Athlon Ares etr gen2 15x60

[RED DIRT]

Like everyone else out there I’m looking for a scope that performs like a March HM, NF Comp, Kahles, SVSS ED etc without the $2000 -$3500 price tag.

Well, good luck with that.

 

[ogre1911]

Well, good luck with that.

Yeah…….hasn’t worked out yet.

 

[ogre1911]

Final review on this thing is I sold it.

 

[Raydee]

Final review on this thing is I sold it.

Didn't like it?

 

[ogre1911]

It's 115-120 here this time of year. I MUST shoot when it's just light enough to see. Scope is too dark at ANY power unless sun is out and on target, then it is definitely worth the $$$$.

I'm sure it works for anybody that doesn't live in SW AZ and owns my eyes.

 

[TommyD11730]

Just my 2 cents... probably worth what you paid for it.

I have had both generations of the Ares scope. Returned Gen 1 when I found myself having to adjust the extremely sensitive paralax after every shot. Further @ 200Y I was nearly out of paralax adjustment.

Gen 2 still has the sensitive Paralax. I use the giant wheel to try and help, and it does. I don't find myself having to adjust it all the time, so I guess my Gen 1 was defective.

I dont think they changed the glass as I find Gen 2 no better or worse clarity wise then Gen 1. They did change the turrets so my 3D printed mini paralax knob I used on Gen 1 is useless.
As noted I agree the scope definitely struggles some for me late in the day when the shadows get long.

All in all for about a grand I think it's a good deal/scope. I favor a fine rectile so this fits the bill. If a couple / three grand fell in my hand I might replace it. However I don't see that happening any time soon.

P.S. Just to be clear, when my Gen 1 went back to Athlon for service, they replaced it with a Gen 2.
Can't ask for better customer service. Turn around was only a couple of weeks.

 

[TommyD11730]

OH! Something I forgot to mention. The eye box is tight on this model. I know, everyone says that these days on these Chinese scopes. On this model I have it set as far back on the rings and rail as it can go.

 

[TommyD11730]

So... just thinking aloud here. Im pondering selling my Gen II. So I would be in the market for a 200Y scope for my Bench gun (30BR). 2K is the absolute limit to my budget. The March High Master Straight 48 x 52 has caught my eye.
At nearly double the cost of the Athlon will it cut Mirage and be brighter?
Always open to suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[Raptor]

You're welcome. I would have kept the scope, but the floating dot just didn't work for me. the S6 I am using I like better.

Lee

I actually love the floating dot!! Esp. for shooting groups at pasters. I think the dot actually tightened up my groups...

 

[Gabe22BR]

So... just thinking aloud here. Im pondering selling my Gen II. So I would be in the market for a 200Y scope for my Bench gun (30BR). 2K is the absolute limit to my budget. The March High Master Straight 48 x 52 has caught my eye.
At nearly double the cost of the Athlon will it cut Mirage and be brighter?
Always open to suggestions.

Thanks!

I’d like to try it, before committing to one-

My 10-40 recital matches up w/ my ballistics on my rifle right now..

 

[7stwwsm]

Was wondering if anybody’s using one of these scopes and how they like it. Thinking of buying one for a gun and building. I have a 15x60 Heras and have been happy with it for the money. Just curious how the ares gen 2 glass is. Thanks

my friend go one works very good

 

[dusterdave173]

The Nightforce 12-42 comes out a winner time and time again
Most folks that own one own several
New from dealers on here they are usually a couple hundred more than used so whats that tell you about holding value?
The double dot reticle Works for older eye balls

The 15-55 Athlons have such tight eye boxes and such sensitive focus adjustment ( that is kind way of saying they suck in that dept) for about the same $ as the NF I will grant you they are Sharp! But will not cut through atmosphere issues like the NF no way no how

 

[TommyD11730]

The Nightforce 12-42 comes out a winner time and time again
Most folks that own one own several
New from dealers on here they are usually a couple hundred more than used so whats that tell you about holding value?
The double dot reticle Works for older eye balls

The 15-55 Athlons have such tight eye boxes and such sensitive focus adjustment ( that is kind way of saying they suck in that dept) for about the same $ as the NF I will grant you they are Sharp! But will not cut through atmosphere issues like the NF no way no how

Boy, your last paragraph is pretty much spot on.

 

[Raydee]

The Nightforce 12-42 comes out a winner time and time again
Most folks that own one own several
New from dealers on here they are usually a couple hundred more than used so whats that tell you about holding value?
The double dot reticle Works for older eye balls

The 15-55 Athlons have such tight eye boxes and such sensitive focus adjustment ( that is kind way of saying they suck in that dept) for about the same $ as the NF I will grant you they are Sharp! But will not cut through atmosphere issues like the NF no way no how

I will not dispute that Nightforce are great scopes, I have 3 NF competitions but are you comparing apples to apples when you compare the NF Benchrest to the Ares? Are you lowering the Athlon to 42 power to compare?

I agree with everything you said about the Ares at 60 power but I will have to play with mine at 42 power to compare it to the NF BR scope.

 

[ogre1911]

The Nightforce 12-42 comes out a winner time and time again
Most folks that own one own several
New from dealers on here they are usually a couple hundred more than used so whats that tell you about holding value?
The double dot reticle Works for older eye balls

The 15-55 Athlons have such tight eye boxes and such sensitive focus adjustment ( that is kind way of saying they suck in that dept) for about the same $ as the NF I will grant you they are Sharp! But will not cut through atmosphere issues like the NF no way no how

This IS EXACTLY what I found and I compared it head to head with BR 12-42 on 42x and head to head with my comp at 55x. In full sun it's an adequate or better scope but it's always darker than both NF's at equal power and absolutely unusable early in the morning.........for me.

This scope NEEDS a lot of light to function well and eyebox AND parallax are finicky,

Sold mine and funded NF BR 12-42 number 3.

As always ymmv.

 

[TommyD11730]

I know I'm kinda 3rd man on this (and I'm not crapping on Athlon) but I rarely run mine over 40x. It just gets too dark and the target washes out. Keep in mind though, my range has a solid overhead. I dont sit in direct sunlight, rather the shade. So on gray days it can get pretty dark under there.

I think you get a lot of scope for what you pay. That being said maybe for some if you spend a little more you will get a better match?

 

[KMW 1954]

Well know optics retailer;
Night Force BR 12-42, $1473.00.. Advertised eye relief, 2.9"
Athlon Aries 16-60, 1149.00.. Advertised eye relief 3.7"

Been using an Athlon Argos 10-40 for 3 years now to shoot .5" bullseye targets out to 300yds. The GEN3 version can now be purchased for under $500.00. It uses the same reticle as the Aries!

If they would put this reticle in the Heras I would own one.

 

[dusterdave173]

Never mean to knock a unit someone likes
Ever
We are just discussing our experiences in hopes it helps others
Looks like most here have had one of them so at least it is firsthand experience
Our eyes are the part where most difference is I would guess. I know mine are about shot
So guess I was saying what worked for my ragged old units

 

[KMW 1954]

Never mean to knock a unit someone likes

So guess I was saying what worked for my ragged old units

Wasn't trying to suggest you were knocking anything. Just illustrating a point.

I think a fairer comparison would be the 10-40 Argos to the NF BR 12-42

One of the "knocks" I keep hearing and reading is this eye box, eye relief. Then if the advertising is correct and honest then the Athlon provides a greater margin of relief. The NF BR from what I read also does not have exposed turrets.

As for old eyes, I'm 71 and shoot with bifocals. With my Argos 10-40 I find it is sharper and clearer in low light, overcast days than clear bright days.

Again I work 2-3 days per week at a large outdoor range and get to look through most any scope in the general public. We are also a Vortex retailer yet I still like the Athlon's much more. So like you this is just what my eyes like and a reticle that fits my needs.

Seriously, I don't judge anyone by what they bring to the range. I'm just joyed by watching them enjoy themselves. Even those people that bring in those 3MOA targets and they are smiling!

 

[ogre1911]

Well know optics retailer;
Night Force BR 12-42, $1473.00.. Advertised eye relief, 2.9"
Athlon Aries 16-60, 1149.00.. Advertised eye relief 3.7"

Been using an Athlon Argos 10-40 for 3 years now to shoot .5" bullseye targets out to 300yds. The GEN3 version can now be purchased for under $500.00. It uses the same reticle as the Aries!

If they would put this reticle in the Heras I would own one.

My experience with 4 NF BR's is that advertised eye relief at 42x is accurate. My experience with a sample size of only one of the new gen Athlon 15-60 is that 3.7 is fantasy. At 42x it was just about what the NF was.

Again though, if ALL of my shooting was done an hr at least after sunrise I'd own a few of them.

Clear and bright in the right conditions