Arken EP-8: Budget LPVO Review

Estimated studying time: 10 minutes

Arken launched its EP-8 1-8X28 LPVO scope in July 2023. After practically a yr available on the market, I lastly had the chance to get hands-on with one for this overview. Key options embrace a primary focal aircraft (FFP) reticle and Arken’s illuminated KL BOX Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) reticle. Designed to boost pace and accuracy in each close-quarter fight (CQC) and extended-range engagements, the EP-8 gives a real 1x magnification at its lowest setting, guaranteeing a large subject of view and fast goal acquisition.

Arken EP-8 Specs:

Magnification: 1-8x Goal Diameter: 28mm Eye Aid: 3.74 inches FOV (Subject of View) at 1x: 121.15′ 22 deg FOV (Subject of View) at 8x: 14.56′ 2.78 deg Tube Dimension: 34mm Turret Adjustment: 1/4 MOA Reticle Place: FFP (First Focal Airplane) Reticle Particulars: BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) – KLBOX (Identified Size Field) Elevation Adjustment Vary: 110 MOA Windage Adjustment Vary: 110 MOA Illuminated Reticle: Pink Throw Lever: Built-in / Detachable Weight: 21oz. Coloration: Matte Black Battery (Not Included): CR2032 Flip-Its Included: Sure Sunshade Included: No

EP-8 Out of the Field

From the manufacturing facility, Arken provides all needed equipment for this scope, apart from the rings themselves. Included within the field are flip-up lens covers (rubber lens cowl proven as an alternative), an built-in/detachable throw lever, and the scope itself. Nonetheless, it’s value noting that the battery (CR2032) for the illuminated reticle isn’t included.

Mount

For this overview, I paired the EP-8 with the Arken ARP-34Z (0 MOA) mount. This cantilever-style mount, designed for 34mm tubes, gives a top of 1.5 inches and weighs 5.9 ounces. The ARKEN OPTICS Inflexible Precision mount gives practically 2.5 inches of ahead extension, which is right for attaining higher eye aid on AR-style platforms. Absolutely CNC machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, these mounts guarantee good precision and tolerances.

Arken Optics recommends a most torque setting of 18 in/lbs for the ring screws and 30 in/lbs for the bottom screws. These values are conveniently engraved on the mount, which I discover very useful. Nonetheless, at all times confer with the optic producer’s specs, as they take priority over Arken’s Halo Rings torque specs for the scope rings.

Reticle

For me, the reticle is essentially the most intriguing facet of a scope. Whereas high quality glass and different options are essential, the reticle can considerably influence the taking pictures expertise. The KL BOX reticle, designed for frequent 5.56 and seven.62 cartridges, facilitates fast focusing on and fast holdovers. The reticle’s outer numerical markers signify distances in yards, with every interval denoting 100-yard increments beginning at 400 yards. Moreover, wind maintain dots adjoining to every quantity point out holds for 7mph wind for five.56 and 10mph wind for 7.62, enhancing probabilities of getting hits heading in the right direction in various situations. 

You will need to be aware that that is primarily based upon a 50/200 yard zero and is barely going to be spot on with a really particular spherical and barrel size. Arken doesn’t even specify what velocity these holdovers are primarily based on however says that 62gr and 77gr 556 ammunition and 168gr and 178gr 7.62 ammunition ought to be true out to 800 yards. This depends upon barrel size, however the KL BOX reticle is designed to get you near your goal and quick similar to ACOGS.

First Focal Airplane Design

A key benefit of the primary focal aircraft (FFP) reticle within the EP-8 is that holdovers stay constant throughout all magnification settings. This characteristic ensures that shooters can depend on correct holds, whether or not on the minimal 1x or most 8x magnification. The KL BOX reticle’s design simplifies distance estimation and fast goal acquisition, making it a extremely efficient device in dynamic environments.

In close-quarter situations, the EP-8 works properly with its true 1x magnification. The scope permits for each eyes to stay open, offering situational consciousness and fast goal acquisition. The illuminated reticle, with its crimson illumination, enhances distinction and visibility, significantly in low-light situations. Nonetheless, you will need to be aware that whereas the reticle illumination is helpful, it will not be “daylight vivid” within the brightest situations. 

Arken EP-8 Illumination

To assist present enhanced visibility in any lighting situation, the Arken EP-8 contains a daylight-visible, externally adjustable illuminated reticle. The illumination turret is conveniently positioned reverse the windage turret for simple entry. Adjusting the illumination is easy: rotate the exterior dial to pick from settings 1 via 9 for various depth, with 0 representing the off place. This scope additionally has two NV settings which I’m not positive when or how they need to be used. They’re too dim for a clip-on NV or thermal gadget, and getting NV goggles to see via a scope could be very tough. Additionally, at most brightness, the middle horseshoe can wash out on well-lit or vivid targets. Nonetheless, the out circle helps maintain your focus permitting you to kind of guess the place that center zero goes to be. 

The illuminated reticle is powered by a single CR2032 battery. To preserve battery life, at all times make sure the scope is ready to 0 when not in use. There aren’t any off positions between the illuminated ones so simply dial again. Not like crimson dots, LPVO batteries usually solely final for round 100 hours or so. 

Ranging

The KL BOX Reticle permits for utilizing reference factors like shoulders, torso, and head to assist gauge distance rapidly. Designed for fast engagements, this reticle simplifies distance estimation throughout the 1X-8X vary, facilitating quicker approximated ranges and corresponding elevation holds.

Turrets

Turrets on the EP-8 supply 1/4 MOA changes for each windage and elevation. Changes are barely mushy, but they nonetheless pop into place. The turrets are additionally capped to stop unintended adjustments. The elevation and windage have a complete of 110 MOA adjustment vary. As soon as zeroed, I had roughly half of that, or 55 MOA of potential elevation I might dial if wanted. With the reticle this scope has, I made a decision to carry for pictures as an alternative of dialing them anyway. Relating to LPVOs, they’re made for pace so dialing in pictures is an choice, simply not the almost definitely for use. 

Magnification and Readability

The EP-8’s magnification vary from 1x to 8x gives useability for a variety of taking pictures functions. At 1x, the scope features successfully as a red-dot sight, whereas at 8x, it gives ample magnification for medium-range engagements. The built-in throw lever permits for fast and easy transitions between magnification settings, guaranteeing that shooters can adapt to altering conditions effortlessly. 

Wanting via the scope at 1X magnification it seems that the internal 40% is obvious, nonetheless, the outer 30% on both sides, or roughly 60% of the sphere of view is blurry and distorted. When zoomed in to round 4X the distortion largely disappears. 

Testing the Arken EP-8

All through my testing, the Arken EP-8 1-8X28 LPVO carried out respectably. I paired it with a ten.5″ Brownells BRN-180s and shot rapidly at shut ranges and out to round 200 yards. At 1X, the middle level of the reticle was a bit tough to see, however the outer ring made it simple to approximate my intention. The reticle facilitated fast goal acquisition, and regardless of the minor problem at 1X, the optic proved efficient for each shut and mid-range engagements. I like the FFP design, and I discover the holdovers easy and fast to make use of. Simply beware that they gained’t be precisely proper for all bullets relying on the pace at which they’re shifting.

READ MORE: Vortex Viper 1-6 King of the Mid-Tier?

Abstract of the EP-8

General, the Arken EP-8 1-8X28 LPVO stands out as a reasonably strong finances different to higher-end LPVOs already available on the market. Though there may be fairly a little bit of distortion, for the cash I nonetheless suppose it’s a compelling selection in its worth vary. The mix of a fantastic first focal aircraft reticle, and large magnification vary makes it a formidable selection. With an MSRP of $399 and a present sale worth of $299, it’s as much as you to resolve if the EP-8 is a worthy addition to your arsenal. 

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