Element Optics Helix Gen 2

When I first pick up a rifle scope that does not come from one of three or four "known" brands, my first thought is, alright, how many features did they add to make up for the lack of glass quality? 

That was the case when I looked through the Element Helix Gen 2. Douglas was going to test the big hoss, the Nexus Gen 2, which has an MSRP of $2199.99, and I chose to see what Element was capable of producing at the more approachable price point of $559. This model of the Helix Gen 2 is the 6-24x50 FFP with APR-1C MRAD (mil) reticle.

I expected there to be some differences, sure, but I expected the disparity to be MUCH greater. As I mentioned, the tendency of many (and there are many) "budget" rifle scope manufacturers is to bury the optical system in features. Truthfully, it's a great strategy to add as much value as you can, where you can, and offset the often-unchangeable reality that most rifle scopes under $1000 are made from the same optical components.

The Helix Gen 2, however, is different. It is jam-packed with features and accessories that many companies only include on scopes that are double the price. The short list reads like the modern rifle scope's greatest hits: Locking turrets, solid zero-stop, capped or uncapped windage with optional hardware included, a variety of FFP and SFP reticles, a huge amount of elevation travel (65 MOA or 18.9 MRAD), a whole box full of extra goodies like flip-open lens covers and more.

(I'm the photographer, so Brody graciously offered to be the model)

On top of the generous feature list, the optical system surpasses any scope I've looked through in this price range. That's no surprise considering the scope's origins. The founders and developers of Element Optics have extremely impressive resumes. In short, the "about" page on the Element website is littered with terms such as "PRS, benchrest, military career, private contractor, Somalia," and so on.

Those are the types of backgrounds you want to see when researching an optics company and its products. Real-world experience is often touted, but also often exaggerated. Element Optics is not made up of folks who are in the business to create marketable products. It's made up of folks who know what they (and you) need in a scope, not just what they think you will buy. Sweden wouldn't have been my first answer when asked about countries with a reputation for great optics, but the idea is quickly growing on me.

The dedication to testing and performance evaluation at Element has the air of something special about it. Some optics companies refuse to compromise simply because of their reputation. Element does not have decades (or centuries) of pedigree to rest on. Like a Sangin Instruments or Ares in a world of Rolexes, Element has no choice but to produce great products that offer tremendous value.

Back to the optical system. Element has massively upgraded the Gen 2 optical system from the original with HD glass. I have tried for several months to equate this to another product line, and I think I have finally figured it out. The glass is not in the "S" tier (if, like me, your general rating scale is based on tiered ranking graphics). In those terms, rankings are alphabetical, and "S" sits above "A" in what I consider the "untouchable" category. "S" tier implies near perfection. Think: Swarovski Z8 or Kahles K line. The "A" tier, for me, includes things like Swarovski's Z5+/Z6, the Leica PRS, the Zeiss LRP, and so on.

For me, the Helix Gen 2 fits neatly within the "B" group. This means that the optics are good enough that it is completely usable for any scenario, and clarity is plenty good to identify targets and shoot at the maximum ranges of most modern rifles. Most higher-end scopes fall into this category, and that's one of the most interesting things about the Helix. It's available for at least $1000 less than the scopes I feel most inclined to compare it to. This scope holds its own with models like the Leupold VX-6, Mark 5HD, and Zeiss's Conquest line.

The scope that it most reminds me of is the Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50, an optic that costs a few hundred dollars more. In their product information, Matt Dubber explains that the glass in these scopes is sourced from "very reputable suppliers in Germany." So, there is likely some truth behind that impression. However, the V4 is only available in SFP, while the Helix is offered in both SFP and FFP.

This one is FFP with the APR-1C MRAD reticle. I've found this reticle very easy to interpret throughout the magnification range, and it gives me the best of simple FFP holds without the excess noise of some more complicated ones. If you're a hardcore holdover shooter, there are several other great reticle options, too.

Legacy carries a lot of weight, and rightly so. Companies like Leupold, Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss are known entities. They feel safe. That said, there's a point where broadening your options to something entirely new and exciting becomes viable, maybe even preferable, and I believe Element is waiting to meet you with a great product when you're ready.