Athlon Helos 2-12x42mm Review - All-Distance DMR Scope - RFR #10

Your next-gen rig needs a next-gen scope. The Athlon Helos is that scope. In my case, 6mm ARC is a cartridge that can deal with any game animals I find on an Oklahoma ranch, and with the Helos I can make a precise impact at any distance from up-close-and-personal to never-even-gonna-hear-the-report.
COUPON CODE = REGRESS for big discounts on my favorite Bluetooth earbud hearing protectors: bit.ly/3AimpBg
Featured Equipment:
- Athlon Helos 2-12x42mm MIL Scope: shrsl.com/3hkfw
- Athlon Helos 2-12x42mm MOA Scope: shrsl.com/3hkfu
- Athlon 20-MOA Mount: shrsl.com/3hkfq (China)
- Athlon Armor 20-MOA Mount: shrsl.com/3hkfr (USA)
- Athlon Ares 15-45x65mm Spotting Scope: shrsl.com/3c8ow
Notes for KZbin Commissars: All scenes filmed on a private, closed set and range.
Kyle Broderick, The Social Regressive
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Purpose
01:01 Form Factor
02:07 Resolution, Color, Contrast
03:34 Eye Relief
04:32 Turrets
06:13 Zero Stop
09:27 Adjustment Range
10:30 Controls
12:47 Reticle
13:43 Zoom Ring
14:40 Eyepiece
14:58 MOA or MIL
15:59 FFP Issues
17:30 Weight
18:20 Lens Coatings
20:24 Flexibility

[@Chonkasaurus]

Hello! This video was very helpful. You're very detailed and I am totally sold on this for the AR10 build I am working on. I haven't seen such a good review before! Best regards!

[@roseybut]

Hello from here in the UK. Been looking at this scope for a while but wasn't sure. Now I am. Going to order one. Thanks for the review.

[@FMJR25]

Great review. I have 2 of these scopes now. I bought one last year to run on my 350L AR deer rifle. I picked up another a month ago to run on my 45 Raptor AR-10. They are great in low light with the illuminated reticle an offer a friendly range of magnification.

[@RangerTexas90]

I swear, every time I go to look for info on a scope I have found I like, you have done a video on it. I appreciate your videos! I have several Athlon scopes, and this might be a good one for my .458 SOCOM.

[@ronaldhendricks3876]

The entire Helos Gen II line up is KILLER.

[@larry0406cherry]

Just want to say I appreciate reviews like yours. Shopping for scopes is hard given how many choices there are today. I know what I care about the most is comfortable eye relief and a generous eye box which you talked about both in your review. Great review and look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@SocialRegressive]

Thank you, Larry! You should check out my reviews of the Zero Tech scopes, too. A couple of those models are very easy to get behind, like the Thrive.

[@comeonsense2022]

Thanks for the very informative review.

[@GBGuns]

We've been impressed with the Athlon optics we have.

[@SocialRegressive]

Which models have you been testing?

[@918Mitchell]

I'm using a 6-24x50 Athlon on my 308 Ruger Precision and I love it.

[@joesmith-tg3co]

live close to you, glad to see a fellow okie, that does research, builds on a budget and knows what he is talking about, love the Mozambique Drill Shirt, I call it the Rhodesia drill

[@SocialRegressive]

Good to meet a fellow Okie, Joe! If you'd like one of the shirts, they're here: socialregressive.myspreadshop.com

[@joesmith-tg3co]

@@SocialRegressive thank you

[@alinde88]

I have this on an 18" ar15 kind of anl hunting-spr type of build also have 4 3 other athlon scopes have from helos up to ares and they're spotter all have treated me very well, placed pretty well in many long ramge varmint matches with my ares btr g2

[@Ripper13F1V]

Thanks for the review. Answered all my questions, and I'm now off the fence on this one and ready to budget and buy. =)

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

I bought one of these. For the money, it's very good. Good glass, great turrets, parallax adjustment is good, reticle is intuitive throughout the mag range, and the optical flatness from 2x to 12x is very good for the price. Not perfect, but in the $500 range, it's a great buy. Works flawless for me so far.

[@bradbo3]

I bought an Athlon Talos spotting scope 20x60x80 last year and was super impressed with it. After 150 yds or so it has a bit smokiness at the outer edges but still able to see quite good...and it was only $200. So i know they have good products and I may try this scope out.

[@commonsense5709]

They were selling them for $119 from about a year ago and is their current sale price from some dealers.

[@bravhrt1773]

Excellent review. Nice to see you finally get out of the basement workshop!

[@SocialRegressive]

It's a less controlled environment, but I like the backyard better. 👍

[@seanwhite304]

I have Athlon ARES ETR UHD 1-10X24 MIL FFP ATMR3 and its absolutely phenomenal Optic . It also doesnt break the bank for good quality 1-10×. I have 2 of these 1-10× . One is on my 6ARC and the other is on my 2Gun Rig. I do not know what the diffrence is between the ETR or BTR Line of Athlon Optics . My favorite 2-10× is PA GLX 2.5-10× GRIFFIN MIL ACSS. 2-10× / 2-12× Optics are one of my favorites . It's an awesome zoom range that can cover a lot of diffrent roles . I definitely need to check out the Athlon 2-12× and 3-18× . I've been blown away by their performance.

[@p47rr]

This scope is perfect for a PTR 91. It is short enough to clear the charging handle. And the bell is also small. I spent days looking for the perfect scope that would work. I didn’t want a LPVO. Prefer a MPVO. Plus if you go with high Vortex Pro series scope rings. You can use the iron sights. They have a cut out.

[@KBell119]

I don't have this particular model, but I've had a really good experience with my Athlon scope and would certainly buy another one.

[@commonsense5709]

I should have bought some of these 2-12x42 Helos scopes last year when they went on sale for $330-$350 around Black Friday. Cheapest I've seen these this year was $370 on sale mid 2023.

[@DDDontCare]

I have more than a couple pew-pews but since I'm not rich I have settled in on Athlon and Swampfox optics. Great budget brands. Looking at getting this scope for one of my Creedmoor ARs

[@eddiejennejr4342]

Great review. I’m on the fence looking for a scope for my savage 270

[@That_Guy5575]

As for the weight issue, a couple of suggestions: I’d recommend getting a carbon fiber hand guard. JAG Industries makes a couple of models, both of them very lightweight, one of them stupidly so (as in, 4.4 oz total for a 15” hand guard, including the barrel nut and mounting hardware) You can shave a lotta weight off the lower too by switching to the KP-15. Sure, it doesn’t have the adjustability of the PRS Lite, but it is also far far lighter (I believe it’s something like 10-12 ounces lighter than a standard aluminum lower with typical furniture) Just some food for thought.

[@Dexter-nw2fe]

Dont compromise your rifle (plastic lower) because your scope is a couppe ounces heavier than most

[@That_Guy5575]

@@Dexter-nw2fe If it were any other polymer lower, I’d agree with you. However, the KP-15 is ridiculously strong. It can handle some abuse that a typical adjustable stock can’t handle. Look up RecoilTV’s torture test of one, it’s FAR and away stronger than any other polymer lower. Why? Because this lower was designed from the ground up to BE polymer. Unlike all the 80% plastic lowers, which are just direct copies of aluminum lowers and hence why they fail miserably.

[@Stratinvllc]

Have an exposed gas block. use a 12 inch handguard to save weight.

[@claytonheck3253]

You and C_DOES should get together and pair notes on optics. I’d love to be a fly on the way during that conversation.

[@jumrobe]

I kept going back and forth between this scope and the trijicon Credo 2-10 for my 18" SPR. I ended up with the Trijicon because didn't like the size of the center dot. The gun is capable of sub-MOA groups, but it's hard to shoot sub-MOA when the dot covers the area you're trying to hit.

[@SocialRegressive]

It's true; varminting with this scope would be tricky for dialers.

[@gascheck8151]

Pick a point on the drop down intersections and go from there. That’s what I did. Dots that cover the target drive me nuts.

[@2amichaelj]

I was going to buy the Credo 2-10 but the thing that bothers me is no parallax adjustment. Seriously? FFP 2-10 with no parallax adjustment? Idk what Trijicon was thinking with that. I love their optics too with two TR24s, a TR25, Credo 1-8, Credo HX 1-6, and three RMRs. I really wanted that Credo 2-10 but man Trijicon misses out on a lot with their features. Their TR25 series would be killer with better reticles and it only took 14 years to update their RMR series finally.

[@Buckeyesully]

Have you had a chance to look at the other scopes in the Helos line? Is the 4x20x50 just as good as the 2x12x42? I am wondering if the extra power might be worth it.

[@take5962]

Great review and can’t say enough about your excellent 17 part series Optic Guide. I’ve learned a ton and use the series as a reference, constantly revisiting them. How would you compare the Vortex Viper HS 2.5X10X44mm in SFP for the same purpose of being an all around hunting scope?

[@SocialRegressive]

Solid choice. This is a LOT like the Engage 2.5-10 I reviewed a few years ago. I'm really glad they both have side focus. The Vortex reticle is probably easier to see in dark areas than the Deploy reticle in the Bushnell.

[@shaolinwarriormark]

​@@SocialRegressive hiw far out would this shoot 5.56 out to?

[@e7tegt503]

Anyone know how the glass in this scope compares to the etr series? The etr is the only one available locally to actually look through. Thanks.

[@MoondogIndustries]

Is that USAF chart printed on an 8.5x11 sheet?

[@SocialRegressive]

Hey there, Moondog! Nice to hear from you. I printed these on tabloid sheets and laminated them for longevity.

[@MoondogIndustries]

@@SocialRegressive That explains how I'm able to see the Group 0 elements so clearly with a x12 scope. I tried laminating my sheets but found too much glare at my range which uses lights.

[@SocialRegressive]

@@MoondogIndustries Yeah, pure paper would be better; my crosshairs on the tracking chart can get a bit washed out in the wrong conditions.

[@91F2Z]

If they would just make the center dot .1 MOA, and put two lines each side, perfect. I know it's a DMR style, but the center dot large size drives me a bit nutty.

[@commonsense5709]

These Athlon Helos 2-12x scopes were $305.79 MOA and $345.99 MIL during Black Friday Cyber Monday sale just recently.

[@darthvaderwilliamson9501]

😲

[@commonsense5709]

It's too bad they don't use the HD glass in their Midas Tac line.

[@commonsense5709]

$370.00 free shipping sale last month for both MOA and MIL models.

[@cecilandrews7479]

The size of that dot on the reticle at long range completely cover the target.

[@SocialRegressive]

It's definitely an issue with tiny targets.

[@commonsense5709]

Certain but not all Athlon scopes on sale fir really good prices at Optics Planet plus take an additional 11% or 5% off whichever code works on their website plus free shipping. Not as cheap as the recent Helos sale though. One of their Cronus BTR gen 2 is under $1300 and Ares ETR $900 after additional 5% is applied. There's a 11% discount code worth trying or search for a better discount code. Don't quote me but I think SANTA11 is 11% off. Cameraland in NY has all Athlons on sale same prices as Black Friday Cyber Monday sale until December 31 2022. Compare prices between both places with additional discounts from Optics Planet and free shipping while Cameraland charges for shipping. Cherry pick wisely before buying.

[@metaller_alex]

I really prefer my Leupold 4.5-14*50SFP with 30mm tube as one-fits-all-hunting scope.

[@SocialRegressive]

Sweet setup. What reticle?

[@shotbru]

Hi there, just a question regarding the Helos, I have one in 6-24x FFP, when zeroing, do you adjust the turret (elevation) upward if the bullet is low? I think I have the first gen Helos and the markings are quite confusing! thanks for your feedback

[@SocialRegressive]

Yes; dial your turret to the higher numbers and try another shot. When you've found the right setting, unscrew the top cap, lift it off, turn it to "0", then push it back on and reinstall it. That's called "zeroing" a rifle. You can easily find a tutorial by searching that phrase if you need one.

[@shotbru]

@@SocialRegressive thanks, I wasn’t sure if you need to dial to move the reticle down or dial up to move the bullet up. It can get confusing.

[@SocialRegressive]

@@shotbru That still throws me when I'm boresighting, and it's completely backward.

[@davidlauterbach1241]

Hello, great review, great speech! I'm quite new to bolt action rifles and looking for the best allround scope for zombie apocalypse (self defense / hunting) for Tikka CTR .308 24". I'm as well going through your Optics Guide and so far the Athlon Helos 2-12x42mm seems to me to be a great candidate. Or the 4-20x50 version of it - not sure if (for such purpose) I need 20 max magnification at the expense of +2 min. Which one would you pick?

[@SocialRegressive]

In an SHTF situation, I would pick the 2-12x42mm, even with a rifle that can stretch out a long distance. You'll be able to see more threats, especially up close where the danger is the highest. I'm glad you enjoyed the series!

[@davidlauterbach1241]

So mine had the illumination not working. Wrote an email directly to Athlon to make sure it's not me being stupid. Now it's a week w/o any response from them. Sending the scope back to the distributor... Not a great experience so far.

[@commonsense5709]

@@davidlauterbach1241 Good move there. You can buy them later during their next sale $305 or $345 or hopefully even cheaper depending MOA or MIL. I think the cheapest I've seen was $289 or were they $259 net price with a dealer in-house gift certificate towards future purchases.

[@basti080891]

Could you please measure the outside diameter of the objective for me?

[@CL-dg2br]

Great review! Thanks again Kyle. How does this Athlon Helos 2-12x42mm FFP scope compare to Swampfox Kentucky Long 2-12x44mm FFP scope? They are at about the same price point and with similar specs and functionalities. It would be great if you can do a review on the Kentucky Long scope and compare these scopes side-by-side.

[@Lifechanging99999]

I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re made in the same factory.

[@keahipelayo]

Excellent review. I have old eyes and will shoot a max of 300 yds. Most shots will be 100-200 range, give the size of the reticle, what sort of problems may have with it being to large on the target? Would it cover a MOA target?

[@SocialRegressive]

The MIL version's center dot is almost exactly 1 MOA. The MOA model doesn't have a center dot; only a thinner crosshair.

[@keahipelayo]

@@SocialRegressive Thank you.

[@texpatriot8462]

I have FFP scopes with the donut and Christmas tree reticle. While great for target usage, I won't use then for hunting b/c it is too hard to quickly see aiming point even with illumination at minimum magnification.

[@SocialRegressive]

This one's a lot like the US Optics Ts-8x reticle, and it can be hard to see against complex background.

[@jacoboabadi4418]

I've been between this one (2-12x) and the Athlon Ares 1-10x

[@commonsense5709]

Only scopes with side parallax adjusters would be my first choice.

[@MrBarbuster]

i bought a neos 4x12x40. had problems with paralax got where it would not rotate. finally found out that they wont turn in cold weather. so i see no good in them if you cant use it during hunting season, which is mostly in cold weather. i even put it by furnance vent and it finally turned after it warmed up. catcher is athlon rep told me it wont turn in cold weather after a few bad emails. so it is what it is.

[@SocialRegressive]

Thanks for letting us know. I haven't had issues with this one in the cold yet, but I'll keep my eyes open.

[@garythompson8867]

Hand warmer

[@user-jv4ic8rh4d]

What Turret precision %? In your opinion can this scope sustain scar 17 recoil impulse?

[@SocialRegressive]

The turrets tracked 100% in my box tests, both elevation and windage. The scope should have no trouble with forward or backward recoil, too, even heavier recoil like your SCAR.

[@user-jv4ic8rh4d]

@@SocialRegressive thank you

[@cZor]

Does it come with the mount or do I have to buy separately?

[@SocialRegressive]

It's a separate purchase. I've put links in the description box. Athlon makes two models: one in the USA (~$120); and one in China (~$65).

[@cZor]

@@SocialRegressivewhat are you personal thoughts on mount vs rings for this scope? I prefer rings myself, but if they made a mount specifically for this scope maybe that’s the better option.

[@ForceReset63]

Would you recommend for a 16in ar10?

[@SocialRegressive]

I'm about to test one in 308 Win. It should be a very potent carbine, capable of delivering heavy bullets and fighting the wind well to about 600 yards or so. This will be a fun test.

[@allenmouldey7784]

This may be dumb question, is the redical eched ?

[@SocialRegressive]

Yes, it is.

[@aireydc]

Bought one of these. The parallax probably needs fixing, at least I hope so because it sucked. I sent it back to Athlon to be inspected rather than back to the seller. Features were what I want so I will see what they say. Regarding parallax, looking at targets beyond 50 yards, the clearest parallax marking was still 50 yards. Between 200 and 400 yards distanced objects, if I turned the parallax past 50 yards, it became blurry. Even my Athlon SFP Talos parallax performed better, where a 200 yard telephone pole on a sunny days could be made more clear than the Helos and become most clear closer to the actual 200 yard marking. I know marked parallax rings are often not spot on but this seemed really off to me on the Helos.

[@SocialRegressive]

Please let us all know how it turns out. I'll be interested to hear if it was a singular problem.

[@aireydc]

@@SocialRegressive Will do. Should know something in a few weeks.

[@aireydc]

@@SocialRegressive The scope is out of spec for parallax focus, cannot be fixed, and must be replaced when back in stock … end of March.

[@SocialRegressive]

Shoot. I'm glad they were at least able to pinpoint the problem. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@aireydc]

@@SocialRegressive I received the warranty unit and it appears to have improved parallax. Athlon customer support was helpful, for sure. For me this is a nice do it all scope for either a general purpose bolt rifle or DMR/AR platform. Thanks for the review, and I am glad to have it back!

[@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib]

Man, I wish it was made in Japan, Phillipines, or the US. Most chinese scopes i've had have been good on glass, but terrible on durablility with holding zero and tracking.

[@daneblackburn613]

I have 2 6-24 btr and if you adjust the power it looses the zero on both

[@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib]

@@daneblackburn613 exactly. Never had that issue with phillipine made sigs or japanese made nightforce. People say nightforce is too expensive, but spend $500 on a made in china vortex

[@texpatriot8462]

I avoid Made in China whenever I can. They aren't our friends.

[@comeonsense2022]

The Chinese Arkens track perfectly but have really crappy glass even their EP5 which supposedly has Japanese ED glass isn't very good past 20x. The Chinese Athlon Midas Tac tracks perfectly and has great glass. Athlon's Midas line and above is what I would recommend and the Arkens if you are lucky to get one of their good ones due to varying quality control but as long as you don't use their high magnification they may be good enough just keep them under 20x.

[@comeonsense2022]

It's really hard to "Bragg" about Chinese made scopes.

[@etherboy3540]

That is a lot of scope for the money.

[@SocialRegressive]

I agree.

[@commonsense5709]

Athlon sells the best quality Chinese made optics out of all brands selling made in China optics regardless of price as long as you buy Athlon's optics which have at least their Chinese HD glass and up. Athlon's HD glass is way better than Bushnells Chinese ED glass without the haze and fog on high magnification and way better for long distance shooting and is the next level up or two in sheer quality compared to Bushnell.

[@linkchen8245]

6MM arc is 1000 yard capable, do you think this scope would get u out to 1000 comfortably ?

[@SocialRegressive]

Yes, it would. The biggest issue might be the reticle covering small targets at that distance. Man-size targets should be ok.

[@C_oprator89]

You still running this scope?

[@SocialRegressive]

Heck yes. It's flippin' awesome.

[@C_oprator89]

@@SocialRegressive yea and I haven’t had any durability issues and still am impressed with clarity considering the size and range of this thing. Thanks man and it’s really because of you that I got one.

[@dionysis84]

After having this for a few months, it’s ok. Just ok, far from great and all the raving reviews. It is not good for precision, not good for hunting, and not good for tactical use as the turrets are way way way to big to piggyback a red dot which makes no sense since that is the main use for this type of scope. However, my biggest issue is that you see way to much of the scope ring when looking through it which reminds me of a dirt cheap 3-9x old bushnell hunting scope that would cost $100 in today’s economy. The basics of the scope are there, but hoping they improve it for a gen 2 version. I’m selling mine and getting a PA PLX C 1-8 for my 6arc, cuz this thing ain’t it. I might be spoiled by higher end glass but the edge to edge clarity is a must on a battle type rifle for me. Also on a 2-12 it is a need to have a piggyback dot and with these massive turrets… it’s impossible and idk if even a rail mounted 45* mount will work. If you are new to tactical style optics this will be great but for me, I need more. Even if it means spending $ . On that note, I think the Arken has a more precise reticle but lacks the rangefinding that this reticle has (definitely liked that about the reticle). All in all, I’d recommend it if you can find one for under $400 like I did but I wouldn’t spend more than that.

[@SocialRegressive]

I appreciate your perspective. We differ, but I can see your angle on it. Is yours a Gen 1?

[@holdleftedgeandsendit9351]

should tell them to send you a cronus to play with. it can't be beat for the money

[@SocialRegressive]

Thanks for the recommendation. I should ask 'em.

[@psikogeek]

AMD Athlon wasn't nearly this popular.

[@SocialRegressive]

I loved my old AMD athlon. I'm still an AMD fiend. Ryzen 9, baby!

[@feraltrafficcone4483]

Take a shot every time he says “tactical”

[@SocialRegressive]

😵

[@feraltrafficcone4483]

@@SocialRegressive pffft

[@ayougo]

A premium version would be nice. No chinese junk please.

[@Clockwork0nions]

"very little chromatic aberration", shows a part where its got it all over the place, lol. Otherwise good review 😆

[@SocialRegressive]

It depends on where you put your eye. That's the only finicky thing about the scope. If you center up EXACTLY, the fringing goes almost all away. Miss it a bit, and you get pronounced diffraction.

[@steveapplegarth4577]

you wanna gimme your take on the credo 2-10 compared to this helos, i think im done with supporting china

[@SocialRegressive]

I haven't tried one, but both models look wonderful. I love Christmas- tree reticles and target turrets.

[@steveapplegarth4577]

@SocialRegressive people really only complain about the lack of a side focus, but tbh ive had a sightron 3.5-10 for over a decade and hardly ever use the side focus so i gotta wonder how needed it actually is

[@gwbuffalo_3072]

It would be nice if Americans paid attention to the political landscape before pushing the Chinese Communist Partys company’s. It’s more important now then ever to think about where your money goes. There are plenty of good products out there from country’s that won’t turn your money against you. FYI the Athalon Cronus is made in a Japanese factory if your dedicated to this brand, for whatever reason.

[@user-jv4ic8rh4d]

Or you could just get a good scope made by an American military supporting company. NightForce a plus. You won't have to watch reviews wondering about optical clarity, durability, tracking precision.

[@msquared9605]

You might wanna check where the keyboard you used to type this comment was made

[@commonsense5709]

I no longer recommend buying anything with an Athlon brand label because they dont honor their warranty and have extremely poor customer service. They are almost as terrible as Bushnell screwing over their customers.

[@DrDanMD]

Maybe you need to approach said companies in a more “friendly” manny. Kindness kills. yRMV

[@commonsense5709]

@@DrDanMD You're right. But only after I filed several formal complaints did they respond in a different tone.

[@mmiller73]

Awesome review! I've had my eye on this scope for a while as a possible replacement for my 2.5-10x PST Gen 1. This looks a great upgrade that won't break the bank. I really like the locking turrets and the reticle make a great combination for a DMR style rifle. Do they make a throw lever for it though?

[@SocialRegressive]

There is a throw lever now. It's pretty cheap, too, if I remember correctly. You reminded me that I need to get one.

[@shaolinwarriormark]

​@@SocialRegressivewhat mount do you reccomend for this to go on a picatanny on top ar15?

[@p51mustang24]

A throw lever was included in the box.

[@p51mustang24]

@@shaolinwarriormark Aero ultralite mounts are decent, and will help with weight issues. I'd go with the +1; the SPR aka +2 will work too but shouldn't be needed for this scope. There are of course more robust options out there, but they come at a price and weight cost.

[@commonsense5709]

If you don't need it right away, wait until Black Friday sale maybe they will go as low as $305-$330-$350 like last year depending where you bought them. Cheapest this year I've seen them selling for around mid 2023 were $370.