The Athlon brand is a true American company, and they pride themselves on producing quality affordable rifle scopes. This company has some of the industry’s best riflescopes, for, hunting, long-range shooting, and mid-range and short-range shooting.
They have a lifetime warranty. So, if you have any manufacturing defects, they will always swap the product or get the damaged one repaired as soon as possible.
In this Athlon scope review, I have selected seven of their top-of-the-line products that offer the best optical performance and durability.
Find out why the optics from this brand are tight, sharp, and priced just right!
The Best Athlon Scopes Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Athlon Optics Cronus BTR Riflescope |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Athlon Optics Midas TAC Riflescope |  |
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| 3. Athlon Optics Helos BTR Riflescope |  |
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| 4. Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40 Riflescope |  |
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| 5. Athlon Optics Neos Riflescope |  |
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| 6. Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope |  |
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| 7. Athlon Optics Ares BTR Riflescope |  |
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1. Athlon Optics Cronus BTR Riflescope — Best Overall
Whether you want to engage in tactical applications or long-range shooting, the new Athlon Optics Cronus BTR.
Specs
- Illuminated MOA reticle
- Precision zero stop system
- Advanced, fully multi-coated optics
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- XPL coating
This scope has fully multi-coated lenses, which is a good feature because it increases light transmission and reduces reflected light for better image clarity. It features an MOA illuminated reticle, which offers exceptional low light visibility as well as accurate elevation holdovers.
The Athlon Optics Cronus BTR has a precision zero stop system, which allows you to dial back and return to zero position with ease.
Another good feature is the extra-low dispersion glass that remarkably reduces chromatic aberration to give you the best image clarity.
However, the Cronus BTR model I received did not come with mounting accessories. There are also limited color options for preference.
Pros
- Delivers superior light transmission and optimum brightness
- UHD glass does not suffer from chromatic fringe
- Easy to dial zero and maintain zero position
- XPL coating protects the lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt
- Features a fog-proof and waterproof construction
Cons
- No mounting accessories available
- Limited color options for preference
Conclusion
Are you a long-range shooter looking for superior light transmission and image clarity? Look no further than the Athlon Optics Cronus BTR.
Overall Rating – 5.0
2. Athlon Optics Midas TAC Riflescope — Best Audible Tactical Turrets
Meet Athlon’s ultimate best scope, the Midas TAC. A high-quality scope that comes with the best first focal plane reticle and HD glass.
Specs
- First focal plane design
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Advanced, fully multi-coated optics
- Precision zero stop system
- Loud tactical turrets
This scope has fully multi-coated lenses and HD glass, which are excellent features because they help enhance target appearance at all distances.
I really appreciate the 10 MIL / 25 MOA travel per rotation turrets, which has a zero stop for repeatable return to zero and a cap windage to prevent accidental adjustments.
The first focal plane ranging reticle gives you correct holds, irrespective of your chosen magnification.
With the parallax from twenty-five yards out to infinity, the optics are ideal for NRL 22 and extreme long-range rifle. This allows you to make the most of your Magnum calibers.
It is certainly the best scope I have ever come across, but I did not get any mounting accessories and the color options are limited.
Pros
- Crystal clear HD glass and superb tracking
- Clicks are extremely audible and the zero setup is easy
- Reticle grows and shrinks with the target for enhanced precision
- Anti-reflective optics boost superior light transmission
- Durable construction can withstand heavy and repeated use
Cons
- You may not get mounting accessories
- No multiple colors to choose from
Conclusion
The finest scope you will ever need for your hunting and long-range shooting expeditions. It is in fact the best FFP scope for the money.
Overall Rating – 4.9
3. Athlon Optics Helos BTR Riflescope — Best Illuminated MIL Reticle
Are you looking for a hunting and long-range shooting scope? Meet the Athlon Optics Helos BTR, a front focal plane scope that is engineered for greatness.
Specs
- First focal plane design
- Illuminated APMR MIL reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Locking turrets
- Argon purged construction
The front focal plane reticle of this scope stays valid at any power setting, giving you a quick visual reference for a short-range target and greater details for long-range precision.
This product features robust turrets with distinct audible clicks, which have a locking feature that allows you to pull the turret up to dial and push down to lock into place.
I really like how the illumination switch is co-located with the parallax adjustment, considering how easy and quick it is to make all important adjustments from the same spot.
Another good feature is the fully multi-coated optics, which help to effectively reduce reflected light in order to enhance light transmission and image clarity.
There are a few instances when I could not get the correct parallax setting. I also experienced chromatic aberration and reduced glass quality at exaggerated distances.
Pros
- Audible click turrets that lock in perfectly
- Excellent accuracy and repeatable tracking
- Reticle does not get too thick when you increase the magnification
- Comes with very forgiving eyebox at high magnification
- Enhanced light transmission and picture clarity
Cons
- Getting the correct parallax setting may be challenging
- Possible to experience chromatic aberration
Conclusion
This scope has exceptional strength and superior mechanical integrity, and its performance on the field is near-perfect.
Overall Rating – 4.7
4. Athlon Optics Talos 4-16×40 Riflescope — Best One-Piece Construction
The Athlon Talos is a true full power second focal plane riflescope, which is backed by Athlon gold medal lifetime warranty.
Specs
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Mil-Dot reticle
- Heat-treated one-piece tube construction
- Aircraft-grade aluminum design
- Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed
The optics on the Talos is fully multi-coated, which is great because it reduces reflected light in order to enhance light transmission for brighter images.
The scope is rugged, featuring aircraft-grade aluminum design and heat-treated one-piece tube construction. This means it can withstand heavy field use.
You will love the Mil-Dot reticle simply because it is the most versatile and most accurate. This reticle allows you to wind drift compensation, holdover, and range estimations.
The scope is also nitrogen purged and waterproof, which is good because it is not affected by fog or moisture.
I was a bit disappointed by the reticle that came with the scope I received. It was not illuminated as stated on the product page.
Pros
- Comes with an extremely bright and clear glass
- Parallax adjustment offers greater versatility for almost any application
- Readjusted internal turrets allow for easy zeroing
- Heavy-duty tube construction has greater strength and superior mechanical integrity
- It is weatherproof and not easily affected by fog or moisture
Cons
- Reticle may not be illuminated as the manufacturer claims
- May not be the best choice for low light conditions
Conclusion
If you are a hunter, you should look no further than the Athlon Talos. Each included feature boosts image quality and shot precision.
Overall Rating – 4.6
5. Athlon Optics Neos Riflescope — Best Etched Glass Reticle
Introducing the Athlon Optics Neos, a high-quality scope that is equipped with a second focal plane and an illuminated reticle.
Specs
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Etched glass reticle
- Heat-treated one-piece tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- Capped turrets with easy zero reset
The Neos is equipped with a second focal plane design, which is great because the reticle size remains constant irrespective of your preferred power setting.
It has a three power ratio that provides you with a wide range magnification with 10 or 15 yards to infinity sight parallax adjustment for unmatched versatility.
It has an etched glass reticle that offers outstanding backing support. The reticle is also customizable for enhanced precision and versatility.
I really like the Neos capped turrets, considering that you can readjust them, which allows you to easily reset the turrets to zero and dial up or down when needed.
I was not impressed with the eye relief of this scope because things got fuzzy around its edges when I hold the optics too close.
Pros
- Affordable option for shooters with a tight budget
- Adjustable side parallax allows for easy fine-tuning
- Etched reticle is customizable for increased shot accuracy
- Capped turrets are easy to reset to zero and are very durable
- Weatherproof construction can withstand moisture and fog
Cons
- Eye relief is not generous enough
- No mounting gear is available
Conclusion
If you want a reasonably priced scope that is built to perform, you should consider the Athlon Optics Neos. You will not be disappointed by its performance.
Overall Rating – 4.5
6. Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope — Best Anti-Reflective Optics
Introducing the Athlon Optics Argos BTR, a high-quality scope that brings optical performance to a whole new level with its impressive design features.
Specs
- First focal plane reticle
- Advanced, fully multi-coated optics
- Etched glass reticle design
- Aircraft-grade aluminum main tube
- Argon purged construction
This scope has rubberized flip covers both at the back and the front of the scope, which help protect the eyepiece and optics from damage.
It has a front focal plane design that allows you to effectively use the etched glass reticle that grows and shrinks with your preferred magnification.
I really appreciate the fully multi-coated optics on this scope, considering the impressive light transmission and the ability to reduce reflected light.
The construction of this scope is also solid with its one-piece, heat treated, aircraft grade aluminum, and argon purged tube construction.
I didn’t appreciate the unreliable turret tracking and the inability of the scope to hold zero as it should. This was a little bit disappointing for me.
Pros
- Optics aren’t just anti-reflective, but also have great light transmission
- FFP etched glass reticle offers versatile magnification
- Capped turrets are easy to dial in when resetting zero
- Generous eye relief ensures your eyes from heavy recoil
- Construction is fog-proof and waterproof
Cons
- Possible to experience unreliable turret tracking
- Some models may fail to hold zero
Conclusion
This is one of Athlon’s finest with a few possible design flaws, but its overall performance is worth every penny.
Overall Rating – 4.5
7. Athlon Optics Ares BTR Riflescope — Best Extra-Low Dispersion Glass
When you want to get the finest design features and performance without breaking the bank, your go-to scope should be the Athlon Optics Ares BTR.
Specs
- Front focal plane reticle position
- Illuminated APLR3 MIL reticle
- Advanced, fully multi-coated lenses
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Precision zero stop system
This Ares BTR riflescope offers you magnification from 4.5x all the way to 27x, making it ideal for long-range applications.
This scope is equipped with a front focal plane reticle, which means the reticle size grows and shrinks with your chosen magnification in relationship to your target.
It features a nest reticle that provides you with great durability and shock resistance to heavy recoil and repeated field use.
This high performing scope comes in two types of reticles: MIL and MOA. Both reticles have six illumination settings with an off switch in between each lamination setting.
I could not get the best performance at higher magnification. The very best magnification was around fifteen to sixteen power.
Pros
- FFP reticle design allows you to fully utilize the scope at long range
- Exceptional light transmission through the HD glass
- Anti-reflective optics ensure you get the finest image quality
- It locks your zero mark effectively
- Rugged main tube construction is fog-proof and waterproof
Cons
- It may not give you the best performance at full magnification
- Turrets may be a little bit hard to dial
Conclusion
When you look at the Ares BTR, you will be looking at a scope that is designed to perform. But you may possibly face minor challenges.
Overall Rating – 4.3
About the Brand
Athlon Optics is a renowned American company that specializes in manufacturing sport optics products at very competitive price points.
The company has an efficient supply chain, strategic alliances with well-known manufacturers, and world-class engineering designs. They bring you the latest in technological advancements.
Athlon guarantees the best performance by partnering with the best manufacturing firms in the industry. The technologies the company uses include:
- Superior coating equipment
- Advanced lens polishing
- High precision CNC machines
Athlon Products
The creation of the current Athlon Optics product line is rooted in spotting scopes, binoculars, rangefinders, riflescopes, and red dots.
Their spotting scopes are engineered to satisfy the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, recreational shooters, and hunters.
The models that are included in the commercial product line were selected because of awesomely similar ordering patterns for magnification ranges and specific features.
The brand’s leading optics include:
- Athlon Optics Cronus BTR
- Athlon Optics Midas TAC
- Athlon Optics Helos BTR
- Athlon Optics Talos
- Athlon Optics Neos
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR
- Athlon Optics Ares BTR
Support
Product Reviews
The brand has a very comprehensive product reviews collection of spotting scopes and binoculars. These reviews are meant to help you learn more about their specific products.
Videos are much easier to understand because of the visual concept. You can easily understand how a powerful spotter is capable of big game hunting.
Catalog and Manuals
The company has a pdf page on their website that provides you with a catalog of Athlon Optics 2020 and various links to their product instruction manuals.
Product Warranty
Athlon Optics scopes are designed to meet high quality standards, then hand-assembled by very skilled and highly experienced technicians before they are taken through the testing procedure.
If any Athlon Optics riflescope presents deficiency in materials, workmanship, quality, or function, the company will replace or repair the product.
But your product will be replaced or repaired at the discretion of the company’s service department.
How To Buy
To buy rifle scopes and binoculars from Athlon Optics is simple. Just go to their website and click on “Where to Buy”.
From this page, you can search for the brick and mortar dealers by address or zip code. Alternatively, there are several online dealers you can buy from, including:
- Cabela’s
- USA Midway
- Optics Planet
- USA Optics
- Focus
- SCHEELS
- A & J Sporting
- Camera Land Inc
- KENZIES Optics
- THEOPTICZONE
- Game Plan Experts
Contact Information
There are various ways you can contact the brand when you want to make inquiries, which include the following:
By submitting a message through their website
Call customer service through 1-855-913-5678
Final Words
Our overall best product from the Athlon Optics rifle scopes lineup is the Athlon Optics Cronus BTR. It has proven to be a reliable choice for short and long-range applications.
The scope offers a wide magnification range of 4.5-29x for the best optical performance. It has unmatched glass quality and superior elevation and windage adjustment features.
The construction of the scope is remarkable, featuring fully multi-coated optics, XPL coating, extra-low dispersion glass, and argon purging.
When selecting any of the Athlon Optics scopes, you should be mainly concerned about construction, quality of the lenses, turret design, available reticles, tube size and magnification.
