If you had to choose between Athlon and the Steiner (mount issues notwithstanding) which would you go with?
It isn't even a contest. The laser puts it in another league and you can't disregard the mount. That is like saying - disregarding cats being from the devil, which do you prefer - cats or dogs?
They are not the same species between the mount and laser. The Steiner clip Burris adaption isn't a real solution. If I could hit the Steiner and turn it into the Athlon, I'd roll the dice based on first impressions and the clip situation specifically. With the Steiner, the mount is 75% of my gripe, 20% is the 2 year warranty, 5% is that the power button is not super well positioned if you slide your gun in and out of carriers - sometimes it will activate the camera, sometimes power up or down, but when you're aware of the possibility it is easy enough to be aware and check it.
The Athlon mounts exactly as you'd expect. I adjusted the tension to the rail and it seems to be solid and sufficient.
I believe it is a 5 year warranty vs 2 years.
I can put the Athlon in front of 32, 40, and 50mm objectives with zero drama.
The laser is super, super easy. One touch to activate, one touch to range. This is such a game changer in the dark.
I don't have any complaints about the resolution based on the limited use thus far - I plan to run side by sides with it once I'm more familiar. I suspect it is either as good as the Steiner or close enough that it still wins hands down based on the other factors.
I was using next to my NOX the first night before I'd even tried to zero and it seems like it is some adjustment away from being excellent.
