Sled,

You are having the same dilemma we've all had at some point. I was also looking at the Athlon line before I decided on the Nikon FX1000 4-16x50 for my Pop, which you and I have previously discussed. The reason I decided on the Nikon over the Athlon was the glass clarity. In order to get the same level of glass in the Athlon, I found that I had to go up to there $800 level to get the same clarity. As far as tracking reports, they both had good tracking reviews.

Paralysis by analysis my man!! I think that either scope will work for you, and you'll be happy with either one. The Nikon has the same warranty that Vortex has on their scopes... You just don't hear about it because guys don't have to use it very often.