FWIW I got my Athlon Ares referenced above today. Initial impression is very good.
I have been using a Sig Oscar 7 for about 4 years and enjoy the eye box and clarity. I do very well with trace and impacts at distance. But I have really been wanting a Mil reticle with .2 hash marks. For $675, including the additional 24 fixed mil eye piece, I decided to give the Athlon a try.
Side by side not a lot of difference in clarity in good light, focus is crisp, colors decent. Depth of field seems a little tight on the Athlon. The mil reticle is exactly what I was looking for.
Two semi minor wish list items. More eye relief on the Athlon....can't look through my glasses, I need to get my eye closer. And, move the horizontal stadia to the bottom third.
All in all a very solid optic for the price! To the range next week and a match at the end of the month. I am interested to see how it does. If it disappoints, there is always the Swaro STR-80....
ZY