The Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade spent squinting into various optics, battling glare and washed-out images, I finally decided enough was enough. I needed a reliable sunshade. The Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade promised to be the answer to my prayers, boasting compatibility with several of my favorite Athlon riflescopes and a sleek, functional design.
My quest for a solution was driven by frustrating experiences during late afternoon hunts. Glare reflecting off snow-covered fields often obscured my target, costing me precious seconds and, on occasion, the shot altogether. The Athlon sunshade was selected over similar offerings from Leupold and Vortex due to its affordability and guaranteed compatibility with my existing Athlon scopes.
The sunshade arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was positive. The matte black finish appeared durable and well-applied. The lightweight aluminum construction felt sturdy without adding unnecessary bulk to my rifle.
Side-by-side with a similar Vortex 50mm sunshade, the Athlon offering immediately struck me as more robust. The threading appeared cleaner and more precise. It instilled confidence that it would stand up to the rigors of the field. I was genuinely excited to put it to the test and see if it could truly live up to its promise of improved visibility.
Real-World Testing: Putting Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade came during a prairie dog hunt in eastern Montana. The conditions were bright and sunny, with a slight breeze kicking up dust. I mounted the sunshade on my Athlon Midas BTR 50mm riflescope, which was attached to my AR-15.
The difference was immediately noticeable. The sunshade effectively eliminated glare and improved contrast, allowing me to clearly see the small prairie dogs even against the sun-baked terrain. Target acquisition was faster and easier. It led to a more successful and enjoyable shooting experience.
The dusty conditions of the prairie presented another challenge. However, the sunshade effectively shielded the objective lens from blowing dust, maintaining a clear sight picture. I did not experience any issues with the sunshade loosening or shifting during the day, even with the repeated recoil of my rifle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my optics setup. I have used it in a variety of conditions. These conditions have ranged from the arid desert to the humid forests of the Pacific Northwest. It consistently performs as expected.
The matte black finish has held up remarkably well, showing only minor signs of wear and tear. This is despite being bumped and scraped against branches and other obstacles. The aluminum construction has proven to be resistant to corrosion. There has been no sign of rust or pitting.
Maintaining the sunshade is incredibly simple. A quick wipe with a clean cloth is usually all that’s needed to remove dust and debris. On occasion, I’ve used a mild solvent to remove stubborn residue. But overall, it requires minimal upkeep. Compared to struggling with glare and washed-out images, this sunshade is a massive improvement. The reliability and consistent performance has justified the purchase.
Breaking Down the Features of Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade
Specifications
The Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade is specifically designed for compatibility with Athlon Ares BTR, Midas BTR, and Midas TAC 50mm riflescopes. It features a black matte surface finish. This minimizes reflections and helps to conceal the shooter’s position. The sunshade is 4.25 inches long, providing ample shade to reduce glare and improve image quality.
The compatibility of the Athlon sunshade ensures a seamless fit and optimal performance with specified Athlon scopes. The black matte finish prevents unwanted reflections that could spook game or give away your position. The 4.25-inch length provides a noticeable improvement in image clarity, especially in bright conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade excels at its primary function: reducing glare and improving image contrast. This leads to faster target acquisition and improved accuracy, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The sunshade effectively shields the objective lens from stray light and dust. The end result is a clearer and more defined sight picture.
The major strength of this accessory is its simplicity and effectiveness. It is a straightforward design that performs its intended function without any unnecessary bells and whistles. While it may not offer any revolutionary features, it delivers a tangible improvement in shooting performance. There is not much that needs improvement. The current design strikes a good balance between functionality and durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade boasts a simple yet functional design. It is made from lightweight aluminum, adding minimal weight to the overall rifle setup. The matte black finish is aesthetically pleasing. It also helps to prevent unwanted reflections.
The sunshade is incredibly user-friendly. It threads easily onto the objective lens of compatible Athlon scopes without requiring any special tools or modifications. The snug fit ensures that it stays securely in place, even under heavy recoil. This ease of use is a major plus for shooters who value simplicity and convenience.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction of the Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade ensures a high degree of durability. It will stand up to the rigors of regular use in the field. The matte black finish provides a protective layer against scratches and corrosion, further extending its lifespan. With proper care, this sunshade should last for many years.
Maintaining the sunshade is a breeze. A quick wipe with a clean cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris. The threads are well-machined. This prevents them from becoming stripped or damaged over time. This simplicity is a welcome contrast to some more complex optics accessories that require specialized cleaning and maintenance procedures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade is primarily designed as a standalone accessory. It comes with no additional accessories or customization options. It is a simple, functional tool designed to improve the performance of compatible Athlon riflescopes.
Because it is a standard thread size for 50mm objectives, there may be some 3rd party compatibility. However, that is not explicitly stated nor guaranteed by Athlon. It is best to assume you are limited to using this sunshade with the Athlon scopes that it is specified to work with.
Pros and Cons of Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade
Pros
- Effectively reduces glare and improves image contrast.
- Durable aluminum construction with a matte black finish.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Compatible with popular Athlon riflescopes.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Limited to Athlon Ares BTR, Midas BTR, and Midas TAC 50mm riflescopes.
- No included accessories or customization options.
Who Should Buy Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade?
The Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade is perfect for hunters and target shooters who own compatible Athlon riflescopes and frequently encounter bright or glare-filled shooting conditions. This accessory will provide a noticeable improvement in image clarity and target acquisition. It will ultimately enhance their overall shooting experience.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who do not own an Athlon Ares BTR, Midas BTR, or Midas TAC 50mm riflescope. It is designed specifically for these models. While a workaround may exist, it is not recommended.
A must-have accessory, if it wasn’t already included, would be a lens cleaning cloth to wipe off any dust or debris that may accumulate on the objective lens while using the sunshade.
Conclusion on Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade
The Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade is a simple yet effective accessory. It significantly improves image clarity and reduces glare in bright shooting conditions. Its durable construction and ease of use make it a worthwhile addition to any compatible Athlon riflescope.
At a price of $29.99, the Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade represents excellent value for money. The benefits it provides in terms of improved visibility and reduced glare far outweigh the cost. I can confidently recommend this sunshade to any shooter who owns a compatible Athlon riflescope and wants to enhance their shooting experience.
If you are tired of battling glare and washed-out images, the Athlon Ares / Midas / Helos 50mm Sunshade is a simple and affordable solution. Invest in one today and experience the difference it can make!