No comparison. I looked thru that Athlon scope at the Hickory gun show. Glass was well above any medium and up Vortex. This coming from someone who owns two Vortex scopes and sold another on a AR15.
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tdovea10
Well-Known Member
Thanks Blackgun! Who was dealing athlon? And how were their prices? AmaZon has the one I want for like 850 IIRC.
Athlon that I have does have nice glass. But, it is made by Commie Chinese. I don’t know about the Vortex. My Athlon came with a used Cz455 that I bought.
I only buy Leupolds if buying just a scope, but if I were willing to buy Chineseum, Athlon would get the nod.
I only buy Leupolds if buying just a scope, but if I were willing to buy Chineseum, Athlon would get the nod.
I’m not sure but that range first focal point was 58mm and well north of $1200 but not sure the exact price. Most Vortex if not all now are made in the Philippines. I would have to check but I think mid tier Athlon is Japanese glass. The most expensive Vortex are Japanese. Almost all of it is Chinese.
Germany has the best glass with the Japanese catching up as of late.
georgel
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Athlon was started by some ex-Bushnell guys. So, they know the business and it's why they are doing well with models and features. Service is great too. I had a Midas that I sent in for them to look at, because I thought the adjustments were off. Next thing I know, I receive a new scope in the mail.
Personally, I've always found Vortex glass a bit hazy and never get that "pop" of clarity/contrast I'm looking for, although otherwise they seem well made. Maybe, I haven't tried a high enough grade.
Doug has Athlon... (one of our vendor members)
Personally, I've always found Vortex glass a bit hazy and never get that "pop" of clarity/contrast I'm looking for, although otherwise they seem well made. Maybe, I haven't tried a high enough grade.
Doug has Athlon... (one of our vendor members)
Timfoilhat
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I'd suggest that you check out the Meopta Optika6 line. They are a Czech company that is the origin for other big name European brands. A great value on glass.
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tdovea10
Well-Known Member
I found a 5-30 FFP one on Amazon for a good price
As a long standing supporting vendor here we'd be happy to assist you & our July 4th Sale begins tonight at Midnight, however, as a member here just call us, 516-217-1000, starting now and we will hook you up with sale pricing on what you're looking for
Chuckman
Senior Member
Top shelf Vortex, USA; midline, Philippines; Strike Eagle and below, China.
www.everydaymarksman.co
I don't have an issue with Vortex from China given the warranty.
I have no input about Athlon.
I don't have a dog in the fight about this country vs that; some German > US; some US > Japanese; some Japanese > German, and around it goes. Depends on the brand and model, and depends on other factors. The tech in every country is basically the same, the difference is in assembly and QA/QC.
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56: The Raw Truth Review
The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 is a great entry level option into serious long range optics, and ideal for a rimfire competition rifle.
www.everydaymarksman.co
I don't have an issue with Vortex from China given the warranty.
I have no input about Athlon.
I don't have a dog in the fight about this country vs that; some German > US; some US > Japanese; some Japanese > German, and around it goes. Depends on the brand and model, and depends on other factors. The tech in every country is basically the same, the difference is in assembly and QA/QC.
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Timfoilhat
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I just bought a (chinese) Primary Arms prism. It's darn nice. These days I don't think the whole arguement is about shoddy product anymore. I thing it's about putting money into the economy of a nation that would like to see our demise. It makes for tough choices because sometimes that near slave labor over there makes for some good products that would otherwise be out of reach for average consumers around the world...like iphones and optics...and coming soon electric cars.Top shelf Vortex, USA; midline, Philippines; Strike Eagle and below, China.
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56: The Raw Truth Review
The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 is a great entry level option into serious long range optics, and ideal for a rimfire competition rifle.
I don't have an issue with Vortex from China given the warranty.
I have no input about Athlon.
I don't have a dog in the fight about this country vs that; some German > US; some US > Japanese; some Japanese > German, and around it goes. Depends on the brand and model, and depends on other factors. The tech in every country is basically the same, the difference is in assembly and QA/QC.
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I sold my Vortex 5-25x specifically to get the Athlon. The Athlon is a better scope, without a doubt. Glass clarity and light transmission between the two is simply no comparison. Their Cronus line is made in Japan, if you care about such things. I went with the Cronus 4.5-29 myself, but the BTR 4.5-27 is fantastic as well.
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Chuckman
Senior Member
Yeah, I struggle with buying Chinese but at the end of the day I have to be an informed consumer (we all do), especially in this economy.
georgel
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QC and consistency are the biggest issues for products out of China. The can make some great stuff, but not every one is great, even in the same model. If possible, I always cherry pick between a few to make sure I have a good one. And then, I still want a good warranty.
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tdovea10
Well-Known Member
Thanks @gr8fuldoug ! Do y’all have the meopta scopes as well?
Yes, we do and all Meopta products are a part of our Store Wide 4th of July Sale Now through July 5th