A KIA and a Rolls Royce are both cars and will get you back and forth to work, but they aren't the same. Hand fitting and the attention to detail are why higher end guns cost so much. There's nothing wrong with paying extra for something just because it's nice. There's a lot of reverse elitism in the gun community, the "It's just a tool!" crowd. I have a friend who collects/restores classic cars, but he thinks I'm nuts for owning so many guns, it all comes down to priorities and personal preference. Great video. 🇺🇸👍
I'm up to 4 2011's now including an Atlas Athena... yes they're freakin expensive but Atlas's workmanship is as good as it gets!! I've never heard a single negative thing about any of their guns other than price and mine is without a doubt my favorite handgun to shoot so it doesn't surprise me this gun is phenomenal as well. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
@@ivindavis4071 thanks I know about those higher end pistols. I recently found Stealth Arms Platypus coming half cheaper but first Im getting the wife the cheetah 80x in bronze if they ever come off BO.
Always makes my day seeing a new video from you even though I can't afford a gun like that right now still love the honesty and thought you put into all your videos
Sage do not worry about those crying over drop tests with this gun as you’ve already made me pucker up when you drop the first one! This one you can keep it better shape and let natural patina happen instead of forced patina! Love your video and would love a gun collection video one day. You’ve inspired multiple rifle builds of mine with the equipment you’ve recommended!
He didn’t need to drop it, he has already done other atlas reviews with this optic system, so its ‘a a known quantity. He has dropped more expensive guns than this
Aaron, very cool gun. Glad you didn't sacrifice it for the drop test as I would have cringed. Would love to see a follow-up video when you're able to sort out the meg release and magazine flushfit extended capacity option 🎯
Love the reviews! Straight to the point with valuable info. Too bad I saw your MPA DS9 review too late🤦🏻♂️ Mine has been good so far👀 Keep up the good work!
Hi Aaron, I am deciding on either the Ares 4.25 ported or the Athena- both with the duty trigger. For an all around pistol mainly for home defense/range which one would you suggest? Is the shootabilty and accuracy pretty close between the two? Thank you!
Atlas’ mag release is the same. It’s not a problem for them, otherwise you would have heard about it by now. None of their v2 grip magwells stop 140mm mags. Haven’t had a floppy ejector yet.
I'm with you sir I absolutely love compensated pistols, i just recently came across a Bull Armory compensated pistol for around $1800 that looks pretty promising if I'm remembering correctly. And btw I wouldn't fret about the drop gun thing ....I wouldn't do it either..... that's a lot of money and that's one beautiful piece to just purposely throw on the ground when like you said you've already done it.
One of the reasons people use non lockback mags is because the slide is forward when you reload so the bottom of the slide is your over insertion stop. Its not the only reason but it is one of them
That's a sweet piece A-A-Ron. I shot a few Atlas pistols out at my club. I honestly don't think there's a better pistol being made anywhere on the planet at this time. I have very decent markman skills with pistol, but the Atlas made me look like a great marksman versus my normal skill level. They're really comfortable to shoot and hitting the bull so often feels just great. The tolerances on the Atlas are as tight and right as I've ever seen in my life. The slide is like butter. I however, did not care for that grip you have one yours. Not grippy enough for me on a really hot and sweaty day. If I ever bought one, (I won't) that'd be the first thing I changed. Last thing, the barrel in these pistols, OMG, never saw anything close to as nice in another pistol. Enjoy it my friend, and stay thirsty. Happy Holidays bud
i have come back a few times to this video...huge confirmation for me, thank you! Question...in your opinion what is the lifespan of Aluminum framed pistols like this? I see that Atlas has released their EOS and are mentioning the potential life span of the EOS vs the Ares. I understand that Steel is generally going to last longer than Aluminium, but in your experience what is your perspective? Thanks so much
My wife is left handed and man is it a pain in the ass tryjg to find a good setup. We got her a gun she liked and swapped the mag release obviously right? When we got her a nice iwb holster we found out the swapped mag would always pop when holstered. Even dremmeled weird.
@Sierra_Tango_5 More time spent on blending fit and finish equals more hours and thus drives up the price. The “higher end” double stack 1911’s are definitely nicer than Staccato’s but diminishing returns on performance is a thing past a point.
@@marcusjohnson5839 Nothing but a minor adjustment to the machining to the frame, just like they are doing with options for the slides and improving grip modules.
Aaron, Please don't sell your blood! I finally joined your Patreon. Even at $15 a month it would take 33yr+ years, to equal the cost of a tricked out Atlas Ares.. Keep the badass content coming :)
Wilson combat, nighthawk custom and atlas gunworks. You can't go wrong with the best of the best. Springfield prodigy and staccato are for the regular buyers.
really would love to get a 2011, wish there was something affordable and reliable......if only there was a man out there that could find and test such a thing.......
If you put the STI polymer 20 round base pad on the 17 round mag (not MBX compatible) the 17 round mag should sit flush and not over insert. That’s my back up mag set up for my VIP griped 4 inch tac STI.
I have an Atlas Artemis and I thoroughly enjoy shooting it. That being said, I’m in the market for a concealed carry pistol but I can’t justify buying an Ares. It’s not as compact as I would want and I don’t think I could bring myself to beat up/scratch/ dent a 6k pistol by carrying it.
I have and LOVE the Athena. I have handled the Ares and it’s a little big for me for carry. I have two officers size 2011‘s/1911s. The First is the nighthawk counselor with a 3.5 inch barrel (9 + 1 single stack) and it is amazing. The second is the Wilson SFX93.25 inch barrel which holds 15+1. Took a little effort with that super short barrel but it can crank. It runs around 3k plus optic. Both are palpably small than the Ares. I am looking forward to the Staccato CS coming out to compare. Love Atlas. I wish they still made the 3.5 Nyx or would make a 3.5 Ares.
Thanks for sharing. Personally, the cost benefit analysis does not work out for me. I do not run lights on my carry guns and prefer a clean dust cover, but that is just me. The comp barrel is nice. A 3 pound trigger does not seem to be a concern because of the level of competence for those who will buy this gun, they will not be novice shooters. Glad it meets your expectations.
I could have sworn I just saw a video of his where he talked about the CS. If I come across it again I’ll let you know which video it’s in. There’s a good chance I’m delusional, though.
Found it. ProBand BandIT. Uses compression to treat and help prevent things like golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and (I assume in this case) Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs). Seems like they are also pretty popular with people who get RSIs from typing all day. Wish I knew these existed since I’ve had that problem before.
@@strangletherobot3832 Ha I was actually just watching yet another Sage Dynamics video and there was a part where he was shooting at night and the logo on it was clear as day! I got unreasonably excited about it.
My primary carry and range gun is a custom commander length 2011 with an STI VIP grip with 15 round mags. Luckily I build my own guns and I’m friends with a few of the best guns smith in Arizona to help me out so I didn’t have to pay Atlas prices to achieve my ideal carry gun. The Atlas is an awesome piece though if the money is not an issue and the size and capacity are what you desire.
If you want the best 2011(ish) gun for the money, check out BUL Armory. They are super reliable and have way better yet cheaper magazines compared to the Sti/Svi/Staccato pattern magazines.
@@TennisPro4686289 I wouldn't exactly say it's a rip off. The Sage comp is not the only tool-less comp out there, not the first G19-to-G17 length comp, and the Ramjet uses no threads at all. Apparently has a gas seal when the comp is on, and because no threads it is 50 state legal, for now. The Sage comp is nice, and so is the Radian. but due to lack of threads I'd take the Radian. hate threads where they aren't needed.
@@brighthought11 two things, no it’s not, and it answered the OP’s question. Aaron has said it would be a conflict of interest since he has his own comp with agency….which came out way before, and someone looks identical to the radian….
Love watching reviews on the high end guns but it’s a shame these manufacturers can’t make them more accessible for average people who would otherwise need a loan to afford them ☹️
Something freaks me out when they don’t have the grip safety, it’s a gorgeous gun and I am sure it shoots great. I am waiting to see if alchemy comes out with a commander.
Barrel and slide length have nothing to do with the red dot. The mechanical accuracy is the same. Some people like having the extra inch out front for balance and coming down from recoil, some prefer the handling and balance of the 4. How you carry also affects which length you go for to avoid getting poked.
13:04 to 13:13 “If you get to the point where you have to shoot someone from retention you either are the most unlucky person ever, or you made a series of mistakes and had a very late identification on the threat.” [Or you are a veteran of the western front of World War 1.]
Who would have thought sti/stacatto would be for us poors 😂
A KIA and a Rolls Royce are both cars and will get you back and forth to work, but they aren't the same. Hand fitting and the attention to detail are why higher end guns cost so much. There's nothing wrong with paying extra for something just because it's nice. There's a lot of reverse elitism in the gun community, the "It's just a tool!" crowd. I have a friend who collects/restores classic cars, but he thinks I'm nuts for owning so many guns, it all comes down to priorities and personal preference. Great video. 🇺🇸👍
I'm up to 4 2011's now including an Atlas Athena... yes they're freakin expensive but Atlas's workmanship is as good as it gets!! I've never heard a single negative thing about any of their guns other than price and mine is without a doubt my favorite handgun to shoot so it doesn't surprise me this gun is phenomenal as well. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
What's a good 2011 for a decent price?
@@jknewb6276 staccato P or C2
@@ivindavis4071 thanks I know about those higher end pistols. I recently found Stealth Arms Platypus coming half cheaper but first Im getting the wife the cheetah 80x in bronze if they ever come off BO.
@J&K Newb I've heard about the platypus but I haven't seen enough reviews on it to trust it
@@ivindavis4071 yeah good point I'll have to just wait it out and watch some more reviews.
Thanks for reviewing the gun Honest Outlaw helped design! Glad it went well.
Always makes my day seeing a new video from you even though I can't afford a gun like that right now still love the honesty and thought you put into all your videos
I love watching/hearing these reviews of these gats from you.
Partially because that price tag absolutely puts me in Nopestradamus mode .
Aaaaaaron, how are you at 174k subs and not making a dime of this UA-cam content?! You make elite vids, my guy!
Because JewTube hates people who exercise their God given right and defend themselves, family and friends with guns!
Thanks Aaron for another great review. Much appreciated.
Heck yeah man! Love the Atlas Ares, good stuff 👍🏼👊🏻
You were pretty sharp in this one (sharper than usual). The points about retention shooting, primo! Thanks Aaron.
I've been eyeing those for a while now
I enjoy your rants and your videos!
Sage do not worry about those crying over drop tests with this gun as you’ve already made me pucker up when you drop the first one! This one you can keep it better shape and let natural patina happen instead of forced patina! Love your video and would love a gun collection video one day. You’ve inspired multiple rifle builds of mine with the equipment you’ve recommended!
My brother has a 4.6 inch ares. That gun is amazing. I want it now. Great video
Thank you, happy holidays!
Been waiting for this one, great review!
Beautiful gun. Not sure if it’s worth the extra dough, but nonetheless beautiful. Don’t blame you for not dropping it.
He didn’t need to drop it, he has already done other atlas reviews with this optic system, so its ‘a a known quantity. He has dropped more expensive guns than this
Thanks again sir for the review and information. Much appreciated
Really nice pistol. I hope you do your annual whiskey recommendation video this Christmas season.
Aaron, very cool gun. Glad you didn't sacrifice it for the drop test as I would have cringed. Would love to see a follow-up video when you're able to sort out the meg release and magazine flushfit extended capacity option 🎯
Honestly for how expensive these guns are they should be flawless and come with more mags
Really good review. I'm a Staccato C2 owner, and love my Staccato. However, I'm jealous! I think the Ares has made my wishlist.
Love the reviews! Straight to the point with valuable info. Too bad I saw your MPA DS9 review too late🤦🏻♂️ Mine has been good so far👀 Keep up the good work!
"So i'm just ramming these things in there and sometimes i'm in quite a hurry" 😂😭 that made me laugh!
Thanks
These guns can be available to non LEO in Cali through single shot exemptions for any poor soul stuck here that wants one.
Awesome video as always!
Wishes: Thoughts or a review on the Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy.
Love my Ares. One of the fastest guns I have.
This will be fantastic!!
Hi Aaron, I am deciding on either the Ares 4.25 ported or the Athena- both with the duty trigger. For an all around pistol mainly for home defense/range which one would you suggest? Is the shootabilty and accuracy pretty close between the two? Thank you!
Dawson precision makes a mag catch that prevents over insertion of the magazine. I use them on my STI DVC open and limited and they work great
Atlas’ mag release is the same. It’s not a problem for them, otherwise you would have heard about it by now. None of their v2 grip magwells stop 140mm mags. Haven’t had a floppy ejector yet.
I'm with you sir I absolutely love compensated pistols, i just recently came across a Bull Armory compensated pistol for around $1800 that looks pretty promising if I'm remembering correctly. And btw I wouldn't fret about the drop gun thing ....I wouldn't do it either..... that's a lot of money and that's one beautiful piece to just purposely throw on the ground when like you said you've already done it.
Mine will finally be here Thursday!!!
Looks like that thing returns to the point of aim very well after cycling of the slide.
Does the porting gunk up the fiber optic front sight at all? And how does the muzzle flip/recoil compare to the Athena?
One of the reasons people use non lockback mags is because the slide is forward when you reload so the bottom of the slide is your over insertion stop. Its not the only reason but it is one of them
That's a sweet piece A-A-Ron. I shot a few Atlas pistols out at my club. I honestly don't think there's a better pistol being made anywhere on the planet at this time. I have very decent markman skills with pistol, but the Atlas made me look like a great marksman versus my normal skill level. They're really comfortable to shoot and hitting the bull so often feels just great. The tolerances on the Atlas are as tight and right as I've ever seen in my life. The slide is like butter. I however, did not care for that grip you have one yours. Not grippy enough for me on a really hot and sweaty day. If I ever bought one, (I won't) that'd be the first thing I changed. Last thing, the barrel in these pistols, OMG, never saw anything close to as nice in another pistol. Enjoy it my friend, and stay thirsty. Happy Holidays bud
I love my Artemis for sure but Infinity is one small notch above Atlas.
Perfect. Is the green 19x still your primary edc?
I have the Ares without the porting. I’m debating whether to have the barrel ported or have them fit me a ported one.
i have come back a few times to this video...huge confirmation for me, thank you! Question...in your opinion what is the lifespan of Aluminum framed pistols like this? I see that Atlas has released their EOS and are mentioning the potential life span of the EOS vs the Ares. I understand that Steel is generally going to last longer than Aluminium, but in your experience what is your perspective? Thanks so much
The ejection pattern on this gun is flat perfect....
Loving my Athena, on my way to grab V88 from SVI Infinity
10:50 if you run anything from underwood ammo you will have flash-less ammo almost none existent. It’s close to tired embers. Pricey thought
I have an Athena, just get a P and have a top smith work over action and trigger. ( just to be clear have been shooting 1911’s for 40 years).
The legion precision looks interesting $3990 including RMR, sro, thanks buddy
My wife is left handed and man is it a pain in the ass tryjg to find a good setup. We got her a gun she liked and swapped the mag release obviously right? When we got her a nice iwb holster we found out the swapped mag would always pop when holstered. Even dremmeled weird.
Beautiful gun. I wish Staccato would blend the frame/grip module better at the bottom of the safety levers and get rid of that sharpish edge. Enjoy.
@Sierra_Tango_5
More time spent on blending fit and finish equals more hours and thus drives up the price. The “higher end” double stack 1911’s are definitely nicer than Staccato’s but diminishing returns on performance is a thing past a point.
@@marcusjohnson5839 agreed. Definitely diminishing returns
@@marcusjohnson5839 Nothing but a minor adjustment to the machining to the frame, just like they are doing with options for the slides and improving grip modules.
whats the screen setup for the watch? looks like it gives a lot of info
Can you review a wilson combat x9, experior, sft9 etc?
Does the porting affect heat in slide, does it make it to hot or is fine ?
Would love a titan v2 video. Can't really seem to find anything on it....
Aaron, Please don't sell your blood! I finally joined your Patreon. Even at $15 a month it would take 33yr+ years, to equal the cost of a tricked out Atlas Ares.. Keep the badass content coming :)
Wilson combat, nighthawk custom and atlas gunworks. You can't go wrong with the best of the best. Springfield prodigy and staccato are for the regular buyers.
really would love to get a 2011, wish there was something affordable and reliable......if only there was a man out there that could find and test such a thing.......
Get a used C2 or Staccato P, you'll save around 1g if you look around or like Aaron said, sell some of the guns you don't shoot.
7:14 was the light coming on during recoil? Or was it just the reflection?
"Hurt you under your little necky neck"! 🤣🤣😭 Im dead right now!
I'm trying to decide between the vanta 9 and the Athena.... I need help.
If you put the STI polymer 20 round base pad on the 17 round mag (not MBX compatible) the 17 round mag should sit flush and not over insert. That’s my back up mag set up for my VIP griped 4 inch tac STI.
I have an Atlas Artemis and I thoroughly enjoy shooting it. That being said, I’m in the market for a concealed carry pistol but I can’t justify buying an Ares. It’s not as compact as I would want and I don’t think I could bring myself to beat up/scratch/ dent a 6k pistol by carrying it.
I have an Artemis as well and am going to get a a staccato CS for carry.
I have and LOVE the Athena. I have handled the Ares and it’s a little big for me for carry. I have two officers size 2011‘s/1911s. The First is the nighthawk counselor with a 3.5 inch barrel (9 + 1 single stack) and it is amazing. The second is the Wilson SFX93.25 inch barrel which holds 15+1. Took a little effort with that super short barrel but it can crank. It runs around 3k plus optic. Both are palpably small than the Ares. I am looking forward to the Staccato CS coming out to compare.
Love Atlas. I wish they still made the 3.5 Nyx or would make a 3.5 Ares.
1 day! I love 2011 unfortunately all out of my budget. Probably gonna grab a prodigy or ria 2011 when I get my scallions together.
Have you tried a Wilson Combat SFX9?
I have an Athena V2. It is pretty flat. Which of the two is the flattest shooter? Thanks
Thanks for sharing. Personally, the cost benefit analysis does not work out for me. I do not run lights on my carry guns and prefer a clean dust cover, but that is just me. The comp barrel is nice. A 3 pound trigger does not seem to be a concern because of the level of competence for those who will buy this gun, they will not be novice shooters. Glad it meets your expectations.
I know you said you’ll probably not get more 2011s, but was hoping to hear your input on the staccato CS!
I could have sworn I just saw a video of his where he talked about the CS. If I come across it again I’ll let you know which video it’s in. There’s a good chance I’m delusional, though.
@@AL_1547 much appreciated!!
Pretty decent fireball off that thing
Are you planning to review the new optics coming from CHPW?
Impressive.
Ares or Athena what you like better?
Shot my 509t with pmm comp from retention like lone wolf mcquade and hope I never again…short 3 eyelashes and half a brow and no sinus problems..
Do you like it better then the Athena ?
What happened at 10:04? Snap cap or something else?
Does anyone know what that band is on his right arm while shooting? Been trying to figure out what that was for a while now.
I came here to ask the same question lol. I’ve been curious for several videos and I’m on a Sage Dynamics binge right now.
Found it. ProBand BandIT. Uses compression to treat and help prevent things like golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and (I assume in this case) Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs). Seems like they are also pretty popular with people who get RSIs from typing all day. Wish I knew these existed since I’ve had that problem before.
@@AL_1547 Props to you for putting in the work!
@@strangletherobot3832 Ha I was actually just watching yet another Sage Dynamics video and there was a part where he was shooting at night and the logo on it was clear as day! I got unreasonably excited about it.
Sweet gun, even though it's more than I would/could spend on a sidearm.
#1
My primary carry and range gun is a custom commander length 2011 with an STI VIP grip with 15 round mags. Luckily I build my own guns and I’m friends with a few of the best guns smith in Arizona to help me out so I didn’t have to pay Atlas prices to achieve my ideal carry gun. The Atlas is an awesome piece though if the money is not an issue and the size and capacity are what you desire.
Have you ever shot the Atlas Nyx?
If you want the best 2011(ish) gun for the money, check out BUL Armory. They are super reliable and have way better yet cheaper magazines compared to the Sti/Svi/Staccato pattern magazines.
The slow motion return to zero....sexy
Well hell yeah
As a fellow lefty... why cant a company make a truly ambi double stack 1911/2011?
I'd you haven't already, try out the Radian afterburner+ramjet. Makes 147 grain hst shoot softer than uncompensated 115 target loads in a G19
Why would he do that when he had the agency sage comp which radian copied?
@@TennisPro4686289 I wouldn't exactly say it's a rip off. The Sage comp is not the only tool-less comp out there, not the first G19-to-G17 length comp, and the Ramjet uses no threads at all. Apparently has a gas seal when the comp is on, and because no threads it is 50 state legal, for now.
The Sage comp is nice, and so is the Radian. but due to lack of threads I'd take the Radian. hate threads where they aren't needed.
@ Corey Campbell
stupid comment
the Radian is way better
@@brighthought11 lol anyone who actually shoots would disagree with you
@@brighthought11 two things, no it’s not, and it answered the OP’s question. Aaron has said it would be a conflict of interest since he has his own comp with agency….which came out way before, and someone looks identical to the radian….
Wilson Combat EDC series?
What is the armband you are wearing?
Tennis elbow
So you’ve said before to get a night hawk firehawk, now this!?!? Dang, I thought I was doing ok with my Glocks lol 😅
Love watching reviews on the high end guns but it’s a shame these manufacturers can’t make them more accessible for average people who would otherwise need a loan to afford them ☹️
Something freaks me out when they don’t have the grip safety, it’s a gorgeous gun and I am sure it shoots great. I am waiting to see if alchemy comes out with a commander.
Right after clicked this video I pictured Chapelle’s cribs skit. “Cmon in you broke m’fers”
8:15 Gold.
When are you going to do EOTECH’s EFLX?
Doing it now. So far I’m not super impressed.
@@SageDynamics I was afraid of that. Still look forward to your breakdown, thanks man!
Are 5in still viable with red dots? Or does the 4in do everything better then the 5in.
Barrel and slide length have nothing to do with the red dot. The mechanical accuracy is the same. Some people like having the extra inch out front for balance and coming down from recoil, some prefer the handling and balance of the 4. How you carry also affects which length you go for to avoid getting poked.
If your paying 5K just get a Chambers Custom. Yes I know he already has one.
7:50 - What is that band on your arm?
Probably to help with the shock messing up tendons/ligaments.
No grip safety is key
Totally agree. Love the edc x9 for the same reason.
Not that I am trying to enable your degeneracy, have you considered the phoenix trinity h-tac
Is it worth it.? That’s not up to me. It’s up to my credit card.
Just a couple more videos till we have to watch on Patreon 😥
Insertion limitation. That’s what you got. Nice review lol 😆
Lol
The ONLY thing you notice is the fucking gas!! Haha it’ll block sight picture for a second Lol
13:04 to 13:13
“If you get to the point where you have to shoot someone from retention you either are the most unlucky person ever, or you made a series of mistakes and had a very late identification on the threat.”
[Or you are a veteran of the western front of World War 1.]
‘…selling blood..’😂