Rifle Scopes New Athlon Ares ETR or Used Athlon Cronus BTR?

[brusky]

I'm considering purchasing a new Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30x56 but I'm seeing several Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56 for sale in the exchange. My budget is around the price of a new Ares or the used Cronus, $1100. Given they're priced roughly the same, which would you purchase and why? Are the turrets and turret mechanisms any different between the two? Is the glass in the Cronus that superior to the Ares? These are all questions I'm kicking around in my head.

I'm a low budget shooter working my way into PRS as I've immensely enjoyed NRL22. I appreciate any feedback.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

I have two Athlon Ares BTRs. Based on my experience with those and feedback I've read here on the Hide, I'd likely pick the used Cronus based on it being manufactured by LOW in Japan. I've never compared the two side by side or at all. I have been intrigued by the prices of a used Cronus based on my experience with Athlon thus far.

 

[John Glidewell]

Another one to look at is the Riton optics Mod7 - 4-32x56. Made in Japan as well. They are the new kids on the block. The MAP pricing is lower than the listed MSRP on line and on par / competitive with Athlon MAP pricing. I got to get behind some of their glass and was pleasantly surprised.

 

[pell1203]

Be aware there are two Cronus models out there. The original “Cronus” and the later version “Cronus BTR.”

The Cronus BTR incorporated some mechanical turret improvements, changes to turret markings, refinements to parallax control and updated parallax knob markings, as well as a reticle change. Some say glass was also improved but I am not certain of this as I could not discern any differences between the single Cronus and Cronus BTR scopes mounted on my rifle.

Both were excellent, but if I had to only choose one, I would pick the Cronus BTR.

 

[Austaz]

Be aware there are two Cronus models out there. The original “Cronus” and the later version “Cronus BTR.”

The Cronus BTR incorporated some mechanical turret improvements, changes to turret markings, refinements to parallax control and updated parallax knob markings, as well as a reticle change. Some say glass was also improved but I am not certain of this as I could not discern any differences between the single Cronus and Cronus BTR scopes mounted on my rifle.

Both were excellent, but if I had to only choose one, I would pick the Cronus BTR.

BTR, with the lifetime warranty even if you have an issue with a used one you can get it corrected.

 

[LEROYRECCE]

If you end up buying an Athlon Ares ETR they don't come with Scope Cap covers or a Throw Lever. I am selling both scope cap covers and a throw lever if you are interested. $35.00. NIB

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/athlon-ares-etr-scope-caps-throw-lever.6954896/

 

[260284]

The ETR has locking windage and the Cronus does not. I picked up the ETR used for $900 back in March. Had to send it to Athlon the second week of July as it wasn't tracking. Had a new scope 2 days later.