Looking for Arken EPL-4 Testimonials

[vishnevian]

Bought and Arken EPL-4 as my first hunting scope and maybe starting to regret the decision. Anyone have experience with that optic as far as durability in the field and cold weather performance? Thanks

 

[Castle Rock]

Why do you regret it?
I have used one a fair bit and will give my opinion after you reply

 

[vishnevian]

Why do you regret it?
I have used one a fair bit and will give my opinion after you reply

The glass seemed to have fogged up very easily in cold weather this last hunting season. Easier than say my Vortex Diamondback HD binoculars. Also in general skeptical about the quality control given the price.

 

[Castle Rock]

Try some rainex.
I have given mine a fair work out and it is rock solid.
Optically it’s the equal or better than my NSX.

 

[vishnevian]

Try some rainex.
I have given mine a fair work out and it is rock solid.
Optically it’s the equal or better than my NSX.

thanks for the advice! will try

 

[BLJ]

glass seemed to have fogged up very easily

Inside or outside?

 

[TradLife406]

I had two. Gave one to a buddy because it was moa. Other is on my 22 trainer.

They're decent for the price. The zero stop is a little complicated and the turret set screws like to back out. So use some nail polish to keep them in place.

For $350 Or whatever they are they're pretty good. Never did any drop testing with it. But they seem to track good. Glass is really good.

I switched my three guns to the Mavens so all my scopes are the same.

 

[vishnevian]

Inside or outside?

that’s the thing, it was hard to tell. outside for sure but could have been both

 

[BLJ]

that’s the thing, it was hard to tell. outside for sure but could have been both

If it’s fogging inside send it back.
Something has failed.

 

[Pilsner]

I'm talking about Arken optics in general not just the EpL-4. Decent FOR THE PRICE POINT. Not durable at all - I have sent one back already this year and have another to send back sitting on my work bench as we speak. That is not to say that I dislike them. I keep one of their 5-25xs on hand on my loaner rifle for teaching classes and mentoring new shooters. I think that they shine as a budget option especially for something like a rimfire trainer. I would not trust one on an out of state hunt or the like, but they are trustworthy enough to hunt with around the farm.
Glass quality is good but again with the provision FOR THE PRICE POINT. Anyone that says they are the equal of glass costing 10x their price is being willfully ignorant or hasn't spent much time behind quality glass. This is especially apparent when shooting at sunset (our range faces due West into the setting sun).
Great customer service for me so far. Tracking has been solid thus far on several examples that I have owned and used. Magnification adjustment gets stiff in cold but that is common across most brands not just Arken.
For more info on how their products faired during testing check out Form's drop test threads.

 

[hunterguy122]

I bought my first Arken locally off FB MarketPlace several months ago. EPL4 4-16 MOA, like new condition. Would not zero, or track correctly. Switched scope to a SWFA from black Friday and was zeroed in 3 shots. Several nice features, and the customer service has been great getting it replaced (so far, haven't put my hands on the replacement yet). I had high hopes, but I'm one and done I believe....