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The Sightron range really are hard to go past for the money but the turrets are outdated but, have excellent feel and the glass is clear.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

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.

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

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!

https://zer-ostop.com

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

Just what I've been hoping to find in aftermarket land...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SlimySquirrel

https://zer-ostop.com

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Yep - thats the one I'm getting

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

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.

Quote:

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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

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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...

Those Clearidge scopes are made in Japan too.

Quote:

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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

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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

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.

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.

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.