Phoenix vs Tier-One, Pros/Cons

[bks22345]

Shot my first 1000yd F-Class this weekend. Found a lot of problems with my equipment. Biggest issue is the Sinclair F-class bipod I have been using. The torque from my 284 causes constant cant adjustments. I spent so much time dealing with the bipod I almost forgot about the wind. I took out the plastic washers this morning and replaced them with steel washers and a lock washer and torqued the handle down as hard as I thought possible before breaking. But, I can still cant the rifle by hand. I'm not ready to move to a dedicated front rest, so I am considering either the Phoenix or Tier-One. I want it within the next few weeks so a Joy Pod is out. Anyone used both?

 

[BP1]

Phoenix all the way.

 

[Topstrap]

Check out the Henry Rempel version. Stouter and better priced.



Made in Canada and is available with various mounting systems.

Topstrap

 

[bks22345]

Check out the Henry Rempel version. Stouter and better priced.

View attachment 1468340

Made in Canada and is available with various mounting systems.

Topstrap

Those are pretty substantial. I did a search and found two emails for him and a phone number. I will contact him and inquire about timing. Thanks.

 

[Jdne5b]

The Phoenix has the swivel/articulating skis. That’s seals the deal in my book. I’ve also heard of issues getting the cant mechanism tight/locked down on the Tier1 but have not personally used one so unsure how true it is. I’m very happy with my Phoenix.

 

[Topstrap]

The latest Rempels also have pivoting feet. My early ones didn't.

I use it on everything from my longrange 22 bolt action pistol to my 338 Lapua and can watch the trace/impacts. My Buddy used this same gun shooting solo to set the 2019 ELR World Record and saw his own impacts. Very sturdy unit. I'd say 85% of the local 1000 yard shooters use a Rempel, a couple Phoenix mixed in and maybe a couple Tier Ones. The others are good but just stating what most everyone local uses.

Think you'll be happy with any of them.

Topstrap

 

[Warren Dean]

Good luck with any of the FTR bipods with a 284. The torque is pretty strong with the common speeds and twist rates. All of them will move some with that cartridge. Save your money for a proper front rest and you will be happy.

 

[bks22345]

Good luck with any of the FTR bipods with a 284. The torque is pretty strong with the common speeds and twist rates. All of them will move some with that cartridge. Save your money for a proper front rest and you will be happy.

Good point. But the wait period is a bigger concern than the cost. I need to get something within the next few weeks. What I’ve got is just not going to work.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

I shot the Tier One for about 6 or 7 years on a couple rifles (the carbon one) and I wont say I was totally in love with it but I managed well until I shot with a Phoenix the first time. The T1 has a different way that it handles the torque compared to a Phoenix or joypod, its almost as if it sways or has this tendency to behave like a wave if you understand what in trying to say especially on bigger caliber.

Grab a Phoenix you want be disappointed

 

[NZ_Fclass]

You really need a rest rather than a bipod. I do shoot my 6BR off my JoyPod, but I prefer FTR and I don't play with the big 7mms. I suggest that you fabricate a bag rider plate, If your stock doesn't have the width and borrow a rest - I'm sure someone will lend you one at the range. If you are going the bipod route, it needs to be low and wide to handle the torque, to prevent the movement. (the Harris Hop).

 

[bks22345]

I use it on everything from my longrange 22 bolt action pistol to my 338 Lapua and can watch the trace/impacts.

Glad you posted that.

NZ, thanks for the info. I am not opposed to the rest. It’s just a big expense so I don’t want to rush into buying one. it’s going to take time to research. Where I normally shoot, 80% of the time I’m the only one there so I don’t have a lot of opportunity to look at other’s gear. Plus I understand there’s a pretty substantial wait period.

Grab a Phoenix you want be disappointed

I think it will be a Rempel or a Phoenix. Phoenix says they have 20 in stock. What about the lowering kit?

 

[dthomas]

I sent you a pm about letting you borrow a rest.

 

[10XSHOOTER]

Shadetree front rest, is a good starter. Contact Butch Lambert here on the forum.
I started with his rest first. now I shoot a SEB MINI

 

[Topstrap]

Here is a really good short video from the front showing a Henry Rempel on the 338 Lapua when Randy owned/shot it. Shooting 300gr Sierra bullets. Gives you an idea how sturdy it is. It is a stock Savage in an aluminum chassis, not a heavyweight gun at all.

 

[JEFFPPC]

There is one in the classifieds right now.

 

[bks22345]

Here is a really good short video from the front showing a Henry Rempel on the 338 Lapua when Randy owned/shot it. Shooting 300gr Sierra bullets. Gives you an idea how sturdy it is. It is a stock Savage in an aluminum chassis, not a heavyweight gun at all.

Thanks. That's pretty solid.

 

[calgarycanada]

Rempel all the way. Send me a pm if you need his contact info as I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post it here. You can’t find sturdier bipod than his.

 

[Ned Ludd]

The F-TR bipods recommended here that have any chance at all of actually working for your intended purpose are going to set you back $400-$500. Even then, you will likely still be at a significant disadvantage to those using dedicated front rests. Buy the front rest. Anything else would be a foolish waste of money.

 

[bks22345]

Thanks for all the help and opinions. I ended up finding a true front rest. I still want a Rempel though.