Looking to go away from my Harris Bipod and started looking at the Atlas BT10 Bipod. Seems to have all the features I'm looking for, mostly the ability to cant. Always seems to give me the biggest headache when shooting matches since my Harris doesn't tilt. Pros and Cons from those who use the Atlas. Thanks.
- Thread starter rkgsmith
- Start date
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
I was hesitant to get the atlas due to the price, but i can say it has been money well spent. Only possible con i can think of is the standard rubber feet will abrade quickly if you are shooting on rock with a high recoil rifle. Bot they do have other/better feet options out there for the atlas based on your needs. I know i wont be going back to harris.
I was hesitant to get the atlas due to the price, but i can say it has been money well spent. Only possible con i can think of is the standard rubber feet will abrade quickly if you are shooting on rock with a high recoil rifle. Bot they do have other/better feet options out there for the atlas based on your needs. I know i wont be going back to harris.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
Con: The legs bend easily and prevent them from being folded on a version 8. They also get really loose and floppy with use.
Pro: If this happens, they will take care of you no questions asked.
Never had this problem with a Harris.
Con: The legs bend easily and prevent them from being folded on a version 8. They also get really loose and floppy with use.
Pro: If this happens, they will take care of you no questions asked.
Never had this problem with a Harris.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
Really? I also am looking at the Atlas. It's hard to justify when I am already running a Harris. But every-time I need to load on concrete I wonder what might have been?
So this issue is something that you have experienced? It was a factory defect or a design flaw?
Do you have any more information to add as to how this might happen?
TTR
Really? I also am looking at the Atlas. It's hard to justify when I am already running a Harris. But every-time I need to load on concrete I wonder what might have been?
So this issue is something that you have experienced? It was a factory defect or a design flaw?
Do you have any more information to add as to how this might happen?
TTR
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
I'm hit or miss on the Atlas. It has some good points and some bad.
For example, I find that unless the legs are perfectly square to the rifle when you use it, the "pan" feature allows the bipod to get all crooked under the rifle, which I find obnoxious.
Secondly, it does not deploy as fast, or as easily as a Harris. Some people may say "deploy it in advance", which might work in many situations, but I've run match stages that were specifically designed to get you hung up in netting/mesh if you "pre-deployed" your bipod.
I'm hit or miss on the Atlas. It has some good points and some bad.
For example, I find that unless the legs are perfectly square to the rifle when you use it, the "pan" feature allows the bipod to get all crooked under the rifle, which I find obnoxious.
Secondly, it does not deploy as fast, or as easily as a Harris. Some people may say "deploy it in advance", which might work in many situations, but I've run match stages that were specifically designed to get you hung up in netting/mesh if you "pre-deployed" your bipod.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
The only downside of the Atlas that I have found is that it takes longer than a Harris to deploy. Other than that it is outstanding. You can load it on any surface, and if you have the extra money you can get the accessories that make even better over specific surfaces. The pan tilt feature gives you enough movement in any direction and is easy to straighten out with one hand. It's rock solid and still light weight. As for it loosening up, mine is still very tight and stiff enough it will hold position if I completely let go of the rifle. I can't think of anything the Harris does that the Atlas doesn't do better.
The only downside of the Atlas that I have found is that it takes longer than a Harris to deploy. Other than that it is outstanding. You can load it on any surface, and if you have the extra money you can get the accessories that make even better over specific surfaces. The pan tilt feature gives you enough movement in any direction and is easy to straighten out with one hand. It's rock solid and still light weight. As for it loosening up, mine is still very tight and stiff enough it will hold position if I completely let go of the rifle. I can't think of anything the Harris does that the Atlas doesn't do better.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
As a con, I wish the bipod could get about an inch lower. I'm a real skinny guy, so I tend to be lower to the ground to start with. Obviously, deployment speed is slower than a Harris, as well. Price could go as a pro or a con, as many of the Atlas's competitors cost significantly more, while the Harris costs less. I also found the pan/cant/tilt adjustment wheel more cumbersome than a Pod-loc on a Harris. Better than the standard Harris adjustment, though.
The list of pros could go on for quite a while, so I won't bore you. A couple significant points though:
-The feet stick to everything! I shoot on hard packed dirt mostly, so I was planning to get spiked feet for the Atlas. After all, on hard dirt the Harris feet slip like they're lubricated. Turns out, the Atlas rubber feet grip it no problem.
-Pan, cant, tilt, etc. work very smoothly once you get your tension set up. It's very easy to get the bipod adjusted right where you want it.
-Obviously, the true deal-maker is when you actually shoot the rifle. The bipod shifts directly backwards in recoil, but the feet stay planted. This leads to a very nice shooting experience when compared to stiffer bipods.
As a con, I wish the bipod could get about an inch lower. I'm a real skinny guy, so I tend to be lower to the ground to start with. Obviously, deployment speed is slower than a Harris, as well. Price could go as a pro or a con, as many of the Atlas's competitors cost significantly more, while the Harris costs less. I also found the pan/cant/tilt adjustment wheel more cumbersome than a Pod-loc on a Harris. Better than the standard Harris adjustment, though.
The list of pros could go on for quite a while, so I won't bore you. A couple significant points though:
-The feet stick to everything! I shoot on hard packed dirt mostly, so I was planning to get spiked feet for the Atlas. After all, on hard dirt the Harris feet slip like they're lubricated. Turns out, the Atlas rubber feet grip it no problem.
-Pan, cant, tilt, etc. work very smoothly once you get your tension set up. It's very easy to get the bipod adjusted right where you want it.
-Obviously, the true deal-maker is when you actually shoot the rifle. The bipod shifts directly backwards in recoil, but the feet stay planted. This leads to a very nice shooting experience when compared to stiffer bipods.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
I just got my second Atlas.
It is slower to deploy than the Harris but I still like the Atlas as i feel more solid using it.
I just got my second Atlas.
It is slower to deploy than the Harris but I still like the Atlas as i feel more solid using it.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
I have both. They each have their place I feel. The Atlas for uneven areas is the best. My advice buy one shoot with it and if it dont work for you sell it it wont be on here long.
I have both. They each have their place I feel. The Atlas for uneven areas is the best. My advice buy one shoot with it and if it dont work for you sell it it wont be on here long.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
Atlas downside..price and difficulty finding it in stock
Atlas downside..price and difficulty finding it in stock
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
I really don't like the pan feature and the spring washers that control the tilt tension are too soft. I poured epoxy into their machined block to limit the pan and replaced the spring washers with flat washers and a 1/4 20 lever. And they are slow to deploy on a stage that you need to fold up or down on the move. Other than that they are well made, I know a bunch of competitive shooters that sold theirs and went back to the harris. I still own both.
I really don't like the pan feature and the spring washers that control the tilt tension are too soft. I poured epoxy into their machined block to limit the pan and replaced the spring washers with flat washers and a 1/4 20 lever. And they are slow to deploy on a stage that you need to fold up or down on the move. Other than that they are well made, I know a bunch of competitive shooters that sold theirs and went back to the harris. I still own both.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
I have the claw feet for one of my three Atlas bipods and they work great on natural ground environments of all kinds. Shot with them in the snow, on gravel, dirt, grass, and mud. Worked great. I tried the claws on the bench and prefer the rubber feet better for the bench or off my shooting mat.
But like everyone else said, it's slower to deploy, but that's about the only place I see it lacking in comparison to the Harris, which is why I have three and only one Harris.
I have the claw feet for one of my three Atlas bipods and they work great on natural ground environments of all kinds. Shot with them in the snow, on gravel, dirt, grass, and mud. Worked great. I tried the claws on the bench and prefer the rubber feet better for the bench or off my shooting mat.
But like everyone else said, it's slower to deploy, but that's about the only place I see it lacking in comparison to the Harris, which is why I have three and only one Harris.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Maelek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Atlas downside..price and difficulty finding it in stock </div></div>
They're not that hard to find in stock if you look for them. There's multiple vendors here and between them and the ads that pop-up often in the classifieds they can be had. The main issue is people not wanting to may the full price. Mile High Shooting and Triad Tactical both have them in-stock right now.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Maelek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Atlas downside..price and difficulty finding it in stock </div></div>
They're not that hard to find in stock if you look for them. There's multiple vendors here and between them and the ads that pop-up often in the classifieds they can be had. The main issue is people not wanting to may the full price. Mile High Shooting and Triad Tactical both have them in-stock right now.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For example, I find that unless the legs are perfectly square to the rifle when you use it, the "pan" feature allows the bipod to get all crooked under the rifle, which I find obnoxious.
Secondly, it does not deploy as fast, or as easily as a Harris. Some people may say "deploy it in advance", which might work in many situations, but I've run match stages that were specifically designed to get you hung up in netting/mesh if you "pre-deployed" your bipod. </div></div>
My thoughts exactly, I had one for a while and am now back to using a Harris with spike feet.
The build quality and fit and finish were outstanding, it just didn't fit my program.
SScott
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For example, I find that unless the legs are perfectly square to the rifle when you use it, the "pan" feature allows the bipod to get all crooked under the rifle, which I find obnoxious.
Secondly, it does not deploy as fast, or as easily as a Harris. Some people may say "deploy it in advance", which might work in many situations, but I've run match stages that were specifically designed to get you hung up in netting/mesh if you "pre-deployed" your bipod. </div></div>
My thoughts exactly, I had one for a while and am now back to using a Harris with spike feet.
The build quality and fit and finish were outstanding, it just didn't fit my program.
SScott
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm hit or miss on the Atlas. It has some good points and some bad.
For example, I find that unless the legs are perfectly square to the rifle when you use it, the "pan" feature allows the bipod to get all crooked under the rifle, which I find obnoxious.
Secondly, it does not deploy as fast, or as easily as a Harris. Some people may say "deploy it in advance", which might work in many situations, but I've run match stages that were specifically designed to get you hung up in netting/mesh if you "pre-deployed" your bipod.</div></div>
Same here. I'll add that I like the Pod-Loc on a Harris better than the Atlas tension system. Also, the notched legs on a Harris are quicker to adjust from behind the rifle. Had an Atlas, sold it. Still using my Harris.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm hit or miss on the Atlas. It has some good points and some bad.
For example, I find that unless the legs are perfectly square to the rifle when you use it, the "pan" feature allows the bipod to get all crooked under the rifle, which I find obnoxious.
Secondly, it does not deploy as fast, or as easily as a Harris. Some people may say "deploy it in advance", which might work in many situations, but I've run match stages that were specifically designed to get you hung up in netting/mesh if you "pre-deployed" your bipod.</div></div>
Same here. I'll add that I like the Pod-Loc on a Harris better than the Atlas tension system. Also, the notched legs on a Harris are quicker to adjust from behind the rifle. Had an Atlas, sold it. Still using my Harris.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Brandon05_88</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Had an Atlas, sold it. Still using my Harris. </div></div>
+1
Sold it and bought another harris with an AB pod-loc. I guess it depends on what you are used to, I just could not get used to the Atlas.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Brandon05_88</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Had an Atlas, sold it. Still using my Harris. </div></div>
+1
Sold it and bought another harris with an AB pod-loc. I guess it depends on what you are used to, I just could not get used to the Atlas.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
The V8.1 of the Atlas added the feature of quick leg adjusting from prone. Re deploying being slow, there was a vid on here of a guy who had a great technique for quick initial deployment. I had 4 or so Harris and once I got an Atlas I replaced them all. I didn't like the bipod hop in the Harris and I like the pan and cant features of the Atlas. I use it in comps and with the 8.1 legs it is easy to adjust.
The V8.1 of the Atlas added the feature of quick leg adjusting from prone. Re deploying being slow, there was a vid on here of a guy who had a great technique for quick initial deployment. I had 4 or so Harris and once I got an Atlas I replaced them all. I didn't like the bipod hop in the Harris and I like the pan and cant features of the Atlas. I use it in comps and with the 8.1 legs it is easy to adjust.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
I think for competitive shooting the Harris it the way to go. I ran Atlas for awhile but ended up going back to Harris. I will say the Atlas is a very well made piece of equipment, it just did not work for my type shooting.
I think for competitive shooting the Harris it the way to go. I ran Atlas for awhile but ended up going back to Harris. I will say the Atlas is a very well made piece of equipment, it just did not work for my type shooting.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
PRO: They were the best thing since sliced bread here last year with nothing but glowing reviews. Available this year with same construction.
CON: They were extremely hard to find, new at full price, last year when all the glowing reviews were issued. Not as popular as last year, not sure what the next cool bipod will be.
Actually, they're really well made. I'm not sure that the average shooter would ever need this over a Harris but if you have the $, that's up to you.
I don't shoot in comps that use a bipod. I'm not sure what kind of stages you'd lose so much time on deploying one of these over a Harris, but I accept what other's have said. Some people like them because they offer more leg adjustment than the Harris for odd angles or uneven ground.
Always best to try before you buy if possible.
PRO: They were the best thing since sliced bread here last year with nothing but glowing reviews. Available this year with same construction.
CON: They were extremely hard to find, new at full price, last year when all the glowing reviews were issued. Not as popular as last year, not sure what the next cool bipod will be.
Actually, they're really well made. I'm not sure that the average shooter would ever need this over a Harris but if you have the $, that's up to you.
I don't shoot in comps that use a bipod. I'm not sure what kind of stages you'd lose so much time on deploying one of these over a Harris, but I accept what other's have said. Some people like them because they offer more leg adjustment than the Harris for odd angles or uneven ground.
Always best to try before you buy if possible.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
Pro: Built like a tank.
Con: More expensive than drugs.
Pro: Built like a tank.
Con: More expensive than drugs.
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
This might help
http://www.vitaminpwww.snipershide.com/f...225#Post3485225
This might help
http://www.vitaminpwww.snipershide.com/f...225#Post3485225
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sunnyside Scott</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For example, I find that unless the legs are perfectly square to the rifle when you use it, the "pan" feature allows the bipod to get all crooked under the rifle, which I find obnoxious.
Secondly, it does not deploy as fast, or as easily as a Harris. Some people may say "deploy it in advance", which might work in many situations, but I've run match stages that were specifically designed to get you hung up in netting/mesh if you "pre-deployed" your bipod. </div></div>
My thoughts exactly, I had one for a while and am now back to using a Harris with spike feet.
The build quality and fit and finish were outstanding, it just didn't fit my program.
SScott </div></div>
^^^
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sunnyside Scott</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For example, I find that unless the legs are perfectly square to the rifle when you use it, the "pan" feature allows the bipod to get all crooked under the rifle, which I find obnoxious.
Secondly, it does not deploy as fast, or as easily as a Harris. Some people may say "deploy it in advance", which might work in many situations, but I've run match stages that were specifically designed to get you hung up in netting/mesh if you "pre-deployed" your bipod. </div></div>
My thoughts exactly, I had one for a while and am now back to using a Harris with spike feet.
The build quality and fit and finish were outstanding, it just didn't fit my program.
SScott </div></div>
^^^
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
It's good to see some con's on this bi-pod. I have witnessed the praises for a while and not much CON. No matter the gear, there is a CON somewhere.
Still thinking.
TTR
It's good to see some con's on this bi-pod. I have witnessed the praises for a while and not much CON. No matter the gear, there is a CON somewhere.
Still thinking.
TTR
Re: Atlas Bipods Pros - Cons ?
I like my Atlas V8 but I'd really like to try out the LRA bipod. The $530 is pretty steep for a bipod though.
I like my Atlas V8 but I'd really like to try out the LRA bipod. The $530 is pretty steep for a bipod though.
I know this is an older thread....but I want to share my experiences:
1) Started with Harris Benchrest swivel with Podlock
2) Purchased Atlas with spigot mount when I got my AICS
3) Moved Atlas with spigot mount over to Arctic Warfare
4) Starting to use my Harris with Pod-lock more often for the following reasons:
- Atlas gets crooked under rifle. Not a problem on concrete, but a constant annoyance when shooting on gravel surface.
- Harris has finer elevation adjustments. Under some circumstances, my Atlas can be too high or too low.
- Harris will cant left and right quite a bit further than the Atlas and this is important on uneven ground
- Harris is faster to deploy
- Tension is easier to adjust with Pod-lock
- Harris is easier to reach and adjust compared to Atlas mounted further out on AI bipod spud.
However, I hold on to my Atlas because:
- Atlas is much easier to load on a bench or concrete. The feet on the Harris just roll away.
- Atlas utilizes my AI spigot
- Atlas legs will lock at different angles (however this feature is an academic benefit as I've never had use for it).
- Atlas is quiet when you deploy it.
I'm certainly keeping my Atlas, but my Harris is seeing a lot more use.
1) Started with Harris Benchrest swivel with Podlock
2) Purchased Atlas with spigot mount when I got my AICS
3) Moved Atlas with spigot mount over to Arctic Warfare
4) Starting to use my Harris with Pod-lock more often for the following reasons:
- Atlas gets crooked under rifle. Not a problem on concrete, but a constant annoyance when shooting on gravel surface.
- Harris has finer elevation adjustments. Under some circumstances, my Atlas can be too high or too low.
- Harris will cant left and right quite a bit further than the Atlas and this is important on uneven ground
- Harris is faster to deploy
- Tension is easier to adjust with Pod-lock
- Harris is easier to reach and adjust compared to Atlas mounted further out on AI bipod spud.
However, I hold on to my Atlas because:
- Atlas is much easier to load on a bench or concrete. The feet on the Harris just roll away.
- Atlas utilizes my AI spigot
- Atlas legs will lock at different angles (however this feature is an academic benefit as I've never had use for it).
- Atlas is quiet when you deploy it.
I'm certainly keeping my Atlas, but my Harris is seeing a lot more use.
I have both. Use the Harris on my Rem 700 5r 308 and ARs. Use Atlas on my Barrett MRAD and it just feels right with it. Give one a try. Always easy to sell!
One MAJOR pro for Atlas is the owner Kasey. His eagerness to help and customer service are second to none. They REALLY care about their customers.
