Kowa 663 vs. Athlon Ares & Maven CS1: Another Spotter Comparo Question

[aftriathlete]

If you could have a brand new Maven CS1 or Athlon Ares for roughly the same price as a used Kowa 663, which would you prefer and why? Hoping for some inputs to help me make a decision. Budget is under $1k.

They’re all ED glass, which doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the same but they’re at least in the same class. Is the Prominar non-fluorite glass similar or better than the Maven and Athlon ED glass in optical quality? Maven and Athlon has the barrel adjustment only, whereas the Kowa has the dual adjustment which is nice. I think warranties are comparable, at least on paper. Athlon is 8-9 oz heavier than the Maven, which is 4 oz heavier than the Kowa. Length of all is roughly equal.

I’ve seen mostly positive reviews of the Maven, and generally in head-to-head reviews the Athlon seems to get the nod over the Maven. But never compared to the 663, which is the kind of unloved Kowa for the eyepiece as it compares to the other Kowa scopes with the better eyepiece.

 

[Jaspero37]

If anyone has info on this question, I'd love to hear as well!

 

[chasing_animals]

I have the Athlon Ares 15-45. I'm not sure how it compares to the other scopes but if you went that direction I highly doubt you will be disappointed. I love the compact size and clarity. I generally find myself spending more time glassing with the ares than my 10x50's (vortex viper hd). The only reason I might sell it would be to fund 15x56 as I think they might better match my hunting style. All that to say I have had the ares for several years now and I have not once regretted the purchase