What should I look for as there are a ton of cheap ones out there. How do I know how tall to get being 6’5”” or how well the locking mechanisms are on the legs. I’ve seen some for $400 and others for $19. What would justify the expensive one?
Teach me about bipods
- Thread starter lmr
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Mainly, don't buy cheap. You state your height, are you intending on using the bipod while standing? If shooting off a bench then there are many to choose from. How much you're willing to spend is the question? I own two UTG bipods, they work well. Also own an Accutac BR4 G2 which was much more expensive. But the UTGs just don't compare in quality or robustness. Also how much do you have invested in the rig you're trusting that cheap bipod with? So it depends heavily on your actual usage.
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Look me up on Youtube or Airgun 101 "Tomcat Airguns"
I did a whole series own bipods from the $15 clones to the Accu-tac's. I put them all through their paces and talked about the weak points, strong points, and my overall impression. I also gave my choices within $15-150 and then $250 (or 300) and up.
Tom
I did a whole series own bipods from the $15 clones to the Accu-tac's. I put them all through their paces and talked about the weak points, strong points, and my overall impression. I also gave my choices within $15-150 and then $250 (or 300) and up.
Tom
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@IMR
hi yes do look at Tominco very instructive and fair testng
Helped me decide.
safe shooting
hi yes do look at Tominco very instructive and fair testng
Helped me decide.
safe shooting
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My point with the height is my core body is longer and while sitting would be higher up and would think the heighth of the bipod would reflect how comfortable a pose I would need on a bench. I have an XP58 with a 36” barrel and bought a Crimson Trace scope, both quite heavy. Hunting, I think a mono pod is in the future.
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The Atlas and Accutac have great clones on Amazon for sub $40 but you may have to fiddle with them a bit to tighten 'em up. Cant options suck and I defeat those immediately.
I have both clones, 6" to 9" versions, and shoot bench with each and they are just fine. My target range backstop is slightly downhill so I always have the bipod at the 45deg angle pointing forward to reduce the height of the front of the gun and that 45deg angle also makes for a bigger triangle when including the rear rest, more stable.
I have both clones, 6" to 9" versions, and shoot bench with each and they are just fine. My target range backstop is slightly downhill so I always have the bipod at the 45deg angle pointing forward to reduce the height of the front of the gun and that 45deg angle also makes for a bigger triangle when including the rear rest, more stable.
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I couldn't justify $4oo for an Atlas so I bought an Atlas clone off of Ebay. Now i'm buying twice. The frustration isn't worth the savings. Good luck with your quest. I'm still looking(and saving).
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You need to buy two $20 Atlas clones to combine to make a good one because one of their legs are really wobbly.
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You often get what you pay for but getting stuff on sale helps. When you buy the knockoffs usually they are not as well made as the normal name brands. It's a diminishing returns thing and often a hit or miss acquisition depending on manufacturer. Buy from a place that is willing to take it back if you don't like it.
Assuming now that you want to sit down and use what is commonly called "shooting sticks".
Look up Dairyboys thread on tripods, and get what he's got on order, or a RT80C if you want a lighter weight version. You have to spend 3-4 times the money to get into the higher quality tripods like RRS, but these particular CF Innorel knockoffs have a good following in the PRS and NRL world. They aren't excellent but you aren't paying the big bucks either.....
Assuming now that you want to sit down and use what is commonly called "shooting sticks".
Look up Dairyboys thread on tripods, and get what he's got on order, or a RT80C if you want a lighter weight version. You have to spend 3-4 times the money to get into the higher quality tripods like RRS, but these particular CF Innorel knockoffs have a good following in the PRS and NRL world. They aren't excellent but you aren't paying the big bucks either.....
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@lmr
For hunting purposes, I'd steer you towards "Swagger" bipods. I did a review on them and was extremely impressed but, only for the hunting environment. And, they can get LOOONG! So, you should be able to find one that works for your "skyscraper" tall self! lol. I would not use one for bench rest, though.
For almost all other applications, my personal choice is Accu-Tac. They proved to be the best for strength, sturdiness, accuracy, and ease of use. Accu-tac sells extensions for their bipods as well, if you are dealing with a unique height challenge at the bench. I've got a review on the extensions as well.
Atlas gets a nod for being light, strong, and the quickest to grab and get mounted to your rifle fast. Although Accu-tac is my choice, I still own a few Atlas' and keep them lying around for just that purpose, to grab and slap on quick. My opinion of the clones is that they are a waste of money unless you are using them to display a rifle or, you use them just to get you started and don't want to rely on them for any kind of performance. Kind of like a child's "my first hammer". Many have disagreed with me on this. But, the ones that do disagree will almost always be shooters that have gone through the process of modifying their clone to perform to whatever level they hold themselves to. My 2nd review on the clone was a long one but, it shows the weaknesses that will have to be addressed and it shows me truly cracking up at some of the failures that occurred during the testing. I had a lot of fun making that review! LOL!
The UTG recon has had a significant design change since my review and deserves a look if you're looking for something on the lower end of the price scale. I have not tried the new design but, it addressed one of the major downfalls to the system.
There's another that you might take a look at made by Modular Evolution. It's expensive! But, it allows the shooter to go from a short bipod to a set of shooting sticks or tripod by using a quick release on the legs and attaching an adaptor. They have a lot of options and were clearly chasing a do-it-all style bipod. I thought they were a little overpriced for what you get and I had a few other points about them that I didn't care for. Yup... did a review on that one too.
Stay far away from GG&G tactical! They have a bad design that fails with light use and they're on the expensive side. Thinking back, I'd probably put them only slightly above the $15 clone.
Good luck with your choice and Happy Shooting!
Tom
For hunting purposes, I'd steer you towards "Swagger" bipods. I did a review on them and was extremely impressed but, only for the hunting environment. And, they can get LOOONG! So, you should be able to find one that works for your "skyscraper" tall self! lol. I would not use one for bench rest, though.
For almost all other applications, my personal choice is Accu-Tac. They proved to be the best for strength, sturdiness, accuracy, and ease of use. Accu-tac sells extensions for their bipods as well, if you are dealing with a unique height challenge at the bench. I've got a review on the extensions as well.
Atlas gets a nod for being light, strong, and the quickest to grab and get mounted to your rifle fast. Although Accu-tac is my choice, I still own a few Atlas' and keep them lying around for just that purpose, to grab and slap on quick. My opinion of the clones is that they are a waste of money unless you are using them to display a rifle or, you use them just to get you started and don't want to rely on them for any kind of performance. Kind of like a child's "my first hammer". Many have disagreed with me on this. But, the ones that do disagree will almost always be shooters that have gone through the process of modifying their clone to perform to whatever level they hold themselves to. My 2nd review on the clone was a long one but, it shows the weaknesses that will have to be addressed and it shows me truly cracking up at some of the failures that occurred during the testing. I had a lot of fun making that review! LOL!
The UTG recon has had a significant design change since my review and deserves a look if you're looking for something on the lower end of the price scale. I have not tried the new design but, it addressed one of the major downfalls to the system.
There's another that you might take a look at made by Modular Evolution. It's expensive! But, it allows the shooter to go from a short bipod to a set of shooting sticks or tripod by using a quick release on the legs and attaching an adaptor. They have a lot of options and were clearly chasing a do-it-all style bipod. I thought they were a little overpriced for what you get and I had a few other points about them that I didn't care for. Yup... did a review on that one too.
Stay far away from GG&G tactical! They have a bad design that fails with light use and they're on the expensive side. Thinking back, I'd probably put them only slightly above the $15 clone.
Good luck with your choice and Happy Shooting!
Tom
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Anyone have info on the Spartan Valhalla? With the Davros connection that works with the right tripod? Looks like a great option. Costs a little more. Though I'm finding out you do get what you pay for.
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Cheap bipods are for my guests / freeloading pellet users (folks that don’t get their own gun) nice stuff is for me ...... pay once cry once. I did watch tomcat YouTube- he did a good job but he didn’t name #2 choice high end ... went from 3 to 1
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How would one know if a 6-9” bipod is needed as opposed to something taller? Where would a wide body be beneficial over a narrow one?
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Not all clones are created equal. I have one that is rock solid. And to be fair, does anyone know when and if Atlas' patent has expired? I know it's cool to bash stuff from overseas markets, but let's be real....we don't even make our own flag. Just sayin'! Not being political....just a statement of fact.
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It really is going to depend on what shooting position you are in. If you are mostly shooting from the bench, a 6"-9" should work fine with the bipod's legs in the 90° position. It also depends on how high or low the shooting bench is. A bench built to your height would be preferable or having one with adjustable legs is a plus. Another issue is the type of chair you will be using. I use a drum stool with a wide range of height adjustment.
Now if you shoot in the prone position, especially in hunting environments, a taller bipod might work better for you. You don't want to be too low that your head and eye position is not in line with your scope. Another issue in the prone position is tall grass/vegetation in the way or really uneven ground. A taller bipod would be a plus in this situation.
I have several bipods (2 Harris, 2 Atlas, 1 Accu-Tac BR-4 Gen 2, and 1 Accu-Tac WB-4 on the way). I don't use the Harris Bipods anymore except on my Huntsman Regal because it has a sling stud and it is hard to mount a picatinny rail on the forend. I find myself leaning towards Accu-Tac more but I still like my Atlas bipods because of the light weight. In regards to sturdiness, Accu-Tac is my go to, hands down.
Atlas is easier to deploy the legs from the stowed position. Accu-Tac is easier to adjust the height on the legs compared to Atlas but is harder to deploy the legs from the stowed position without grabbing the forend of the gun for leverage. What I like about the Atlas is that it has a longer range of height adjustment compared to the Accu-Tac. In regards to a wider base, it definitely helps if the top of the legs are higher or in line with the center of the bipod mount. Just my experience.
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https://www.opticsplanet.com/atlas-bipods-psr-tall-atlas-bipod-lever-with-adm-170-s-lever.html
I ended up purchasing this one.
I ended up purchasing this one.
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