LPVO Comparison: Arrowhead vs. Tomahawk II

As a consumer, having options is great. However, deciding between two products can be difficult when features and price point are similar. You may find this especially relatable if you’re in the market for a low power variable optic (LPVO), like Swampfox Arrowhead or Tomahawk II.

We break down similarities and differences between the two second focal plane (SFP) LPVOs below, comparing construction, magnification ranges, and reticle offerings, and illumination colors. If you prefer to start with reticles, you can jump over to our LPVO Reticle Guide.

For nearly five years, Arrowhead has been one of the sharpest LPVOs in our quiver. Available in three SFP magnification ranges spanning 6x to 10x and three illuminated reticles, its wide field of view (FOV), clear resolution, and precision turrets have afforded it lasting staying power like native bows and arrows used for centuries. It may not be our newest low power variable optic, but it remains as reliable as ever.

Though its predecessor preceded Arrowhead as our first riflescope, the second-generation Tomahawk II is the latest evolution of Swampfox LPVOs. Offered in 1-4x and 1-6x variants, Tomahawk II continues its legacy with sharpened glass clarity, tactical and protected turrets, and our brightest reticle yet in four distinct colors. We don’t just listen to customer feedback – we implement it, and Tomahawk II is the end result.

CONSTRUCTION

Arrowhead

Arrowhead is built on a 6061 aluminum 30mm tube with 24mm fully multi-coated objective lens. Measuring 10.7” long and weighing 20.4 oz. (1-6x variant), Arrowhead is IPX7-rated and tested to 1,110 G forces to withstand both weather and recoil. Tactical push/pull locking elevation and windage turrets feature zero reset with a diameter of 32mm. Fine knurling can be found across the magnification assembly, rear diopter, and both turrets for positive purchase and easy adjustment.

Tomahawk II

Sporting a matching 30mm diameter tube and 24mm objective lens, Tomahawk II is constructed from the same higher-strength 6061 aluminum as Arrowhead despite the original Tomahawk being made from 6063 alloy. Combined with multi-coated, anti-fog, and hydrophobic lenses, this translates to greater durability on the range and in the field despite an optical package slightly shorter (10.6”) while weighing marginally heavier (20.6 oz.). Elevation features locking push/pull functionality with zero reset while windage is capped for protection against bumps and drops. Knurling is noticeably larger on the mag ring and turrets for enhanced controls, though rear diopter texturing is finer.

MAGNIFICATION

Arrowhead

Arrowhead is offered in three versatile magnifications: 1-6x, 1-8x, and 1-10x. Easily range from close-quarters to beyond 600 yards (pending magnification) with field of view from roughly 20’ (1-6x) to 12’ (1-10x) at 100 yards. Magnification increases when turning counterclockwise with an included removable throw lever fin.

Tomahawk II

While Arrowhead occupies the higher end of the LPVO magnification range spectrum, Tomahawk II commands the bottom. Unlike its predecessor, the second-generation LPVO is only offered in 1-4x and 1-6x magnifications, making Arrowhead the only 1-8x SFP LPVO in our lineup – for now. Still, Tomahawk II is more than capable of reaching beyond 400 yards with an FOV at 100 yards of roughly 34’ and 21’, respectively. Magnification also operates counterclockwise with a removable throw lever ring.

RETICLES

Arrowhead

Arrowhead is available with three second focal plane reticles: Guerrilla Dot BDC Long, Guerrilla Dot MOA Long, and Guerrilla Dot MIL Long. Each glass-etched reticle combines red dot speed and extended range precision with bright illumination and rapid ranging holdovers.

The Guerrilla Dot BDC Long reticle is calibrated for standard 5.56 NATO and .308 Win/7.62 NATO loads. A 1 MOA center dot is encompassed by an 18 MOA horseshoe with three-direction crosshairs and ranging hashmarks and chevrons.

The Arrowhead Guerrilla Dot MOA Long reticle consists of a broken 20 MOA horseshoe surrounding a 1 MOA center dot. Ranging crosshairs in each direction, including a 32 MOA ladder at 6 o’clock, offer holdovers of 10, 20, and 30 MOA.

Unlike the others, Guerrilla Dot MIL Long makes use of heavy duplex lines to draw in the shooter’s eye toward an illuminated ring and center dot. MIL ladders extend 2.5-5.0 MILs in each direction to account for wind and bullet drop

Tomahawk II

The SFP Tomahawk II is available with Guerrilla Dot BDC or brand-new Bright Fiber Optic (BFO) reticles. Simple and clean, both glass-etched reticles feature illuminated and non-illuminated components for engaging short to medium-range targets.

Simplifying Arrowhead’s BDC Long reticle, the Guerrilla Dot BDC takes aim with a small 2 MOA/1MOA center dot (pending magnification) and 23 MOA horseshoe with 4 MOA crosshairs. A short MOA ladder below compensates for bullet drop of 5.56 NATO and .308 Win/7.62 NATO rounds.

Exclusively offered with Tomahawk II, the Bright Fiber Optic reticle optimizes optical fiber technology to deliver blazing center point illumination in any light. Duplex lines converge at the center with 30 MOA of horizontal and vertical ranging at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions.

ILLUMINATION

Arrowhead

All three Arrowhead reticles can be had in red or green illumination. Powered by a single side-load CR2023 battery, 12 brightness settings (two night vision-compatible) offer anytime indoor or outdoor illumination with intermittent off to further extend battery life. Its etched reticles can also be used without illumination.

Arrowhead is currently one of only two LPVOs on the market offered with 1-10x magnification and green illumination, making it ideal for shooters with astigmatism.

Tomahawk II

Tomahawk II also offers 12 brightness settings (two NV-compatible) with intermittent off positions powered by a side-load CR2032 battery. However, while its Guerrilla Dot BDC is available with standard red or green illumination, the nuclear-bright BFO reticle is currently offered in four: red, green, amber, and blue – the latter a first-time color for Swampfox. Amber is more orange-tone than yellow (like that of our Blade 1x prism), but remains a great option for those who may be color blind or have color deficiencies.

Though only the center point is illuminated, the Bright Fiber Optic is our brighter reticle yet, even direct sunlight, thanks to internal reflection. Tomahawk II is currently one of roughly 20 riflescopes on the market utilizing optical fiber reticle technology.

SPECIFICATIONS

From the range to the field, competition to combat, both Swampfox Arrowhead and Tomahawk II SFP LPVOs excel in any scenario. Their rugged construction, superior glass clarity, versatile magnification ranges, glass-etched reticles, and bright illumination deliver speed, precision, and durability for seamless target tracking, rapid transitions, anytime shooting, and reliability you can trust at short, medium, and long range without the need for complicated calculations.

Which is best? We’ll let you decide. Try Swampfox optics risk-free with our 30-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee. If you’re not happy within 30 days, simply return the optic and exchange it for another or a full refund. Plus, orders over $300 ship free – including all LPVOs!

Shop Swampfox Arrowhead

Shop Swampfox Tomahawk II

But what about our Warhorse 1-6x FFP LPVO? Learn how it also compares to Tomahawk II in our recent video and determine which Swampfox low power variable optic is right for you.

Shop Swampfox Warhorse

Shop Swampfox LPVOs