I pickup an Atlas at Mile High in person a few weeks ago. Sweet bipod for sure. Won't go back. Just installed a rail segment on my new bolt gun stock and now share the Atlas between the 6.5 CM and .223 AR. Well worth the money compared to a Harris. Much more versatile!
Ive got both and like both. In some ways i like the harris better. Atlas is nice though. Depends what you need it for. I surely think that a harris wont hold you back any and there is nothing wrong with them. Good luck
Rock Creek makes one that is definately "more robust." I run one on my AR and it is top-notch. Except for my F/TR rifle, I still run Harris bipods on my bolt guns. I am kinda cheap though.
I had an Atlas but sold it because I prefer my GG&G myself . You may look at them . If you don't have a mono pod on the rear I've found with the atlas I had I could put a bag on the rear and no matter how I adj the atlas could never get it right . The notches in the legs need to be closer IMO or you need a mono pod with a PRS stock.
With a GG&G or Harris you don't since the legs aren't notched.
Also I didn't like the upright setting and the next setting on the atlas lays it down farther than I like . I think it's more at home on a rifle than a AR10 .
I got an Atlas a couple of weeks ago.
I like the rail and clamp system better than the sling stud on the Harris and I like the extra height adjustments and the panning on the Atlas.
I miss the speed of the spring loaded legs on the Harris, but I don't have to hurry in the matches I shoot so that's not really an issue to me.
The Harris has worked fine for me, but I'll get another Atlas when I can scrape up the coins.
for an inexpensive option, theres the UTG OP series of bipods, I have the OP-2, which is their 7.7-12.3" version, and it has been very solid and reliable.
I ordered a tdi arms side mounted bipod from optics planet that should be here today. prob not atlas quality but could be a cool option for the ar rifles with rails on the side. I bought it because I wanted a bipod on my air rifles but due to the break barrel action I couldnt mount a bipod under under the forend of the stock. ill post up a mini review and pics once I get it mounted after work today or tomorrow.
I know many people like the Atlas,I have one and don't care for it. I have Harris's, Sinclair's both tactical and F class, a Dolphin and Roedales. I prefer the Roedale's although they are quite pricey. Here's a link http://www.webshop.roedale.de/product_info.php?info=p427_RH50-F-T-R-Match-Bipod.html . Nothings perfect and I do wish the Roedale"s had more elevation. It's range is 7 1/4" to 9 1/4" inches, that works for most things.
If you need a real heavy duty pod for a heavy rifle like a M25 or M14, this GG&G Extreme Duty swivel Heavy Duty pod has stood the test so far. You'll also need the mounting rail for quick attach/detach.