Let’s Talk Bipods

[DenimChicken]

The MTN Gear is cool, and I believe it has a place as a hunting bipod where weight is a top concern. ... There is also quite a bit of wobble in it that some people won't like. A bit of loading helps to reduce that....The Spartan bipods have worked great for me, but they also have some wobble that requires loading.

I've been eyeballing both of these bipods and can't make up my mind. Is the amount of preload required similar? I like the adjustability and weight of MTN Gear and don't expect it to lock up solid, but is it a decent shooting platform given its limitations?

I've been using a combo of quick stix (almost zero weight penalty since I carry trekking poles anyway), a Harris bipod than I need to upgrade or ditch, and a tripod with a Triclawps mount (also carry the tripod anyways so just adding weight of the Triclawps).

 

[Sadler]

I’ll be ditching the bipod this year and just shoot off my RRS ascend tripod with an anvil 30. It adjusts lower and higher than anything else I’m aware of and it has more than one use. Set up times longer than a bipod but if I need to shoot in a hurry I’ll have some quick sticks attached to my trekking poles as well

 

[slowelk]

Tripod as a prone shooting tool is too slow to deploy in the field. I’d much rather take the weight penalty of a good bipod, or plan to use my pack than have to rely deploying a tripod for a prone shot.

 

[smithmtva]

Atlas has always worked well for me.

 

[pugwylde]

No love for the Wiser Quick-Stix, eh? Not a true bipod, per se, but they fill the role of a bipod pretty well for being a couple ounces on top of the trekking poles you might already be carrying.

 

[cmahoney]

No love for the Wiser Quick-Stix, eh? Not a true bipod, per se, but they fill the role of a bipod pretty well for being a couple ounces on top of the trekking poles you might already be carrying.

I have those on my trekking poles and have practiced shooting with them. They don’t offer the stability of the hatch though for longer shots. I use the quick sticks quit a bit to stabilize my chest binos when I’m hiking for a quick look.


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[Deadnoise]

Atlas with spikes or spartan for me

 

[ID_Matt]

Will only be using prone with lighter recoiling rifles. Hunting and practice. Will come off to switch rifles during practice and will ride the ride during hunting season.

Hatch has been brought up a lot. Seems nice but know people who say spend your money else where. Not sure what to think.

Weight isn’t a huge factor but don’t want a 2+ pounder either.


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Ckye pod single for prone shots gets my vote every time. I have the light and the standard. The light is just as stable as the standard, but lighter and more expensive. Tripod with anvil 30 or bag on tripod for anything higher than prone.

 

[2-Stix]

I run the quiksticks on my poles for a fast shot, the Spartan if I can go prone, and if I have time out comes my tripod with the spartan attachment. I always have poles, 2oz maybe, 8 oz on the Spartan, and the 2oz attachment to shot off the tripod.

 

[bojangles808]

The MTN Gear is cool, and I believe it has a place as a hunting bipod where weight is a top concern. I have been testing one for a while. It works well in dirt, grass, and similar surfaces you would see while hunting. I don't like it on benches built of wood or concrete. It's not tall enough for me to sit behind. I have to switch to a tripod in those situations. There is also quite a bit of wobble in it that some people won't like. A bit of loading helps to reduce that. Durability is a concern since there are so many moving parts and it's crazy light. I look forward to doing a lot more shooting with it this year.

The Spartan bipods have worked great for me, but they also have some wobble that requires loading. And, they don't offer as many adjustments for height/width as the MTN Gear. I've used them for years, along with quite a few people I know, and am only aware of one that broke.

The Rugged Ridge is one of my least favorite bipods I've used. It moves as you tighten it down and can/will fold up on you if shooting multiple shots. I would choose an Atlas or Modular Evolution over it every time.

updates on the mtn gear a year later? what'd you use the last 2 seasons?

 

[503Dan]

updates on the mtn gear a year later? what'd you use the last 2 seasons?

I’m running the MTN gear. This is my first season on it and so far I’m very impressed for the weight. It’s got some play in it but it is way more stable than I expected. Two deer have been shot off of it this year. My only complaint is the bottom to fold the leg down is a little difficult to find. This is also coming from a Harris where I could just grab the leg.

 

[Justin Crossley]

updates on the mtn gear a year later? what'd you use the last 2 seasons?

I broke the mtn gear bipod by trying to tighten the wrong bolt. It was my fault and I haven't replaced it.

The Gunwerks bipod is my favorite all around hunting bipod.

The Spartan is my favorite ultralight bipod for backcountry hunts.

The MDT Tripple Pull is my favorite for versatility and speed and it's what I would use whenever weight isn't a concern.

 

[DenimChicken]

I just picked up a MTN Gear and I'm pretty impressed with it for a lightweight backcountry bipod. Like @Justin Crossley says, it's got some play but certainly manageable. I have only shot one animal off a bipod and more often use a tripod, quick sticks, or improvised rest, but I like having one for options. If you don't plan on using it for a heavy bench gun it might just be the ticket.