Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27x50 Good value?

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11-12-2017, 12:42 PM
SlimySquirrel

1 Attachment(s)

Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27x50 Good value?

A a mate is on his way from the USA with a cheeky little order thanks to Amazon.

Whilst searching for a "High value for the money" scope I cam across a couple of options.

I wanted a 30mm tube, Zero stop, 20+ Power, Locking turrets, useable reticle for small varmints at longer ranges, windage and elevation dials that have a positive click, decent glass/FOV and 50mm objective.

Budget was roughly $1300 NZD so that ruled out most of the Nightforce and Bushnell options I was after.

Man, like most people, once you start the search for the "perfect" allrounder then you end up spinning in circles reading reviews that say good and bad... changing your mind ten times, going way off course and over budget, then finally coming back to the original intended use and budget!

I wanted a new scope unless I could snare a Nightforce for $1400-$1500 but that would be an NXS early model... I sold mine for $1500 but the buyer didn't want to sell it back....

Enter the Athlon Ares BTR, The Vortex PST Gen 2 5-25x50 and the Sightron SIII range.

The Vortex was just too expensive right now. It was $950 USD everywhere I looked so just took it past the threshold. Problem being, I have looked through one, want one, need one but it's just a bit too much! The turrets according to all the reviews are top notch better than all others with the exception of the NF models.

The Sightron range really are hard to go past for the money but the turrets are outdated but, have excellent feel and the glass is clear.

The Athlon really looks good from a specs point of view. The reviews suggest the turrets are a bit soft and "mushy" compared to the PST but it has an excellent Zero stop, the glass is only just behind the PST and the mag range is excellent.
The other bonus is FFP. The etched Reticle looks fantastic and should be fine enough for precise placement at longer ranges, but we will see...

It's an ugly duckling though. I know many people aren't too bothered by the look but it is what it is. As long as it's clear and precise for the $850 USD it ticks nearly all the boxes.
Attachment 79765

I'll do a proper review when it lands and I can test it out. The tracking is supposed to be excellent but again, we will see!

Interestingly enough, the Cronus BTR looks excellent value and even better value when the USD falls again.

Anyone got one or had any experience?
11-12-2017, 02:42 PM
quentin

Was looking at something similar when I was in the US, and the side by side of the Athlon vs the Sightron SIII sent me down the Sightron Path. The lack of a Zero Stop, is only a shim away on the SIII, so I wasn't that worried.
11-12-2017, 02:53 PM
Carpe Diem

Hi Quentin - Having two Sightron's myself I'd be really keen to understand how to shim them with a zero-stop? anywhere you can point me???

Cheers
11-12-2017, 03:00 PM
SlimySquirrel

Mate I think it's zero stop .com or something similar.

Pretty keen to see what the resolution is like. You can't get a great idea from YouTube!
11-12-2017, 03:00 PM
SlimySquirrel

https://zer-ostop.com
11-12-2017, 03:11 PM
Carpe Diem

Superb :thumbsup:- Thanks Mr Squirrel! Most appreciated will take a wee look...

Just what I've been hoping to find in aftermarket land...
11-12-2017, 03:46 PM
quentin

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlimySquirrel

https://zer-ostop.com

Yep - thats the one I'm getting
11-12-2017, 03:52 PM
Ryan_Songhurst

What happened to clearidge scopes? They were the rage for a while there for good quality well priced scopes with good dials etc, don't hear about them anymore?
If I remember right they are basically a bushy elite 6500 with better turrets and half the price tag
11-12-2017, 04:51 PM
SlimySquirrel

Interesting. I actually forgot about the Huskemaw scopes but they dont tickle me for some reason.
The Sightrons turrets can also be upgraded with an after market option but that makes it a Rudolph tactical.
11-12-2017, 05:02 PM
SlimySquirrel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

What happened to clearidge scopes? They were the rage for a while there for good quality well priced scopes with good dials etc, don't hear about them anymore?
If I remember right they are basically a bushy elite 6500 with better turrets and half the price tag

I just checked the web site.

The specs look good and would be a good option for the young lad when we replace the Nikko Stirling.... unless a Cronus BTR finds its way to my place...
11-12-2017, 05:36 PM
SlimySquirrel

Those Clearidge scopes are made in Japan too.
11-12-2017, 05:41 PM
Tahr

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

What happened to clearidge scopes? They were the rage for a while there for good quality well priced scopes with good dials etc, don't hear about them anymore?
If I remember right they are basically a bushy elite 6500 with better turrets and half the price tag

They are an Opticzone brand. They still sell them and they are still a good value clicky 'scope. Very similar to bushy 6500 and from what I recall come out of the same factory. Ive had a couple and have been pleased.

https://www.theopticzone.com/shop-al...opes-c25250499
11-12-2017, 07:53 PM
quentin

1 Attachment(s)

A pic through the SIII at 32x magnification. Overcast at 19:30, so not bright daylight conditions. Deer at at 1010M

Attachment 79776

I can clearly see the yellow ear tags in the farm animals. This is an interesting game when the wild stags come up to the fences.
11-12-2017, 09:12 PM
Dermastor

Mate spend a bit more and get the scope you want why throw money at a Chinese made scope with a questionable warrantee from a company that not many of us know anything about its just wasted money. Get the Vortex they have a warrantee that you can't break.
12-12-2017, 12:09 AM
SlimySquirrel

It's already bought mate.

I actually just spent all I had on this... potentially a bit more than I should have.

I'm not scared to try new things out and I have researched it pretty well too. Nothing questionable about the company or warranty from what I've read.
They're trying to win new customers and I'm sure like Vortex the gen 2 stuff will be a mile better.
12-12-2017, 04:24 PM
NZVarminter

I initially evaluated the SFP Midas 4.5-27 but was dissapointed in it, but then tried the FFP Ares.

I've now put the Ares 4.5-27 alongside an old vortex viper 6.5-20 and Zeiss MC 6.5-20 (better than the HD5) in my jig that holds all three rigid so you can propertly evaluate the optics.

The Ares is significantly better than the Midas I tried first. Not quite as bright as the Zeiss, but not far behind, but there is more chromatic aberration on the Zeiss than with the Ares. Looking at the USFA test chart, the black square is blacker in middle in the center of zeiss lense, but lighter colour towards the edges. The Ares is not so stark black at the center, but consistent across the width of the lense.

The eye box is not overly sensitive to eye position like the Midas.

I think the 10 mils per rotation (34 MOA) on the turrets is a big ask with a 30mm tube as the increments are very small, so the clicks are a bit soft, but I have done a tracking test (in another jig) out to 10 mils and its tracks perfectly. This also showed up that both my Zeiss don’t track to the graduations (27.5 for 28 IPHY)!

At 27x I can resolve more detail than the MC at 20x, whereas with my Zeiss HD5 at 25x I cannot resolve any more detail than the MC at 20x.

I was concerned the FFP reticle may be too thick at higher power, but its 0.041 mils which is 0.16" a@ 100m, whereas my Zeiss MC is 0.125" @100m at 20x so not too dissimilar. I've shot bunnies out to 450m (and missed at 650m) with it and its not too thick. Downside is it is pretty fine at 4.5x but still usable.

Cheers

Grant
12-12-2017, 04:26 PM
NZVarminter

I initially evaluated the SFP Midas 4.5-27 but was dissapointed in it, but then tried the FFP Ares.

I've now put the Ares 4.5-27 alongside an old vortex viper 6.5-20 and Zeiss MC 6.5-20 (better than the HD5) in my jig that holds all three rigid so you can propertly evaluate the optics.

The Ares is significantly better than the Midas I tried first. Not quite as bright as the Zeiss, but not far behind, but there is more chromatic aberration on the Zeiss than with the Ares. Looking at the USFA test chart, the black square is blacker in middle in the center of zeiss lense, but lighter colour towards the edges. The Ares is not so stark black at the center, but consistent across the width of the lense.

The eye box is not overly sensitive to eye position like the Midas.

I think the 10 mils per rotation (34 MOA) on the turrets is a big ask with a 30mm tube as the increments are very small, so the clicks are a bit soft, but I have done a tracking test (in another jig) out to 10 mils and its tracks perfectly. This also showed up that both my Zeiss don’t track to the graduations (27.5 for 28 IPHY)!

At 27x I can resolve more detail than the MC at 20x, whereas with my Zeiss HD5 at 25x I cannot resolve any more detail than the MC at 20x.

I was concerned the FFP reticle may be too thick at higher power, but its 0.041 mils which is 0.16" a@ 100m, whereas my Zeiss MC is 0.125" @100m at 20x so not too dissimilar. I've shot bunnies out to 450m (and missed at 650m) with it and its not too thick. Downside is it is pretty fine at 4.5x but still usable.

Really like to put it alongside a Vortex PST Gen II

Cheers

Grant
12-12-2017, 04:45 PM
SlimySquirrel

Now that's a comprehensive test!!

The new PST is made in the Philippines and the Ares made in China. Neither made in Japan and that seems to be the measurement of where decent quality starts. Maybe the newer " HIGH value" scopes will continue the newer trend of decent optics out of the Chinese and Phillippene markets.
13-12-2017, 08:59 AM
SlimySquirrel

Quote:

Originally Posted by quentin

A pic through the SIII at 32x magnification. Overcast at 19:30, so not bright daylight conditions. Deer at at 1010M

Attachment 79776

I can clearly see the yellow ear tags in the farm animals. This is an interesting game when the wild stags come up to the fences.

Just had a look at this photo on my PC.

Surely you could hit one of those Magpies with a .22 at that range.......:thumbsup:

You'd just need 4.2 million minutes of elevation!!

Great example of the Sightron SIII too.
13-12-2017, 09:17 AM
M..

Some athlon and Rudolph info.
This guy seams to know his stuff.

https://youtu.be/Q1ldMtOoOwI

Sent from my SM-J500Y using Tapatalk
13-12-2017, 10:25 AM
Double Shot

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZVarminter

I initially evaluated the SFP Midas 4.5-27 but was dissapointed in it, but then tried the FFP Ares.

I've now put the Ares 4.5-27 alongside an old vortex viper 6.5-20 and Zeiss MC 6.5-20 (better than the HD5) in my jig that holds all three rigid so you can propertly evaluate the optics.

The Ares is significantly better than the Midas I tried first. Not quite as bright as the Zeiss, but not far behind, but there is more chromatic aberration on the Zeiss than with the Ares. Looking at the USFA test chart, the black square is blacker in middle in the center of zeiss lense, but lighter colour towards the edges. The Ares is not so stark black at the center, but consistent across the width of the lense.

The eye box is not overly sensitive to eye position like the Midas.

I think the 10 mils per rotation (34 MOA) on the turrets is a big ask with a 30mm tube as the increments are very small, so the clicks are a bit soft, but I have done a tracking test (in another jig) out to 10 mils and its tracks perfectly. This also showed up that both my Zeiss don’t track to the graduations (27.5 for 28 IPHY)!

At 27x I can resolve more detail than the MC at 20x, whereas with my Zeiss HD5 at 25x I cannot resolve any more detail than the MC at 20x.

I was concerned the FFP reticle may be too thick at higher power, but its 0.041 mils which is 0.16" a@ 100m, whereas my Zeiss MC is 0.125" @100m at 20x so not too dissimilar. I've shot bunnies out to 450m (and missed at 650m) with it and its not too thick. Downside is it is pretty fine at 4.5x but still usable.

Really like to put it alongside a Vortex PST Gen II

Cheers

Grant

Grant, @NZVarminter I'm home on the 27th, drop me a line or call me, I have a couple of versions of the Vortex Viper PST Gen II's if you want to have a look...

Not to far away from you... Cheers Craig
13-12-2017, 09:47 PM
SlimySquirrel

Quote:

Originally Posted by M..

Some athlon and Rudolph info.
This guy seams to know his stuff.

https://youtu.be/Q1ldMtOoOwI

Sent from my SM-J500Y using Tapatalk

He sure does mate.

That is where I got the Rudolph idea before researching the Athlon line. I'd be interested in his views on the Ares...good bad or ugly.
04-01-2018, 06:11 PM
SlimySquirrel

1 Attachment(s)

Well, the scope is in my hands.

First impressions are that the glass is good, clear (a little white) and the eyebox is friendly.

It seems easy enough to look through at full power (even with my wobbly hands) the clicks are not up to the PST Gen 2 but the build quality is good.

I also picked up some other treats guaranteed to make me a better shot.

The Tactical knob makes the gun more tactical. Everyone knows that the more Tacticool your gun is, the better it shoots. Obviously.

The Arisaka optic leveler should be just the ticket to get my cross hairs sorted therefore condemning anything in the super level cross hair to certain death. Especially when you throw in the high mag power of the Athlon Ares BTR.

I just need a heavy fluted barrel and a Shemag to complete the look...

Attachment 80642
17-05-2018, 05:04 PM
GWH

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlimySquirrel

He sure does mate.

That is where I got the Rudolph idea before researching the Athlon line. I'd be interested in his views on the Ares...good bad or ugly.

Ive been talking to Richard, he is currently testing the full Athlon range, and will have vids coming out soon. His comments to me about the Ares BTR are that it is a very very capable scope for the money and that i should like it.

Im looking forward to his video on them.