I recently added an Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen 2 6-24×56 to my ODIN Works 22 ARC AR build. After taking a close look at the rifle, it’s time to examine the optic!
Disclaimer
Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt any of the processes or procedures shown or described on this website. All gunsmithing procedures should be carried out by a qualified and licensed gunsmith at their own risk. Do not attempt to repair or modify any firearms based on information on this website. Ultimate Reloader, LLC and Making With Metal can not be held liable for property or personal damage due to viewers/readers of this website performing activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website. By accepting these terms, you agree that you alone are solely responsible for your own safety and property as it pertains to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website.
About the Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen 2
I’ve used and tested a number of Athlon optics on the channel including the Argos BTR 8-34 x 56, Ares G2 UHD spotting scope, and Cronus ATS thermal. In fact, Athlon was the optics sponsor of the Rock Chuck Olympics, all competitors using this same 6-24x scope during the PRS stage and other Athlon optics for the rest of the event.
This scope is available with an illuminated FFP reticle in MIL or MOA.
Both of these reticles are ideal for holding over with various subtensions, but are not busy enough to be distracting. Side parallax ranges from 10 yards to infinity for greater versatility in shooting short to long ranges.
This scope also features a precision zero stop, locking turrets, advanced fully multi-coated lenses, and XPL protective coating. It is also waterproof, fog proof, shockproof and argon-purged for resistance against the elements.
From Athlon Optics:
Magnification: 6-24x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Tube Diameter: 34mm
Eye Relief: 3.7”
FOV @ 100 Yards: 19.9 – 5.12 ft.
Parallax Adjustment: 10 y
Click Value: 0.1 MIL
Length: 14.3”
Weight: 34.5 oz.
What’s in the Box
This scope arrives secured in foam with a protective bag surrounding it. Also included is an Allen key, lens cloth, spare set screws, and an instruction manual.
Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig
The Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig, designed and built in house, measures actual optics performance using precision 100 yard targets (MIL, MOA) and camera positioning to sub -0.0005”. It tests tracking, zoom, parallax, and distortion. Note: We do not currently have a way to capture optics image quality in a meaningful way.
To test tracking, we took the scope up, down, left and right 3.0 mil, noting where we landed on the target. Everything lined up perfectly on the test target.
For parallax, we started with the center of the scope scope and camera collinear. With the scope parallax set to the testing range (100 yards), we moved the scope left and right 0.050” to simulate varying head position. While we observed shadowing as we moved the camera, there was very little shift of the reticle itself.
This test also allows us to look at reticle alignment and ensure that all of the lines on the reticle are straight. (I used levels and calipers to ensure the test target, camera, and scope were all properly aligned before conducting this test.) It passed with flying colors.
To test image distortion, we took one frame from the video and aligned it with a rectangle to see if there is any pincushion effect. I observed perfectly parallel lines—no image distortion.
Hands-On
I secured this scope to my ODIN Works 22 ARC using an Athlon AR tactical cantilever mount, the same mount we used on all the Stag ARs during the Rock Chuck Olympics. This mount has 20 MOA built in for greater elevation.
Though I didn’t compete in the Rock Chuck Olympics, I did have an opportunity to shoot the stages. I really enjoyed using the Helos, particularly with the locking turrets. These prevent inadvertent dialing, incredibly important for both competition shooting and hunting.
While I used the holdover lines for PRS, I preferred to use the isolated center dot for bench shooting and zeroes.
Conclusion
I really liked the reticle design, tracking, mechanics, and smooth mag ring of the Helos BTR Gen 2.
It has a lifetime warranty, works well on AR-15s, and remains affordable. One thing I didn’t like was the aggressive elevation clicks — it’s possible to accidentally move two clicks at once, so you have to be careful. These optics had zero failures across shooters at the Rock Chuck Olympics, a testament to their durability. Illumination combined with a 6-24x magnification range and adjustable parallax makes for a very versatile optic well-suited to a variety of scenarios.
Get the Gear
Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen 2 6-24×56
Athlon AR Tactical Cantilever Mounts
Don’t miss out on Ultimate Reloader updates, make sure you’re subscribed!
Thanks,
Gavin Gear
