Vortex Venom 5-25x56 vs Arken SH4 6-24x50 Scope Review

Vortex Venom 5-25X56 vs. Arken SH4 Gen 2 6-24x50 . The new Venom is Vortex’s new precision rifle scope under $500, against the best precision scope under $500, the Arken SH4 . Both are FFP budget precision scopes with 34 mm tubes , side focus , zero stop equipped scopes with good mechanics but one is much nicer scope . Guys watch the video all the way through to hear my thoughts on Vortex and their scopes .The difference between these two scopes is nothing short of gigantic ! All of the footage you’re about to see was filmed on the exact same day at 100 yards through the camera that I used to film all of my scope reviews. There is no filters applied everything is through the native camera app I didn’t want to do anything to distort the image from either scope I want to guys to see exactly what they look like. I was hoping the Vortex Venom 5 -25x56 would turn out to be a better scope then it ultimately wasnt even close . The Arken SH4 Gen 2 6-24x50 scope was better hands down .But then again most Vortex Scopes that I’ve tested over the last few years with the exception of the Vortex Razor have been a huge huge disappointment.
Guys if you’re interested in purchasing an Arken scope you’ll see a link below, and the link is also an affiliate link for me . I wanted to be upfront and let guys know that I’m an affiliate for Arken Optics. The link pays me a very small percentage of the purchase price and it also automatically entered you into the weekly Scope giveaway. You can also be entered by using my coupon code CYCLOPS at check out . That will automatically enter you into the weekly giveaway , and I hope you guys can appreciate that in this video I didn’t wanna do anything to skew the results . I only wanted to show guys what I was personally seeing when testing these two scopes.
If you are looking for a scope under $500 please skip the Vortex . It’s a huge disappointment .
ARKEN OPTICS link . Use my code CYCLOPS at checkout to be automatically entered in a weekly scope give away . It is also an affiliate link which helps support my channel . bit.ly/2RhGrUM
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Every video you see here is sponsor free . I accept no money or other compensation upfront for any review or video . Many times the item reviewed is donated to my channel , that’s how I can have so many giveaways to my viewership. Enjoy my channel , and share with your friends

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Guys use my code CYCLOPS at checkout to get 25% off , automatically entered in weekly scope giveaway, and help support the channel www.arkenopticsusa.com/

[@Wrecksy]

You can't possibly be impartial when you are an affiliate of one of the manufacturers. Your review is worthless.

[@choladito1]

Thanks Joe for keeping it real. I sold my Vortex scope and bought the Arken, no regrets whatsoever. Keep up the good work

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Yeah man , seriously Arken is killing it

[@crunch9876]

@@CyclopsJoeVideos how is there warranty

[@kevinschallau1997]

@@crunch9876 Lifetime - No questions asked - Veteran owned

[@joatmon1857]

Good luck getting a hold of them or even if you do take FOREVER to get your literal SHIT back!!!

[@vectorr6651]

@@joatmon1857you mean arken?

[@kcrowl1]

I have the Arken (thank you, Joe) and it is freakin AWESOME!!! I’m glad they sell it at the price point that they do, because it could be sold for a lot more!!!

[@motorgearhead]

I am super impressed with the arkin. I have a diamond back 6/24 ffp and I’ve been happy with it. The arkin appears to be a huge value. No doubt the glass is clearer and brighter. And an illuminated reticle is a bonus especially when it’s less money than the other scope. Thank you for a well presented comparison

[@brandonbennett7865]

I have the same scope(the diamonback) and I've been looking for something to replace it with and was a little hesitant on Arken but right now you can get the 4-16x50 and a pair of 34mm rings for $290 from Arken and I paid $425 for my diamondback without rings. Watched this video and immediately ordered the Arken. I went down in magnification cause it's on a CZ457 and I dont put it at 24 as much as I thought I would. Cant wait to get it and I'll give an update if I remember to.

[@motorgearhead]

@@brandonbennett7865 Will be looking forward to that update!

[@brandonbennett7865]

@@motorgearhead well, I got the scope and I love it. I personally think that it's clearer than the Vortex but I do have a few issues with it. My first issue is that the parallax isnt 100% accurate cause I was at an indoor range out to 25 yards to get it on paper for 50 and I had to set it to like 30-40 yards to be clear. My second issue is that when I went to re-zero the turrets, the hex on two of the screws for the top turret stripped but I managed to get them with a small torque bit. My last issue but this is very minor and it's that the illumination washes out the reticle completely and is unreadable in very low light conditions, even on a very low illumination setting. Other than those issues, I love it; it's clearer than the Vortex, has a much nicer and finer reticle which will make it really nice for 100 yards and I love that the subtensions go by increments of one and not two like the Vortex.

[@scottlamp3097]

After using my Arken gen II I have switched my 100rd targets from 1” circles to 1/2” square “diamonds” I really enjoy using it. And I will be reaching out farther and farther with it. A++

[@Joeatsaco69]

I am a Vortex guy but it was fair. I don’t have an Arian so I need to get one. The price point is the same as well as the warranty so why not. I appreciate the review.

[@derbestrafen]

I've been watching your reviews for some time now and love your style. I've just ordered an Arken SH4 Gen ll 4X16 with MOA reticle and used your code. I'm putting this on my just acquired .50BMG rifle that I waited 11 months for. Thanks for all the honest bullshit-free reviews.

[@Phenixrising-p1p]

I've seen the Arken optics used on more than 1 50 cal it should hold up well for you.

[@derbestrafen]

@@Phenixrising-p1p It's been on it for 2 years now and is holding up perfectly. I now have 3 of these scopes on different rifles, I'm sold on them.

[@Phenixrising-p1p]

@derbestrafen lol jeez I was tired when I wrote that. I didn't see it was 2 years ago.

[@redred2772]

Love your long range scale, you crack me up Joe!

[@6mileoutdoors]

Well, this was the comparison I was hoping to find, just not the outcome I was hoping to see. I own an ARKEN and love it (other than the weight), but I was hoping this Venom would be a contender since I like both companies. Looks like I may be buying the new EP version of the ARKEN.

[@frankus54]

The field of view visualization reference analogy could be the basis of an engineering distance measurement system we can all understand. Great work!

[@olddog401]

I have sent my Arken back twice to be fixed. Was not impressed with their customer service. I am getting my money back for the Arken. Bought a Vortex Strike Eagle. A bit more money but zero issues thus far and Vortex's customer service will actually talk to you.

[@tnsharpshooter8517]

I just got Arken epl4. I like it. Ordered a second one couple days after getting first one delivered. Keep up with the no BS videos.

[@longshot5738]

That was sooo easy! Vortex needs to take a look for themselves and fix these problems.

[@jmac838]

Great Trade Study. You omitted tighter eye box (vignette zone) on the Arken which really optically and turretwise compares w Vortex PST glass. Having both, Vortex PST for hunting, Arken for guys who shoot a lot /hunting, but otherwise bench winner on low cost to value

[@Dwayne7834]

Thanks for the information and comparison. After seeing I would take the Arlen over the Vortex

[@bricharsstormsmeadowlakesk2653]

This is the one I've been waiting for Joe! Thanks man!

[@Airgunfunrich]

As always a great video, I would say the vector optics scopes I own both around £200 🇬🇧 ( not sure how much that is in$ US )are better optically than that vortex

[@joshjamesguitar]

I disagree, looked through 3 strike eagle 5-25x56 at 1100m and 2 Vectors at close range. Both of then looked like looking through the bottom of a beer glass

[@joephysics5469]

Bought the Arken after Texas Plinking's strong endorsement of it. Now I need a good gun at a great price to put it on.

[@minigpracing3068]

With the larger range in vertical travel, the Arken would be better on airguns with their loopy trajectory and bigger drop at the end of travel.

[@motorgearhead]

I would happily park it on my .308 Texan.

[@danieldyck2576]

I have the gen 2 6-24 arken on my 25cal aea varmint pcp it's tuned to 65 foot pounds of energy. I love this scope

[@motorgearhead]

@@danieldyck2576 - just bought a 6x24 Athlon FFP illuminated mil-dot scope for my Texan. On sale at midway $269. A lot of glass for $$. Probably not as good the Arkin but price was right & better than UTG I was running. The turrets are crisp and tracking is good. I’m thinking about aea challenger in .22 but I’m afraid it’s got to much power to run 14.3 crossman premiers. Any experience with light pellets with yours?

[@dennisholle1005]

Yes this video was worth watching for the visual comparison ques. I hope the AWM (Agency of Weights and Measurements) gets these unit of measurement adopted as soon as possible.

[@purpleguy3265]

I recently bought the Vortex Venom and I really think your camera is off or you got a scope with a factory defficency. The vortex is just as clear as the arken or clearer. Crisp, sharp and very bright consistently all the way to the edge. No regrets in buying it. 100% worth the money!

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

It’s very possible. I can only test what I have on hand

[@purpleguy3265]

@@CyclopsJoeVideos I respect that! Thanks for the review.

[@seamlesssoldier]

I’ve had both. Currently running the Arken. Hands down. Arken is a MUCH better optic.

[@ciliiyou]

Love to see you scope clamping tools... Good review, Joe you're the man... !!!

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Guys my code CYCLOPS now gets you a FREE ARKEN COMBO PACK at checkout. Just add the combo pack to your cart , and when you enter my code the combo pack is free !!!!!!!

[@TriggerHappyRob]

It only gets you free shipping

[@timdoss7505]

Joe I wish I could afford one of those arken scopes on fixed income disabled made later I can afford one I know they are good my buddy has

[@bigcountryguns686]

@@TriggerHappyRob You have to add it to your cart and it will deduct it off then I was just able to order it that way

[@Bill-wr9om]

@@TriggerHappyRob I got the combo kit free just now

[@felurianmasters4369]

I actually like my 100$ 6-24x50 centerpoint..... all things considered. For a pellet gun mind you, that is saying something for quality. But wouldn't put it on a powder burner, I'm giving the arken a try, based on community feedback, and it has all the features I want. Thanks!

[@jamesgravel7755]

I was thinking about buying a arken before this video and now I’m excited to Order a arken

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

You will love it !! No doubts

[@ghendricks4367]

I saw the original. Might as well have called it a turd with scope rings. 💩

[@ronws2007]

Come on, now, is that any way to talk about the Arken? Sorry, could not resist an open ended statement like that. I like Vortex but don't feel like I have a dog in this fight. Just watching the show and eating popcorn.

[@Smootus]

You are the man, and are so good in showing people what is really good and bad about scopes, and I appreciate you and your videos! Hope this doesn’t get demonized again!

[@longshot5738]

This is gonna be a really controversial review. Because so many folks are diehard Vortex fans. It doesn’t matter though, because we’re all fixing to hear and see the truth! Come with it Joe, make me a believer. 🤓

[@yongyea4147]

I have the Arken. It is awesome!

[@edwardlance2379]

I am in no way shape or form a Vortex fan boy. I own one Vortex scope, the Venom. All I can say is, I don't get the crappy view that this video shows. It is crisp, bright, and clear (I can read the grid line numbers on the target paper at 100 yards). I've had zero issues with it so far. *Shrug*. Is it perfect? Nah. No scope is at this price point, but at least mine is far from crap as this review says. My son is purchasing an Arken SH4 Gen II. Can't wait to be able to compare them side-by-side in person. I hope the Arken is everything it is made out to be. I want an EP4 as my next scope, but they're not in stock right now.

[@stevenbattell4014]

Well after watching this i thought id double check the Venom that was on a secondhand rifle i bought and was glad i did, it certainly matches the Arcken picture quality your video shows, with the whole picture crip and clear and bright edge to edge all the way through the mag range, as for whats under the turret caps there it no plastic lol, i do not use the zero stop and cant find it to check it so cant comment on the material its made of. Here in the uk there is no way id pay £899 thats $977.65 for a budget scope which is what the Arken is being sold for by various gun shops, Id sooner buy another Venom. Thanks for the video like all KZbin videos i tend to take them with a pinch of salt and use them as a referace for when i check out something in person, keep videos coming.

[@Jeff-mv4yy]

Thanks for the video, Joe. I thought it was just me. I looked through a Venom and Strike Eagle that belonged to friends. I thought both my Athlon Midas BTR 4.5x 27x50 and Argos 10x40x56 were both better glass at 25x. Everybody was raving about the Vortex,,, I must have missed the Kool Aid.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Yeah man . Vortex has gone downhill bad

[@JohnHilman1968]

I got my Arken 6-24 for $399 and the free combo pack. Seems like a good deal to me. And damn man, your videos crack me up.

[@tylerangutiqjuaq6283]

I have vortex scope with Tikka 243 and it's super accurate for 500 yards to 200 yards not regret having vortex scope for hunting.

[@HigherPrime8]

I bought the EP5 for my CZ457, I was shooting competitions with a Crossfire 2 which isnt ideal for competitions at all.. I cannot WAIT to run this Arken.

[@dozerboy67]

You are absolutely right, sir. When you spend $500 you should be happy with your purchase. You call em like you see em, that’s all anyone can ask. 👍

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Yes sir

[@darrylhamill5039]

Thank you for all your hard work on the video you doing

[@charlesludwig9173]

Wishing for Arken to do second vocal plane, mil reticle, and MOA dials.in a 3.5-10 power range. Re Vortex: I used to sell em and in comparison to other brands the Vortex had about a one in 20 defect rate to other popular brands with like a one in 1000 defect rate almost or never a defect: Leupold, Nightforce, and surprisingly, Bushnell.

[@howardhenry9785]

I have been a hard core vortex guy but I just bought an arken for my 6 arc ar build and I love it

[@MrBlindbird]

Hahaha,i'm starting to think...how much has Vortex payed KZbin to pull this video previously ;-)

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Lol

[@jarrettm3728]

Only vortex stuff worth a fuck is their razor line and viper

[@Mathews_-wt8tr]

I have used many scopes but, it's Arken for me any day of the week!!!

[@EDCandLace]

I really loved the scale showing thr adjustment range difference lol.

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

Joe you really need to review some Swampfox optics. I tried a Vortex SE LPVO and a few others and wasn't satisfied. The Swampfox whoops the Vortex SE all day.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

I have one I'll be filming next week :)

[@bemo4313]

Same here. Used to be a big fan of Vortex.. not anymore. In the last couple of years I sent back every single optic to them (red dot and scope).. I’m now a Leupold fan boy. More expensive for sure, but well worth it

[@TheOverlyHackeled]

LOL Any doubts how this ends up!?

[@patrioticguy1791]

I will agree with your statement that it is by far the best scope under $500.

[@alhamah90]

Really Glued on the Black Hound optics line!

[@grumpyoldman4572]

Just picked one up with the combo pack for $341.96 free shipping. This will be my Christmas gift to myself I will be mounting this on a Tikka TX1 22LR Then later maybe another after a TX3 in .223 just for fun precision shooting.

[@jasonbowen9537]

I completely agree with him. Vortex is not making very good sighting system. I have had so many problems with thim. Red dots won't hold zero. Scopes cloud over internally.

[@tommykawasaki9676]

Nothing against Vortex. Fine scopes at a fair price. But in my local shooting community it is absolutely ridiculous. It’s like if you don’t shoot a Vortex, you don’t hang with the cool kids. I feel like I’m in high school again with a cheap pair of bad tennis shoes. There ARE other scope manufacturers, putting out high quality products at a fair price. As you have so graciously outlined. Nice work 👍

[@GTMGunTotinMinnesotan]

Love the Panther Hollow shirt. Great video brother as usual, annoying that KZbin is making this happen.

[@jerand8767]

I have a Gen 1 PST from vortex, super clean glass. Fast forward, I was at a LGS and looked through the new pst viper , newest version of mine.....crap! Just lousy and it was about 800 bucks? If I ever need a new optic, I'll grab an Arken. But between my Primary arms, Athlon and the Vortex I mentioned, I'm good. I almost wanna buy one , just to have, before the bosses wake up and jack up the price.

[@BloodnGutz43]

If Joe the CYCLOPS says it good its very good, if imperfect he tells it all warts n all, nice comparison good video thumbs uo Great video.

[@kukulele]

Thanks for the video, I've wached it few times already. We need this kind of reviews.

[@victorkeith12]

I just ordered my Arkin scope today. I’m excited to put it on my 7mm meat eater rifle. Whenever I get my scope. This same scope that was shown

[@jasoncarpenter4116]

I purchased a Vortex Strike Eagle and it hasn't given me any issues, but to be honest it's on a Bergara 22 LR. I also bought a Arken EP4. I just wish that I had bought 2 Arken EP4's instead. I just think that my Arken has a better image quality and costs less than the Strike Eagle.

[@belt1974123]

The EP4 has better glass but is not available anymore. The SH4 has lower grade HD glass and is not as sharp as the EP4.

[@vaughnwesterby5162]

That’s why I love your videos! 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@nsob8897]

I have a strike eagle 2 and it's ok. It's no superb piece of equipment but it could definitely be better. I'm pretty sure my local dealer gets something for selling them to new shooters like me who are schmucks when they first start out. I will certainly be buying a different brand when I go shopping for another scope. Works fine and I have never had it lose zero but I hate the relief and the edges of the view are always sloppy.

[@harryodell9497]

This aint Joes 1st. no bullshit video. This man speaks the truth. I own a sh4 genII and love it. My buddy has a $500 vortex and he...

[@Lorwildrose]

I know you are ok with the diamondback, me too but mostly only for a air rifle.

[@Jeff_Seely]

I'm sorry to chime in late here Joe and I'm going to get a bit long-winded. My wife has the venom and my daughter has an ep-5, which is somewhat similar to the sh4 and I can tell you that ep5 dominates every quality point. I love vortex. They are an American company with real American employees and I think all of us want to see them dominate but they can't dominate if they are putting out substandard affordable Scopes to get you to buy the more expensive upgraded quality scope. They got to do better with these budget scopes. Thanks for the review

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Man the folks at Vortex are some of the best you will ever meet , but their quality has gone downhill Bad

[@Jeff_Seely]

I agree Joe. On both statements

[@brandonbennett7865]

And to think that Arken has better options now. They have one that has better glass and that is also a 5-25x56 so it's a direct competition for the Venom. It's also priced at only $530 compared to $500(from Cabela's website in 10/2023, price may change) for the Venom. Definitely will be worth the extra $30

[@DRAGONRIDER385]

My old eyes and old phone , I say the Arken is better. Thanks for the video.

[@curtisleblanc6999]

Love the content and the honesty!

[@namenotfound8747]

A waterproof test would be nice. Since it can the best glass in the world but if it gets water inside, it doesn't matter.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Yeah . It’s just something I do t take the time to do . I already have a LOT of time devoted to each video

[@RonBussiere-c2t]

Hi Joe. Love your videos! I used to be a Vortex fan (and I have a LOT) but the Arken and Discovery line have made me a believer. Keep the faith! ron

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Thanks for sharing!

[@HWill-iq9sl]

Out of this world ( awesome ) reviewed

[@bobjimenez4464]

thanks for the honest review....Arken wins hands down in broad daylight. Which one performs better in Low Light and which one has the most eyesight correction? My Vortex scope has just enough eyesight correction to create a fairly sharp image for my aging eyes "Not even close to Perfect".

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Neither are great low light scopes

[@willtrax71]

Wow and “Holy Shit” wow lol. I think most people buy Vortex for that insane warranty which I used on a really nice Sparc AR red dot I grabbed of Amazon half price that had a few issues but sent back and BAM a week later a brand spanking new Red Dot with a Vortex Cover which I wear a lot. I think if one can afford the Razor series you get a fine Optic but man my Optic budget is around 200 bucks and I shop for open Box etc. and scored a couple great Sightmark Rapid AR series half price because I can’t afford the Citadel class lol.. I would love to try an Arken if I can find a second hand but they are so nice that’s almost impossible and like a Big Foot sighting rarely happens. I did use a Nightforce several times with a 34mic tube and Jesus that tube size lets in some light and I can’t believe the Vortex was that bad with a 34mic tube. Great Video my Friend stay safe and Semper Fidelis

[@joshuagibson2520]

I always warn folks. It's not a matter of IF you'll have to use that vortex warranty, but WHEN. Lol.

[@davidbundesen5867]

Arken for the WIN. Especially when it comes to image quality. But I also noticed that the zero stop was noticeably better on the ark and then it was on the vortex. And by the way, I own a number of vortex scopes. I have the LPVOs on my AR‘s and they’re great. But I would not own one of these.

[@tylerwiebe2459]

I got a smoking deal on a Bushnell DMR when my buddies were pushing me to get a Vortex. They’re all in the process of switching out their Vortex for literally anything else now. I’ll be sure to show them this review as well.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Lol, I know that feeling . Ps DMR is an incredible scope

[@tylerwiebe2459]

@@CyclopsJoeVideos agreed, may have to get a gen 3 when they come out in Canada.

[@samuelhansen516]

I would love to see you review some Athlon scopes vs the arkens

[@Dolphinsnorthlodge2]

Hi, I am from Canada and I love your channel. I appreciate the honesty and no BS in your reviews. I would like to buy an Arken scope and use it for hunting as well as range shooting. What model Arken scope do you recommend for a 2506 or 6.5 pro? I am also considering a Burris Signature HD and wonder if you feel the Arken would be a better or worse choice . I hunt primarily Mule deer and whitetail deer and am confronted with some long shots at times but still hunt close range as well. Thank you for your time Joe. Merry Christmas Clint

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

get the lower power elp

[@jasonteresi3519]

Great job, pure and simple.

[@Doubledutchguy1965]

Just hate he fact that Arken is not available in Europe / Holland... Will that change? Other than that, Thanks Joe for your reviews! Like 'em a lot, all of 'em !! Straight, informative funny, and no bullshittin'.. ;-) Recently purchased a Vector Veyron solely on your review. It's a gem! Please keep it up! ("but that's enough of my bullshit")

[@mr.mr.3301]

I wish someone would come on the hunting scope scene like Arken had with the long range fellas

[@bajabugz5498]

This video got me a FREE vortex . Mad vortex pals are giving them away !!! Yippeeee

[@antcontreras]

FWIW, I just received (Nov 2022) a Venom 5-25x56. The turrets innards look nothing like what yours look like, and the glass is absolutely NOT as they appear in your video. Either they seriously changed the design and production of these scopes or something, but this review has not aged well. You might consider revising this if you can get a current production Vortex Venom.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Great tip man

[@krodkrod8132]

I love my Arken. I hit my 1000 yard target easily. Shooting a Savage 110 tactical in 6.5 PRC. My shooting doesn't change if i swap in my Nightforce. Grouping are the same. I have no use for the lighted reticle though. Its a distraction.

[@flyprincess69]

Coming in new to scopes with mo bias. Im buying the Arken for my M1A

[@cs-bf1ug]

Just going to update, picked up the vortex scope (updated?) in this video a month ago. (May of 24) Does not have the glass issues seen here and has closer to 80 moa of elevation. Good hunting y'all.

[@rolandcolavizza5368]

I just started looking for a small scope , can't believe how many scope manufacturers there are out there , probably more than gun manufacturers

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

By far more

[@lancebland1308]

Joe your the best!! All your videos are the truth!

[@eddiestillwell1]

none of these issues with my 5 year old vortex's

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Eddie it's the newer stuff that's lacking

[@larrydecker881]

It's a great video Joe 👍

[@socialghost4400]

Thank you for a great and honest video, subscribed!

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Thank You

[@christopherpetrie6095]

I’m not a vortex fan, I had their RAZOR® HD GEN II 4.5-27X56 scope and while shooting from a helicopter, their rings broke and the scope dropped off my rifle! When I contacted the company, they sed we need proof that happened so I sent them my GoPro footage. That was two years ago and still have don’t have a replacement so i went back to nightforce.

[@johnandrosemarywyatt977]

Joe.... would like to see what eye relief is on scopes you review. Thanks

[@dakotahayden6937]

Excellent review, thank you.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Thank You

[@jerand8767]

As an owner of both arken and vortex. I will say, the arken is very nice compared to vortex. My vortex is a PST, my arken is an sh4. Both great scopes, but arken is a bully in this market.

[@deano6874]

Just subscribed. The Mule and the midgets did it for me 😂😂😂😂 Love your videos, appreciate your honesty. Helped me a lot, thank you!

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Thanks for the sub!

[@mikemcduff427]

I have many scopes and camera lenses and consider myself an optics snob. In the optics industry........You can get a poor preforming model unit from any brand. I certainly have from both rifle scope and camera lens makers. I suspect the Venom image quality was more an issue with that particular scope and not typical across the entire Venom model line. It is a PITA to send stuff back but I'd bet the replacement scope would be better. That said...............I plan to get a SH 4-16 Arken because it appears to be a great value at that price point. Definitely not a top tier one scope............ but for the money..........a great product and deal.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Very True

[@Jeff_Seely]

The Vortex fans out there shouldn't be getting mad at the venerable Joe Rhea. You don't shoot the messenger for bringing bad news! They need to work with Vortex until Vortex makes it right. I'm all for great warranties when I really need them but I would much rather somebody in the quality department hang on to my scope and formulate a good checklist that takes an extra couple of days then for me to have to pull a scope off four times and it's still not be right and I just get tired of pulling the scope off! Vortex is a big company with a lot of pull and they should be able to get The People's Optics Plant # 5 to put together a glorious scope at quite a good profit for them. That includes good glass! Arken beats the pants off of Vortex for the price and little by little that's going to chip away at customer satisfaction. It's the way free market works.

[@PROUDAMERICANFORLIFE]

I have a vortex and I appreciate your input thank you your right the other scope is better im still happy w mine but if any of my freinds ask me how I like it I'll say it works great for me but if I could do it over again check this scope out or maybe on another riffle thanks again I liked the video

[@kennethbranamensr1759]

Good honest read view ! Thanks

[@andrewb7184]

own 2 vortex venoms and the glass definitely does not look like whatever you have up on the screen, its on par with the strike eagles considering it's the same glass. These types of reviews will be the reason I never buy an arken.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Well man you do you . All I can do is test the scope I had

[@jasonhastings5538]

The warranty is a good thing and bad thing!!! You should have to send it back a bunch of times to get it fixxed!!! The amount you pay in shipping adds up quick!! Im no pro shooter by any means but want something to hold up!!

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

I agree Jason !!!!

[@richardcampbell5762]

Good video. 👍 your sense of humor is great! You always make me laugh my ass off. 👍🇺🇲🇺🇲🤙✌

[@williamemerson1799]

DAAAAAMN good review!

[@simcoeoutdoors9046]

Arken needs to start to ship to 🇨🇦 Canada

[@deanbalouris330]

I have a gen2 6-24X50 ordered. Watching several reviews, I am wondering if Arken suffers from quality control issues. It seems that 1/2 the reviews rave about glass clarity while the other 1/2 hate the clarity.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Depends on who you ask I suppose. That’s why I put it on film

[@danieldunham9978]

I just purchased the arken so far i am very impressed with quality although it is a pig when it comes to weight.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Yeah it’s not a “featherweight “

[@richardlopez9305]

Arken is like buying tasco are bushnell. Arken is a budget scope for a budget rifle. Buy a good quality scope that you buy once and has good glass.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Not everyone can afford a tier one type scope . I try and help guys make good choices regardless of their budget