That head to head competition you bring up at the end would be stellar to see. I’m looking at a 1k yard optic, and the PST 5-25, Razor 3-18, and Razor LHT 4.5-22 are all within the price range, and I’d love to see them next to each other
Looking forward to a comparison like that. Would love to see a comparable zoom range amoungst Vortex's tier levels especially the MVPO area. RG2 3-18, PSTG2 3-15, SE3-18, and Venom 3-15
I have the Stike Eagle 5-25X56, and an Ares ETR. I actually see little difference between them when using them in the field. I also looked through a ATACR side by side with my Stike Eagle. The ATACR was a little clearer, but not $2500 clearer.
So is the ARES worth the money then? I’m just curious because I have a Midas Tac HD and I’ve shot and looked behind a Gen 2 razor and I think it’s not worth the extra money for the razor.
@@juniyananajukyu I was disappointed with what I got for the extra $300 price. If I were to do it again, I would go for the EP5, although I haven't seen through one, they have looked good in the reviews. The EP5 wasn't available when I purchased my Ares ETR, otherwise I probably would have an EP5 and not an Ares ETR.
@@rodgerthackeray7978 that’s good to know! These companies are dishing it out at such a good price point. I don’t make NF or Leupold money. Lol. Anyways thanks!
@@rodgerthackeray7978 LOL, if you were disappointed in the Athlon Ares ETR, trust me when i tell you, that you will NOT be happy with the Arken EP-5 in comparison. When the Arken EP-5 gets up towards 20X, the clarity goes right in the dumpster. Hands down, the SE 5-25x56 SMOKES the EP-5 all the way up to 25x. The SE reticle is also alot more crisp and cleaner. And the SE has a very usable illuminated reticle, the Arken really fails there. When you turn on the reticle in the EP-5, you can`t even see it during the day. Be aware, Arken also has complaints about water proof issues. And believe what people tell you about the Arken customer service... its not that good. I returned a EP-5 due to so many problems.
The Ares BTR Gen 2 is a much better deal at it's current sale for under $600 delivered. It's clearer than the SE and almost as clear as the Ares ETR for significantly less money at the current sale price. It is also better than the PST Gen 2. When I bought my first Midas Tac 6-24x50 I noticed it was clearer than the Strike Eagle and Arken EP5 and Element Titan and neck and neck with the Nexus when compared at 6-20x magnification. It also has perfect reliable turrets in fact it's shockingly precise for a Chinese made scope and I'd say it rivals and possibly even exceed some more expensive Japan made scopes. I honestly didn't think anything could possibly beat the Midas Tac I paid $450 on sale for the money until I bought my first Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 on sale for $700. It's a much better scope with better image quality on high magnification and comes close to my Cronus BTR Gen 2 for only a fraction of the cost. It is also better than the Element Nexus based on my own eyes when compared side by side at 5-20x magnification which was really surprising when comparing a $700 Chinese vs $1500 Japanese made scope. I ended up buying 2 more Ares BTR Gen 2 scopes after comparing the first one to both of my Japan made Tract Toric 4-20x50 scopes and I ended up getting rid of both of my Tract Torics but kept my 4.5-30x56 Toric which was in fact a better scope. I felt pretty sick after I noticed the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 went on sale for under $600 delivered and is still currently on sale. You need to spend at least $1200-$1300 or more in order to even notice any difference in quality. Vortex undoubtedly has the best lifetime warranty even if you destroy them they will replace them with brand new ones but I only trust their Japan made ones. The Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 has better glass and turrets than the Razor LHTs.
Love your reviews, you've really dialed in your format. I'd love to see a review of the Strike Eagle 3-18x44, looking through other comments it looks like you're already working on it! I can't wait!
One thing that really makes your format so damn good is the way you use nearly identical references for zoom/color/clarity/etc. You may not make a side-by-side yourself, but a viewer can almost craft a side-by-side just by referencing the same points in videos. Awesome.
Just so burned on the 1-6x24 SE that I can't bring myself to give the Strike Eagle another chance. Still, glad to see that it's an adequate scope for shorter distances. As always, thanks for the excellent review, C_Does!
@@blessedone1845 Probably won't track reliably and wasted too much ammo chasing defective scope. I for one won't be buying any more Chinese made or Philippines made Vortex scopes no matter how great their warranty is. I can only trust their Japan made scopes and really hate wasting ammo only to find out it's the scope that's no good. The only Chinese made scopes I personally trust to be spot on and reliable are the Athlon Midas Tac 6-24x50 and Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 and the Burris Signature HDs all of them. Their overall quality control and reliability seems to be excellent with very minimal complaints but very few in fact may still slip through the cracks since they're in fact still made in China.
MAP/Street pricing on this thing is all over the place. I am almost hesitant to pick one up now, because of Vortex's awkward pricing policies. Whereas a Razor or ZCO basically retains 90-100% value. If that matters to you.
Just got the 3-18 in MOA, easy to get behind, clear image at 18x. Purple CR down to 6x on branches looking thru sunlight into shade, more so than a Arken SH4 6-24. Busy reticle, slightly less in MOA. Only initial thoughts after mounting.
Thanks for ANOTHER great review!!! I'm interested in a Trijicon Accupoint (either 3-9x40mm or 2.5-10x56mm). They clearly have a great exit pupil, reportedly good glass clarity, no batteries required (solar illuminated, plus tritium!), but a mismatch on the mil reticle vs. moa turrets. Any thoughts? I'm hoping that you will review one of them!
I don't like mine. The reticle focus changes with magnification and centering the scope shadow with the image gives me a blurred reticle at max magnification. If I move my eye down and right the reticle clears up. Clarity and image isn't great. Slightly fuzzy at best. Lenses are clean and have had caps since it came out of the box. That's ignoring my gripes with limited elevation adjustment using the zero stop, meh turrets, and less than ideal reticle. APRS6 > EBR7c, even though they're nearly identical. Feels like a waste of money after being behind it for a few hours on several different outings. I still use it because I have it and am reminded of what I don't like about it every time I do. Can't sell it. I'd just lose money, and then it would really have been a waste of money. Edit: I wasn't going to mention the arken but that's part of why I think my SE is a waste of money. I'll be curious to see the future comparison between the ep5 (with 'ED' glass) and a Bushnell match pro (also with 'ED' glass').
The Match Pro ED has slightly better glass compared to the much cheaper EP5. $699 vs $397 IMHO not worth paying the extra for the MPED and it's the turrets aren't even close to the EP5. If you want to spend in between the EP5 and Match Pro ED and buy a superior scope then the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 currently on sale for less than $600 delivered will be in fact, the greatest improvement you will ever buy for so little money you absolutely won't believe it and rightfully so since they normally sell for close to $900 so it's expected to be great. I'd say it's at least comparable if not better than some of the more expensive Japan made scopes sold by other brands. It is certainly better than all of these Japan made Vortex Razor LHTs and Element Optics Nexus and Tract Toric 4-20x50 IMHO after already comparing all of them against the Ares which is also hands down far superior to the Arken EP5 in glass quality with more reliable turrets and having the real world least possibility of actually needing to send the Athlon in for warranty compared to the Vortex and Arken.
Good review. I’ve picked up 2 of these lately and wondered how they ranked. Both seem really good. I’m thinking about selling and picking up the vortex 6-36. Older I get the more mag I need
I totally feel your pain. I bought two of each types of scopes from different brands without even looking through one based on hype and all the online shills and really regretted the purchases. First regret were the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50 I thought really sucked when I could have bought the far superior Midas Tacs on sale for the same price. Next were the Tract Toric 4-20x50's not worth their cost especially when the much cheaper Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 at close to half the price on sale was far superior I ended up buying 2 more of the Ares BTR Gen 2 scopes and getting rid of the Tract Torics but kept the 4.5-30x56 Toric ELR which was superior. The 4-20x50 Tract Torics were decent scopes but not great and certainly not for their cost not even when they go on sale for under $1000. Biggest disappointment were the MTC Viper 5-30x56s at close to $700 apiece such horrible glass even noticeably worse than the Element Helix and Arken SH4 Gen 2 glass and their turrets were unreliable I really felt totally ripped off buying them. In life it's not always true that you always get what you pay for. Oftentimes you get far less quality than what you actually paid for.
@@commonsense5709 I did buy the Gen 3 6x36 amazing glass turrets everything. Really content with it. I’m also quite pleased with the strike eagles 5x25. I have one of them on FX Impact with ADM 1301 mount and live the setup for the price.
What woule you pick betwee this one and a Vortex Razor LHT HD 4.5 -22. Not sure if i can justify an extra $1000 for a razor which is 200grams lighter and has better goass
Hi, is there anyone that can help me what they would recommend for a scope for long-range on a 308 rifle. I am all new to this. Budget around two thousand pounds
Hey C_DOES, love the content! Do you accept riflescopes from users for review? I am interested in sending you two scopes that I personally own. I am not affiliated with the two scope brands in any way, thanks!
The newest SH4J for around $299 delivered is really close compared to the more expensive Strike Eagle while the SH4 Gen 2 with inferior Chinese glass isn't worth buying IMHO.
9 months without a reply, here goes, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 over the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 and Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56 due to superior glass quality and turrets and already proven reliability plus the fact that they are currently on sale for cheaper than $600 delivered. Their lifetime warranty is by far, much better than Bushnell's and almost as bullet proof as Vortex VIPs' but not if you intentionally destroy your scope.
Your review on the Strike Eagle 5-25x56 is pretty skewed. I did catch where you said you tested 2 scopes the same day, but yet in the back ground, i see leaves on the trees with the scope on the left, then look at the scope on the right, no leaves on the trees in the back ground. Plus you`re testing scopes not even in the same league with each other. The Arken EP-5 would have been the closer scope in comparison. That is, until you find out that the Arken EP-5 clarity goes in the dumpster as you get closer to 20x on up. The SE has far better glass, and a cleaner crisper reticle vs EP-5. Not to mention, the illuminated reticle in the SE SMOKES the EP-5. You can`t even see the illuminated reticle`s in the Arken`s during the day.
Strike eagles vs primary arms GLX the S/E is way crisper and way better construction primary is coming out with the 2023 GLX 4.5-27 n 3-18 and cause of the GLX I’ve owned in the past I’m keeping my S/E 5-25 n 1-8ffp and will buy the new S/E 3-18x44 instead of the pa 3-18x44 now I’m a big Schmidt bender n Steiner guy and now have stopped buy Primary arms optics for my econo and stick with the winner Vortex
Omg People and their Judgement on this Scope is Crazy, like Man its a Scope not a $6000 Digital Camera, Can you Identify what your Lookin At (Yes) Is it Clear Enough (Yes) Does it do what it was intended for (Yes) Then give me a break with this haze and image falling off and lack of contrast, ITS A SCOPE, NOT A CAMERA.
If durability is the primary concern, the best option would be a "like new store demo" Nightforce NX8 from a retailer like Euro Optic. The budget tier scopes are not made with durability as a primary design objective. The Strike Eagle is a budget alternative to the Vortex Viper PST, which is a budget alternative to the Vortex Razor HD.
It is a real life gamble with Chinese made Vortex scopes and even their Philippines made ones as well. I've already tried a lot of different brands of scopes of many different price points and the only Chinese made scopes that really seems to be reliable are the Athlon Midas Tac 6-24x and Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x based on first hand experience and lots and lots of satisfied user reviews including competition shooters. I wouldn't doubt their even more expensive Ares ETR would fare very well in regards to reliability as well but I probably won't ever buy one due to negative value per dollar spent for Chinese made optic when the Japan made Cronus BTR Gen 2 can be bought on sale for around the same price or just a little more money if you shop around. I own a Cronus BTR as well and the Ares BTR Gen 2 is actually pretty close at more than half the cost even closer to triple the cost depends where you buy from and appreciate just how much lighter they are.
I broke one in under 100 rounds of 300WM at the range shooting on bags, just from recoil - no bumps. I perceived a cartoonish “boing” and found that it could no longer be focused at 100 yards. I returned that and got sent a new one. It is impossible to zero, like three shot groups will put the first two touching or dang close, then the third shot will be two to four inches away. I also have the Venom 5-25, and it seems to do the same thing to a lesser extent on a 6.5 creed. I wouldn’t use these on anything but a .22 range toy.
@@commonsense5709Do you know if it’s as tough as the 3-9 that you can’t actually buy anywhere? I’m about to glue a shotgun bead on this tikka barrel because I think it would shoot just as well with some practice.
The Viper PST 2 can be had for around $600 if you shop around. If given the choice, I'd much rather buy the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 for under $600 delivered from certain legitimate online stores at the lowest prices. I've had better luck with certain Athlon scopes such as their Midas Tac and Ares BTR Gen 2 in regards to much better image quality and reliability with perfect spot on totally repeatable tracking when compared to other brands.
That head to head competition you bring up at the end would be stellar to see. I’m looking at a 1k yard optic, and the PST 5-25, Razor 3-18, and Razor LHT 4.5-22 are all within the price range, and I’d love to see them next to each other
My friend got the razor 4.5-22 and we shot it at 1k it is amazing glass. Optic is amazing
I agree the head to head on all the vortex optics would be major. Please drop soon and thank you for everything !
Looking forward to a comparison like that. Would love to see a comparable zoom range amoungst Vortex's tier levels especially the MVPO area. RG2 3-18, PSTG2 3-15, SE3-18, and Venom 3-15
I have the Stike Eagle 5-25X56, and an Ares ETR. I actually see little difference between them when using them in the field. I also looked through a ATACR side by side with my Stike Eagle. The ATACR was a little clearer, but not $2500 clearer.
So is the ARES worth the money then? I’m just curious because I have a Midas Tac HD and I’ve shot and looked behind a Gen 2 razor and I think it’s not worth the extra money for the razor.
@@juniyananajukyu I was disappointed with what I got for the extra $300 price. If I were to do it again, I would go for the EP5, although I haven't seen through one, they have looked good in the reviews. The EP5 wasn't available when I purchased my Ares ETR, otherwise I probably would have an EP5 and not an Ares ETR.
@@rodgerthackeray7978 that’s good to know! These companies are dishing it out at such a good price point. I don’t make NF or Leupold money. Lol. Anyways thanks!
@@rodgerthackeray7978 LOL, if you were disappointed in the Athlon Ares ETR, trust me when i tell you, that you will NOT be happy with the Arken EP-5 in comparison. When the Arken EP-5 gets up towards 20X, the clarity goes right in the dumpster. Hands down, the SE 5-25x56 SMOKES the EP-5 all the way up to 25x. The SE reticle is also alot more crisp and cleaner. And the SE has a very usable illuminated reticle, the Arken really fails there. When you turn on the reticle in the EP-5, you can`t even see it during the day. Be aware, Arken also has complaints about water proof issues. And believe what people tell you about the Arken customer service... its not that good. I returned a EP-5 due to so many problems.
The Ares BTR Gen 2 is a much better deal at it's current sale for under $600 delivered. It's clearer than the SE and almost as clear as the Ares ETR for significantly less money at the current sale price. It is also better than the PST Gen 2.
When I bought my first Midas Tac 6-24x50 I noticed it was clearer than the Strike Eagle and Arken EP5 and Element Titan and neck and neck with the Nexus when compared at 6-20x magnification. It also has perfect reliable turrets in fact it's shockingly precise for a Chinese made scope and I'd say it rivals and possibly even exceed some more expensive Japan made scopes.
I honestly didn't think anything could possibly beat the Midas Tac I paid $450 on sale for the money until I bought my first Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 on sale for $700. It's a much better scope with better image quality on high magnification and comes close to my Cronus BTR Gen 2 for only a fraction of the cost. It is also better than the Element Nexus based on my own eyes when compared side by side at 5-20x magnification which was really surprising when comparing a $700 Chinese vs $1500 Japanese made scope. I ended up buying 2 more Ares BTR Gen 2 scopes after comparing the first one to both of my Japan made Tract Toric 4-20x50 scopes and I ended up getting rid of both of my Tract Torics but kept my 4.5-30x56 Toric which was in fact a better scope.
I felt pretty sick after I noticed the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 went on sale for under $600 delivered and is still currently on sale. You need to spend at least $1200-$1300 or more in order to even notice any difference in quality.
Vortex undoubtedly has the best lifetime warranty even if you destroy them they will replace them with brand new ones but I only trust their Japan made ones. The Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 has better glass and turrets than the Razor LHTs.
Love your reviews, you've really dialed in your format.
I'd love to see a review of the Strike Eagle 3-18x44, looking through other comments it looks like you're already working on it! I can't wait!
You are doing God's work. This is literally in my cart.. for now.
One thing that really makes your format so damn good is the way you use nearly identical references for zoom/color/clarity/etc. You may not make a side-by-side yourself, but a viewer can almost craft a side-by-side just by referencing the same points in videos. Awesome.
"Scrubs" I just want to give you props for quoting The TV show Scrubs in your thumbnail. Nicely done.
I had it until I sold my Bergara rifle and i was very pleased with it. Nice quality for the price. I was shooting up to 300m tho..
Just so burned on the 1-6x24 SE that I can't bring myself to give the Strike Eagle another chance. Still, glad to see that it's an adequate scope for shorter distances.
As always, thanks for the excellent review, C_Does!
Why don’t you like the 1-6 SE?
@@blessedone1845 Probably won't track reliably and wasted too much ammo chasing defective scope. I for one won't be buying any more Chinese made or Philippines made Vortex scopes no matter how great their warranty is. I can only trust their Japan made scopes and really hate wasting ammo only to find out it's the scope that's no good. The only Chinese made scopes I personally trust to be spot on and reliable are the Athlon Midas Tac 6-24x50 and Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 and the Burris Signature HDs all of them. Their overall quality control and reliability seems to be excellent with very minimal complaints but very few in fact may still slip through the cracks since they're in fact still made in China.
Finally someone who knows what they’re talking about!
I am very happy with my Strike Eagle 5-25. Being in the military and being able to buy one for $550 made it a no-brainer.
Hello! Any email or Telegram to contact you?
MAP/Street pricing on this thing is all over the place. I am almost hesitant to pick one up now, because of Vortex's awkward pricing policies. Whereas a Razor or ZCO basically retains 90-100% value. If that matters to you.
Just got the 3-18 in MOA, easy to get behind, clear image at 18x. Purple CR down to 6x on branches looking thru sunlight into shade, more so than a Arken SH4 6-24. Busy reticle, slightly less in MOA. Only initial thoughts after mounting.
Brownell's MPO 3-18x50mm34mm(T) 30.5 ounces the last I looked on sale for $699.99.
I've had the same optic on a pcp airgun. It's perfect for it. My only complaint is that at 25x, lensing can be a problem.
Thanks for ANOTHER great review!!! I'm interested in a Trijicon Accupoint (either 3-9x40mm or 2.5-10x56mm). They clearly have a great exit pupil, reportedly good glass clarity, no batteries required (solar illuminated, plus tritium!), but a mismatch on the mil reticle vs. moa turrets. Any thoughts? I'm hoping that you will review one of them!
Good Review, C! Did Primary Arms offer you a look at their new SLx 5-25?
Wondering how stacks to New 3-18x44 and or the Accufire Technology Atro 2.5-20x50
I don't like mine.
The reticle focus changes with magnification and centering the scope shadow with the image gives me a blurred reticle at max magnification. If I move my eye down and right the reticle clears up. Clarity and image isn't great. Slightly fuzzy at best. Lenses are clean and have had caps since it came out of the box.
That's ignoring my gripes with limited elevation adjustment using the zero stop, meh turrets, and less than ideal reticle. APRS6 > EBR7c, even though they're nearly identical. Feels like a waste of money after being behind it for a few hours on several different outings. I still use it because I have it and am reminded of what I don't like about it every time I do. Can't sell it. I'd just lose money, and then it would really have been a waste of money.
Edit: I wasn't going to mention the arken but that's part of why I think my SE is a waste of money. I'll be curious to see the future comparison between the ep5 (with 'ED' glass) and a Bushnell match pro (also with 'ED' glass').
The Match Pro ED has slightly better glass compared to the much cheaper EP5. $699 vs $397 IMHO not worth paying the extra for the MPED and it's the turrets aren't even close to the EP5. If you want to spend in between the EP5 and Match Pro ED and buy a superior scope then the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 currently on sale for less than $600 delivered will be in fact, the greatest improvement you will ever buy for so little money you absolutely won't believe it and rightfully so since they normally sell for close to $900 so it's expected to be great. I'd say it's at least comparable if not better than some of the more expensive Japan made scopes sold by other brands. It is certainly better than all of these Japan made Vortex Razor LHTs and Element Optics Nexus and Tract Toric 4-20x50 IMHO after already comparing all of them against the Ares which is also hands down far superior to the Arken EP5 in glass quality with more reliable turrets and having the real world least possibility of actually needing to send the Athlon in for warranty compared to the Vortex and Arken.
EAGLE FANG!
Good review. I’ve picked up 2 of these lately and wondered how they ranked. Both seem really good. I’m thinking about selling and picking up the vortex 6-36. Older I get the more mag I need
So, you bought TWO recently, THEN wondered how they were? And now you want to sell the 2 you own that you just bought? That right?
@@jamesstephenson2346Yeah, being crazy about glass makes you do crazy things.
I totally feel your pain. I bought two of each types of scopes from different brands without even looking through one based on hype and all the online shills and really regretted the purchases.
First regret were the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50 I thought really sucked when I could have bought the far superior Midas Tacs on sale for the same price. Next were the Tract Toric 4-20x50's not worth their cost especially when the much cheaper Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 at close to half the price on sale was far superior I ended up buying 2 more of the Ares BTR Gen 2 scopes and getting rid of the Tract Torics but kept the 4.5-30x56 Toric ELR which was superior. The 4-20x50 Tract Torics were decent scopes but not great and certainly not for their cost not even when they go on sale for under $1000. Biggest disappointment were the MTC Viper 5-30x56s at close to $700 apiece such horrible glass even noticeably worse than the Element Helix and Arken SH4 Gen 2 glass and their turrets were unreliable I really felt totally ripped off buying them.
In life it's not always true that you always get what you pay for. Oftentimes you get far less quality than what you actually paid for.
@@commonsense5709 I did buy the Gen 3 6x36 amazing glass turrets everything. Really content with it. I’m also quite pleased with the strike eagles 5x25. I have one of them on FX Impact with ADM 1301 mount and live the setup for the price.
Apples love it
When can we expect the review of the pst gen 2 5-25? Trying to decide is should buy it.
What woule you pick betwee this one and a Vortex Razor LHT HD 4.5 -22. Not sure if i can justify an extra $1000 for a razor which is 200grams lighter and has better goass
Hi, is there anyone that can help me what they would recommend for a scope for long-range on a 308 rifle. I am all new to this.
Budget around two thousand pounds
Gr8 content as always just a wee question have you ever had a look at the sig sauer tango 4 gen 2 just wondering what you thought about it 👍
Hey C_DOES, love the content! Do you accept riflescopes from users for review? I am interested in sending you two scopes that I personally own. I am not affiliated with the two scope brands in any way, thanks!
idk if its me but i cant see the chromatic aberration i just see a clear image.
Is it 2.76 times better than an SH-4?
No.
The newest SH4J for around $299 delivered is really close compared to the more expensive Strike Eagle while the SH4 Gen 2 with inferior Chinese glass isn't worth buying IMHO.
I’d love to get your opinion on the SH 4J
Dude please do the Vortex shootout, I just paid for $700 for a PST Gen II 5-25 FFP and want to know if I burned myself not buying a Strike Eagle
SE seems to be a better value. 34 mil tube, locking turrets to start.
If you had to choose between the first gen match pro or the se for a 22 which one would you go with?
9 months without a reply, here goes, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 over the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 and Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56 due to superior glass quality and turrets and already proven reliability plus the fact that they are currently on sale for cheaper than $600 delivered. Their lifetime warranty is by far, much better than Bushnell's and almost as bullet proof as Vortex VIPs' but not if you intentionally destroy your scope.
Anyone know how the new strike eagle 3-18 glass compares to the PST gen 2 3-15?
Review coming out soon
@@CDOES Sweet!
@@CDOES Will look forward to it! Thanks for all your time and effort on your videos. IMO best scope review channel!
Id like this on my Tikka X3 hunting .257 Weatherby Mag to replace the Nikon.
The Vortex horizontal crosshair is little cluttered.
The reticle on this thing makes me stressed out lol. Guess I’m not an HPVO guy
Strike Eagle reticle is to busy for me. Just my preferance.
Your review on the Strike Eagle 5-25x56 is pretty skewed. I did catch where you said you tested 2 scopes the same day, but yet in the back ground, i see leaves on the trees with the scope on the left, then look at the scope on the right, no leaves on the trees in the back ground. Plus you`re testing scopes not even in the same league with each other. The Arken EP-5 would have been the closer scope in comparison. That is, until you find out that the Arken EP-5 clarity goes in the dumpster as you get closer to 20x on up. The SE has far better glass, and a cleaner crisper reticle vs EP-5. Not to mention, the illuminated reticle in the SE SMOKES the EP-5. You can`t even see the illuminated reticle`s in the Arken`s during the day.
I'm guessing the Arken EP5 will go down to $399.
Close it's currently on sale for $397.49.
Strike eagles vs primary arms GLX the S/E is way crisper and way better construction primary is coming out with the 2023 GLX 4.5-27 n 3-18 and cause of the GLX I’ve owned in the past I’m keeping my S/E 5-25 n 1-8ffp and will buy the new S/E 3-18x44 instead of the pa 3-18x44 now I’m a big Schmidt bender n Steiner guy and now have stopped buy Primary arms optics for my econo and stick with the winner Vortex
Omg People and their Judgement on this Scope is Crazy, like Man its a Scope not a $6000 Digital Camera,
Can you Identify what your Lookin At (Yes)
Is it Clear Enough (Yes)
Does it do what it was intended for (Yes)
Then give me a break with this haze and image falling off and lack of contrast, ITS A SCOPE, NOT A CAMERA.
Only thing better than the eagle is the eagle
You could be a Senator making profound statements like that.
@@stevennewman4778 apparently 🤦🏻♂️
Durability is still the biggest question
If durability is the primary concern, the best option would be a "like new store demo" Nightforce NX8 from a retailer like Euro Optic. The budget tier scopes are not made with durability as a primary design objective. The Strike Eagle is a budget alternative to the Vortex Viper PST, which is a budget alternative to the Vortex Razor HD.
It is a real life gamble with Chinese made Vortex scopes and even their Philippines made ones as well.
I've already tried a lot of different brands of scopes of many different price points and the only Chinese made scopes that really seems to be reliable are the Athlon Midas Tac 6-24x and Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x based on first hand experience and lots and lots of satisfied user reviews including competition shooters. I wouldn't doubt their even more expensive Ares ETR would fare very well in regards to reliability as well but I probably won't ever buy one due to negative value per dollar spent for Chinese made optic when the Japan made Cronus BTR Gen 2 can be bought on sale for around the same price or just a little more money if you shop around. I own a Cronus BTR as well and the Ares BTR Gen 2 is actually pretty close at more than half the cost even closer to triple the cost depends where you buy from and appreciate just how much lighter they are.
I broke one in under 100 rounds of 300WM at the range shooting on bags, just from recoil - no bumps. I perceived a cartoonish “boing” and found that it could no longer be focused at 100 yards.
I returned that and got sent a new one. It is impossible to zero, like three shot groups will put the first two touching or dang close, then the third shot will be two to four inches away. I also have the Venom 5-25, and it seems to do the same thing to a lesser extent on a 6.5 creed. I wouldn’t use these on anything but a .22 range toy.
@@koscheithedeathless1838 Sounds like you need a SWFA SS 3-15x42. Those are built tough and reliable.
@@commonsense5709Do you know if it’s as tough as the 3-9 that you can’t actually buy anywhere? I’m about to glue a shotgun bead on this tikka barrel because I think it would shoot just as well with some practice.
Seems promising, but I would rather save $200-$300 bucks more and wait for a viper PST sale 🫠
The Viper PST 2 can be had for around $600 if you shop around.
If given the choice, I'd much rather buy the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 for under $600 delivered from certain legitimate online stores at the lowest prices.
I've had better luck with certain Athlon scopes such as their Midas Tac and Ares BTR Gen 2 in regards to much better image quality and reliability with perfect spot on totally repeatable tracking when compared to other brands.