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The Sightron range really are hard to go past for the money but the turrets are outdated but, have excellent feel and the glass is clear.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


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?