not waterproof one was lemon
.just thought they sucked
I had very bad luck with arken. I went back to Vortex. At least if i have a problem with Vortex, it gets handled immediately, no questions asked, but arken, CRICKETS after the sale!
I tried an Arken SH-4 Gen II in rimfire PRS. The optic did fail to track and return to zero. Arken did take care of me, promptly asked to ship the scope back and sent a replacement. I swapped to a spare IOR 6-24x56. I wanted to shoot base class. The IOR has no problem for tracking, durability, or optical clarity.
Arken even sends a prepaid return shipping label for warranty so you don't need to pay to ship them in. Just like how Vortex does.
I am curious how the Arkens would perform in Alaska? As extreme temperatures, and very wet hunting seasons can reak havoc on gear up here.
Thank you
Have you had the turrets of non locking zero stop turrets like the arken rotate on their own away from zero during rucks or hiking?
One thing that does not show up on these test is some optics for some users are worse for a quicker case of eye fatigue when using the scope.
Again this is hard or next to impossible to test for because everyone's eyes are different to test but you usually hear more complaints of that nature on forums concerning the lower mid and budget priced optics than on the higher end gear.
So I watched a video and am a subscriber to his channel and the guy did a review on an Arken optic and with no actual specs or measuring devices he spits basically his review of a 1-8 and was like basically comparing it to a McDonald's toy and it seems like a lot of folks are just being misguided I and just got to say thanks because there is a real difference between someone like you that actually knows and someone like that tool that basically has 0 experience anyway thanks for all you do for the firearm community!!!!!
The last one I ordered just arrived in the mail yesterday, gonna pick it up in a bit at the post office. It's the SH4 J 6-24x50 in VHR reticle. I can compare it to the SH4 G2. Just a simple comparison. I'll share my thoughts after. I won't have a video or anything (sorry) just thoughts. I wish I had the time and resources to do a video or two.
i dont understand ,whats scope its good and you recommended?
SH4 GEN II on a 308 24" barrel custom hunting rig. Lights out. South Korean made Bushnell Forges are pretty incredible too. Great build quality with clear ED Prime glass. Stole it for $600. That one on a custom 25-06 build. Tack driver...
Love to see a review on a Korean Forge. Mine is 3-24X56 and I love it.
I would like to use some of these tests to compare some of my own scopes.
I’m sure I can find the Rosenbaum and Air Force tests on the Internet but at what range do you use them at ????
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
I’m looking to put a 6.5 Creedmoor AR together. I’ve been considering the Primary Arms Apollo 6.5/.224 Valkyrie scope as the optic. What scope would you recommend? I do like the ACSS reticle. Please advise and thanks.
I miss this kind of content.
Your methods are cool...but for those of us that DON'T have all of these ways of testing...we just...strap this stuff on and go...but, I love the video's, I've learned alot.
I bought an arkin because of your review, it did not disappoint, I will ask this I run a lot of primary arms glx and one platinum, but the glx is my favorite go to because of parallax and eye relief, both being generous in the glx, the arkin not so much, my question is how does the difference in precision or limited parallax play into accuracy? Hope I’ve made the question clear.
I bought my first Arken scope bc of T. Ty sir
I was very lucky to buy a used mint condition hensoldt 4-16 ffp for a killer price based on your original scope reviews.
Puts a smile on my face! Thanks Rex
ARKEN = ROCKS! I noticed the difference.
6:22, original SH4 gen2 even has higher Rosenbaum score than that of new SH4J, does it mean SH4J's Japanese glass actually is not better than SH4's Chinese HD glass?
On Rosebaum test, you say it is 1-10 range, but it isn’t clear if 1 is best or if 10 is best?
TORIC UHD 4.5-30X56 34mm MRAD ELR FFP Rifle Scope is also good.
Rex, I appreciate all the great work you put into these videos and your methods. That said, with a sample size of 1, it is nearly impossible for me to trust the results (especially on the cheaper scopes). I have a couple sh-4 scopes and the two have noticeably different clarity. Also have several vortex diamond back tactical and there is noticeable variation there as well. I would absolutely love to see a focused "Quality/consistency" test on the SH-4 and SH-4J (or ep5) where you test 5 or 10 of each. Would love to know what the ES and Average on a larger sample of these scopes. I think it would also be important to make sure Arken isn't cherry picking them for you... Maybe some of the arken complainers/haters in the community would be willing to send theirs for testing :D
Again, thanks for what you do!
I second this. I have heard/seen some questionable things regarding Arken, and would love to be able to trust my very few hard-earned dollars to a purchase. I guess my best bet is to buy from somewhere with a really good return warranty on everything they sell.
thanks. "REX" saved me $97. at Arken today!
Impressive results for the Arken. Are there any low light comparisons available?
It’s a shame that they only go down to 4x on the non-LVPO, for hunting with a thermal it should at least be a 2.5x
Those Arken scopes are the bomb but holy shit is it a heavy boat anchor at 35+ ounces. Definitely best used on a stationary rifle and not for hiking around the countryside.
Any ideas for mounting a 34mm tube on a bolt action? Leupold is no help.
Mount Needs windage adjustment
I would like to see you test the new Burris with that fancy tech inside of it.
Said it before and I'll say it again. I wish we could get arken scopes here in the UK. They are missing sales potential, the UK has a fairly large shooting community, despite what the msm would have you believe.
They are available here in Switzerland and Germany as well, but the price point is different (roughly twice US prices after a cursory overview), which changes the competitive edge. If you really want one, a Swiss or German store might be willing to ship to the UK.
I just saw that optics DASH trade DOT eu (Slovenia) carries them, they ship internationally
@@doejohn8674 found out this morning, a shop here sells them for around £750- 800 . That's some serious price gouging from $350. Solid pass.
You can buy them from Optics Warehouse in the UK..
They ARE available in the UK..😉
Great ana
Could I ask how the arken sh4 stacks up against say a vortex viper PST in regards to glass and clarity? I don't have any reference for these except the viper. Thank you and I love these comparative analysis videos! 👍🏼
The IOR Valdada scope has to compete with a 1:8 magnification ratio. Something to consider
I'm surprised you didn't have Leopold, Swarovski, Athlon, Burris, Nightforce, and Bushnell as part of your list.
What do you think of the Steiner T6XI 2.5 -15 x50?