Rifle Scopes Brand New straight out of box Athlon Cronus BTR Gen 1 and Gen 2 factory defectiveNO warranty NO replacement by Athlon Optics WARNING BUYER BEWARE!!!

[RTH1800]

FIFY

I'll bet he's a hoot at the whorehouse. MaDAME! This one's infected…

 

[1AvgMarksman]

Just a warning to EVERYONE based on my own FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE here.

I have had my first top of the line Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56 that had a defective illuminated reticle which only lights up 2/3's of the reticle while the other lower left hand portion is really dim ever since it was brand new straight out of it's box and dealer told me they got lifetime warranty so don't worry just send it in and wasn't purchased from a return friendly dealer OBVIOUSLY.

Denied warranty for a brand spanking new never used UNmounted (NEVER BEEN MOUNTED) top of the line Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56 straight out of the box.

Athlon warranty and customer service manager higher up in charge stated within specs and not a factory defect based on design SOME percentage in their sample lots NEW MODELS and OLDER Cronus BTRs WILL have this noticeable dead spot in lack of illumination and to then it's TOTALLY NORMAL to have some Cronus BTR G1 and newer G2s with this very noticeable issue AND they will NEVER EVER (specific up front quote by manager) exchange them for brand new replacements as long as reticle illumination turns on regardless if it's dark on one portion and even if it's like this brand new straight out of their boxes. The Athlon sent in for warranty has to be obviously defective due to manufacture defect and not abused or dropped and that manager even stated they are NOT LIKE VORTEX REGARDING WARRANTY EXCHANGES FOR BRAND NEW SCOPES (UNQUOTE). Found out first hand the hard way. Illuminated reticles with deadbor dark spots or non consistent illumination over entire reticle aren't considered a manufacture defect.

I asked how about the Ares BTR Gen 2 and Midas Tac scopes which are my all time Athlon brand favorites what about if they have defective illuminated reticles? He said they won't because only the Cronus BTR line both new and old has this very obvious dark spot when the illumination turned on phenomenon at all brightness settings and zero illumination issues with the Chinese Ares BTR Gen 2 since they got a totally different illuminated reticle design and Midas Tac doesn't even have illuminated reticle anyway.

If you're even thinking of buying an Athlon Cronus please be sure to insist the dealer open the sealed box and install battery to check reticle at all illumination settings make damn sure it's perfect not dark on one part of the reticle before shipping otherwise you be stuck with one you won't get warranty exchange on due to illumination defect that Athlon straight out doesn't consider to be defective and will not improve on this obvious manufacturing issue I already asked that manager he said no plans to introduce any improvements nor have any plans for a Gen 3 Cronus at least past 2025.

The other recommendations is that Athlon customer service warranty manager said to buy the Nightforce sunshade for it and go read "snipers hide" for which model Nightforce sunshade and where to buy since I stated my Amazon problems buying several different Athlon factory sunshades multiple times returns and all that did not fit or did not match in color.

They do not have any plans to address the manufacturing issue with illuminated reticle nor improve on the fitment and color of the sunshades since they don't buy their sunshades from same manufacture of their scopes while he stated Nightforce buys the sunshade from same JAPAN manufacture as their scopes that's why they match perfectly no wonder because he even said the Cronus BTR Gen 1 and 2 are in fact made at that exact same Nightforce factory in JAPAN that's why the Nightforce sunshade fits and perfectly matches the Athlon Cronus. He said the genuine Japan sunshade cost too much so they decided to buy from other much cheaper manufacture that's why they don't fit or match perfectly and they have to charge at least $55 for it if they used proper genuine JAPAN OEM for the sunshade. (Strange since the Japan made Nightforce sunshade cost $30.00 MSRP RETAIL regular price when bought direct from Nightforce USA)

At least that higher up Athlon customer service warranty manager said the Ares BTR Gen 2 and Midas Tac no need worry about illumination issues unlike the Cronus BTR Gen 2 if you're one of the unlucky ones with the half side lit illuminated reticle they will not replace under warranty.

Fortunately (for me) the brand new Cronus BTR Gen 2 I received last week illumination is absolutely perfect aside from the unbelievably nearly unmanageable overly stiff turrets and controls with really sharp edges that WILL give everyone blisters if they don't use gloves. The manager even claimed due to Athlon upgrading to all stainless steel internals make everything super tight compared to my older much smoother controls Cronus BTR with illumination issue that's not covered under warranty.

Funny since my much cheaper Chinese made Ares BTR Gen 2s and Midas Tacs also have stainless steel internals too but have way smoother knobs and function that don't give me blisters or peeled bloody skin on my fingers.

Remember that manager outright said WE AREN'T LIKE VORTEX!!!

Better believe it.

I no longer recommend buying the Athlon Cronus BTR Gen 2 or any used Cronus BTR scopes regardless of price. If you get a replacement with a crappy illuminated reticle you're SOL no warranty.

Buy the Ares BTR Gen 2 or Midas Tac instead. Or better yet spend a little extra for an Element Theos around just over $2000 or Black Vortex Razor Gen 3 for $2450 I can guarantee you will be much happier especially with the Vortex Razor Gen 3 where you get absolutely no BS about warranty that's 4 sure. Too bad the new Cronus BTR Gen 2 is clearer than my Tract Toric ELR but the Tract Toric has night and day buttery smoother controls like a perfectly well oiled machine except for the stiff illumination knob.

Why am I not totally surprised since the owners of Athlon used to work for BUSHNELL!!!

Glad I found this… “not like Vortex” was enough for me. I’ll stick with NF and Vortex scopes. I was needing some new navigation for a new rifle, and was looking into them. Having some acceptable defect % is a bit worry some. I doubt I would’ve bought one, but I remember when Vortex was the new kid, and I snubbed my nose at them.. They’ve been a great company! Between Vortex and NF, they have everything I need (want)

 

[Wirides]

Glad I found this… “not like Vortex” was enough for me. I’ll stick with NF and Vortex scopes. I was needing some new navigation for a new rifle, and was looking into them. Having some acceptable defect % is a bit worry some. I doubt I would’ve bought one, but I remember when Vortex was the new kid, and I snubbed my nose at them.. They’ve been a great company! Between Vortex and NF, they have everything I need (want)

You are writing off Athlon based on this thread and this guy?

 

[Buckhead]

This is hilarious. I had an issue with the parallax Cel on my Cronus and the elevation turret was quite stiff. Sent it in and a brand new one arrived at my door about a week later. Athlon was great to me I have several of their scopes.

 

[1AvgMarksman]

You are writing off Athlon based on this thread and this guy?

Yes. (Sort of) Why on earth would I buy one? What do they do better than Vortex or Nightforce? Price? If he’s telling the truth, they’re not like Vortex on warranty.. The Razor line performs great and works every time. (Can’t beat the warranty for stupid/accidents ) ATACR and NX8’s haven’t failed me. Things are built like tanks and track.. Always. But, as I stated in my post, vortex was once the new kid.. I will sit back and watch and wait.. I don’t like when a company tells me “good enough” when I spend $2-3k on glass and find a problem (for me) that’s not a problem for them.. They should’ve fixed, replaced, or refunded his $. The story would be significantly different then.. That said, you buy-’em, use the piss out of them, and let us all know how good OR bad they perform. I’ll listen to your experience and go from there. Im sure I’ll have one or two that will need nav in the near future. It’s the G3 razor for this build.

 

[Wirides]

Yes. (Sort of) Why on earth would I buy one? What do they do better than Vortex or Nightforce? Price? If he’s telling the truth, they’re not like Vortex on warranty.. The Razor line performs great and works every time. (Can’t beat the warranty for stupid/accidents ) ATACR and NX8’s haven’t failed me. Things are built like tanks and track.. Always. But, as I stated in my post, vortex was once the new kid.. I will sit back and watch and wait.. I don’t like when a company tells me “good enough” when I spend $2-3k on glass and find a problem (for me) that’s not a problem for them.. They should’ve fixed, replaced, or refunded his $. The story would be significantly different then.. That said, you buy-’em, use the piss out of them, and let us all know how good OR bad they perform. I’ll listen to your experience and go from there. Im sure I’ll have one or two that will need nav in the near future. It’s the G3 razor for this build.

Simply put, because it's one guy's extremely unreliable account of his experience. As if there's neeeeeever been a failure with NF or Razor. Rock on.

 

[1AvgMarksman]

Simply put, because it's one guys unreliable opinion. As if there's neeeeeever been a failure with NF or Razor. Rock on.

Simply put- I’ve never had an issue with my current choice in optics. (I also use Swarovski) Why change when I’m satisfied with what I’m using, to something more questionable all around? I’m not rich, but if I’m spending $2k another $500 isn’t going to hurt much. IMO the warranty is worth the difference on Vortex, and reputation makes NF worth the extra cost. But, like I said.. I’ll keep waiting and watching.- Keep it dry!

 

[Wirides]

Simply put- I’ve never had an issue with my current choice in optics. (I also use Swarovski) Why change when I’m satisfied with what I’m using, to something more questionable all around? I’m not rich, but if I’m spending $2k another $500 isn’t going to hurt much. IMO the warranty is worth the difference on Vortex, and reputation makes NF worth the extra cost. But, like I said.. I’ll keep waiting and watching.- Keep it dry!

Look, I'm not trying to argue or push Athlon because I honestly don't care. But, you haven't been watching or waiting because if you were you'd have seen the dozens of threads here and elsewhere that indicate Athlon is generally GTG. Particularly when they can be had on sale or through discount programs. That's all I'm saying.

 

[NewsShooter]

Yes. (Sort of) Why on earth would I buy one? What do they do better than Vortex or Nightforce? Price? If he’s telling the truth, they’re not like Vortex on warranty.. The Razor line performs great and works every time. (Can’t beat the warranty for stupid/accidents ) ATACR and NX8’s haven’t failed me. Things are built like tanks and track.. Always. But, as I stated in my post, vortex was once the new kid.. I will sit back and watch and wait.. I don’t like when a company tells me “good enough” when I spend $2-3k on glass and find a problem (for me) that’s not a problem for them.. They should’ve fixed, replaced, or refunded his $. The story would be significantly different then.. That said, you buy-’em, use the piss out of them, and let us all know how good OR bad they perform. I’ll listen to your experience and go from there. Im sure I’ll have one or two that will need nav in the near future. It’s the G3 razor for this build.

I've got a few, two cronus, two ares, and a midas tac. First cronus is still working well, been used a a lot of matches. Haven't had a problem with any of them. Have a new G3 razor, it's good, but the cronus wasn't holding me back.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

The OP hasn't been back since the day after he posted this POS thread.

 

[DairyDictator]

The OP hasn't been back since the day after he posted this POS thread.

Some say they can still hear him trying to decide between bitching about Athlon's CS to everyone he meets, and trying to sell them a "Like new Cronus" for low "demo" prices of $1600.

 

[AleksanderSuave]

Perfect time to necro this, since Athlon just did 60% off on expertvoice.

Prepare for the incoming PX posts of "like new" demo models.

 

[Melancon]

This has been a great read, the level of violence has been wonderful! Only mildly related, I'm a poor (well kind of, custom built rifle with a poor scope on top). I'm running a Cronus BTR-G2 and liking it. Likely cause I have old man eyes, but me and my shooting partner cant see the glass difference between it and his Razor G3. Not scare to post pics of the thing if needed (unlike some folks lol).

-Mel

 

[NewsShooter]

This has been a great read, the level of violence has been wonderful! Only mildly related, I'm a poor (well kind of, custom built rifle with a poor scope on top). I'm running a Cronus BTR-G2 and liking it. Likely cause I have old man eyes, but me and my shooting partner cant see the glass difference between it and his Razor G3. Not scare to post pics of the thing if needed (unlike some folks lol).

-Mel

Had someone get behind my Cronus BTR at a recent rimfire match, immediately asked what the scope was as he like the glass and reticle.

 

[Melancon]

Had someone get behind my Cronus BTR at a recent rimfire match, immediately asked what the scope was as he like the glass and reticle.

I've had the same experience on the range with folks really interested in it. It would be nice to run a NF or one of the other big names but I don't think my eyes can tell a difference. It tracks great and the turrets are crazy stiff (which I love), so I figure I'll just keep what I got. I have enough tied up in the rest of the rifle already

-Mel

 

[oldrifleman]

I've had the same experience on the range with folks really interested in it. It would be nice to run a NF or one of the other big names but I don't think my eyes can tell a difference. It tracks great and the turrets are crazy stiff (which I love), so I figure I'll just keep what I got. I have enough tied up in the rest of the rifle already

-Mel

I understand the dollar issue, makes great sense. As a fellow old dude, with eyes well past their prime, I find that is why I do need good glass. As a young shooter I shot used leopold scopes, sightrons and a few others that were not considered prime and it made zero difference. I then moved up toward nightforce because my eyes were getting old, now in my mid 60s I looked through alpha glass and it was like night and day, I could actually see thing with lower power than my NF and my hits improved.
Now I am never going to tell you to sell the kids and get a ZCO, but don’t discount what better glass can do for you!

 

[FuhQ]

I love seeing this shitshow get revived every couple months...

 

[oldrifleman]

Yeah and I fell for it.

 

[Gee Kay]

The OP hasn't been back since the day after he posted this POS thread.

damn, i was gonna offer him my avatar in exchange for a scope

 

[m6z]

I know this is going to sound crazy, but hear me out..

Quit buying shit tier optics at retail prices. "Just as gud."

 

[JC0352]

I just stumbled across this thread…. I think I might’ve caught autism from the OP

 

[Cody S]

you sound INCREDIBLY picky about scopes.
have you tried a tangent theta? I honestly think it will tick all your boxes. I haven't tried the new gen 3 vortex but that would be my second choice because of how excellent the gen 2 is.
I will say, I gambled on a vortex chinesium scope because it's a vortex and it was from Amazon. 5-25 venom... incredible value..
also, I'm not sure my tangent theta has ever even had it's illumination turned on, even by accident lol. it worked in my gen 2 razor, needed it once.

 

[EotS]

I don't want to read all this.
I have a gen 1 Cronos BTR on a 6.5prc that's been solid

Ya'll lmk if I need to hate it now, or naah

 

[GO@HORNS]

The one downside to this forum is it tends to bring out the “prick” in EVERYBODY.

 

[koshkin]

The one downside to this forum is it tends to bring out the “prick” in EVERYBODY.

For the record: I am the same kind of asshole in real life as I am online. If anything, I might be slightly nicer online.

ILya

 

[GO@HORNS]

As most of you guys are.

 

[Mattv931]

"Like sand through the hour glass, these are the days of our lives."