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Rifle Scopes Athlon Scopes

I just ordered a Cronus for an Anschutz 1416 AV T6M I also just ordered. Should be a fun combination. I will let you guys know what I think of it when I get some time behind it.
 
My Cronus BTR is on the Brown truck out for delivery today. Looking forward to finally running this scope!
 
Can any if you tell me anything about the talos 3-12x40, say compared to vortex crossfire ii

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 
Any word on the Ares shipping out? I'm am looking forward to some indepth comparisons to the pst Gen 2.
 
My Cronus came in Friday and I mounted it on my new Anschutz 22. I spent a few hours Saturday shooting it and I don't have any complaints.
 

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Two questions:

What does the "BTR" designation on each model indicate?

Which dealers here are the trusted source for Athlon optics?
 
Bright Tactical Reticle = BTR. Basically means the scope has illumination.

You could pick any one of the Athlon dealers here and be GTG.

The 2.5-15 Ares should be shipping in the next few weeks. That was the last schedule update.





 
I have no idea who the dealers here are, but to be fair, I haven't been following the Athlon stuff very closely.
The new Ares looks interesting but I will sit that out to see how the release fairs.
The Chronos BTR has my attention due to the feature set and reviews and I have a rifle that needs glass of that power range at the moment.

Anybody notice how similar the Athlon website is to the Vortex website? Coincidence?
 
The Ares line is really selling well even with the Gen 2 pst releasing. The orders keep coming in.

As for the website, they are probably using the same host which means same layout options.
 
Got my Argos BTR back from Athlon. They sent a new one with the updated turrets and Parallax fix some were talking about. Clicks are loud and not mushy at all elevation or wind-age. Parallax works just fine and the reticle and illumination are perfect. I ordered the scope from Midway and the next day talked with Jason from Athlon. I had an email with a UPS shipping label sent and mailed the scope off on Wednesday and hand the new one on Monday! Shot it finally this last Friday and the scope tracks dead nuts on and glass is super clear. Very happy. It was so nice not to have to mess with Midway on getting the scope replaced. I'm going to keep with Athlon for a while. Really would like to try the Talos next for my .223 AR.
 
steve123 said:
Bright Tactical Reticle = BTR. Basically means the scope has illumination.

You could pick any one of the Athlon dealers here and be GTG.

The 2.5-15 Ares should be shipping in the next few weeks. That was the last schedule update.
Click to expand...

Both Chronos 4.5-29 scopes have illumination, yet one gets the BTR designation which doesn't jive with your explanation.
 
I went to the range the other day with my new JP LRP-07 in 6.5 Creedmoor and I decided to mount an Athlon Cronus 4.5-29 on it using a JP mount. To say I am happy with the performance of the rifle and scope is a complete understatement. I am not as good a shooter as some of you seem to be but I shot the best groups of my life. And I've been shooting a long time. I am 62 years young. Ammo was primarily Hornady 140gr. ELD Match ammo. I saved up for a long time to get this rifle and the Athlon Cronus 4.5-29 really brought out the best of the rifle.....and the shooter. Very happy Athlon customer..Someday I will learn how to post pictures here on the Hide.
 
With the Cronus on my .22LR it's fun watching the bullets punch through the target at 100 yards.

If anyone has any questions about the Cronus let me know. I'm taking it to the range Saturday and I can make note of anything specific you want. I can also compare it to a Vortex PST 6-24 FFP.
 
I am trying to keep up with the plethora of Athlon threads I am finding now, so forgive me if this information has been posted elsewhere. Why the new thread vs the old 43-page one? Just curious.

I have an Argos BTR 6-24 that I really do enjoy, and am looking to get a Helos BTR 6-24 and an Ares BTR 4.5-27.

Wondering if anyone has any experience with either? I think I read that the Ares is not yet shipping, but that there are some on the hands of testers.

Comments welcome, thanks.
 
steve123 said:
Bright Tactical Reticle = BTR. Basically means the scope has illumination.

You could pick any one of the Athlon dealers here and be GTG.

The 2.5-15 Ares should be shipping in the next few weeks. That was the last schedule update.
Click to expand...

As someone has already pointed out, the non-BTR Cronus has illumination, and I wanted to comment on that.
The Cronus 4.5-29x56 scope I recently sold to a friend has the best illumination of any scope I've owned, and I've owned quite a few midrange and alpha scopes.
To my eye, the illumination has 3 "ranges"; at the bottom are several levels suitable for nighttime, then there's a step up to the dusk/dawn levels, then another step up to several levels that are daylight bright. It does all this without any bleed, even at the shockingly bright highest illumination. I have a few gripes about the scope, but the illumination is not one of them.
 
scudzuki said:
As someone has already pointed out, the non-BTR Cronus has illumination, and I wanted to comment on that.
The Cronus 4.5-29x56 scope I recently sold to a friend has the best illumination of any scope I've owned, and I've owned quite a few midrange and alpha scopes.
To my eye, the illumination has 3 "ranges"; at the bottom are several levels suitable for nighttime, then there's a step up to the dusk/dawn levels, then another step up to several levels that are daylight bright. It does all this without any bleed, even at the shockingly bright highest illumination. I have a few gripes about the scope, but the illumination is not one of them.
Click to expand...

Joe,

What were your gripes with the Cronus? Were they resolved with the Cronus BTR?

Thanks.
 
eazy said:
Joe,

What were your gripes with the Cronus? Were they resolved with the Cronus BTR?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I had a 4.5-29x56 mil Cronus from I believe the 2nd shipment so it's possible some or all of my concerns have been addressed in current production units.

On the reticle, the full mil hashes aren't sufficiently different from the .2 mil hashes for quick sight acquisition, at least to my eyes.

Also, the stadia line weight is a bit on the wide side for target shooting, but it is a tactical reticle and works well for that.
I understand the challenge of designing a reticle for a high mag ratio (6x erector) FFP scope in that if the stadia are too thin, the reticle is almost invisible at low mag, and that's not the case with the APLR mil reticle. One way to offset any disadvantage of heavy stadia lines in an FFP scope at full mag is floating center dot. Overall it is a good reticle, especially for the first try.

I need reading glasses these days, and so the size of the numbers on the elevation knob is too small for me to read with a cheek weld. It's one thing if there's not enough real estate to fit larger numbers, such as on an MOA knob or one with 15 mil/rev, but my guess is the text size on the mil model carried over from the MOA model. There's room on the knob to easily double the size of the numbers.

Of course I think the detents on the turrets could be a bit firmer. With slippery grease on the o-ring the clicks become more audible and a bit less mushy, but at the expense of the knobs resistance to accidentally turning. The resistance the o-ring provides with the as-delivered tacky grease increased the knobs resistance to accidentally turning, but at the expense of the tactile feel of the clicks. The fix is stronger detent springs and a smaller cross section o-ring. Again, usable but not of the same level of quality as the rest of the scope.

I passed my feedback on to Trent at Athlon, from whom I bought the scope in the first place at a pretty nice discount.

I could have lived with the perceived "shortcomings" but I decided to standardize on the Minox ZP5 Tac scope on all of my bolt guns. Thankfully I only have 2 right now (an AIAX and a .223AI built on a TL2 action) so it didn't break the bank. I have nothing but praise for the optical performance and the tracking, the weight and size of the Cronus, and Athlon's interest in satisfying customers.
 
On the 4.5-29x56 Cronus BTR many of those listed shortcomings mentioned by scudzuki have been directly addressed starting with the first batch released. The turret numbers font size has been increased and the turrets have been improved with regards to tactile feel. Additionally, the number of markings on the parallax knob marking distances have been increased for those that care where it winds up. On mine, the distance markings matched up very closely to where parallax was dialed out.

Reticle has been modified from original Cronus model in an attempt to deal with prior mentioned concerns. I personally like the Cronus BTR reticle better. Illuminated reticle is excellent on both models.

Scope performed well on tall target test, requiring less than 2% click correction over a 10 mil range with repeatable return to original zero after significant dialing and windage corrections. I only tested windage to +/- 3 mils.
 
I just received a Argos BTR 6-24. I really like the scope. I would say the glass is comparable to a Sightron S-Tac 4-20 that I have, Which is really good. One thing I don't like is how easy the turrets turn. Has anyone found a way to make them stiffer?
 
heytonyman said:
Interested in the Talos BTR 4-14 for some mid range AR plinking. Anyone have some feedback on this model? Does it tunnel much on the low end?
Click to expand...
I have the Talos BTR and Argos BTR. For some reason the Talos looks to be clearer at closer ranges. Athlon are known for good value scopes. I have the Talos BTR on my Savage Mark II 22lr for tight groups and I can stretch the legs to 300 yrds. Great mid-range scope for an AR with the parallax asjustment. I would not recommend it for CQB like you would get from a 1x6 FFP scope.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

 
Triple D said:
Steve,

I'm certainly not going to argue over what I witnessed and I stand by my statement that I don't agree with them being closer to S&B than one might think. That is a very bold statement and likely sets unrealistic expectations. Using your caveat about getting more for your extra money spent would allow a lot of tactical scopes to be very close to upper tier scopes if certain features were overlooked. I just did a basic comparison to the scope in question and a 1300$ optic that I had laying around. The difference was noticeable to me and 2 others that were with me.

I'm certainly not trying to dog the scope and have stated that I was able to see my misses at 546yds, make corrections and then impacts. I just wouldn't set expectations too high. You yourself have said that people shouldn't expect a $ scope to compete with a $$$$ scope, yet draw a comparison to an upper tier scope.

I'll look at resolution and the eye of once I have better conditions and the ability to setup some charts.
Click to expand...
Athlon scopes are about value or best bang for your buck. The Ares should not be compared to a S&B. The Cronos BTR is their top tier scope in the range of the Vortex Razor. The Ares should be compared to the Vortex PST Gen II line for about $300 less.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

 
Ron Warren said:
Athlon scopes are about value or best bang for your buck. The Ares should not be compared to a S&B. The Cronos BTR is their top tier scope in the range of the Vortex Razor. The Ares should be compared to the Vortex PST Gen II line for about $300 less.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Your making a bit of a stretch there with both the Athlon's being as good as the Vortex's. There a reason there is a price difference. The Cronus could compete with a Gen 1 Razor, toe to toe? Not the gen2. The gen 2 PST will be almost as good as gen1 razor minus the glass and will be on the heels of the cronus. I'm all for value and best bang for the buck!! Vortex has the edge with the reticle as well, the ERB-2C is better than Athlon's christmas tree reticle in MOA, IMHO. How do I know, because I've owned them, except for the PST gen 2 which i will shortly.
 
IanHusaberg said:
Your making a bit of a stretch there with both the Athlon's being as good as the Vortex's. There a reason there is a price difference. The Cronus could compete with a Gen 1 Razor, toe to toe? Not the gen2. The gen 2 PST will be almost as good as gen1 razor minus the glass and will be on the heels of the cronus. I'm all for value and best bang for the buck!! Vortex has the edge with the reticle as well, the ERB-2C is better than Athlon's christmas tree reticle in MOA, IMHO. How do I know, because I've owned them, except for the PST gen 2 which i will shortly.
Click to expand...

The only thing IMHO the Gen 2 has on the Cronus is turrets. I'll take the glass, reticle, and illumination of the Cronus. I've since sold my Cronus and upgraded to the PMII when the prices dropped so low, but if I was in that 1500-2000 price range, the Cronus is flat out amazing. Have no time with the BTR, but I imagine they improved some on the turret feel from my original Cronus. Don't get me wrong, I like the Gen 2. But if they are both on a prize table and I'm going to keep what I take, I'll take the Cronus.
 
steve123 said:
My caveat in this "context", as plainly stated, was the glass is much closer to what most would think. Meaning exactly this, that the glass in the Talos and Argos BTR's are exceptional for the money and good compared to a S&B which is excellent, thus the rating, that's all, no need to repeat myself. I didn't state that the quality level of these lower $$$ scopes in question were near as high as S&B$$$$ at anytime and anybody should be able to discern and make an easy distinction. So no, it's not misleading in the least. I even gave examples of previous owned $1500-$2000 scopes that didn't have great glass???!!!

Okay let's drop the subject since it's obvious nothing will be resolved. I've got my opinion and yours is different, such is life.

"""""Edit, I feel compelled to elaborate on my other caveat from the scout forum. Again "context is everything". That caveat " don't expect $$$ scopes to compare with $$$$ scopes". I define this caveat as in the "fit finish and feel as well as refinement". In context to Athlons Talos and Argos BTR scopes. Wherein the fit, finish and feel of these inexpensive scopes lacks the refinement of the lower priced $$$$ scopes. But!!! The reticles, glass and tracking are equal to or can exceed some of the lower priced $$$$ scopes.

The below paragraph is about a brand and model of scope that tracks well according to reports but is known for having substandard glass. Also known for having great fit, finish and feel.

Interesting timing, I just got back from shooting long range a few minutes ago. Met a guy I hadn't before who has one of the most popular $1300 scopes here on the Hide. He was angry at his entire experience with this certain Co. The original scope could not even be focused so he sent it back. The Co sent it back to him over a month later saying it was within spec. He sent it back again saying something had to be done. The end result being they sent him another brand new scope with a different reticle which he liked better. The glass seemed fine until the very first shot when the scope went blurry. Turned out his 100Y target would only focus with the 300Y parallax setting and at every shot the scope had to be refocused. He's so discouraged that he hasn't sent this one back yet. Too bad I didn't have one of my cheap Athlons with me to show him. He did like my S&B.
Click to expand...

Ron, just quoting my quote, in case you missed it.

Still haven't had to send a Athlon scope back among the local shooters I personally know. approaching 20 units, lost count. Closest friends and I use them nearly every week. Love the glass for the money.

And there's an active thread right now "again" concerning the scope brand I didn't mention, with a guy being likewise disappointed.

S&B ran well this weekend, like usual. Unfortunately my Cronus BTR didn't arrive in time to use it at the Battle Royale. Will do a write up at some point this summer.
 
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I have an Argos btr and like it very much except the turret and the inability to adjust were "zero" is. Which Athlon models offer a turret cap that has set screws on the side of the turret cap that allow the cap to slide up and down to a desired mark close to zero or the first elevation marker? I have another coming in the next few months and would like to purchase another Athlon.

 
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steve123 said:
Ron, just quoting my quote, in case you missed it.

Still haven't had to send a Athlon scope back among the local shooters I personally know. approaching 20 units, lost count. Closest friends and I use them nearly every week. Love the glass for the money.

And there's an active thread right now "again" concerning the scope brand I didn't mention, with a guy being likewise disappointed.

S&B ran well this weekend, like usual. Unfortunately my Cronus BTR didn't arrive in time to use it at the Battle Royale. Will do a write up at some point this summer.
Click to expand...

My Cronus broke on me and was verified by Athlon. Couldn't hit shit with it.
 
jsthntn247 said:
My Cronus broke on me and was verified by Athlon. Couldn't hit shit with it.
Click to expand...


So sorry to hear that! But you got a new one back, correct? Better than sending the same scope back over and over like some Co's do telling you your scope is within factory specs, right.

The pre production Cronus I used for 3 months worked fantastic, then was sent to another Hide member and used for the 2016 PRS season.

Nothing man made is perfect, we see every brand go down regardless how much money one spends. Maybe someday I'll need to use the Gold warranty, that's what it's there for.

 
Juggerxxx said:
I have an Argos btr and like it very much except the turret and the inability to adjust were "zero" is. Which Athlon models offer a turret cap that has set screws on the side of the turret cap that allow the cap to slide up and down to a desired mark close to zero or the first elevation marker? I have another coming in the next few months and would like to purchase another Athlon.
Click to expand...

The new Ares will and the SFP Midas does.

Helos model turrets line up better than the Talos and Argos lines. It has locking 6 mil per rev turrets and is a higher grade of scope.
 
steve123 said:
The pre production Cronus I used for 3 months worked fantastic, then was sent to another Hide member and used for the 2016 PRS season.
Click to expand...

And that Cronus is still going strong! I have a Cronus BTR now too, with the reticle I helped design and other recommended improvements. It will make it's inaugural run at two PRS matches this month.

The reticle in person is outstanding. Thinner, cleaner and more useful than the previous. I used Vortex in the past and had ebr2c which while good, would have benefitted from a slight tweak, imho. I really like 0.2-mil hash marks for wind Holds and leads on movers.
 
Last edited:
steve123 said:
The new Ares will and the SFP Midas does.

Helos model turrets line up better than the Talos and Argos lines. It has locking 6 mil per rev turrets and is a higher grade of scope.
Click to expand...

Just talked to the guys at Athlon today over my Argos issues. Told them that I would have bought the Helos BTR had it been available when I bought the Argos. They told me the internals and glass are exactly the same as the Argos. Only difference are the turrets, ocular knurl, and where the illumination is. I like the Argos just fine and was a good purchase for my current broke ass..but the Helos is just a little cooler....:cool:. My issues are not new to them and they are taking great care of me. I'll buy more!
 
I realize that the Ares BTR isn't out yet, officially, but many have received test models. Plus, on this page alone I am seeing some chatter re: Ares BTR 4.5-27 FFP and a Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25...... One of these will be my next scope.

Has anyone had a chance to handle both? With my pricing the two scopes are within about $100 of each other.

Thanks.

 
tucansam said:
I realize that the Ares BTR isn't out yet, officially, but many have received test models. Plus, on this page alone I am seeing some chatter re: Ares BTR 4.5-27 FFP and a Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25...... One of these will be my next scope.

Has anyone had a chance to handle both? With my pricing the two scopes are within about $100 of each other.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I'm in your same boat. I will get the first one I get my hands on it. I own a PST GII in 3-15x44 and I consider it a big improvement over the first gen PST but I haven't have the opportunity to see one Ares BTR in front of me so I can't compare. Today I saw at MidwayUSA that the shipment for the Ares BTR was moved back to June.
 
dannySH said:
... Today I saw at MidwayUSA that the shipment for the Ares BTR was moved back to June.
Click to expand...

Anyone have an inkling as to why the date keeps moving back? Boat is late...? Stuck in customs...? In-Country but problems...?
 
Maybe Trump is making them late. All the Mexicans around here got deported and I can't even go eat a taco and drink a margarita on Cinco de mayo damnint.
 
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