Arken EP5 5-25x56 FFP Scope - FIRST IMPRESSIONS ~ Rex Reviews 

For Arken Optics use code "REX" to match the BEST DEAL out there! Here is the link: bit.ly/RexReviews For THE REAL D.O.P.E., subscribe to the TiborasaurusRex Patreon page! www.patreon.com/tiborasaurusrex

If these scopes keep getting better and less expensive... I might have to start mounting them on My fishing rods too just for the halibut!

I've had my EP5 for about a week and this thing is a tank. It's heavier than most 34mm scopes I've used, but the glass is up there with the $1000+ easily. Glad to rex feels the same way, he's my go-to for everything ELR. I REALLY want arken to make a 1-8 or 1-10 next

Tangent Theta, Khales, Vortex HD gen 3, US Optics and Leupold Mark 5HD series (chosen in 2020 by uncle Sam for his Mk 22 Mod 0 PSR. Please don't tell me the US Army doesn't know how to pick the best scopes)... all put the the Smidt and Bender PMII to shame today, sir!

Rex I’ve been following you since the early days, even going through my own bout with cancer (ALL Leukemia). I want to say I admire the way you move through life, brother. God bless and thank you for all you do in the world.

My Arken 6-24x50 is amazing on 338 Savage 110. Sharp, crisp, clear, edge to edge view, solid! Great winter mitt turrets. Embarrassed to have spent 5 X the $ for other brands of slightly lower quality in the past. Combo pack 170 is awesome 👍 added the flip caps. Thanks REX God Bless

I have never owned a scope, always used irons because I live in the eastern woods and have no long range shots to ever make here. But I still find these videos super interesting and informative, I enjoy seeing quality gear get the attention it deserves.

These are the ONLY scopes I’ve EVER bought sight unseen based only on REX!! And now I have 4 of them!!!!

Yeah I have three of them. Pretty impressive. I’m still going to own a couple $2000 scopes. But I’m definitely going to own a bunch of these. Definitely budget friendly and great quality so far

I finally got mine!!! It tracks perfectly as far as I can tell I have only shot it out to 500 yards. I have no chromatic aberration at any magnification that I can discern. Parallax works great everything seems to be in order so far I am loving the scope. There's people on RU-vid that can't stand the fact that it only cost $600. I'll put a video up pretty soon of mine it is absolutely fantastic.

Ordered myself an ep 5 Christmas day. Still waiting for it to ship. With shot show going on I don't expect it to be shipped anytime soon 🤣 but I'm super excited

My Arken EP-5 5-25x56mm FFP just came in yesterday. Finding your channel made everything fit together nicely!

Oh snap! I'm going to send more money to Arken Optics. I purchased two SH4 scopes based on your review and love them, I have since purchased more. I can't wait to try the EP5 5-25X56, thanks for sharing!

I got the email update when this model launched. Other than the extra 6 milimeter on the objective, what makes this better than the sh4 genII? Fit form and function all lookes the same.

I have always appreciated the Arken reviews you do. Anything good for $250.00 range? I found out I got had by Academy. Before knowing any better I purchased a BSA 4-16 ×40 for $250.00. I didn't understand how bad the reticle was and knew nothing about tracking #?*! Not long ago I looked up the price online for the scope and it was available for $65.00. Feel like a tool. It's on a pellet gun and I'm not sure I'll be happy with it there either! God bless Rex!

Rex is it worth the extra $100 over the 6 to 24?

Evaluate lens quality at 25X only. Look at color newspaper print at 100 and 200 yards. Edges of letters, color quality, and grass definition to the side of the target is what define the lens quality. Without lens quality, the rest is just smoke and mirrors for the novice user. Love to see images through your evaluation of the lens quality using this method that was taught to me by an eye Surgeon. There are a lot of super crap optics on the market, but they look really cool.

After the last SH4 video I couldn't take it anymore and picked one up with the combo pack. Hard to believe you get all that for $399 delivered. If I needed something more the EP5 would be at the top of my list for sure.

Rex could you do a SH4 to EP5 comparison. Please. I’m getting ready to order.

I have been fast becoming a fan of Arken through the reviews here, also Joe Rhea the Cyclops (for a racontour version) and a few other serious shooters. I appreciate the story and ethics of Arken. One of the partners is a retired Navy SEAL sniper and he surmised that more people could get into long range and ELD and F-class shooting if they could just get decent optics that cost less. Plenty of people can budget for well made and low cost rifles. And the other accoutrement is within range of the average working guy's budget. But a Nightforce or a premium Swarovsky? Not going to happen. Now, if you have the cash, and that is fine, you can get those. There is a rifle company where they build your rifle by hand. It will cost you about 12k it has already been basically sighted in and broke in. All you have to do is show up and shoot it. So, just about all of my optics have been Vortex. I have a few other cheap ones that were just not worth the effort and energy. I am overscoped on some of my rifles with 6-24X50 and a few Venom 5-25X56 mm. Those are good scopes and the Venom has zero stop, my main reason for getting it. And they are heavy. And I am not getting past 10 x at the range and not past 10x where I hunt. I figure I can get a better sight picture and a more visible reticle by reducing the magnification range. So, I wanted a 4-16. But Vortex does not have one with the features that I want Arken does. FFP so that I can range in reticle. Some illumination, nothing crazy. And a usable range of magnification that is still good for long distance. It is not like the movies, where you see the whole thing like it was right in front of you. You are aiming for center of mass of a target. That is all. So, finally, today, I got an email that my scope has shipped. The Arken SH4 Gen 2 4-16X50 mm MOA-VPR. I really do like Christmas tree reticles and the Diamondback Tactical 6-24X50 that I have is where I learned to like that.

I ordered one two weeks ago. Wish I had used your code. Own three SH -4 scopes. Nice for the price. But I’m really excited about the Japanese glass and 56mm objective. All most bought a Vector optics with German glass for half off. But it is a Chinese owned company. I like that Arken is American owned. Even though they have their scopes assembled in China.

My first impression is The title says it all It’s kinda like The Military ‘Primary’ Arms Channel 😂

I recently got the SH-4 4-16x that, I have to admit, is pretty good but doesn’t seem to have the light transmission level of my Nikons or Leupold. For the price I shouldn’t have been disappointed but I was, a little (high expectations caused by reviewers overhyping?). When I heard there was Japanese glass coming I hoped the improvement in glass would cure what I felt was lacking in the SH-4. Can’t wait for the BIG review!

I received my EP5 last week and was blown away. Like you I have all sorts of optics. I have a PM2 5-25, a few MK6 3-18’s, a MK5 3.6-18, a USO 3-17, an NSX and ATACR, 2 1-6 razors and a 4.5-27 razor Gen 2, a Bushnell DMR and a few other lower end optics. IMO based off of look and feel, turrets and glass quality the Arken EP5 is only second to the S&B and ATACR. In fact the turrets are perfect IMO. The weakest link of the Arken is the glass and weight. Glass wise it’s in the Razor/MK5/ATACR range with the ATACR being better in low light. I’m blown away with this optic. It’s so much nicer than it has any right to be.

I like my EP4 6-24x50.. So how does it compare to the previous EP4 6-24x50???? I will gamble on another Arken in 5-25x56 FFP... Daddy said..Boy if youre gonna be stupid ya gotta be tough..LOL Its about time you got a good scope review out..But hey..you need to do it laying in the snow .LOL I was believing everything you said until you said those scope rings were ridgid and good.They are a POS.. I had 2 pair break in the same spot from a little Bump....

yes sir... they kick ass

Arken just has to get the quality checks under control. They have sent several out with issues. Atleast on the previous scopes. But if u get a good one they are nice.

Do you think the reticle is too thin at lower magnifications to be useable? If so, what power would you say it starts becoming useable?

How does glass clarity compare to the Athlon Cronus BTR?

Super jealous, I've been in contact with them once a year. Patiently waiting for availability to Canada. They're response is when they can handle the US demand they will make the move. With such a great product I wont see one for many years lol. Good review, cant wait to see it in action. I've been a follower of your channel for a long time.

Seriously, thank you. I am trying to get into long range shooting and I spent a lot of money on ammo, the rifle, and other equipment. Being able to save money on an optic for someone who doesn’t need a $2,000 optic is great. I did buy a Razor AMG on my first rifle, I put a Primary Arms PLx on my second rifle. I am considering selling my Razor and buying this and going to more schools.

Hi Rex. I really enjoy you channel and the in-depth of your reviews. Having been a target shooter for over 60 years, I have accumulated a LOT of scopes/rifles. (I never sell anything). I just sent this same message to Cyclops Joe. I have 4 EP5s and really enjoy them. I also have a LOT of the Discovery brand of scopes. I have 3 of the Discovery 5-25X56 PRS Gen ll models. Love them also. Today, while killing time, I went to Amazon where I bought most of my scopes b4 discovering your and Joe's feeds. Just for grins, I was looking at the Amazon sales pitch for the Discovery PRS. There are several photos describing features. I noticed the photo and wording for resetting the Zero Stop, do NOT match. The photo is indeed the Discovery elevation turret, but the wording is for the Arken EP5...Which involves set screws, which the Discovery does not use. It has that silver screw slot on top. hmmmmm.. The other pictures/instructions for setting parallax are messed up as well. Now, I understand how translating from a foreign language into English can be difficult. As a working Engineer, I helped translate many Japanese Service Manuals (for color laser printers) into English. It was fun. I kinda feel this verifies my long-held thoughts, these 2 brands are made by the same OEM. Thoughts? ron

Thanks BossMan I love mine I'm a poor boy too. Lol It was a Ramon noodles month 😅 when I got it I'm on a fixed income here but it was worth every penny!!! Appreciate your very informative vid's 🙏 🫂

Optically, how does this compare at, say, 10x or 15x, compared to the 4-16 and 6-24 at the same magnifcation?

An excellent video review. Thank you Rex. Could you please let me know which supplier will honor your Rex 170 Code? Should I purchase directly from Arken or does Optics Planet carry Arken? Thank you Rex.

I just saw this review. Awesome. I really like this scope. Where is the Rex170 code accepted. Looks like Arken doesn't have it anymore. But they have the 6-24×50.

Thank you, excellent review. I just purchased one and so did my nephew who enlightened me of the "Black Friday" sale at the actual Arken website. We're looking forward to testing the capability of the scope on my precision rifles. Happy Holidays!

Got to tell you brother I bought one and I can tell you it's a fantastic scope. I only screwed up trying to set that zero stop without moving the zero. It didn't take long to get it zero. I just enjoyed the optic. It's my first shots with it. I appreciate that recommendation.

I got mine used about a year ago and used it on my .260. The AO failed just in time for the Wolverine 5k! I had to run a backup. Arken replaced it. That replacement scope AO had also failed. Arken replaced that one as well. I have yet to shoot the latest one, but the tracking, clarity, color are amazing! I also paid (iirc) about 600.

I have no need for 3k scopes now, I’ve got SBs and a Premier reticle on my spec builds. With a family now and these Arken scopes , I can justify it. I only have the SP Gen2 4-16 and it blows me away.

Hey, I bought my first scope with your recommendation, which is a SWFA because you recommended I’ll take your word for that this is just as good but I already spend the money I have on a Trijicon credo

I run the sh4 for my production prs-22 scope. It's a good deal on a scope for the scope. Tracks very well, glass is about as good as a Vortex PST 6-24x50. Scope is very durable as well.

Love your channel, I have been upgrading optics a little at a time the last few years and have been trying different brands and so far my favorite is the athalon Aries etr, I just put the arkin sh4 on my rpr rimfire great scope especially for the $ I was wondering about this new ones glass quality as compared to my etr

Don't get it wet, seen 3 different tests that people dunked them and they all 3 had water in the scope. They also have a blue and yellow bloom/aberration. The price is very low for youtube folks....actually a ton of guys found $100 bills in their boxes...some, quite a few of them. Mine didn't come with money in the box, I checked. The tracking is good, water resistance is not great, the tracking is good.

Thank you Rex! I was on the fence between the EP5 and the Swampfox Warhawk and you helped get me off that fence. This EP5 is really raking up some good reviews. The things being said about the EP5 are some of the same things I usually hear about scopes twice this price point. As a factual matter, the only "other than good" thing I have heard so far is that they take longer in fulfilling orders. Well, I see that as a good thing because news travels fast in shooting sports and if it were a piece of crap Arken would be able to supply and not be running out of stock. Anyway, I will buy one for my daughter's 243. I had her learn iron sights first and she's ready for the scope. God Bless!

This scope has my stamp of approval 💯 Best scope I ever purchased.

I own 2 of these but they definetly fall apart at about 300yds. If you arent a PRS shooter then this may work well for you but if you shoot competitions buy once cry once. I wish I would of just bought a Mark5 right off the bad.

Hello , I would like to know if it is possible to order this glasses in the USA to send in Belgium, Europe I have tried in 3 stores in the USA and all of them refused to send it to Europe, it costs almost 1000$ here.

I bought one of these scopes because of the Internet said how good it was and all the RU-vid videos what a mistake don’t waste your money junk parallax does not work. It’s fuzzy blurry turn the power up can’t see through it sent it back. Hope to get a refund, this is just my opinion my 30 year old Zeiss is better than the scope, hands-down .

A scope is an optical instrument, and the most expensive components in any optic are the lenses. Just look at the lab test results for binoculars and telescopes. You can't get high definition, low dispersion glass, given all the optical corrections that have to be made for less than several thousand dollars. Just like you can't get $100,000 car for $10,000. It's not going to happen. If an optic sells for $500 over here, that means it was made somewhere in Asia for $100. Or less.

I’m considering a few scopes atm. Probably going with this one. Been hoping Rex would get around to reviewing the Venom but the more I research the more I’m leaning towards this Arken.

Isn't Arken kind of where Vortex was a few years after it came out? I mean Vortex came out in 2002 and it took a few years for them to get traction and Arken just came out in 2019. It is now a 6-8 week wait on these scopes.

Just purchased. and windage is jamed. Called. and sent text to arken. have been trying to reach them for 30 days. They are fast to take my money. then they forget you no customer service shame on them.

I ordered mine last week. Good to see a review from someone of this caliber and with said expertise. 👊🏽🏆

Seem to me these kinds of companies that are start ups will sell them for a time then sell out to the bigger companies to get rich. We need companies like this to provide high quality stuff to people and not break the bank.

Great initial review, I can't wait to see you do the tracking and maybe a side by side "see through" at distance with a comparison against maybe the PA, Arken and higher end stuff - of course with your opinion on how it stacks up.

I've seen where Arken has had quality problems with water getting into the lenses internally inside the scopes and would rather have a guarantee to where they will repair free at anytime. That is the downside that you get in Arken products (buyer beware). Other than that, I would have went with Arken for the value.

I bought on sh-4 when I was in north dakota this past summer/fall for a good prarie dog optic. Then I promptly bought another for my precision bolt gun back home. Great quality

Most people me it hard to get 4 are 5 scoops. Never would buy a scoop 4ooo or 5ooo. Dallas even if I had more money than I new what to do with it

what's your patreon link?

Put some rounds downrange and post it. I'd love to hear about durability, accuracy, REPEATABILITY after adjustments,how robust in the field the scope is, etc. Thanks, Rex, been enjoying your wisdom & experience for years now.

I heard arken has bad chromatic abberation...which is sad because the scopes are great...

Thanks for the review. It was quite.........robust.

Grow your hair out!

Really like my sh4 gen 2. This one here looks great!

How would compare the EP5 to the Element Helix?

Is the quality of the turrets or glass on the ep5 better than the SH4 model? Or are you paying more for the increased mag range and objective size? Id like to see the ep5 compared to the sh4!!! Im patiently waiting for my sh4, its been shipped but the mail carrier had a hiccup and my delivery is delayed :(

Received my EP5 a few days ago and sent it back for replacement because of serious parallax issue. I have no doubt that Arken will treat me right but still very disappointing that the scope had this serious flaw.

Thank you very much Brother, good job.

Hopefully they made the illumination bright enough to use it somewhere other than complete dark!! I have two of the 6x24s and the illumination is lacking quite a bit!! I don’t use illumination very often but when I want to use it it would be nice to have one that is bright enough to use during the day time It is good enough for low light but not for any sunny situations!!

Great review! Will definitely look at them when I need another scope.

Alot of years experience teaching us !

I got the EP4 both 4-16 and 6-24. The 6-24 is a bit much for what ranges I can shoot at, but these things are built like tanks. No chance to shoot yet, but I AM impressed with what they have created for the price point.

Arkren is going to take over if they don't price them out the game

Just to add the illumination, would it be worth it to get this over my ep 4?? It's the best optic my eye has ever looked through, however I did struggle to see my cross hairs at dusk one time on a hunt... Thoughts rex???

Isyour Rex code still available

Have you looked at the Blackhound scope

What is that sticking out of the bottom of the scope?

549 is a lot of money for a Chinese knock off.

Umm, Marines need the R&L. Lol

I wish I could get the arken in canada

So how are they holding up? Should i get one?

I just ordered one, I used your code so they know you sent me

Thanks

We're the best place to order the arken

Got one and Liking it more and More!!

My SH 6-24 is top notch. Kinda disappointed in the Riton 6-24 at low light levels but if blackhound comes out with a 34mm tube and better reticle might give arken run for their money

Hello, do you find Arken Optic EP5 5-25-56 reliable? Are there Chinese marriages at Arken Optic?

Damn.... 4 grand for a scope!!! Shit I'm poor!! I got an old paper towel roll and 2 toothpicks for crosshairs.... But I can knock the pelt of a beaver at bout 2 meters 👍👍👍 😲😆

your discont cod no longer works

over here it is a 900 dollar scope

Really the new intro Rex!! Awesome review!!!😀👍

Getting it delivered today 🎉

You're too close to the camera!

I bought 2 of the SH4 scopes, last October, while I was mobilizing for deployment, just off your reviews. I'm excited to get home in August and try them out. I did use your discount code for the package. I can't wait to try them out.

Recently bought this direct from Arken for $397 total price delivered. (They had a 25% off coupon code)...You can't beat that deal.

WOW! Absolutely perfect, (economical and useable) 1 boring 5 shot group after another, PCP and Springers

UPDATE 11/09/22: Arken got back to me this am. They apologized, said it was a misunderstanding. They agreed to send me another bubble level. It shipped today. So Arken did good, their customer service is great. I rescinded my poor review on their customer service. Plan to order from them again soon. Arken Optics customer service may not be as stellar as their scopes. Based on your recommendation I purchased this EP5 scope. Ordered it 10/25/22. It arrived 10/28/22. Fast! My second Arken Optics scope. Very impressed and happy with their scopes for the money. I like them. Like you I have several high dollar scopes. But, I can't afford high dollar scopes for every rifle. So these scopes fit the bill as an economical option to put decent glass on as many rifles as I possible. My EP5 arrived a week or so ago. Also ordered the 34mm combo pack with the discount. They notified me the bubble level would be shipped separately. It was. The envelope with the bubble level arrived Saturday 11/05/22. My 60th birthday! Envelope was opened and empty. No bubble level. Contacted Arken via email about this today 11/07/22 in am. They got back to me right away, this afternoon. The best they would do is offer to send me another one at 50% off! I said no, I just wanted what I ordered and paid for. I asked them to send me a replacement and make this right. No response yet. I will let you all know how this turns out.

My Schmidt Bender PMII 3-20x50 Ultrashort has the MTC turrets and the clicks are spaced very short and can easily over shoot adjusting elevation.

what is the difference between this one and the Arken SH4?