Introduction
Helos BTR riflescopes are known to offer plenty of features for the price. Up to now, there have been three different models at the buyer’s disposal as far as the magnification range is concerned – 1–4.5×24, 6–24×50, and 8–34×56. Along with decent optical quality, these riflescopes feature quality coatings; sturdy, one-piece aluminium housings; and well-built turrets witch crisp clicks. Because of these characteristics, they have been incredibly popular since their release. Athlon chose to revamp the Helos BTR line, coming out with the upgraded, gen II models at the beginning of 2021.
Model Range
Athlon made drastic changes to the model range. These are the models available:
- 1–10×28
- 2–12×42
- 4–20×50
- 6–24×56
The wide-angle model (1–10×28) is only available with reticle subtensions and turret clicks in MOA. All others can be purchased in either MIL or MOA configuration.
Characteristics
We are going to describe some of the 1–10’s features in a separate paragraph as it is quite different from the other Helos BTR Gen II models.
The 1–10×28 model is great for CQB but can also be used to shot at longer distances thanks to its amazing 10x zoom factor. It is the only second focal plane reticle scope in the series. Its parallax is fixed at 100 yards (91 m), and it features a 34mm tube for mounting purposes. It has capped turrets with ½ MOA clicks. There is 100 MOA of elevation adjustment at user’s disposal.
The other models are all FFP riflescopes, perfect for various tactical situations. The biggest novelty of the Helos series is the increased total elevation range – all the Gen II models offer 100 MOA / 29 MIL of adjustment, making them perfect for mid-to-long-range shots. The reticle is different from model to model. All of them are equipped with holdovers for bullet drop and wind compensation. The illumination can be set to 6 levels of intensity. 2–12×42 and 4–20×50 are equipped with a 30mm tube while the 6–24×56 boasts a 34mm tube. The turrets are uncapped, with ¼ MOA or 0.1 MIL clicks (depending on the model), a Zero Stop, and a locking function. The parallax error can be fixed with a side focus from 10 yards to infinity.
The body of all the riflescopes is made of a one-piece aluminium. The shape of the bigger models is different from the one in the previous generation and much more aesthetically pleasing as the turrets are now aligned. Athlon claims that all of them can withstand 1000G of recoil for 1000 times. The interior is purged with Argon to prevent internal fogging at low temperatures. The glass of all the riflescopes is fully-multicoated for an increased light transmission rate.
Conclusion
These riflescopes cost 500–800 €, depending on the model. You get a lot of bang for the buck, but this is nothing new when it comes to Athlon. The most notable features include an increased elevation range (29 MIL/100 MOA), a Zero Stop, and a 10x zoom factor of the wide-angle model). Helos BTR Gen II hit the shelves at the beginning of February, 2021.
