The Helos BTR Gen2 riflescope from Athlon Optics is not a scope that we would have picked up at first glance, and it’s safe to say that many other hunters share the same opinion. Most people prefer simple scopes, with little to no moving parts and straightforward reticles.
However, after you give the Helos BTR Gen2 a whirl, we guarantee that you’ll change your mind. It is definitely more elegant than needlessly complicated, unlike many other large scopes on the market, and it has sophisticated durability.
What’s more, its features - while not necessarily designed for most hunters - are excellent. So, let’s take a closer look at the Athlon Optics Helos BTR, as well as some of the upgrades that the Gen2 models have received.
Overview
The Helos BTR Gen2 is in the middle of the market range and features premium-quality glass with Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses. This scope’s brighter image quality is excellent, and one of its best features is that it features a wide variety of magnification options.
Starting at just 2x power, the Helos BTR can be used in close-quarters situations. It’s not every day that you see a scope of this size go all the way down to 2x power, but we can already imagine dozens of scenarios in which this capability would be useful. What’s more, the 12x power on the higher end of the scope is more than enough for most people, especially hunters, since hunting shots are rarely ever taken from long distances.
The Helos also comes with a 42mm objective lens, which gathers lots of light and provides a wide FOV without being overbearingly massive. This works well in any ambient light environment and helps improve visibility during dusk and dark conditions.
Features
There’s a lot to like about the Helos BTR Gen2. Let’s take a look at some of the main points.
Reticles
The Helos BTR Gen2 offers a few different reticles that fall into the complex reticle design category of ‘Christmas tree’ reticles. There are reticles that have a range of hold points to account for windage and elevation, allowing you to make accurate shots in a range of scenarios without having to adjust the turrets.
People are quick to disregard these complicated reticles - after all, they make the sight picture significantly more difficult to understand in the heat of the moment. However, this reticle has holdovers made to suit a range of cartridges in 100-yard increments out to 700 yards.
It can also be used to estimate distances out to 600 yards based on your target’s body. Your fears of overcomplication will be put to rest after you shoot with this scope just once.
Precision
The Helos BTR has true precision zero-stop and locking turrets, which feel wonderfully solid and extremely intuitive. It is beefy, lockable, and is ready to withstand the rigors of the field, which is precisely what most hunters are looking for these days.
Locking Turrets
A locking feature on both windage turrets and elevation turrets allows you to pull up the turret to dial and push them down to lock them in place. This gives you peace of mind whether you are moving from one station to the next during your competition or putting them away for your next hunting trip.
First Focal Plane Reticle
The first focal plane design of the reticle allows you to utilize the specially-designed reticles that grow or shrink along with your target as you zoom in or out. These reticles offer quick target engagement at lower power while providing precise holdover positions with finer details.
The Helos BTR Gen2 Range
The great thing about the Helos BTR Gen2 is that it comes in a wide range of sizes to suit various hunting needs. Let’s take a look at some of the product details now.
Helos BTR Gen2 1-10x28 ATMR4 SFP MOA
This model is a second focal plane option which is great for tactical shooters who want the latest optics trend at a very affordable price. It allows you to accurately assess and engage any silhouette-sized targets out to an impressive 700 yards.
Features
- Etched glass reticle
- Illuminated Plex reticle
- Heat-treated one-piece tube construction
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Waterproof and scope-fog proof
- Argon purged
Helos BTR GEN2 2-12×42 Rifle Scope AHMR2 FFP IR MOA/MIL
These two models boast all of the attributes of an ideal designated marksman rifle scope combined with features that work just as well for model hunters. DMR scopes are suitable for anyone who prefers short-to-mid-range applications, whether you holdover or dial.
They also have an AHMR2 first focal plane illuminated MOA reticle and MIL reticle in them, respectively.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- Locking turrets
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- Heat-treated one-piece tube construction
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Argon purged
Helos BTR GEN2 4-20×50 APLR6 FFP IR MOA & Helios BTR Gen2 4-20x50 APRS6 FFP IR
These next two models come with all of the features you’d find in the perfect designated marksman rifle scope, with features that are just as suitable for modern hunters. They work wonderfully for anyone that prefers a short-to-mid-range hunting scope.
Features
- Etched glass reticle
- First focal plane reticle
- Locking turrets
- Precision zero stop
- Advanced fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Argon purged
Helos BTR GEN2 6-24×56 APRS6 FFP IR MIL & Helos BTR GEN2 6-24×56 APLR6 FFP IR MOA
These final two models are solid, affordable, and reliable - three features you don’t normally associate with long-range hunting and shooting. They feature XPL coating and advanced full multi-coatings to balance them out for a wide range of the harshest weather conditions.
Features
- Locking turrets
- First focal plane reticle
- Illuminated reticle
- Precision zero stop
- Heat-treated one-piece tube construction
- Waterproof and shock resistance
- Argon purged
FAQs
Are Athlon Helos scopes any good?
Athlon is an excellent manufacturer of rifle scopes. The features that you receive for the affordable price points are impressive and you won’t find such value-for-money anywhere else.
What does BTR stand for on Athlon scopes?
BTR is short for Bright Reticle and is an internal acronym. This means that other companies don’t use the term BTR.
Does the Athlon Helos BTR have a zero stop?
Yes! Most of Athlon’s BTR scope models have precision zero stop functionality.
Happy Shooting!
-Brian