It was not that long ago that 1-4 magnification LPVOs (Low-Powered Variable Optics) were the cutting edge for modern sporting rifles. Manufacturers like Athlon Optics have continuously developed more advanced LPVO optics, making one of my personal favorite optics, 2-10, all but obsolete. What I have for review is the Athlon Optics HELOS BTR GEN2 1-10×28 LPVO, let’s see how it performed for me over the last 5 months.
About Athlon Optics
Athlon is a proud US sports optics product company. Devoted to designing and delivering superior quality optics products and outdoor accessories at a competitive price to our consumers via our distribution and retail channels. Athlon has strong engineering capabilities, strategic alliances with quality manufacturers, and a streamlined fully integrated supply chain. These advantages enable us to bring the latest cutting-edge technologies and cut out the extra layers of traditional supply chains. With these advantages we are able to deliver products to consumers with great cost savings. Our goal from day one is to pass those savings to you, the outdoor enthusiast.
Athlon Optics Coverage on AllOutdoor
First Look – Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen2 1-10×28
Before we break open the package, let’s break down the HELOS and what the name means. From Athlon, the Helos BTR is “designed for tactical shooters looking for the latest trend in optics at an affordable price” The Helos BTR Gen 2 is the newest addition to the Helos BTR family. 1-10×28 indicates that this optic has a minimum magnification of 1x allowing for a wide field of view and near red dot capability for close range use and a maximum magnification of 10x with a 28 mm objective lens. ATMR4 is the name of this optic’s reticle. Designed for use with 68 or 69 gr .223/5.56 Nato cartridges. IR means that this optic has an illuminated reticle useful for quick target acquisition and helpful in low light. MOA simply means that this optic uses MOA (Minute of Angle) rather than MIL (Milliradian).
Specifications
- Power: 1-10x
- Objective Lens: 28 mm
- Tube Size: 34 mm
- Turrets: Capped
- FoV @ 100Y: 110-10ft
- Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Total Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Total Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Parallax Adjustment: Fixed @ 100yrds
- Purging Material: Argon
- Weight: 18.3oz (without mount)
- Full Spec Sheet
This optic is covered by Athlon Optics “Gold Medal” Lifetime Warranty. This warranty gives you the peace of mind if for whatever reason you need a repair, you are covered at no additional cost to you.
I am a sucker for good packaging and Athlon has done a superb job. Inside the box you will find the optic secured with soft Styrofoam, an owner’s manual, caps, and the optic. For mounting, I chose Athlon’s AR Tactical Cantilever Mount and Athlon’s Armor low 34mm rings for two separate applications.
Initial impressions are positive, the glass is clear, and the body of the Helos has an excellent consistent finish. Turret caps are secure but remove easily with nicely machined threads. The only issue I found was a small bur on the diopter tube that was easily removed and did not cause any issues.
Let’s Get to the Range – Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen2 1-10×28
For the first experience with the Helos, I decided to steal my wife’s rifle, as it is probably the closest to what Athlon Optics has in mind for this reticle I had on hand. It is a very simple 16in 5.56 AR-15, and I’ll be pairing it with 55 grain and 77 grain .223. The only complaint with fitment on my wife’s AR-15 is that the Helos did not clear the Magpul MBUS rear sight and had to be removed.
At the range, the Helos was easy to zero. Underneath the turret caps are quarter MOA adjustable elevation and windage that are slightly inconsistent feeling when adjusting, probably due to being brand new, and did seem to even out with use. Adjustments are mushy while still having a decent audible click. Once we had the Helos zeroed, my wife and I started plinking paper and steel targets at close range to get a feel for the 1x magnification. The diopter was easy to set for either of our eyes and does come close to a true 1x, but still has a slight fishbowl distortion on the outer edge. The Helos BTR Gen2 is among the closest to a true 1x that I have experience with any LPVO, but is still not quite there. 1x magnification is useable for both eyes open shooting, especially paired with the illuminated reticle. The reticle illumination is another standout feature, the maximum brightness is not as bright as some red dots but is what I would consider, daylight bright. Thankfully the Helos does include off positions in between each brightness setting making switching to your preferred brightness much quicker.
Performed a quick box test to check tracking. I did this at 50 yards, shot a 5 shot group, adjusted right 10 clicks, 5 shot group, adjusted down 10 clicks, another group, left 10 clicks, another group, and then one final 10 click adjustment up and a final 5 shot group. All while maintaining the point of aim at the same spot. As expected, the Helos BTR Gen2 tracked perfectly and returned to original zero. Adjustment could be slightly more tactile, but is useable.
Glass clarity and brightness throughout the magnification range is excellent. Minor edge distortion and a forgiving eye relief make this a pleasant to use optic. The reticle has useful BDC hold-overs that appear to match very well to this 16in AR-15. Making longer range hits was a breeze with minimal practice to learn holds. I will test that further later.
My wife really enjoyed using the Helos, she instantly was able to make accurate and repeatable hits at various ranges and did not seem to miss the red dot that I had pulled off her rifle.
Let’s Try Something Different – Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen2 1-10×28
After a couple successful trips out with the Helos, I took it off my wife’s AR-15 and mounted it with Athlon Optics 34mm low armor rings on my Zastava M70 chambered in 7.62×39, I think it is a very good-looking combination.
I had never tried an AK style rifle with an LPVO before now, it did not take me long to get the appeal. As with the AR-15, close range targets are easy to acquire and longer range is a breeze. The reticle is designed for 5.56, but having the holds etched into the reticle and figuring out ranges for them on a different caliber with more drop than 5.56 took no time at all. The Helos BTR Gen2 expectedly handled the slightly increased recoil of a suppressed 7.62×39 AK without issue.
Time for Some Distance – Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen2 1-10×28
I mounted the Helos BTR Gen2 to my new Palmetto State Armory Sabre AR-15 and headed to CMP’s Talladega Marksmanship Park with fellow AllOutdoor writer Eugene L. This park has multiple ranges including – 100 yard, 200-600 yard, and my personal favorite, the unknown distance steel range. After a quick zero at the 100 yard range, we headed to the 200-600 yard range.
Using the Sabre with its 13.7” barrel and loaded with 77gr match ammo, the Helos BTR Gen2 was a dream out to 300 yards. The BDC reticle worked perfectly. That said, I finally got a chance to experience my one true complaint with LPVOs and that is the fixed parallax at long range at maximum magnification. 600 yard targets were exceedingly difficult to focus on, using the BDC I was able to make hits, but I was wishing I had more control on my optic. This is a balance that end users will have to decide on for their application, is the added complexity needed for what you want to use it for?
The Helos BTR Gen2 finished this range trip with zero issues, besides me forgetting to turn off the illuminated reticle, killing the battery.
Final Thoughts on the Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen2 1-10×28
The few complaints I have are incredibly minor in the total package of this Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 LPVO. It would benefit from a throw lever, and the 1x isn’t quite a true 1x. Close range engagements are easy, glass is clear, light transmission is excellent, no fogging or moisture issues, one of the best illuminations for an LPVO I have experienced, and the reticle is clever and useful. For the asking price of $624.99, the Helos BTR Gen2 1-10×28 is hard to beat and if you are in the market, it is well worth a strong look. This is a truly impressive optic that brings some serious value.
If you are interested in picking up a Helos BTR Gen2 for yourself, check out the product page here.
