Arken vs. Element Optics

Element scopes do have sales but usually close outs on old models.

I have a Helix that I like a lot, but I prefer my several Arkens. The turrets on the Arkens are some of the best in the industry no matter the cost. If you use an air rifle at extended distances reliable tracking is paramount. The Helix glass is pretty good and the reticle is nice for doping quickly but the extra cost takes it out of the discussion for me. I also had a Titan for a while and it was a nice scope too, but again the much higher price steers me right back to Arken. Athlon makes some really great performance value scopes too. If I were to buy anything other than an Arken today, it would be a 2-12x Helos BTR Gen 2 Mil.

That being said this only applies to the higher grade Arkens with the better Japanese glass, EPL4, EP5. I have some 4-16x SH4 Gen 2 also that I love but the image quality is a step lower. The SH4 series still has the great turrets so I would absolutely recommend them if you dont mind the weight. The ones to avoid would be the newer LH series and the cheaper LVPO.

I have the Arken SH4 4-16X50 (Gen 1) and an Element Helix 6-24X50. The Helix has a 30mm tube, the Arkin has a 34mm tube. Both ate clear and have good retinals. But, compared to the Helix, the Arken SH4 is a beast! It's a good bit heavier (34 oz v. 26 oz) and even though it was $100 cheaper than the Element, I find I prefer the Element more because it's lighter and doesn't weigh down my airguns like the Arken. I had the Arken mounted on my LCS Sk-19 for a while and felt it needed to be turret mounted to be usable due to the weight!

dormitionskete said:

Well, the Arken EPL4 is huge, but it's incredibly light. And despite its size, it's still shorter and lighter than its Athlon, Blackhound, Element Optics, and Hawke counterparts. Only Hawke's compact model is shorter and lighter -- but only slightly so for considerably more money.

So, apart from the weight, is there anything the Helix offers better than Arken?

I appreciate your feedback!

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The Element tool-less turret caps are kinda nice. You can reset your zero by hand, dont have to search your case for that tiny allen wrench. And although subjective some people find the Element reticle better than the Arkens. I like both brands reticle choices myself.

I have both and the only thing definitively better about the Element is they make SFP. The eye box on my Element also seems tighter. Really only noticeable in hunting situations. I will never buy a Arken again until they make a SFP. If they ever do, I might wind up with 5 of them. My Helix has been a great scope for years. Lots of dialing for shots and never an issue. But it’s currently not on any guns because it got bumped by a lighter Athlon that does everything it does with less weight and overall dimensions. My Arken bounced from gun to gun until it found a home on a gun that’s light enough to handle it’s additional weight an that will only be shot on or near max magnification due to being FFP. I also am not a fan of the zero stop on Arken but it’s not a deal breaker.

Had Elements FFPs, got Arkins and sold the elements. Neither are good or bad but I just preferred the Arken Reticles and dials, big positive clicks. My complaint about the Arken's is the set screws come loose, I really need some purple locktite on them

I own three Arkens, 2 ELP 4-16, and one unmounted 6-24. I like the IQ of the glass for my aging eyes.