Just picked one up and see no problems with the glass. I returned about 3 Vortex scopes due to poor glass so maybe its the luck of the draw. And they are made in Japan like every other scope, not China.
Which scope are you saying is made in Japan? The vortex at $300 is made in China. The have multiple places. China Philippines Japan and one I think in USA Hawke told me all of their stuff is made in China
The Arken EP5 is a better scope than the Hawke Sidewinder and a good price if you buy them on sale for $424 like their August 2022 sale. I wouldn't pay $500 for another one though. Much better off buying the Athlon Midas Tac 6-24x50 for $500 - $600.
It has probably the worst glass in its price class. The Hawke reticle substensions doesn't made any logical sense either. The biggest disappointment is the lack of a zero stop and poor glass quality when paying over $800 -$900 for such a sub par scope that's made in China. I really think it would be more on point and in line for what you get if it was priced between $300 - $400 maximum. I quit buying Hawke brand once I found the Athlon Midas Tac and Ares BTR were far superior at similar and sometimes cheaper prices and also unfortunately made in China but at least they are hands down noticeably better than the Hawke Sidewinder. Their top of the line Hawke Frontiers which are all also Chinese are great with better glass with a zero stop but I truly feel they aren't worth their prices either, again after comparing them to the Chinese Athlons in the same price range or cheaper. I bought Hawke brand scopes before I knew any better to try other different scope brands.
Common sense, maybe you had a gen i Hawke. These gen ii have incredible glass, awesome field of view and eye box. I like Athlon’s reticles better and would prob say Athlon is the best budget scope in almost every class, but to say that the sidewinder or vantage or any other newer Hawke’s are garbage is a bit ridiculous.
The first one( discounted) was very fine but the new updated version is truly a garbage .. mostly when they try updating any model’s from any brand’s = coming out a rubbish.. for example: IOR Crusader or Recon, first model: fantastic, the new updated version = low quality garbage .. so the law is: first they do everything to catching the customers eyes by making good quality item’s..as soon as they have succeeded by marking and have a lot of buyers than Discontinued that model ( update excuse ) making same model but this time’s = low quality + much more expensive
Find it here: bit.ly/3ZI9J0E #aff
I got 5 of em and never an issue, bought em several years ago and love them, maybe pre h5 version but still Hawke Sidewinder versions
Very nice honest review. It would be worth buying if it were $300 - $400 IMHO.
Thanks for watching
thank you, the video was easy to watch and informative
Glad you enjoyed it!
Just picked one up and see no problems with the glass. I returned about 3 Vortex scopes due to poor glass so maybe its the luck of the draw. And they are made in Japan like every other scope, not China.
Nice. Which vortex did you have?
@@Bullets4Bucks Not sure of the models. They were all around $300 and were for my Henry.
Which scope are you saying is made in Japan? The vortex at $300 is made in China. The have multiple places. China Philippines Japan and one I think in USA Hawke told me all of their stuff is made in China
What glass is better in this price range in your opinion?
Athlon Optics or Tract Optics
@@Bullets4Bucks Both are a relevant amount more expensive for the same magnification/diameter stats.
Great review. Love that Howa.
Thanks Fred
If it can beat the Arken EP5, I think it is a worthy consideration. I like the locking turrets thou.
Can you include a purchase link? TY
The Arken EP5 is a better scope than the Hawke Sidewinder and a good price if you buy them on sale for $424 like their August 2022 sale. I wouldn't pay $500 for another one though. Much better off buying the Athlon Midas Tac 6-24x50 for $500 - $600.
Who better?
@@urled9007 I would go neither now.
I use this on my airguns, due to focus down to 10 yards.
Nice
Hawke is the best!
I'm in the market. Which one do you think has better glass in this price range?
Better options out now
Good
You can get a better, Meopta scope in that price category ... that is not MADE IN CHINA.
Yes agreed
It has probably the worst glass in its price class. The Hawke reticle substensions doesn't made any logical sense either. The biggest disappointment is the lack of a zero stop and poor glass quality when paying over $800 -$900 for such a sub par scope that's made in China. I really think it would be more on point and in line for what you get if it was priced between $300 - $400 maximum. I quit buying Hawke brand once I found the Athlon Midas Tac and Ares BTR were far superior at similar and sometimes cheaper prices and also unfortunately made in China but at least they are hands down noticeably better than the Hawke Sidewinder. Their top of the line Hawke Frontiers which are all also Chinese are great with better glass with a zero stop but I truly feel they aren't worth their prices either, again after comparing them to the Chinese Athlons in the same price range or cheaper. I bought Hawke brand scopes before I knew any better to try other different scope brands.
Fantastic feedback.
Common sense, maybe you had a gen i Hawke. These gen ii have incredible glass, awesome field of view and eye box. I like Athlon’s reticles better and would prob say Athlon is the best budget scope in almost every class, but to say that the sidewinder or vantage or any other newer Hawke’s are garbage is a bit ridiculous.
Glass on mine is fantastic.
Why didn’t some Muricans come up with that lil’ winder on the elevator thingy….c’mon ….wake up Murica ..!!!
Nice video
Thanks
The first one( discounted) was very fine but the new updated version is truly a garbage .. mostly when they try updating any model’s from any brand’s = coming out a rubbish.. for example: IOR Crusader or Recon, first model: fantastic, the new updated version = low quality garbage .. so the law is: first they do everything to catching the customers eyes by making good quality item’s..as soon as they have succeeded by marking and have a lot of buyers than Discontinued that model ( update excuse ) making same model but this time’s = low quality + much more expensive
Fool