Rate my bipod

Guys bought an bipod based on you tube review,a cvlife,I think it's a knockoff of the Harris bipod,was only $22 shipped,bought it while saving for a nice one,seems to be built well,I guess time will tell.Anybody have one or have experience with one,thanks

Without a brand/manufacturer name info I couldn’t tell you. There are likely many knockoff brands. The question will be...”are you satisfied with the product for the amount you paid for it?” Only you can answer that question. I’ve been burned by knockoff brands before so it’s not worth it to me. Good luck with your purchase and give us an update after you’ve used it awhile.

I agree, if it makes you happy its great. what are you using the rifle for.

jagular said:

Without a brand/manufacturer name info I couldn’t tell you. There are likely many knockoff brands. The question will be...”are you satisfied with the product for the amount you paid for it?” Only you can answer that question. I’ve been burned by knockoff brands before so it’s not worth it to me. Good luck with your purchase and give us an update after you’ve used it awhile.

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Ok,name of bipod is in my first post may be a little hidden,brand name of bipod is CVLIFE will be using it for target practice at the range.

If you are saving for a nice one then why spend the $22 on another? That $22 could have went a long way towards a nice one. Harris are only like $60 - $70 so that $22 was about a 1/3 of the saved money

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There are better and cheaper bipods than Harris IMO. I'm not familiar with the brand you mentioned but I have a Champion that has a dual axis rotating system with a quick lock. I paid less than $50 for it. The same thing in a Harris would have been about $200. And I have had zero problems with the Champion. It holds a heavy rifle (11.5 lbs. plus scope) completely steady and it will do it shooting from uneven ground. To me a Harris is by far the inferior product. You can get a Harris that works as well but it will cost 4X as much.

Never heard of a CVLIFE bipods but apparently lots of other folks have. Nearly 1,700 reviews on Amazon rated 4+ stars. My guess it's identical to other Chinese bipods with just a different label slapped on it like so many dime store optics these days. For $17.99 it's about the cost of one loaded pmag. Eh... hard to go wrong no matter what. The worst thing that can happen is it might ruin a range visit if you rely on it.

I don't use bipods on my ARs but I do use Harris bipods on my bolt actions rifles. $90.

C J said:

There are better and cheaper bipods than Harris IMO. I'm not familiar with the brand you mentioned but I have a Champion that has a dual axis rotating system with a quick lock. I paid less than $50 for it. The same thing in a Harris would have been about $200. And I have had zero problems with the Champion. It holds a heavy rifle (11.5 lbs. plus scope) completely steady and it will do it shooting from uneven ground. To me a Harris is by far the inferior product. You can get a Harris that works as well but it will cost 4X as much.

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Kinda like why pay more for a S&W when a Spanish copy will do!

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C J said:

There are better and cheaper bipods than Harris IMO. I'm not familiar with the brand you mentioned but I have a Champion that has a dual axis rotating system with a quick lock. I paid less than $50 for it. The same thing in a Harris would have been about $200. And I have had zero problems with the Champion. It holds a heavy rifle (11.5 lbs. plus scope) completely steady and it will do it shooting from uneven ground. To me a Harris is by far the inferior product. You can get a Harris that works as well but it will cost 4X as much.

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What $200 Harris bipod are you taking about?

I don't have a Champion bipod but I have seen side-by-side comparisons to Harris. Google "Harris bipod VS Champion Bipod. Is there a real difference?" 10:53 YouTube vid comparing the two.

Owner of Champion and Harris -

Words used to describe the Champion.
Knock-off
Cheesy
Not so strong
Thinner material
Lower quality
Inherent slop
Sucks
Not good
Inherent wobble
You get what you pay for
Waste of $50.

I'd post the vid but some of the language doesn't pass Forum rules.

I have been using Harris bipods.
They are excellent for the range or hunting.
People who use their rifles for more serious things use Atlas bipods,
I can't spend $200 on a bipod, myself.
If my life depends on it, I will.

Bipods are like any gear; you get what you pay for.

If I'm shooting only to 200 yards, I can put up with a tiny bit of instability. However, for 500 yards and beyond, any movement at all could cause me to miss.

I wouldn't put a bipod on an AR. They're heavy and the utility for what the gun is really designed for is very small. I use a bag, back pack or similar device if I need better support for my AR.

Geezer,
I'm sure what you got will be fine.

I have three Harris swivel head bipods in differing heights depending on what I want to use them for. I don't mount them on an AR, but use the longer two for hunting. They are rock solid and make 400+ yard shots seem easy from prone. The longest one is very usable from a sitting position.

FWIW, every one was purchased for less than $100 about eight years ago. Midway used to put them on sale on a regular basis.

People are always anxious to bash products that aren't part of the herd mentality. It's not "S&W when a Spanish copy". It's more like Colt vs. S&W. Both are good. One costs far more than it should.

I don't care about the review someone posted either. I can link to reviews of the M&P 15 Sport that call it a total ***. I don't believe that either.

I own a Champion. It's rock solid. I use it on my Savage 12 LRPV which is a heavy varmint rifle. Plus I have a Weaver T-36 scope on it. It holds it rock steady. Do you think it's going to collapse? I've had it a long time. Still zero problems. And if you buy the same parts on a Harris bipod it cost very close to $200.

HBRS Harris Bipod which rotates for uneven terrain $107
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Harris-Extends-Swivels-uneven-terrain/dp/B00IF9EETQ[/ame]

Rotating bipod adapter for sling swivels studs $77
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Rotating-bipod-adapter-sling-swivels/dp/B00HAHWGOE/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1508547507&sr=1-1&keywords=Rotating+bipod+adapter+for+sling+swivels+studs[/ame]

"S" Lock for "S" Series Harris Bipod $26
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/MIM-Mfg-Lock-Harris-Bipod/dp/B00HQ41YPS/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1508546911&sr=1-3&keywords=swivel+lock+harris+bipod[/ame]

Total $210 and it still doesn't work as well as the Champion. The swivel lock on the Champion is a quick lock for both rolling swivel and directional swivel.

I looked this up when I bought my bipod. And since we're bringing up reviews how about this one that says the Champion is a fine product?

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpk85GNP4Z8[/ame]

C J said:

People are always anxious to bash products that aren't part of the herd mentality. It's not "S&W when a Spanish copy". It's more like Colt vs. S&W. Both are good. One costs far more than it should.

I don't care about the review someone posted either. I can link to reviews of the M&P 15 Sport that call it a total ***. I don't believe that either.

I own a Champion. It's rock solid. I use it on my Savage 12 LRPV which is a heavy varmint rifle. Plus I have a Weaver T-36 scope on it. It holds it rock steady. Do you think it's going to collapse? I've had it a long time. Still zero problems. And if you buy the same parts on a Harris bipod it cost very close to $200.

HBRS Harris Bipod which rotates for uneven terrain $107
http://www.harrisbipods.com/HBRS.html

Rotating bipod adapter for sling swivels studs $77
Amazon.com : Rotating bipod adapter for sling swivels studs : Sports & Outdoors

"S" Lock for "S" Series Harris Bipod $26
Amazon.com : "S" Lock for "S" Series Harris Bipod : Sports & Outdoors

Total $210 and it still doesn't work as well as the Champion. The swivel lock on the Champion is a quick lock for both rolling swivel and directional swivel.

I looked this up when I bought my bipod. And since we're bringing up reviews how about this one that says the Champion is a fine product?

Champion Bi-pod - YouTube

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I'm only concerned with hard use reviews. Someone taking it out once a year can have a positive review of just about anything. When something stands up to years of daily or semi weekly hard use is something I'd be interested in. Am I going to use it like that? Probably not but it gives me an idea or what to expect! I've learned over and over to buy once and cry once. When things are cheaper they are cheaper for a reason. Something is lacking. Whether it materials or amount of material or QC or whatever.... I'll gladly buy the bipod you have if you can show a year of hard use! This by the way is not a gun thing. I treat cars and everything else the same.

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Geezer with an AR said:

Guys bought an bipod based on you tube review,a cvlife,I think it's a knockoff of the Harris bipod,was only $22 shipped,bought it while saving for a nice one,seems to be built well,I guess time will tell.Anybody have one or have experience with one,thanks

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If it's working I would suggest to just keep using it. I have a Harris that was under $100 and a new Atlas BT46-LW17 PSR that was over $300 and at the range on the bench where I shoot I feel no difference except my wallet is lighter now with the atlas.

If your knock off breaks in a month just get a harris next time.

I'll never buy another atlas, but had to see what the hype was all about.

Here is the harris on my DDM4V11 PRO, looks just like yours.

IMG_8408 by hd_rolling, on Flickr

And the new Atlas on my Noveske 6.5 Grendel

IMG_9033 by hd_rolling, on Flickr

There's always someone trying to convince themselves that dime store products are "just as good as...." But these are the type of reviews you see on Midway.

Plucked a few Midway reviews on Champion bipod --

I should have bought the Harris in the first place. This rest looks like a harris, but doesn't hold together like one. I've constantly had nuts and washers coming loose and falling off. One of the spring clips let go and slipped. The spring clips have rotated on a couple of occasions. The cheap little bar that goes across the middle popped out on one side. When I go out to shoot, I want to shoot-- not spend half my time working on a bipod. Save yourself a headache and spend the extra 20 or 30 bucks on a harris. You'll be happier in the long run.

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Not as good as the orginal Harris (I compared both). There's quite a bit of freeplay in the legs. The springs are much weaker, and that contributes to the general flimsiness of this bipod. OK for a .22, not good enough for a precision centerfire rifle.

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I took this bipod hunting once and a screw fell out. I had to find a new screw. I don't like how far the legs bow out when not deployed. I would not recommend this to a friend.

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Please do not be duped into believing that this is exactly like the Harris. One major difference is when you push the button on a Harris, the spring pushes the legs out/downward, so that you can deploy the bipod with one hand. This one, when you push the button, the spring forces the legs upwards, so that it takes three hands, a chamber maid, and a nanny to get the legs to deploy. If that's what you're looking for, then go for it. Just don't be misled into thinking it's exactly like the Harris.

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There are a few differences between this and the Harris bipod. I have the Harris version of this and it has a sling stud attached on the forward portion of the base of the tripod mount. This Chinese one does not. This Chinese one is gloss black, and is made of thinner metal than the Harris. The Harris is matte black and heavier. The tightening wheel of the Harris is machined where the wheel of this Chinese clone is cast. Put side-by-side, this Chinese one is clearly of lesser quality than the harris. However, for the money, it's a decent bipod. I'll use it on my 10/22's but will continue to use the Harris units on my heavier caliber rifles.

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This is a Chinese imitation of the Harris Bipod L1A1 9-13". I know because I have both types of bipod and the construction is of a similar design.However, the rollpins on the rubber feet of the Shooter's Ridge will pop out after about 1000 rd of 7.62x39 and cause the internal spring to retract. I fixed the bipod but it wasn't easy. Complete disassembly of the leg is mandatory.

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I gave this product 1 extra star because it helps a little. the legs are made of a softer/more pliable material than those made by Harris, so when you extend the legs they flex really easily making everything very unstable. Not as much as long as you don't over-extend them. If you want to have a bipod to quickly deploy, you cant tie a string between the two legs because the screws that hold the legs onto the framework will bend ALOT, after 5-10 deploys. A Harris bipod just like this one works 10 times better, and not even for that much more.

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Those who gave this product a 5-star rating must've never use the real thing. While this bipod looks almost exactly like a Harris, it just doesn't have the same solid feel of one. It is noticeably lighter, probably because of the thinner metal used. The springs are also weaker. The finish is also not as good. The most serious problem is that the legs are quite flimsy, and wiggle quite a bit, which results in inconsistently recoiling rifle and larger than normal groups. Spare yourself the frustration and get the real thing instead of this low quality Chinese copy. It is not that expensive, after all.


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Well, I thought I'd save a few bucks and buy one of these over a Harris model. I installed this and a rear monopod on my Savage Weather Warrior in 300 Ultra Mag. At first I was happy I did: the only problem was the mount screw would back out between shots so I fixed that with some Lock Tite. I was even able to shoot some dynamite groups with factory ammo. Shortly after that, good groups were harder to shoot, then with one fateful shot, one of the bipod legs just flew completely off. The small nut holding the leg to the body of the bipod had backed out after approx 100 shots from my admittedly heavy recoiling Ultra Mag. I put that nut back on and observed the other leg was also very close to coming off. Maybe for the price this should be an understood payoff, but I'm still disappointed.

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Now none of the above means an inferior product won't meet the needs of a particular shooter. It very well may, and there are plenty of satisfied customer reviews too.

Midway reviews on Champion bipod..

5 Stars (10)

4 Stars(1)

3 Stars(2)

2 Stars(0)

1 Stars(1)

80%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Ok,one I'm not going to put this bipod through rigorous duty,probably 2-3 times a month,2 you gentleman that say you don't use a bipod on your ar,is it a range gun,and if you take your ar to the range what are you using to stabilize your rifle at 100 yds and longer if you shoot farther,and like some of you say if it breaks,lesson learned then I will upgrade and only be out$22.When I bought this bipod I didn't do. My home work I heard the Harris was $200 range and did not ck the facts,guys some of you seem angry and upset about this question,I ask questions here because of the experience of the guys here,I think some of you forget that I and probably some guys like me are rookies,and will ask rookie questions,we are seeking guidance and experience with the subject we bring up.We don't need,, oh you were crazy to do that you should have done this,I would never have done that,a little less emotion and more guidance,would go farther,thanks for your help.

Geezer with an AR said:

...you gentleman that say you don't use a bipod on your ar,is it a range gun,and if you take your ar to the range what are you using to stabilize your rifle at 100 yds and longer...

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Like I said earlier, I use a bag.

This specifically:


For 99% of what I do, this is far easier to use than a bipod. They cost about $25-$30 for the pair and come ready to use. I keep a set in my truck.

There are situations where a bipod is better, but not many. I've even used these for shots out to 750 yards.

When things are cheaper they are cheaper for a reason. Something is lacking.

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So "my" long term review means nothing I suppose. You can always find someone that wants to think they didn't spend too much on a product. What do you think is going to happen with a Champion? Fold up? And the idea that cheaper always means less quality if just plain wrong. If you were around in the late 70's and early 80's you would remember how the Japanese nearly put the US car industry out of business by selling better products for less money. That's just one of a thousand examples I could name. Do you really think a Ferrari is worth 4X the price of a Corvette? The Vette is faster, handles better and is cheaper to fix when something goes wrong plus actual adults will fit inside.

Cars aren't the only place this happens. It's just an obvious place. I have one more example for you. I was looking at SUV's in the early 90's. I looked at the Honda Passport which was the very same vehicle as the Isuzu Rodeo. It was built by Isuzu and rebadged as a Honda. The Honda cost $10,000 more than the Isuzu every place I looked. Was that name plate worth 10 grand??? Guess which one I bought. Your theory is just wrong friend.

There are plenty of examples in the firearms industry of the same type of practice. Companies like Stevens/Savage used to build rifles for stores all the time. They would put a different name on them and charge different prices for the same gun. AR's are no exception. I've seen brands that everyone claimed were great that were nothing but junk IMO. They wouldn't feed a whole mag without a problem. I've seen a lot of those. They kept me away from AR's for a very long time. Then S&W built one for a lot less money but it was a lot better quality. So I finally bought one. I can't find a single thing wrong with it. The trigger might not be the best but it's better than the entry level AR's I saw for years.

You people can slam a perfectly good product all day long. I've seen fanboy opinions lots of times. And Harris is an overpriced product. You can waste your time trying to convince me otherwise but I tend to believe what I see instead of what I hear. Again I have a Champion bipod. There isn't one thing wrong with it and I have it on a very heavy rifle. In fact there are things it does better than a $200 Harris setup. I see no one paid attention to that post of mine where I showed that to get an equal setup you had to spend $200. I did the research before I bought a bipod. I knew what I was buying and I know how well it works. There isn't one thing wrong with it.

I learned long ago not to get into a "discussion" with people who have their mind made up that more expensive equals better. It's never true. And I won't waste my time proving it again. Have a nice day and no hard feelings. And I know this isn't a car discussion group. I just used cars as an obvious example of how a brand can make something far more expensive than it should be. I could have used light bulbs, lawnmowers, pistols, shotguns, food, and about as many other examples as there are products in the world. I have a Norinco Pardner Protector shotgun that is almost a complete knock off of an 870. The only difference is the position of the barrel lug. It cost less than half as much as my 870 and it's a better gun. Parts interchange and I defy anyone to tell which is which. The finish is much better than on an Express. It works perfectly. So how is the Express better even though it cost over twice as much??? I didn't even mention the MIM parts in the Express that aren't in the Norinco.