 3_tens wrote:I can compare a TP tube to a S&B but that does not put them in the same league. The TP roll is so clear you can't tell you are looking through anything. The TP roll has absolutely no loss of light transmission from lenses.  BLA BLA BLA. |
| Swiftkill wrote: The designer knows that the big names are also made in the same plant in Japan. |
| Chris Farris wrote: Ilya, Mil-Quad version, coming soon. What rings did you use? Greg, We did not use the same glass that we use in the Classic SS line (different formula & different coatings). |
| Marine24 wrote: Looking forward to the info. Seems availability is limited but hopefully SWFA starts getting these in stock. I have the 3-24x42 but would like to move to the larger 52mm objective illuminated version with the FML T1 reticle. |
| Rancid Coolaid wrote: On the 3-24, how is the eye box at 24X? That is just about perfect mag range for my use, but damn is it hard to give up easy eye box. |
Wow! These guys are really on to something. This EP4 from Arken Optics USA is a huge step up from the SH4. It took me awhile to bite on their first model, but after its performance I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on this tank.
You will appreciate the elegance of the EP4 Compact when you see it, I have no doubt! This is the first of the EP line to come out and is said to be followed by their EP4 6-24X50. I’m sure that has garnered quite a bit of excitement, and for good reason...assuming this cousin holds up to the performance of its stocky little brother.
I’ve only had this EP4 for a very short time, but I am a believer. 10 MILS per revolution, and total travel of 32 MILS as per their specs ( that almost 109 MOA). First Focal Plane, Zero Stop, and top tier glass clarity...I don’t care if a scope can drive a nail into a board, as long as it can drive tacs down range and can put up with the abuse along the way. Real shooters that avoid the noise within the industry will certainly appreciate what they find here. These guys seem to be on a roll putting the most functional features in a nice package that everyone can afford. Heck, this EP Compact just might make a good stocking stuffer for my brother in law, who knows.
This scope is designed for the field. Despite this ruggedness, it is very aesthetically pleasing. As pretty as it is, I almost didn’t want to beat it up. Almost….
From the time I pulled this out of the box, I couldn’t resist taking the turrets for a spin. These puppies are extremely crisp...Precision! I have no idea how they do this in the $550+ dollar range. I’m selling the more expensive scopes and upgrading my entire collection. The overall fit and finish are on par with brands/models costing thousands of dollars.. The EP series also offers a step up in glass quality that is up there with the Japanese and Germans. They really seem to be going after the premium market without the price hit.
The turrets and reticle were absolutely spot on. 0.0% tracking or scaling error. Almost rare it seems. Certainly not normal within this price range. Interested to see if I just got a good one, or if Arken has set the new standard. The AZS (Arken Zero Stop) makes it easy to return to ‘0’. Not having to remove the cap to set the AZS is a great feature.
EPR Reticle
The EPR MIL reticle is a grid style reticle with a ranging tree at the top. This has more of a military style and purpose but very cool. To use this feature, you would place the feet of the target at the center point of the reticle and the top of the head would give you a range indication on the scale above the reticle. This reticle also allows ranging with shoulders inside the vertical lines on each side of the range indicators.
Side adjustment parallax is robust and smooth. Very refined with logo cnc’d on it. The went with an arrow indicator over yardage markings, which is personally preferred.
Eye Relief
The 34 mm has very forgiving eye-relief making it somewhat challenging to find scope shadow. It’s there, then it’s not. This takes away the personal internal debate we tend to have when trying to get it right.
Ratings 1 to 5:
Glass Quality - 5
I compared to top tier scopes at 34 mm and clarity and contrast is great. This is always difficult to quantify. Passes my test with flying colors.
Reticle - 5
Very useful for those used to this style of reticle. Some may not like the crowded feeling but this style has become more mainstream, so I get it. They removed the horizontal lines near the center point to provide a better picture of the target. One suggestion would be to add a chevron, something other than the same size dot, to attract the eye to the absolute center.
Turrets - 5
The Zero stop is a great feature to find at this price range. Easy to operate. This should welcome those unfamiliar with the concept. Really paramount to know the position of the elevation knob for obvious reasons. Markings are easy to read and follow. Looks like they also made the revolution indicator more noticeable (so you know the amount of full revolutions the turret has traveled) . Nice detailed upgrade. Very solid mechanically.
Tracking - 5
It tracked perfectly through my entire box test. 10 MILS: Up, Center, Down, Center; 5 MILS: Right, Center, Left, Finishing on Center.
Overall Rating - 5
Very impressed. Only time will tell. I will continue to be a customer if they can keep this up. FFP, Zero Stop, Great glass, 10 MILS/rev. Tracking Guarantee. Lifetime Warranty. Glad I gave them a shot.
