Athlon Helos vs. Ares

[jLorenzo]

Anyone who has used either of these speak to the differences in quality? Leaning towards the 3x18 Ares for a SPR but the 4x20 Helos could work, I just want something nice and if its just a Argos with nicer turrets Ill pass and go with the Ares.
Experiences?

 

[chutinlead]

The rep I talked to said the first gen helos was barely a step up from the Argos and mostly in features, but the gen 2 helos are around the quality optically of the Midas line. Not quite Ares, but it is miles ahead of the vortex diamondback tactical I had.

I liked my first gen 2 helos 4-20 so much that I bought a second one for my AR and wouldn't hesitate to get a third.

 

[jLorenzo]

The Athlon stuff is a bit weird. All the scopes look almost Identical on the outside. Just would like to know what makes the Ares 500$ more than the Helos. My guess is glass and hopefully turrets. I have an Argos BTR and its great for what it is, I bought it when they first came out. No one had a reticle like that in that price range.
How would you describe the Helos glass?

 

[larryh128]

The Athlon stuff is a bit weird. All the scopes look almost Identical on the outside. Just would like to know what makes the Ares 500$ more than the Helos. My guess is glass and hopefully turrets. I have an Argos BTR and its great for what it is, I bought it when they first came out. No one had a reticle like that in that price range.
How would you describe the Helos glass?

It's OK glass. The Ares is better and has some better features. I've used both and my bud likes his Helos but he is on a limited budget with 3 kids in school.

 

[larryh128]

You have a PM.

 

[Brown082]

Don't know much about ares but i can assure you Atlas works really fine !

 

[cattleman99]

The Ares is a better optic for sure. Optical clarity goes to the Ares, as do turrets. Shoot me a message or give us a call if you’re interested in discussing the line up, we sell a lot of Athlon scopes.

 

[drewthebrave]

In simple terms of glass quality: Cronus BTR > Ares ETR > Ares BTR > Helos BTR

I picked up the Ares BTR 2.5-15x because the previous gen ETR was retailing around $1200, which was over my budget (and the BTR was on sale). With the new 3-18x ETR listed under $1k and the BTR now at $800, it's a tougher decision. If I was to buy today I'd probably save up a bit more for the ETR - though I have no plans to get rid of my BTR any time soon.

I think each of the scopes listed offers tremendous value at the price point, so I'd suggest that you buy whichever one fits your budget. I doubt you'll be disappointed in the performance per dollar.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

As a long standing supporting vendor on this forum it would be our pleasure to discuss differences as well as special opportunities with you. Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, if you have a few minutes

 

[rhsc]

When Doug mentions "special opportunities", you owe it to yourself to give him a call.

 

[Butleroutdoors]

I ordered and returned a Helos G2.
Really liked the features and functions, esp the turret caps, but the optics quality was just not there. Clarity and crispness at 500 yds was struggling. It was not as good compared to PST G2 (which Is good to about 1400 yards).

 

[jLorenzo]

I ordered the Ares. Doug hooked me up. Ill update the post with pics when it arrives.