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Greetings Everyone!

My name is Matt and I am very excited to launch the official Athlon Optics thread on 24 Hour Campfire!

I am a competitive shooter (primarily 3GUN) and a member of the Athlon marketing team. I am also a big fan of good glass and all things that go BOOM.

I look forward to some great conversation and the opportunity to answer any questions you might have about our products or about optics in general.

So... Let's get this party started!

Are there any Athlon fans out there? If yes, I would love to hear about the Athlon products you are using, what you use them for, and what your experience has been.

Welcome. I have the Cronus, Ares BTR Gen2, and Helos 2-12x, all MIL versions, and they have all been fantastic. I appreciate the fact that you guys always answer the phone and I can talk to a human being. Keep up the good work.

I have a Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 2-12x42 I think its a good scope for the money. It works well for my application.

I have a Helos BTR Gen2 and have been pleased. I’ll pick up another next month for a new project.

Two asks: I’d love to see someone build a SFP durable big game scope that held zero like the old Leupold Vari-X-III scopes that were lightweight, very good optically…..but tracked reliably.

Second, I’d love to see Athlon build something to survive the tests done over on Rockslide. You’ve got the tracking down…I’d love see the durability addressed….and include usable hunting reticles with SFP option.

("and include usable hunting reticles with SFP option")

^^^This^^^

I would like to see a scope like this also. Illuminated BDC reticle that is not as bold/thick as the reticle on the Helos BTR Gen2 2-12x42

Picked up one of your 20-60x spotting scopes on sale from Cameraland last month. It's sure a big step up from the crappy old Simmons I've been using for too many years. If the sun cooperates & air isn't too hazy .22 holes are easily visible @200 yds. The price was right too.

I never have, and never will buy scopes based on that drop test. Been hunting big game since 1971 and have never had my rifles go through that, and they've been used.....an awful lot. It's borderline ridiculous IMO.

I have 4 of the Helos 2-12. For hunting they have been dead nuts reliable so far. The heavy dot on higher magnification is not for precision work.

How about a relatively light weight scope in the 2x7x36 range. This would be strictly a hunting scope. Don't need turrets or Xmas tree reticles. SFP with a duplex reticle. Something to compete with the Leupold 2.5x8x36.

I get that…. However, I’ve seen too many scopes that even a modest tumble will change point of impact. Most recently, had a heavy barrel .223 in a soft case leaning up against a table get knocked over by the dog. It landed on the windage turret side. It moved impact 3” at 100yds. Interestingly, the 6.5x20 had held zero perfectly for 25+ years. I’m certain its landing on the target turret side made things worse. Do I or most hunters need NF durability? No. Clearly something designed and built to prevent point of impact shifting from falling over in a padded case is needed….

Gutsy move for a company/brand to start an account here. I applaud it. Wear your body armor and FR clothing AT ALL TIMES.

I don’t own any Athlon products, yet anyway. I’ve read plenty of good reviews here on the fire to have confidence in the 2-12 Helos BTR Gen2. It seems to check many boxes for a compact rifle. I particularly appreciate the length. I just haven’t been able to get past the 25+ oz weight.

Delete

I'm intrigued by your scopes. I don't own one because at 60, I need a thicker reticle than any of your offerings. I'm cool with a straight duplex but would prefer a duplex with subtensions thick enough to see at the edges of daylight.

Plus I have no need for any objective bigger than 42-44 mm.

I'm glad to see a scope.mfr here. As was stated, bring your flame suit.....

Matt, I'll start by saying that I appreciate any manufacturer's rep who has the balls to join a forum and interact with the members. Frankly, it's a no win proposition. People will troll you and antagonize you just for the sake of doing so. People will voice legitimate criticisms that are somewhat difficult to diplomatically address. You also have a number of fans here who speak highly of your products.

I won't ever own one. China is our goddam enemy and there are other countries that are not our enemy that are capable of producing quality optics at competitive prices. Best wishes pard!

X1000

Matt, I a have two of th Athlon Helos BTR GEN2 2-12x42 FFP scopes.
Fantastic optic for the cost and recommend them to anyone that will listen.

If I could have one change it is to the reticle, I find the reticle center dot a tad large, subtends to .3 mil. I think half that size would be useable through out the magnification range and not cover up quite as much target at farther ranges.

Thanks for you interest.

I have 4 Helos BTR Gen 2 2-12's purchased based on reviews posted here. I seldom go above 10x due to the center dot size, but no complaints on paper or in the field

Welcome to the Jungle!

I have 2 Helos BTR Gen2 2-12’s. Only issue is one eats batteries. I really like them and will buy 1-2 more.

Paul, I generally agree with your above statement, but in all fairness, the Chronos models are made in Japan and are the best models they have.