Budget Scope Battle Part 3 - THE GLASS - Vortex Venom VS Arken EP5 ~ Rex Reviews 

Use Arken Optic CODE: "REX" to match the best deal out there! Here is the link: bit.ly/RexReviews

Thank you for the excellent, categorical breakdown and rating. This was exactly the sort of info I was looking for.

Once again best reviews ever. I dont hardly bother with anyone else reviews. I will join soon you deserve it ty so much.

Thanks for such a thorough and concise evaluation. You helped me immensely with making a decision. That was the best review on scopes I've seen yet. Your method is objective, precise and succinct.

I get into the real technical parts of the explanation. The payoff comes at the end after I've digested the numbers and arrive at the same place you do at the "long story made short" summary. Validates my discernment on the subject. Thanks a bunch. Thank you very much for taking the time! I do believe the Arken is going on my Bushy Varminter which sees some bouncing around in the Jeep. The ruggedness of construction and large print format is a winner for me.

Thank you for the comparisons. This is a great format.

Now that's a seriously detailed review!!!

Great detailed three part series I watched them all back to back. But the word “quantify” just about killed me 😂.

Always like hearing your reviews I bought the vortext ventom I love it . Can't wait to do some long range hunting I hunt from a tower blind my longest shot is around 515yards at most gravy shots .I had the vortext viper but wanted the 1st focal over the 2end I'll tell ya these vortex definitely get you out there reliably to 500 no issues I don't know past that I've never shot that fare yet but once I get my dope I'm going to achieve my goal of 1000yards. Thanks for all your hard work . And thanks for your services brother.

Your reviews are the best!

Outstanding information sir.

I own both the SH4 Gen II 4-16 and 6-24 mil/mil glass and I really like them both. This comparison video series just made me want to get the EP5 just that much more. Awesome job Rex.

Thank you so much for all you do.

Nobody has a video of the EP5 is use at long range. Everyone is spewing the fact sheets. Lets see this thing on the rifle shooting at long range. Actual results in practice. Please Rex!

Grew up on sniper 101 in college. Good stuff for anyone that’s bare bones new to this.

Great video! Im glad I ordered Arken ep5 after your previous video, just can’t wait to receive it) I was thinking about Venom but I don’t really like how huge it is and after this video no doubt I did right choice. I also got Arken SH4 4-16 and I impressed how good that scope for money. Also after your review of Athlon Ares I bought it ad well ! Thank you for your work

I have been waiting about a month for delivery of my EP5 and I believe it is worth the delay. I have the SH4 on a 308 and am happy with that purchase. It seems like Arken has certainly made a large splash into the optics community...

Thx Rex for the data

Thank you 😊

For glass clarity, Arken EP5 is on par with Vortex Viper PST gen2; Arken SH4J gen2 is on par with Vortex Strike Eagle. Venom/DB Tactical is lower tier.

Bought an Arken, thanks for the code.

Rex University! Has a nice ring to it!!! Just saying..... Thanks for your time sir.

Mathematical comparisons are unparalleled, well done

Awesome! I knew I was an Arken fan for good reason, lol.

I realize that you have Patrion to answer most precision shooting questions but concerning the Vortex Venom adjustments. I was wondering since one would lose say somewhere around 2 mils by sighting in at 100, then since its only possible to have 18 mils of adjustment with the rev stop, do we still lose the 2 mils from the 18 or is it part of the reason we don't get 22.5 mils of elevation with the rev stop on.

Love it! Keep it up. Any plans for a Trijicon Tenmile review?

Hello and thank you for this video! Question, can you see the mirage with ep5 enough to read the wind? If not what would you recommend?

Great reviews, much appreciated. For comparative purposes, it would be informative to show how your 2 scope comparisons measured up to one of your favorite snob scopes, that way we can see how the price point scopes compare for potential purchase and then how they compare to a benchmark high cost scope. So you could get an idea of what an additional $$$$ actually buys you. Not a compliant by any means, understand that. Keep up the great work!

Great comparison, Now sh4 vs ep5. Its still apples to apple, one is sweeter than the other but how much sweeter?

I use my Arken for hunting, a few ounces extra is not going to kill me. I like the robustness of it for hunting and going through the woods.

i wonder if the turret tracking issue is a common issue with all Vortex Venoms of this model or if this was a factory defect. With their warranty I'm curious if they would replace it if you bought one with the same issue.

Could we see the numbers and characterization against a proper tier 1 optic? It feels hard to have context.

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U should do the Ep5 vs the helos btr gen2 that’s arkens biggest nemesis

Rex, thank you for the review. I am interested in putting the ep5 on a long range 28 Nosler rifle. Do you think that the ep5 with the better arken scope rings are up to the task of holding zero? Also is the eye box under high magnification usable with a magnum rifle like this? Again thank you for all your video content I really love it all!

Hey Rex, they are watching you!

Watched all three also and excellent review! I have the Vortex Venom which I picked up for $490 (including tax) awhile back. I love the scope and don't see any need to dial Windage so far out that I would have to be in a Hurricane to see any significant degradation in tracking. I just checked Amazon and the Arken is $530 while the Vortex Venom is $418 (both prior to taxes). While I agree the Arkin may have scored higher in your reviews, I like the more streamlined Vortex Venom and the fact that you don't need to mess around with 4 screws to set Elevation Zero (like the Arkin). Of course, I'm fairly new to the PRS arena so my opinion may change over time.

The Arken did way better with the turrets; so, I'm glad I bought a 4-16 SH4.

Is the Arken ep5 now discontinued? Can’t find them for sale

I’m really looking hard at the EP5 vs Strike Eagle…I have a SE and currently not seeing comparisons out there

Good vid.... I'd put the Strike Eagle vs. EP5 and the SH4 Gen 2 vs Venom IMHO..... Arken takes it slightly over both.

Rex, what do you think about the savage 110 precision 338 lapua?

Thanks for the review, hopefully Arken will find a distributor for Europe!

And I have an update. Usually, I am the resident Vortex fan boy but I liked all the reviews of Arken and got myself a few scopes. I am used to and prefer the Vortex glass but Arken is good. The Venom turrets don't have the loud click but they are sturdy. The zero stop on Venom works just fine and the zero stop on the Arken is also good, with a proviso that I will get to. The neat thing about the Arken is illumination. And the batteries do go bad. Without doing much, at all. So, bound to fail on batteries. Which is okay, most times, I have not needed illumination, though I understand the theory. FFP reticles are small at low zoom and having a lighted cross can help. Here is the problem. More than once, on the Arkens, the allen set screws back off. It has happened with elevation turret. And most recently, with the windage turret. And the rifle was sitting in the cabinet for most of a month. Because of the design, only the actual turret cover with the markings on it moved freely, the actual turret stayed in place, thankfully. And someone will say, well, just get used to checking the screws and make sure they are tight each time you pull out the rifle for use. I am not banging things around. Either in the cabinet or out in the back room of the house, there is no time it is resting on any part of the scope. Ever. It just lets go. That has happened zero times with my Vortex scopes. Zero. I think it is a design or engineering thing. With Vortex, I zero the system and it is done and ready to use and keeps zero if I keep the same brand and model of ammo, which is my SOP. Federal Fusion 165 gr for my Thompson Center Compass II .308 Win. Granted, the Venom is not illuminated. If that were really important for me, I could find a way to sell the Venoms and get Strike Eagle in comparable range of mag and objective. I know Arken is improving their warranty. And I would repeat what someone else said in support of Arken when they had an issue with a Strike Eagle. I don't want to have to go through a warranty process, no matter how good it is. Zero problems with my Vortex optics. Never really was a need or reason to switch. I may have convinced myself but I really just wanted to see what the stir was about. And Arkens are still good, I think. I have some, if anyone is interested. And some other hard lessons for me. The Compass II stock is great. I thought I could do better with a chassis. I was chasing a fraction of MOA and did not achieve what I thought. I moved it to an Oryx chassis. At the range, I had problems with the adjustable cheek sometimes sinking. And mag feeding problems with the AICS mags. Jams and rounds coming loose. I was already at .5 MOA with the TC plastic stock (with metal pillars for bedding.) On that, I had already built up the cheek with Goda Grip pads and some craft foam and vet tape. And a Falcon Strike hydraulic recoil pad. And an ASR2 brake. I did not get any more accuracy with the chassis and just more frustration. The MDT version is better but they do not make it for TC Compass II or Venture II. So, I put the rifle back in the factory stock and put my Venom back on it. If it works, don't fix it. When others tell you that you are wrong, remember, they voted for a guy who is okay with gas at $4.50 / gal and taking food away from your baby.

I must say the Ep5 glass is impressive for the price it’s def above the venom I would venture to say it’s slightly clearer than a pst gen2 but I don’t have a lot of time behind both for that to be more than jus imo or experience I was pretty convinced I’d end up just selling the Ep5 after giving it a try but after my first long range session with it it’s got me convinced I’m not gonna do better without spending the extra $200-$300 for say a Midas tac

Arken Optics use CODE: "REX170" for $170.00 OFF when your cart includes the Combo Pack (CPACK), Here is the link: bit.ly/RexReviews. *PRICE INCREASE MARCH 16th, 2022* Vortex Venom 5-25x56 is available at Optics Planet, use CODE: "Rex5" to support the channel and for specials.

Internally the arken is a great scope, but the set screws to hold the turret caps on is complete design flaw. After about 200 rounds from my 30-06 the set screws backed out enough that both the caps just started spinning freely, then after the first time it happened it happens every 10-20 shots now. One time after going shooting i just put the gun in my safe and just from sitting in the safe for a few weeks somehow both caps came loose. I guess arken says to use vibra tite, but if i cant be 100% certain something on my rifle wont work like i need it to 100% of the time i dont use it. Bought a venom to replace it and sold the arken to a buddy. Honestly a shame tho because like i said, Internally the scope was great and the glass was great, but i would always have that worry in the back of my head if i kept using it that the next shot is the one where i have to break out my tools to fix something i shouldnt have to.

Considering I paid under 4 for my EP5, it’s the deal of a decade. And I will deal with whatever shortcomings it has. Because no one and I mean no one can beat that price!

Vortex Venom 5-25x56 FFP is selling @A$690 while Arken EP5 is at A$1200 here in Australia. Vortex Strike Eagle is @$1090 and that might be a better comparison

I like the science 👍🇨🇦

Would you know if say the choice of rings chosen were too short would Arken swap them out for taller ones considering they came as part of the pack?

How good are Hawke scopes? Just on general use rifle not a dedicated long range one.

Sorry to change the subject Tibo...but have you ever tried Hilux Optics?

If you know, may I ask the question? I have an issues with my eyes, and getting in the eyebox quickly. It's always difficult for me. I don't have very good eyes. I looked at a 4x16 from Arken about 2 or 3 years ago, it had an eyebox that I could easily get my eyes into quickly. Sorry, now the question, is the Arken SH4 4x16 as good as this new 5x25 as far as the eyebox. In competition for me, with only 90 or 120 seconds for 10 to 12 shots, with moving 4 or 5 times and getting back into the eyebox, I struggle. So eyebox, then vertical adjustments, then glass. Please don't get me wrong, I love glass. But my other problems are bigger. Can you help? As far as I'm concerned you're the best guy out there on this kind of stuff. I appreciate your efforts.

Man. I got a Nikon Buckmaster II 3-9x40 on my AR15 pea shooter. $150. Takes a lickin tickin.

Vortex Scope is available on optics planet for $499

Bummer when there is a discount code from one of the two scopes…

👍👍

My ep5 is terrible in resolution, when elevation turret is moved away from the optical center

I joined

What about durability? Say on 300 win mag, 7mm or 50bmg?

Arken very know how to promote their scopes.

Great ‘unbiased’ review 😂

Vortex Venom 5-25x56 sells for $499 everywhere?

U MISSED IT REX!!!! VORTEX IS JUNK!!!! ARKEN BLEW THEM OUT OF THE SKY.... CHEAPER AND THE TRACKING..... FKN PLEASE... ARKEN ALL THE WAY # TRUTH

Code no longer works. You get free shipping and nothing off now. Bought the Venom for about $100 cheaper than the Arken.

Good reviews and information, as always. I have three Venoms, 2 Diamondback Tacticals 5-24X50mm, and a Crossfire II 2-9X40mm Dead Hold from Vortex. And I have a SH4 Gen 2 4-16X50mm and two of the SH4 Gen 2 6-24X50mm from Arken. All are good and each have strong points. And it depends on what you want to do. And there is some credence to the notion that the EP-5 is more comparable to the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25X56mm FFP because it has illumination. I think what Rex is saying is it is up to you. If you like Vortex glass better, than it could be worth the extra expense for a Strike Eagle ($799 on Amazon.) Or the Venom ($499 on Amazon.) Arken glass has looked just as good to me. Awesome turrets and zero stop. As Rex so aptly describes, they are indeed, robust. Because I was repeat customer, I got a discount code, as well. And got the combo kit free, and shipping was free because all purchases over $100 have free shipping. So, I got the 6-24 for $487, including rings, level, throw lever, bag. With the Venom, all you get is the scope. Everything else is separately ordered, there are no combo deals on Amazon. So, 70 dollar rings, add a few things. you could be closer to 600 with the Vortex by the time you are done. Which is fine and I have done it. And I have also found the Arken to be a solid performer and quite affordable. An all around scope you can use for anything. Take it hunting, take it long range. I used to worry at times about rifle weight. Then my testicles descended and I learned to carry a man's rifle. So, yeah, the weight is worth the value of the scope. I think this was a valid comparison between Arken EP-5 and the Vortex Venom because they are both budget friendly long range precision scopes. And still hunting friendly when you only need 10x maginification.

Just buy a Hawke Sidewinder. Meet the new boss.

I wonder how the Arken EP5 could be a 3-piece design like the Venom, way more adjustments, yet still track better, even out to the edge of the adjustment parameter It seems the side of the Venom box should read 39 or 40 mils of full elevation and 15.5 full mils of windage. I feel kind of ripped off as a Venom owner, but I must remember that I am a neophyte to long range shooting, and just a few years ago there were no scopes with the Venoms features, save for the Arken SH4 gen 2 at its price range. I can't keep buying a scope every time a better one comes along or any precision shooting tool for that matter., So I may avoid selling to cut my losses and just start shooting and learning' with what I have, but then again, for 50 dollars more the Arken has Japanese glass and is so complete, plus I am not getting any younger? Where's that code again? Oh yeah, I see it..

I wish Arken would make a smaller, lighter tactical scope. Like a 4-12x42mm ish...

Is something good when you have to follow it up with "for the money" ?

I absolutely hate Vortex. I used to work for a Vortex dealer and the BS was deep. You wouldn't believe the junk we sold. In fact it was so bad that I had to quit because I couldn't live with peddling such garbage. My friends are still Vortex fan boys even though I tell them the crop I saw because they have no idea how a scope really works, or is supposed to work. They buy it because of the name, which is actually shift. I put Arken on every one of my scoped rifles and have had zero issues.

Vortex are way too overpriced for what you actually get. They are OK wben you buy them for half price whenever they go on sale though. Vortex reliability is questionable but they have the best no questions asked lifetime warranty. If given the same price Id still personally buy the Arken EP5 over the Vortex Strike Eagle and Viper PST Gen 2.

I ONLY TRUST YOU , WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT SCOPES OR RIFLES. WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT POLITICS, YOU TALK LIKE A SINGLE MAN BUT YOU ACT AS A MARRIED MAN.

Arken is kick'n vortex in the nuts......even compared to the g3 razor blahblahblah,......the vibration in the $4000.00 raz g3 is terrible !!!......as usual......may need to go back for "vsv warranty".....guaranteed to use "very special vortex warranty"....lol.....what else is new - will be 3rd scope for my buddy to send back....lol

In english please noone has the slightest idea what the hell your talking about let the scope do the talking vortex is overhyped garbage and thier qc is just awful Arken knocked this one out of the ballpark

Vortex venom selling for 499, I wouldn’t buy it for 399

Parallax is not been discuss. Avoid ? 3 series of videos you just skip the bad parts. Have you really use this scope in long range? I have to ask because there is no way you not knowing it. I guess this is your way of been honest.

This video was painful to watch. The overuse of quantify is like listening to a cheerleader say, like like like every other word, the annoying ass music in the background which I’m sure is a copyright is just pointless. Why do people insist on playing music and talking over turn the damn music off.

so much effort and no reticle video to compare them eye to eye..🤦 numbers are just numbers whats Ive seen on other review vortex view was on anothe level..strange🫣😳😂