Yes it will cook food very well even in cold weather and at high altitude. I just wanted to test water heating capabilities.

Well in credit to the scope that was in the absolute brightest setting you could operate in. Snow is literally reflective enough to cause a condition called snow blindness. Compared to many other scopes, the Ares 1-10 still referred to as day bright.

The Vortex sells for around $2000 while this scope sells for around $980. I have not compared the two side by side but I would expect (hope) that the extra $1000 for the Vortex would give you better glass. The glass in this Athlon Ares is excellent - especially when you consider it’s a short to medium range scope. I showed it to some of the guys on my SWAT team and we were looking through it at dusk and we’re surprised at the clarity and how well they could see. I’m really considering using this on my duty rifle. Like I said, I haven’t compared them side by side but I don’t think you’re going to get much more performance in a 1-10x scope for the extra $1000 the Vortex costs.

@@evaqu8survival277 I would have to agree. Active LE pricing for both scopes offer great discounts, but it makes the Athlon obtainable for the average beat cop who wants something better. I’m just not seeing anything besides the Vortex name that makes the Gen. 3 Razor stand out that much more than the Athlon Ares 1-10. I’ve played with all flavors of high end glass, but I’ve been impressed with Athlon’s Ares line. Although, I’ve not been able to get my hands on a 1-10 to give it a test drive I suppose I might as well bite the bullet and order one. I really don’t think I’ll be losing anything compared to the Vortex and I think I’ll have good confidence in the choice. For those of us who might really have to use them “confidence” is a very highly valued trait in our equipment. Thank you for the fast reply and expert answer.

@@madhatter6913 I was waiting on reviews of the Athlon before I pulled the trigger on a Vortex Razor 3. I normally would not spend that much on a optic, but I came into some unexpected cash. As some real user reviews popped up on the snipershide forum, it didn't seem like a Razor killer (except in price). The optical clarity sounds like a wash, but the illumination and the center dot of the reticle helped me choose the Razor. The illumination is red dot bright, which helps for close, fast target acquisition. The center of the reticle is translucent, so your visibility won't be blocked on smaller, longer range targets. Also, the Athlon's weight was a factor. Having said that, if I didn't have the extra cash, I would have either purchased the Athlon, or waited for the Primary Arms Glx 1-10x. I would be happy with either one of them for the money.

@@sacar8920 I actually went with a Razor 3-15 and added an offset Trijicon RMR. Cured the parallax problems and added up to about the same weight with about 2” more length. I’m running a 10.3” 300 blk with a Omega 300 so it still comes out to close to rifle length. Doesn’t look too goofy and expanded the horizons. Most of the weight is in the Sphur scope mount.

@@madhatter6913 I like your setup. You get more magnification on the top end when you need it and a great red dot for close in work. And no need to turn a magnification ring.