Bipod for prs or other matches

[howe0001]

What length legs do you veteran match goers recommend for your bipod? There are so many possible positions in a match, I'm trying to gear up for my first prs match. Have an Atlas currently with the shorter legs. Will those be good/long enough or do any of you find you wish you had shorter or longer legs on your bipods?

I realize it will come down to my preferences, but I'm curious about what reasons you have the particular bipod you use?

Thanks.

 

[D_TROS]

My friend up in Montana has just released this bipod. I have been using it for 3 years working out the kinks with him. Going from a Harris to a CKYE-Pod is like going from 2d to 3d no joke. No bipod comes close to its versatility. Period. Some bipods actually advertise 2-3 inches of adjustment...I don't understand why you would waste time with that..

Good luck!
DT

 

[nfoley]

I second what DTros said above - the CKYE pod is legit. Been seeing it in matches and it has so much to offer!

 

[Rob01]

I have run Harris 6-9" bipods for 15 years in PRS matches without an issue. Still on my rifles today. Any spot that bipod won't work the Game Changer bag does the job. You have to remember getting in and out of positions fast is very important. You don't have a lot of time to adjust legs in all sorts of funky positions. You have 90 seconds to get off 10 shots from sometimes 5 different positions. So run the bipod you have and get a Game Changer bag. If after a few matches you seem to need something else then you can change.

 

[ajridgedell]

at our matches most people run the 6-9 harris. Thats all i've used and like rob01 said you don't have time to mess around with the bipod unless its a local match and they let you build your position before they start you on the timer. I don't plan on using anything but the harris. The CKYE does look pretty sweet though.

 

[nfoley]

I shot a match with DTros (same squad) and I ran the Harris/Gamechanger like Rob describes above. I never saw Dorgan with his CKYE pod be a detriment or slow him down, in fact there were stages he was smoother than me and ran the stage better.
I had bought a CKYE pod, played with it at home and sent it back because of the exact reason you guys above mentioned. Thought there were too many moving parts, seemed a little too tall for prone, just want to keep things simple.
Now after seeing it in a couple matches my opinion has changed. At my last local match I would have loved to have the CKYE on a reverse rooftop that you were not allowed to use a tripod!

 

[Eustice]

I’ve used a Harris 6-9” and a 9-13”. Or rather, I used the 9-13” once. Then it bacame something I took with me to matches. Then it became something I left at home. Then it became something I sold. I only use the 6-9” and haven’t found a situation where I’ve needed more.

I see a lot of Atlas bipods used and I’ve been seeing more Accu Tac bipods lately. They seem to be very versatile but I’ve not found a great reason to switch from what I already own. Perhaps when the Harris breaks I’ll replace it with an Atlas, but for now, the Harris 6-9” is fine.

I will also add the notched legs and swivel feature are a must.

 

[Rob01]

I shot a match with DTros (same squad) and I ran the Harris/Gamechanger like Rob describes above. I never saw Dorgan with his CKYE pod be a detriment or slow him down, in fact there were stages he was smoother than me and ran the stage better.
I had bought a CKYE pod, played with it at home and sent it back because of the exact reason you guys above mentioned. Thought there were too many moving parts, seemed a little too tall for prone, just want to keep things simple.
Now after seeing it in a couple matches my opinion has changed. At my last local match I would have loved to have the CKYE on a reverse rooftop that you were not allowed to use a tripod!

Just looked it up as I always like to find an edge when I can but for $445-495 for a bipod?!? No thanks! LOL

 

[kthomas]

Just looked it up as I always like to find an edge when I can but for $445-495 for a bipod?!? No thanks! LOL

You get what you pay for, like anything else in this game. I have a Ckye-Pod, and I absolutely love it. For that shoot matches mostly on "square ranges" which are prop heavy, it may or may not provide much more benefit than say an Atlas or a Harris. If you shoot a bunch of different styles of matches and in different terrain, there is not a bipod more versatile.

I replaced my Atlas (which lost all canting tension) with the Ckye-Pod and I don't regret it for a minute. Admittedly I haven't shot a match yet with this particular bipod, but I can already see the benefits of its versatility. My first match with it will be the Quiet Riot, and I'm really looking forward to it.

 

[Rob01]

Sometimes you get what you pay for in this game. Sometimes people just want your money. Maybe if it had a rifle stabilizer built into it then I would pay that but for two pieces of metal sticking out the bottom of my rifle holding it up? Nope. Sorry.

 

[howe0001]

Along the same lines as "how long are your bipod legs?", what about bipod feet; cleats/spikes vs rubber ? For competition/matches? What do the match veterans use and why?

 

[Rob01]

I use the feet that come on the Harris bipod. I can see an advantage of a cleat at times but never changed over.

 

[XLR308]

Sometimes you get what you pay for in this game. Sometimes people just want your money. Maybe if it had a rifle stabilizer built into it then I would pay that but for two pieces of metal sticking out the bottom of my rifle holding it up? Nope. Sorry.

I feel the same as you Rob, I have more than once had the TUBB non-symetrical bipod in cart because I really like everything about it then the fiscal sense kicked in.
I'm am still and allways have used a Harris, they aren't flashy or the new shiny but they just work.

 

[Eustice]

Rubber feet that come with the Bipod are fine. There are stages where cleats or spikes would be advantageous and others where they would not. The rubber feet haven’t ever been a major inconvenience for me, though. Start out with the rubber feet and see how they do for you. Then decide if you want to change.

I see you’re trying to gear up for your first match. Don’t do that. Take some simple stuff and see what others have. I’ve never been to a match where people weren’t willing to share their experiences and let you borrow a piece of gear for a stage to see how it works for you. People who have been at this a while have tried a lot of the different things and probably have it all with them, even if they don’t use it anymore. PRS shooters tend to be packrats as long as they can have a vehicle nearby. I would almost guarantee they would be happy the tell you the pros and cons of something, let you see what they have, and show you ways to use it you never thought of.

Take a notebook to the match. It doesn’t have to be anything whiz-bang tactical with a molle cover in multicam, just a plain little notebook. Before the match, write down all the pieces of gear you’re thinking about. Ask some of the guys on your squad about them. Take notes on what gear others use on what type of props. People will use different stuff on a barricade versus a rooftop versus all the other things match directors think up. See what the other guys/girls use for bipods/feet/dope holders/bags etc... Make notes on brands cause typing “flip out card holder thing” in to google may not yield the results you want. See if some gear is redundant. This is important if you’ve got to pack all your stuff from stage to stage.

After the stage, write down what gear you used and how you used it. What gear, real or imagined, may have helped. And how you did. Be honest with yourself. Did you miss because the Bipod was too high/low and you couldn’t get on target? Or was it bad data or wind. You can buy your way up in the sport, but only to a point. Eventually some skill has to be learned.

This sport has tons of gear and it all costs money. The sky is really the limit. See what’s out there and what works before you buy a bunch of stuff. Odds are you will leave that match having seen, or maybe even been allowed to borrow, a piece of gear you didn’t know existed.

Have fun at your first match. Keep a good attitude and learn all you can. Meet as many people as you can. You will begin to see the same people match after match.

 

[kabarNC]

Rubber feet that come with the Bipod are fine. There are stages where cleats or spikes would be advantageous and others where they would not. The rubber feet haven’t ever been a major inconvenience for me, though. Start out with the rubber feet and see how they do for you. Then decide if you want to change.

I see you’re trying to gear up for your first match. Don’t do that. Take some simple stuff and see what others have. I’ve never been to a match where people weren’t willing to share their experiences and let you borrow a piece of gear for a stage to see how it works for you. People who have been at this a while have tried a lot of the different things and probably have it all with them, even if they don’t use it anymore. PRS shooters tend to be packrats as long as they can have a vehicle nearby. I would almost guarantee they would be happy the tell you the pros and cons of something, let you see what they have, and show you ways to use it you never thought of.

Take a notebook to the match. It doesn’t have to be anything whiz-bang tactical with a molle cover in multicam, just a plain little notebook. Before the match, write down all the pieces of gear you’re thinking about. Ask some of the guys on your squad about them. Take notes on what gear others use on what type of props. People will use different stuff on a barricade versus a rooftop versus all the other things match directors think up. See what the other guys/girls use for bipods/feet/dope holders/bags etc... Make notes on brands cause typing “flip out card holder thing” in to google may not yield the results you want. See if some gear is redundant. This is important if you’ve got to pack all your stuff from stage to stage.

After the stage, write down what gear you used and how you used it. What gear, real or imagined, may have helped. And how you did. Be honest with yourself. Did you miss because the Bipod was too high/low and you couldn’t get on target? Or was it bad data or wind. You can buy your way up in the sport, but only to a point. Eventually some skill has to be learned.

This sport has tons of gear and it all costs money. The sky is really the limit. See what’s out there and what works before you buy a bunch of stuff. Odds are you will leave that match having seen, or maybe even been allowed to borrow, a piece of gear you didn’t know existed.

Have fun at your first match. Keep a good attitude and learn all you can. Meet as many people as you can. You will begin to see the same people match after match.

This is a great post. Thanks for your time and advice.

 

[Rob01]

I feel the same as you Rob, I have more than once had the TUBB non-symetrical bipod in cart because I really like everything about it then the fiscal sense kicked in.
I'm am still and allways have used a Harris, they aren't flashy or the new shiny but they just work.

I am a cheap bastard or as I tell my wife I am thrifty. LOL I don't want it thought I am opposed to new items but they have to give me something significant over what I use especially at 4 times the price.

 

[Rob01]

Rubber feet that come with the Bipod are fine. There are stages where cleats or spikes would be advantageous and others where they would not. The rubber feet haven’t ever been a major inconvenience for me, though. Start out with the rubber feet and see how they do for you. Then decide if you want to change.

I see you’re trying to gear up for your first match. Don’t do that. Take some simple stuff and see what others have. I’ve never been to a match where people weren’t willing to share their experiences and let you borrow a piece of gear for a stage to see how it works for you. People who have been at this a while have tried a lot of the different things and probably have it all with them, even if they don’t use it anymore. PRS shooters tend to be packrats as long as they can have a vehicle nearby. I would almost guarantee they would be happy the tell you the pros and cons of something, let you see what they have, and show you ways to use it you never thought of.

Take a notebook to the match. It doesn’t have to be anything whiz-bang tactical with a molle cover in multicam, just a plain little notebook. Before the match, write down all the pieces of gear you’re thinking about. Ask some of the guys on your squad about them. Take notes on what gear others use on what type of props. People will use different stuff on a barricade versus a rooftop versus all the other things match directors think up. See what the other guys/girls use for bipods/feet/dope holders/bags etc... Make notes on brands cause typing “flip out card holder thing” in to google may not yield the results you want. See if some gear is redundant. This is important if you’ve got to pack all your stuff from stage to stage.

After the stage, write down what gear you used and how you used it. What gear, real or imagined, may have helped. And how you did. Be honest with yourself. Did you miss because the Bipod was too high/low and you couldn’t get on target? Or was it bad data or wind. You can buy your way up in the sport, but only to a point. Eventually some skill has to be learned.

This sport has tons of gear and it all costs money. The sky is really the limit. See what’s out there and what works before you buy a bunch of stuff. Odds are you will leave that match having seen, or maybe even been allowed to borrow, a piece of gear you didn’t know existed.

Have fun at your first match. Keep a good attitude and learn all you can. Meet as many people as you can. You will begin to see the same people match after match.

That is a good post and what I usually tell new shooters too. Go to the match with what you have and then determine what will help you do better or make the job easier. Well besides the skill of shooting that is . LOL

A lot of people dump a ton of money to go to a match and go and find out that what they bought doesn't work. Don't be that guy. A rifle with a DBM, ammo, and a good attitude is about all you need. As mentioned people will let you try their gear and look at their stuff. I do it all the time. Almost have to talk people into touching the stuff sometimes. At my last match a shooter in our squad was having an issue getting stable off obstacles and making hits as it was one of his first matches and a friend of mine let him use his Game Changer bag for the next stage and he hit more than he missed and he was super happy. He learned that he would be buying one of those bags to help him. Same goes with other gear but don't forget it's still the shooter that has to do the job.

 

[Eustice]

I think back to my first match and I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I had a 700P with an internal box magazine, a 9-13” Bipod, and one of those elastic buttstock cartridge holders. I “bought” my way to being more competitive with a Manners stock with detachable bottom metal. Now I had less time loading from the hand and more time shooting. You’ll learn what you like but you’ve got to do it first. So save that coin for what you know you need rather than what you think will work.

We all can give you advice on what works. But that is what works for us. And that is what we do for now until we learn something better. It’s a bit overwhelming to take all the comments, analyze them with no hands-on knowledge, and figure out what you want.

So like I said, keep a good attitude and don’t get frustrated. A miss cost you a bullet, but it gained you some experience and knowledge. Don’t forget to learn from a miss because you’re upset. I used to get so mad at myself when I had a poor stage. I once almost launched a fully loaded Knight’s Armament magazine into the woods. That’s when I realized how stupid I looked. Now it’s about having a good time. You’re pulling a trigger, you’re learning from those better than you, you’re teaching those newer than you, and you’re having a good time shooting the shit with like minded individuals.

 

[Rob01]

I think back to my first match and I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I had a 700P with an internal box magazine, a 9-13” Bipod, and one of those elastic buttstock cartridge holders. I “bought” my way to being more competitive with a Manners stock with detachable bottom metal. Now I had less time loading from the hand and more time shooting. You’ll learn what you like but you’ve got to do it first. So save that coin for what you know you need rather than what you think will work.

We all can give you advice on what works. But that is what works for us. And that is what we do for now until we learn something better. It’s a bit overwhelming to take all the comments, analyze them with no hands-on knowledge, and figure out what you want.

So like I said, keep a good attitude and don’t get frustrated. A miss cost you a bullet, but it gained you some experience and knowledge. Don’t forget to learn from a miss because you’re upset. I used to get so mad at myself when I had a poor stage. I once almost launched a fully loaded Knight’s Armament magazine into the woods. That’s when I realized how stupid I looked. Now it’s about having a good time. You’re pulling a trigger, you’re learning from those better than you, you’re teaching those newer than you, and you’re having a good time shooting the shit with like minded individuals.

The DBM is a must have now in matches. That is one thing I will tell someone to get before a match as top loading after 5 is just a sure way to be frustrated.

 

[howe0001]

Rubber feet that come with the Bipod are fine. There are stages where cleats or spikes would be advantageous and others where they would not. The rubber feet haven’t ever been a major inconvenience for me, though. Start out with the rubber feet and see how they do for you. Then decide if you want to change.

I see you’re trying to gear up for your first match. Don’t do that. Take some simple stuff and see what others have. I’ve never been to a match where people weren’t willing to share their experiences and let you borrow a piece of gear for a stage to see how it works for you. People who have been at this a while have tried a lot of the different things and probably have it all with them, even if they don’t use it anymore. PRS shooters tend to be packrats as long as they can have a vehicle nearby. I would almost guarantee they would be happy the tell you the pros and cons of something, let you see what they have, and show you ways to use it you never thought of.

Take a notebook to the match. It doesn’t have to be anything whiz-bang tactical with a molle cover in multicam, just a plain little notebook. Before the match, write down all the pieces of gear you’re thinking about. Ask some of the guys on your squad about them. Take notes on what gear others use on what type of props. People will use different stuff on a barricade versus a rooftop versus all the other things match directors think up. See what the other guys/girls use for bipods/feet/dope holders/bags etc... Make notes on brands cause typing “flip out card holder thing” in to google may not yield the results you want. See if some gear is redundant. This is important if you’ve got to pack all your stuff from stage to stage.

After the stage, write down what gear you used and how you used it. What gear, real or imagined, may have helped. And how you did. Be honest with yourself. Did you miss because the Bipod was too high/low and you couldn’t get on target? Or was it bad data or wind. You can buy your way up in the sport, but only to a point. Eventually some skill has to be learned.

This sport has tons of gear and it all costs money. The sky is really the limit. See what’s out there and what works before you buy a bunch of stuff. Odds are you will leave that match having seen, or maybe even been allowed to borrow, a piece of gear you didn’t know existed.

Have fun at your first match. Keep a good attitude and learn all you can. Meet as many people as you can. You will begin to see the same people match after match.

Fantastic info. Thanks for the thoughtful response. Yes, I'm gearing up and trying many items at my range to see how well they work for me, of course I guess I won't know for sure until the match how my gear works out. Thanks again for the info.

 

[TBagAMouseTrap]

The shooter leading the mdprs series in points right now uses a cheap Walmart 6-9” Harris knockoff. Take it for what it’s worth.

 

[Sheldon N]

Have an Atlas currently with the shorter legs. Will those be good/long enough or do any of you find you wish you had shorter or longer legs on your bipods?

Your Atlas will work great, no need to change anything. If you want to have some extensions for reverse slope prone or other unique challenges it would be good to have those in the toolkit. Quick tip to avoid spending more money.... You can buy 1/2 wooden dowel at any hardware store, it will fit right into your Atlas foot attachment. Cut to length and sharpen the other end to a point. I'd say bring a couple different lengths in the backpack, maybe a 4" and a 12" would be a useful pair.

 

[calamjn]

Bringing this one back in 2020. Specifically with a Ckyepod, why would I choose the PRS short legs (7.5”-13”) over the standard legs (9”-15”) for comp? Seems like the stand would cover more ranges, but MDT obviously made the Short legs for a reason.

 

[Rob01]

7.5-13" is a more useful range for PRS style shooting. A lot use 6-9" and never go to 9". I rarely use my bipod on 9". Only if I need it due to an angle shot.

 

[calamjn]

Good feedback. I have a question though. Can’t the Ckye’s spread out really low no matter which size legs you get. The legs spread way don’t they?

 

[Rob01]

Not sure. Never used one. But sometimes being very wide won't work on certain obstacles or in some positions.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

I have a 6-9" Harris upgraded with a PodLoc and RRS ARCA/pic clamp and an Atlas BT65-NC CAL also outfitted with an RRS ARCA/pic clamp (comes standard with the PodLoc). I have encountered a number of props where even the Atlas "stance" is too wide to fit but the Harris did - barely. On other props, being able to snap the Harris legs up/down without having to find the release buttons is a time saver.

So, for me, there are definite use cases for both. If I had to choose one, and only one, for competition, it would be the Harris, outfitted as described. The RRS clamp and PodLoc definitely increase its stability.

Finally, I also have a 9-13" Harris. It seldom gets used. For people who have difficulty getting into and comfortably maintaining a "flat" prone position, the tall bipod coupled with a large pillow-type bag for the rear support can help greatly.

Edit: fwiw, the only bipod I bought new was the Atlas. I bought both Harris units used, for not much more than the cost of one new one.

 

[calamjn]

Thanks for the info. I have a Harris and an Atlas. I was just wondering about the Ckye advantages over the two. Seems like it can get into a few more positions than the Harris and Atlas, and get really skinny or really wide. But not sure if it merits the $550 price tag.

 

[Rob01]

There is no bipod made that would get $550 out of my pocket. Lol Hell I won't pay more than a Harris ?

 

[clcustom1911]

Just looked it up as I always like to find an edge when I can but for $445-495 for a bipod?!? No thanks! LOL

Well, somewhere between the below pictured $25 chinese Harris knockoff thing and the $500 bipods is the answer

Full disclosure, the above Chinese thing allows me to ping steel out to 600 regularly when I put it on my AR.

 

[Rob01]

And that answer will be different for everyone.

And I know about the above bipod. I have two of the swivel versions on less used rifles but it holds the rifle up as the main job of a bipod is.

 

[kthomas]

Good feedback. I have a question though. Can’t the Ckye’s spread out really low no matter which size legs you get. The legs spread way don’t they?

Yes, they spread out really wide, you can go ultra low with the standard size Ckye-pod. Lots of versatility with the standard model. It's what I have, can't say I've seen a need for the shorter legs myself.