Hawke Frontier 30 vs Ares ETR?

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Elgreco

Elgreco

Member
Apr 8, 2020
331
142
TX, United States
I was wondering between the two which one has the better glass? I called Hawke and apparently the difference between the H5 optical system( sidewinder)and the H7 (frontier) is 3 more coatings in the glass. Again not talking about turrets or tracking but if you have any input on those as well it is welcome. Number one key point though would be image quality especially in higher magnification. 
 
If you can live with 4-16x the Zeiss is untouchable for under $1000 if you wanna spend that kinda cash anyway.

NOTHING WILL TOUCH IT IN THE $1000 PRICE POINT YOU GOTTA PAY DOUBLE TO SEE A NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT IN GLASS.

https://redhawkrifles-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/redhawkrifles.com/amp/demo-zeiss-conquest-v4-4-16x50-rifle-scope/?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQFUAKwASA%3D#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fredhawkrifles.com%2Fdemo-zeiss-conquest-v4-4-16x50-rifle-scope%2F


 
Upvote 0
I have an athalon ares etr uhd. The glass is incredible for the $1200.00 price point, but that’s comparing to my friends vortex razor and a few hundred bucks less. He was also impressed and had since purchased one, and I have no experience with the Hawke frontier other hawke scopes just not that one. I find it better for me to compare at the range or better my back yard spending long periods of time in good and less light conditions. But with age my eyes can look through the athalon for long periods of time with out fatigue or what I call scope eye. Hope that helps but that’s just what I found to be the best bang for my buck. But I have pleasure to look through several different high end scopes and spending time with some of them. Good luck 
 
Upvote 0
Thanks man, I was looking to return my Hawke to PA and thought that if I requested an upgrade they wouldn't charge me the 20% return fee. I am looking at the 4x20x50 Frontier 30 which is only $100 more expensive than the 4-16x50 Sidewinder I am returning plus it has metal caps. The extra 4 zoom won't hurt either and it should help me reach a bit further when hunting. 
 
Upvote 0
I looked at it man and sounds that it has an amazing build quality but it also sounds that the reticle is kind weird. I saw a you tube review of it and I don't know if I will be able to live with it.
Click to expand...



The reticle is not "normal" but actually pretty cool once you get use to it. With no solid lines you can see through the reticle and hold over is quite natural because no solid line blocking the object. Part of the reason for it is the reticle is kind of thick at max but fairly usable at lower magnifications, everything is a compromise. 


It's a great deal for a japanese scope at half the price of a chinese scope, up to you. 
 
Upvote 0
I'm an Athlon fan and would go Athlon but that's just me. I care about more than just glass and Athlon has some of the best turrets you'll ever feel and I really like how smooth everything else works. I'm also very picky with reticles and really enjoy a few of the Athlon reticles. Plus one of the best warranties in the business. 

On the whole Japan vs China scopes though I would choose my Midas Tac 4-16x44 hands down everytime over the SWFA 3-15x42. I owned both and the Midas Tac was the definite winner to me with glass, turrets and the focus. Paid $550 for both and for me I'd pick the China scope over Japan hands down.
 
Upvote 0
I have owned a couple Ares ETR’s and they are very nice for the price point, assuming you don’t pay MSRP. They can be had for around $900 new or less used. 

That being said, for that price I would buy a used Cronus over the ETR every day. The Cronus is between $900-$1100 (used to new) usually. I wouldn’t care if I had the first version (pre-BTR). Hey have been around $1,050 new (since the new version came out) and I would put my money there all day. 

I have never used the Hawke and have only used lower end models, so I cannot comment. 
 
Upvote 0
You are correct, the difference is the turrets the cronus has the better turrets but with that said I personally go by the reticle. If you’re following me the reticles on athalon reduces the need to turn the turrets, that’s what the reticles are designed to do . Sometimes I believe that I not have the abilities to explain things better. Please enjoy any decision you make. And I have never seen the above prices not that it’s not true.
 
Upvote 0
And I have never seen the above prices not that it’s not true.
Click to expand...

Watch out for Odoyle’s deal notices, and watch the SnipersHide for used deals. He posted the new Cronus deals, and posted about his recent $900 Cronus purchase. I have purchased one that low on SH as well. In the last month, I have seen the Cronus sell used for $1000, and Ares sell for $825 used, both on SH. An Athlon dealer sold me both my ETRs new last year for $900. Just gotta ask around for pricing, because MAP pricing prevents sites from posting for prices they are actually willing to sell at. 
 
Upvote 0
You are correct, the difference is the turrets the cronus has the better turrets but with that said I personally go by the reticle. If you’re following me the reticles on athalon reduces the need to turn the turrets, that’s what the reticles are designed to do . Sometimes I believe that I not have the abilities to explain things better. Please enjoy any decision you make. And I have never seen the above prices not that it’s not true.
Click to expand...

Gotta know the dealers that can sell under MAP to get the deals. They aren't allowed to advertise lower prices on the net. Neither I nor Smok3y can't publicly disclose. 

Hint PHONE CALL places to ask to get better deals not click online chat the old fashioned way. Some have online click peek a boo better prices but usually cheaper talking to a human.
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu