I have liked light scopes for hunting on foot and shooting in the backyard. In the last 5 years I have bought 3 Clearidge Ultra 3-9x32 mil dot scopes. After reading about the new Athlon scopes on this forum and Sniper’s Hide I bought an Athlon Talos 3-12x40 mil dot. Here is my brief comparison.
Athlon Talos 3-12x40 mil dot
$139 on line
Side focus 10 yards – infinity
12 inches long
19 oz. on my scales
Made in China
Lifetime warranty
Clearidge Ultra 3-9x32 mil dot
$246 on line
AO front ring 10 yards – infinity
12 inches long
13 oz. on my scales
Made in Japan
“disclaims all warranties"
I admit that I don’t have calibrated eyeballs, but these two scopes appear optically very similar to me. Both are clear edge to edge with very similar reticles. Fit and finish are very similar. The ocular lens on the eye bell is 1/8” closer to the end of the scope on the Athlon. I like both scopes.
Pros for the Clearidge Ultra RM:
It is 6 oz lighter
The company has been around longer
Pros for the Athlon Talos:
Side focus
Cost--$107 less
Lifetime warranty
Critical factors for me: I have decided that I will not buy any more scopes that are not side focus. If I can’t tell a difference in quality I don’t care where the scope is made. Athlon is giving a lifetime, no-questions-asked warranty. Clearidge “disclaims all warranties”. I am amazed that this Athlon Talos scope is selling for $139.
I am interested to hear your opinions and observations.
Athlon Talos 3-12x40 mil dot
$139 on line
Side focus 10 yards – infinity
12 inches long
19 oz. on my scales
Made in China
Lifetime warranty
Clearidge Ultra 3-9x32 mil dot
$246 on line
AO front ring 10 yards – infinity
12 inches long
13 oz. on my scales
Made in Japan
“disclaims all warranties"
I admit that I don’t have calibrated eyeballs, but these two scopes appear optically very similar to me. Both are clear edge to edge with very similar reticles. Fit and finish are very similar. The ocular lens on the eye bell is 1/8” closer to the end of the scope on the Athlon. I like both scopes.
Pros for the Clearidge Ultra RM:
It is 6 oz lighter
The company has been around longer
Pros for the Athlon Talos:
Side focus
Cost--$107 less
Lifetime warranty
Critical factors for me: I have decided that I will not buy any more scopes that are not side focus. If I can’t tell a difference in quality I don’t care where the scope is made. Athlon is giving a lifetime, no-questions-asked warranty. Clearidge “disclaims all warranties”. I am amazed that this Athlon Talos scope is selling for $139.
I am interested to hear your opinions and observations.