Scopes: your thoughts on Element vs Athlon

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Between my Powder Burners and my Airguns I have 8 Athlon scopes. 2 Aeres 4.5-27, 2 Helos BTR 6-24, 1 Helos BTR Gen 2 6-24 and 3 Argos BTR Gen2 6-24. Obviously I love them. I have actually retired my older Nikon Monarch scopes from a Kimber .308 Rifle and replaced it with the Athlon Helos, and my two Ruger Precision Rifles (.308 and 6.5 Creedmoor) wear the Athlon Aeres. My 2 FX Crowns, my Huben K1 and one of my Impacts all wear Athlon. Best Warranty in the business, and for my money, best value.
 
Upvote 0
coyotegod said:
I would own all Athlon Helos 2-12 FFP if they worked better with the Pard 007s.

The lens coating doesn't work well with the night vision. Element does not have an issue, so I have the Element on any rifle I use the Pard with.
Click to expand...

yotedivinity,

that's very interesting! Would you explain this a little more, please?
I am getting into scopecams and I wonder if there is a similar issue with certain scopes (not necessarily Athlon, just a general issue).
I'd like to understand what exactly the problem seems to be — to see if a similar problem could occur with scopecams.

Thanks!

Matthias
 
Upvote 0
woogie_man said:
And like was said above... once you get some nice glass you will be ruined for life.
Looking though nice glass can be a curse!
Click to expand...


Chris,

thanks for the WARNING!! 🤣

I just suffered a severe financial loss* — I will heed your warning and will avoid nice scopes like the plague.

What "helps" me is that there aren't a lot of gun owners (AG & PB) where I live. 😟 — Wished it was otherwise. If anybody ever wants to visit Peru, Macchu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, the Amazon jungle, 20.000ft tall mountains — make sure you swing by my house!

Matthias


*Thanks for your sympathy in my loss. (I suppose I'd loose your sympathy if I told you I suffered this severe loss by buying a nice gun? Yeah, I did that. I take the blame.)
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
When I was much younger it was said that everything made in Japan was cheap junk. Fast forward to today and there is some cheap junk coming out of China. There are also some fantastic bargains, especially where quality glass is concerned. In my opinion Athlon optics, of the Midas Tac and Helos grade, are some of the best on the market, at that price point. In fact, they can rival some other makes higher priced products. (Photo added just to show I use what I am recommending.)

60589097-7477-450F-A92C-A1C7179F6089.jpeg
 
Upvote 0
JungleShooter said:
Do they have a 10 yard parallax?

Matthias
Click to expand...
No, it seems some have recently received them with a 20 yard parallax marking on the adjustment knob. The one I had was marked 25 yards but wouldn’t focus any closer than 29 yards. Based off of my customer service experience with them, I wouldn’t recommend the brand.
 
Upvote 0
Cannonball said:
No, it seems some have recently received them with a 20 yard parallax marking on the adjustment knob. The one I had was marked 25 yards but wouldn’t focus any closer than 29 yards.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input, Cannonball. 👍🏼
I can tolerate 15y, but not 20y, certainly not 29y....

Matthias
 
Upvote 0
The OP was looking for a long range bench gun. I would think that would open up a lot of possibilities. He doesn't have to have that close range focus. That being said, despite all the haters, I'm saving for the Nexus. I look at Mr. Dubber's body of work over the last few years, and I have a hard time thinking he is making a bunch of crap and selling it as golden. It just doesn't ring true. I'm going to try the Nexus because I do want that close focus option though. I look forward to hearing what scope won out, and how he likes it.
 
Upvote 0
With long range bench shooting I mind.....

Can't compare it to Element but will share a few comments on Athlon, specifically the Midas Tac 6-24x50.

The image is clear enough that I can see .20 pellet holes in paper out to 144 yards with a Midas Tac. Tracking/turrets can also be 100% trusted. Both aspects are important for paper shooting.

I was impressed enough with my first Midas Tac that I recently bought another one. 100% stamp of approval for me on them.

The Midas Tac is a great general use airgun scope that can pull triple duty for: ranging by focus in field target, benchrest, or pesting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: EPG and _CTAIRGUNNER_
Upvote 0
For years I've been interested in the Element scopes. I finally got to look through their scopes at RMAC. Athlon and Night force were also there so it was a good comparison. My opinion on each company is: Element, I hated the small eyebox. Athlon, very nice scopes and the rep answered all questions. NF is a Badazz scope. I started thinking which pcp's to sell to buy the one I liked (over 3k)
 
  • Like
Reactions: _CTAIRGUNNER_
Upvote 0
wyshadow said:
For years I've been interested in the Element scopes. I finally got to look through their scopes at RMAC. Athlon and Night force were also there so it was a good comparison. My opinion on each company is: Element, I hated the small eyebox. Athlon, very nice scopes and the rep answered all questions. NF is a Badazz scope. I started thinking which pcp's to sell to buy the one I liked (over 3k)
Click to expand...

I have seen these NF scopes before and wondered why they were priced how they were so if you get one, do a review! The Titans Ive run are awesomeeeeee for target shooting , long range, from the bench. I do think that when I build a long range big bore Ill use another.
 
Upvote 0
Goldwing said:
Elements is made in China, has no life time warranty like Athlon and has a lot of (CA) purple fringing that clouds your view
You would be happy with the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 8-34x56 in the $400+ price range
Element has been a follow the leader, don't think for yourself scope for a while and if you have any optic experience you would in time sell it for better glass
Now if you want the best, get real Japanese, German glass like Trijicon, Night Force, Zeiss but expect to pay more then the cost of the airgun rifle
View attachment 271152
View attachment 271153
Click to expand...
File this under misinformation..."However, we know that things can go wrong, and therefore all Element riflescopes are covered by our Platinum Lifetime Warranty. This includes lifetime cover for any riflescopes damaged through normal use, and requires no registration, proof of purchase or transfer." Made in China, yes the lower priced ones are the upper end are made in Japan. Not defending them just stating facts.
 
Upvote 0
Wwell ill throw in my 2 cents. I have 2 helix ffp and 4 athlon argos gen 2 , 6-24x50. I shoot field target as much as i can and find the athlon reticle easier to see even with the glasses i just got(old eyes) other wise i think they are fairly similar except the reticle in the element is too fine in dimly lit situations and the argos having an illuminated reticle is a bonus.
 
Upvote 0
Archdesigner03 said:
Don't know why things made in China gets a bad rap. First of all, it's American companies who chooses to EXPLOIT China and its workers to bring affordable products for consumption. It's the greed of American companies in the name capitalism to pay as little as possible for material and labor fees to bring affordable products for American consumption while lining the pockets of owners. Don't blame China, blame the COMPANIES who chooses to do business with China.
Click to expand...
we all know the politics , lets leave politics out and enjoy our air gun fun ! it makes us all mad ! this forum is our escape , i did what your doing and it got kicked off ! and im glad , i was having a angry day , so lets not do it here , that goes for me as well
 
Upvote 0
Goldwing said:
Elements is made in China, has no life time warranty like Athlon and has a lot of (CA) purple fringing that clouds your view
You would be happy with the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 8-34x56 in the $400+ price range
Element has been a follow the leader, don't think for yourself scope for a while and if you have any optic experience you would in time sell it for better glass
Now if you want the best, get real Japanese, German glass like Trijicon, Night Force, Zeiss but expect to pay more then the cost of the airgun rifle
View attachment 271152
View attachment 271153
Click to expand...
Element nexus is made in Japan
 
Upvote 0
Archdesigner03 said:
Don't know why things made in China gets a bad rap. First of all, it's American companies who chooses to EXPLOIT China and its workers to bring affordable products for consumption. It's the greed of American companies in the name capitalism to pay as little as possible for material and labor fees to bring affordable products for American consumption while lining the pockets of owners. Don't blame China, blame the COMPANIES who chooses to do business with China.
Click to expand...
Real and deep point!

My Element is piled with my other "NON reliable" scopes.
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu