Відео

Your story is a HuntLeague classic! Definitely one of the best turkey hunting stories I've heard. It competes with Governor Huckabees story last year which was a bit of a disaster that ended with a black eye and a trip to the ER.

I am sure filling in some of the gaps will make a big difference. My son and I are really happy we did this with that rifle as it is shooting great and that Salmon River Solutions Rail is rock solid when attached to the tripod. For the butt stock or just filling gaps you may do a minimal expansion foam that can be shaved down or sanded. That will help keep the weight down and it should eliminate sound and some vibration.

​@@huntleague My rifle weighs less than 8 lbs with the scope and Harris bipod, so weight isn't a huge concern, especially if I'm going to be using a tripod - but I have to agree about the choice of filler. The volume of epoxy required in the butt stock would make the back end ridiculously heavy. I happen to have a can of expanding foam, though it appears this stuff expands a lot - I guess I can always test the expansion, and then try it, and scrape it out if it doesn't work well. The company that is selling the M-Lok has it on sale (clearance) for less than half price, so no better time to buy, methinks!

No idea if anything is true these days! Pretty sure they can already do that with just our phones. I don't know if we should be more worried about the Chinese or our own government!

This is the one without the LRF. I bought both and now recommend the one without the LRF. If I am shooting in daylight I just use the range finder I already own. If I am shooting at night, I am not extending the range and would limit shots to known distances within 200 yards. With shots inside 200 I am not really dialing or using the reticle for significant holdover. At night with the IR mode on you can visible see the LRF pulse so you know exactly what it is bouncing off of and how aligned the beam is with your reticle. Both models are super cool but I think the non LRF model is probably a better fit for most shooters. There is so much to love about these little scopes. The auto record function is too cool.

@@huntleague nice. I just ordered the LRF version since it had the 25% off coupon. So more features for less $ I guess lol. Thanks for the reply 👍

@@tuhai223 Disregard the last comment then and you get all the bells and whistles! When you sync that one with the app you can use the built in LRF to make the adjustments automatically inside the scope which is super cool. Hope you love it. I still can't believe they sell that scope for under $2K with all the features. It still takes a little bit getting used to a digital optic but once you get the hang of operating it you will fall in love. I just used it to film through on a bear hunt in Canada and it was amazing. I can't believe how well is shows color and how much you can see at night without the IR mode even turned on. The sensor built into that is insane at low light. I will have to post some of those videos here soon.

Those are both great packs! The Kifaru wins in the load hauling capacity. The K4 is no slouch in that department though and wins in just about every other area for me. The guys that love the more tactical setup will lean towards the Kifaru. Hunters that appreciate a streamlined yet functional design will lean towards the K4. The Kifaru is stiffer and fits more secure to your back, like a brick. The K4 frame is rigid but more narrow. That narrow base causes the pack, especially when extended away from your body, to sway a bit more. Some may prefer the way the K4 moves with your body while others would prefer the more rigid and wide feel of the Kifaru. Packs fit people differently so the answer is not always universal. For me, I would lean towards the EXO in 75% of my hunts over the Kifaru. If I had to pack an entire mule deer or half an elk off the mountain in one trip it would be the Kifaru. Kifaru wins for me too when I know I am going to be in nasty deadfall. Both are durable packs and should last you at least a decade. The Kifaru feels a little more heavy duty with the build material. I personally don't love the endless MOLLE webbing on the 44mag but I do like the position of the carry handles for picking the pack up and putting it in the truck or positioning inside the rain fly of a tent. It is also good if you plan to use your pack for a lot of training and workouts where you are grabbing the pack with your hands or taking the pack on and off multiple times between sets. The EXO just checks all the practical boxes for me. It is lightweight. Carries loads well. I personally love the organization, zipper placement, buckles and general ergonomics of the EXO pack more. It just feels simpler for some reason and it does everything I need it to do really well. Most of my training this summer has been with the Stone Glacier pack which has really impressed me. That takes streamlined and simple maybe one step too far though. They all carry weight really well but the EXO just fits in the middle as a really great blend.

Great feedback I appreciate it so much. I like the practicality/simplicity of the EXO as well just haven’t gotten to put one on to see how it feels. I put on a 44mag with the Duplex lite frame and it felt amazing but the biggest downfall on that set up in my personal opinion is that setting up the meat shelf seems like it would take a bit more time than the more simplistic exo k4 system. Anyhow, I appreciate it and hopefully I can get my hands on an exo before I pull the trigger on one or the other

Thanks for watching. With taking twists in and out form different sides it stayed within about 3lbs. I didn't put it on the draw board before I started but I am pretty sure I had it set between 69-70lbs and ended up at 67.62lbs after timing everything up. I am happy with that on my setup but dropping pounds means losing speed which can lead to additional work swapping out sight tape or adjusting individual pins.

@@huntleague yes sir , anytime we make string changes or cable adjustments we basically have to re-tune and re-zero .

I just mounted one of these on one of my dad's rifles. Also just got back from a bear hunt where I used the scope on a tripod just to capture footage. I am so impressed with this device still.

For the heaviest of loads 100+ lbs the Initial Ascent and Kifaru are in a league of their own. In the 50-70lb range they are all comfortable with different levels of flex. The Kifaru is the stiffest. The EXO is very narrow so there is a lot of side to side twist. The AKEK frame is wider but not as rigid as the EXO carbon stays. When bow hunting with a pack I like the flex in the EXO and AKEK. When side hilling and cruising through deadfall I like how stiff the Kifaru frame holds the load. The EXO pack swings a bit more side to side with a full load. For my height, I like that the EXO and Kifaru packs have a tall frame option. You can’t go wrong with any of those options but you save $200-400 with the AKEK. It doesn’t really lack in any areas although there are a few packs that beat it in specific categories.

@@huntleague interesting - I’ve rarely hear the K4 left out of the discussion when it comes to the best at carrying heavy loads. Thanks

@@brianlaguardia9122​​⁠ The EXO K3 won the best overall in the head to head with all of the packs tested. Then the K4 was released and only got better. I would put Initial Ascent and Kifaru at the top for extreme heavy loads. Then EXO and Stone Glacier probably as tier two with AKEK nipping at their heels. I will often pack in with the AKEK or Kuiu pack but keep the Initial Ascent pack in the vehicle while elk hunting. First heavy load comes out and then the Initial Ascent makes an appearance for the dirty work. Probably more info than you need and I am sure this is somewhat subjective based on body types. I struggle the most with Mystery Ranch packs under a heavy load as the yoke system hurts my neck and the belt digs into my waste. I have buddies though that swear by that pack and think it’s amazing. If you are narrowing down between Kifaru, AKEK, and EXO you have done your homework and will end up with a great pack. Those packs are way more than just marketing hype and you will be happy for the next 10 years with any one of them.

@@huntleague thanks, I appreciate the feedback. I am looking at these for very long expedition style treks with less weight (let's say approximately 70-80lbs); I am a big guy - 6'2 and 230 with a broad chest; so hard to get sizing and comfort right on cottage industry packs that you cannot try on at a local store.

@@huntleagueoh man this is the sauce i needed!

I am going to try and make a more in depth one soon. I just used the scope mounted on a tripod on an Alberta bear hunt. Had a killer experience but also ran into some issues where I tried changing the date/time on the device but couldn't exit the menu to save the settings. As soon as I paired it with my phone it fixed the issue but it was a problem for me not being able to save the input. I still can't believe how well the video appears when you run this scope in day mode at dusk/dawn. It still shows colors and tons of detail in those last few minutes of legal light.

That is a huge bummer. Hopefully they can grow to the point where they can get one shipped over to you. I have a buddy bringing his new PH2 over today to mount a scope. Every time I handle a Seekins I am impressed with the quality they deliver.

I had the Zulus out earlier today and was showing it to a buddy. On the spot said he was buying one after seeing it (Hoping the 25% off sale is still going). He said he was going to mount it on his .308 and use it for a pig gun in TX. When he said .308 I pointed out the eye relief and said I don't know if I would do that. He said his .308 has minimal recoil and he felt super confident it would be just fine. Most AR-10's manage the recoil pretty well so it probably won't be an issue.

Thanks for the reply. Appreciated.

Tame recoil with a muzzle break... Buddy has one on his 300WM, recoil like 308!

Did you have a chance to zero it yet? That was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had at the range. Hope you have a similar experience

Sure did! I’ve tried this scope first on a 17 hmr rifle, worked out awesome, moved it over to a 9mm just right carbine and was also unreal! This weekend I’ll put on my 308 rifle and give that a try!

I LOVED the Akek last year. Fantastic pack, covered over 100 miles with it in Oregon and Colorado on multi day hunts. Unfortunately I never got to pack out an elk with it which is always the ultimate test for me. I have not tested the new K4 yet. I recently bought a Stone Glacier system and I am currently testing that right now. One of my buddy's just bought the K4 system so I am hoping to test that in the next month or two (after a spring bear hunt in Canada at the end of May). Quick question: How tall are you? The Akek gets pretty close to maxing out with my torso length and height at 6'3". The EXO K4 has different size carbon stays which might help. I had multiple friends buy the Akek. Not one complained and they all feel like they got a great value with the extra things included (accessory pouches, rain fly, load hauler, rifle quick deploy sling). You can save about $150 + accessory costs and get a pack I am pretty sure you will love. Is it better??? You will probably like certain things on each pack system better than the other. Always tough making a big decision like this without being able to try them on or see them in person. Do you happen to live in CO? I don't mind doing a call with you or answering specific questions if you want to shoot me an email. support@huntleague.com

@@huntleague I'm only 5'7 so that isn't an issue. lol. Akek including the extra accessories is why i'm thinking hard about that one, great value right there! I live in the Boise area, about 15 minutes from the EXO shop. I might just try each since they both have a trial period. thanks for all the info! 🙂

@@ptallant1 EXO just had a warehouse sale recently. I am sure if you live that close you might be able to snag a returned or discounted bag. I would totally do the trial where you could see them both at the same time. I'd love to hear what you decide when the time comes.

@huntleague might have to check it out. Went Akek's site to start the process, and now the 5400 is on backorder until August 20th! Bummer. That will be way too late. It's practically hunting season then...

@@ptallant1 That's a huge bummer but it makes the decision a little easier. You will still love the K4 pack and that 5000 pack will cover you in just about every situation. Hoping the backorder issue at AKEK is because their packs are selling like hot cakes.

Absolutely love hearing that! Seekins is the real deal!

Looking for lefties, have you explored Stag Arms lineup? I think they designed the original lefty AR and they have stayed good to lefties ever since.

@@huntleague Ar I used dual charging handle. I just really like the spiral fluting on their havic model and 1800 and basically u have a custom rifle. Now i buy tikka rifles and customize them.

I didn't do a drop test so you may have to look for another channel that is monetizing their videos or where Arken is sending out products for testing. The scope feels super solid though and I believe the mount would be more stable than traditional rings. It's rated for 50BMG recoil so it can take a beating although the eye relief is not adequate in my mind for something with heavy recoil. I have never used an optic that is so easy to zero though. If I ever dropped a rifle, which I have once on a deer hunt slipping on rocks, I would always recommend confirming zero again anyway even if a drop test showed the scope/rifle combo could take it.

The screen is super clear and the focus is very precise but you are looking at a screen which has it's limits compared to looking through glass. I have not shot or even aimed that far yet. I have this mounted on a 5.56 that I would only walk out to about 600yds with. I have a 6.5CM that is sitting idle and this would be a fun scope to mount on that but I would need to mount a different top rail. I probably wouldn't put it on a rifle with more than 12-15ft/lbs of recoil though so depending on the weight of your rifle, caliber, velocity, muzzle brake, etc you may not be looking to take this scope out to 800yds. The Arken EP5 and EPL4 scopes will have zero problems reaching out to those distances and beyond. Those are easily +1,000yd scopes with tracking that is absolutely spot on.

Pretty sure you could get a mini keg in that back pocket! A cushion for your butt is great but having that back support is $$$.

I totally understand that perspective. To be clear you don’t need an app or your phone to zero the reticle or operate the scope. You can do it all from within the scope without connecting it to another device.

I would add that connection between Zulus and phone is completely offline. The wifi connection is literally a two-device private network.

Definitely sped up a bit as it was such a long video. That does make Matty seem like he just pounded a dozen energy drinks. He is a racecar though and you just gotta keep up!

one hand was on scope one on barrel

Take a look at the unboxing and mounting video. I originally mounted it further forward like a traditional optic. It is a day night digital scope so you are looking at a screen not through glass. When you back off the optic there is some distortion that occurs around the edges. I would estimate the sweet spot to be 1.75-2" from the optic vs 3.5-4" for a traditional optic. The optic comes with a 1.5" rubber eye cup which you pretty much put your eye right up to. I found mounting the scope further back as seen in the video to be the most comfortable position for my length of pull. The recoil on a 5.56 never caused the optic to hit my eye although I would probably mount it one notch forward if I were shooting a .308 or similar to be safe.

I have not shot at paper past 100 yet but the 5-20X magnification and clarity is super impressive. You can see the follow-up video where I did a one shot zero using my phone and then backed it out to to 300 on a steel target. No problem seeing impact and filming through the optic works so amazing. I am not sure with a .223 caliber if I would be able to see bullets on paper much past 100 anyway. WIth a .308 I bet you could see holes out to at least 200yds with this optic. This little scope is so cool. It performs way better than I expected. I don't have a ton of time on it yet though to say how well it holds zero but the battery life is great, video quality and sound are awesome. I didn't hesitate buying another and then I added one more with the the built in laser rangefinder. You can see the rangefinder at night with the IR on which was interesting. The rangefinder is either on or off so you don't have to tap it every time you want a reading. If it is on it is continuously scanning and updating the yardage at the top of the screen. After messing with that unit which is more expensive I don't know if I would recommend it. Not because I am disappointed in any way but because during the day I can use my regular rangefinder and at night I would limit shooting distances to 200yds and in. For a 5.56/.223 caliber that point of impact may only be a 1.5" difference. So no regrets about buying the optic itself. Just not sure I would spend the extra money on the rangefinder model although it is nice having both. Give me a little more time in the field to really form my opinion on that but right now I am thinking the base model is the way to go.

Not sure what you are looking for here but this wasn't a sales pitch tour. This was a personal tour given as part of a prize package for the winner of the HuntLeague Outdoorsman of the Year with the 2022 winner Ray and Tucker from Vortex. Matty at Seekins is a former Army Ranger and one of the most energetic and experienced guys in the firearms industry. Go get your hands on a Seekins Rifle and your attitude might shift. Ask anyone in our community what they think about their HIT, Element, PH2, or SB10's. Good luck finding a gas gun that shoots tighter groups. Most rifle manufactures wouldn't even allow inside access to something like this where you might find them receiving boxes of parts from China to assemble for your high end rifle.

I just pulled this from Arken: "All our optics are rated to 50 bmp. The concern on a higher recoil rifle and night vision optics is the closer eye box and the recoil that can potentially give one the old "scope bite". That said some of our Arken folks have shot it with a 50 bmp. use that eye-piece protector and add some weight to your rig to help mitigate that recoil would be my suggestion." I would feel comfortable shooting it with an AR10 chambered in .308 or 6.5CM. Your eye is pretty close though so I personally wouldn't be looking to shoot something with a lot of recoil. It will start getting a little subjective here as the recoil starts to depend on the weight of the rifle, do you have a brake or are you shooting suppressed, stance, is it mounted to a tripod, etc. So to really make the response long, the optic itself is rated for just about anything you want to mount it on. I just measured the rubber eye cup piece and it is only around 1.5". The eye piece has two ports for air so that when it compresses to your face it doesn't create a suction cup. With your eye further away from the optic the screen fisheyes or distorts a little. The distortion is more around the edges than it is in the center of the reticle and if you can see the reticle and target it should not impact your point of aim. You are looking at a screen and not through glass so technically you could back off the scope as far as your vision would allow.

I have never shot a NRL Hunter match but they look super fun. Start saving up as these rifles are worth every penny and backed for life. The hardest part is deciding the right model. The PH2 is such a great blend of value and function. The Element is so light it would be awesome for backcountry hunts but the PH2 just checks all the boxes for me.

@@jarednewman9609 my ex had a cutlass... needless to say it was used for target practice

Come hunt with me in CO and you can take that ARCA plate I ended up with back with you. No chance am I shipping it! Has to be a face to face, man to man transaction. So glad you introduced me and the HuntLeague Community to SRS. Hoping to get JJ ringing steel at 600+ here soon after adding the rail.

@@jarednewman9609 don’t tempt me with a good time…. CO is on my list and I would love to come out and hunt with you guys! Leave with a bull and my tac plate haha!

To be fair, I did speed up the video generally by about 10-15% so yes it was fast forward. However, Matty does move at the speed of light and you gotta keep up!

The new pro model has a different foam backing with air channels. I bet that will be a big improvement for releasing some of that heat. I am excited to see how wins the turkey league this year in the app and wins the Impact Pro vest.

@@jarednewman9609 it’s definitely an underrated brand. I love mine. I’ll probably use it till I can’t anymore.

I ended up ordering two more of these with the rangefinder option. I was able to get some really cool footage of elk at night. The IR picks up the laser at night so you can see what the laser is pointing at. I am loving these new Arken scopes even though I can't use them to hunt big game with here in CO.

Thanks Raymond! Now all I need is some tags! I’m very fortunate, and surrounded by great people and companies. Thank you for the support!

I used it the other day at the range. Took me a little bit to figure out how to sync with my phone and move the reticle. I posted that video this week but it’s not instructional. Definitely going to have to make a follow up instructional video. It is such a cool little scope.

Don't give them any ideas,

Hey Ryan, Did you ever end up ordering the Akek pack? Sorry I didn't respond earlier to the question. I don't actually have an affiliate or discount code to throw your way. If you ended up buying the Akek I would love for your to share a your thoughts so others can help make their pack decision.