For NEO rest owners & in the list - any possible improvements that I could do?

[seb]

Hi Guys,

Do you have idea on what thing(s) I could improve to the upcoming NEO rest?

Probably with the range of travel/moa, the top/bag configuration, the base, etc?

Your inputs will be much appreciated.

I am considering to change / remove the bottom plate & modify the cutout on the carriage unit - that way the coaxial unit would be more neater on the bottom area (without bottom plate anymore), would reduce the height at the lowest setting by a bit (not much though), and access to the up-lift springs can be done from the top.
This maybe not a significant improvement but maybe worth the effort & don't add to the cost.

Do you ever need a lower (or higher) setup with your current rest, shooting down/up hill or so?
Do you need ever a heavier or lighter rest, or more stable base?
Do you ever need a wider MOA travel?
Do you like the bent joystick?
Do you like the current rest top & bag configuration?
Do you ever need a longer or shorter fore-end stopper? & do you use it most of the time?
Do you prefer the counterweight over the uplift springs? or vice versa?

Thank you in advance.
I also post this in benchrest.com forum under General Discussion, seeking for possible improvements without adding the cost.

seb.

 

[Forum Boss]

Seb,
This may not apply to most benchrest or F-Open shooters, but we often have to test rigs with narrow fore-ends or fore-ends that otherwise don't fit a standard rectangular bag. It would be nice to have a "cushy" v-style front sandbag option to hold these narrow forearm rifles.

For heavy rifles, we use the counter-weight and I think it gives smoother trvael.

Both vertical and horizontal MOA travel has been more than adequate for us so far.

We would like the option of extending the fore-arm stop further foreward, and we would prefer if the upper part of the stop that contacts the forearm was a Delrin cylinder. The Orings quicikly disintegrate in our polluted air.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

Seb, on my NEO, every so often the top plate (ok, I'm not sure what you call it exactly - the moving top plate part with the bags that your rifle rests on) will work its way loose over time and I'll have to pull the ears off, pull the bottom bag, and tighten the screws back up. I've thought about using some loctite, but haven't yet. Dunno if there's anything there to be done, but I noticed during a match on time and luckily, someone had some allen wrenches and tools for me to use to tighten it back up.

Also, a longer joystick - or actually, maybe just the ability to add an extension, would be handy. I use a PRT stock that has a longer than normal forearm which made it uncomfortable to reach the joystick. I was able to remove the knob using a heat gun to soften the epoxy and machine a 6" extension to screw into the end of the original joystick, and then re-attach the knob. Much more comfortable now. I think an extension would be handy because I also have a shorter stocked rifle that I use and I remove the extension when I'm using that.

I also had to make some longer legs for when I'm shooting on non-concrete berms. The screws that come with it don't really have enough travel in some instances to level the rest on uneven ground.

 

[rickiesrevenge]

I just sold my NEO and bought a MAX. As soon as I got the NEO I wanted it to be heavier. In my opinion it wouldn't hurt to add 20 pounds to the thing. As far as the top I would rather see a top that takes a standard edgewood bag than the 3 piece arrangement that you have on it now. Or maybe lower point at which the ears are squeezed in so that the stock can be lifted straight out and not be trapped. If it can't be lifted straight up it doesn't meet benchrest rules.

 

[FergusBailey]

Seb. We're missing you in Australia right now.

Firstly, the custom forend stop that you made me has been excellent, and the Mike Ratigan modifications are great too. I really like the counter weight, with the springs removed.

There is only one thing that bugs me about the neo, and that is the side tension of the front bag on the forend. I can wind on tension on the side bags, but it won't stay there. The screw backs off after a few shots - there is no way to keep really heavy side tension on for more than a very few shots. Hope that makes sense, but I can go into more detail if needed.

Fergus

 

[Travelor]

A carry box to protect the rest in transport would be wonderful.

 

[Dean Slater]

A wider and heavier base. Also would like a basket top that held a 3 inch bag similar to the Farley.

 

[A j shooter]

Just getting one would be nice . Been on list a while . But from what I here it's worth the wait. Keep up the quality Seb ill wait .😂

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

First, thanks for asking, Seb! Always great to see a MFG asking for suggestions from the end users!

I use my NEO for F-Open, and I do have the longer legs and F Class feet already. I also shoot with the body of the rest backwards, so down on the joystick is up in travel - like it SHOULD be.

That being said, having the only way to lock the travel now on the far side of the rest is a big negative when prone. If you can figure out how to make the travel locks on either/both side, that would be a big improvement for those of us shooting this direction.

Also, I find with the F-Class feet, they are not great fit with the legs, they constantly want to work loose when I am turning the knob on the top of the leg.

My final suggestion for the rest is to use a stronger adhesive or method when attaching the joystick mount to the bearing. As you know, mine popped loose and while your instructions to repair worked perfectly and the rest is again running 100%, it should not have happened to begin with.

On additional items, the timer holder is a great add-on, but they need to be available or in inventory. Ive been trying to get one for two months, and now Ernie is out on a mission so...

All in all, I'm pleased with the rest!

 

[seb]

Thank you sirs for the feedback!

To be frankly to you all, it is not easy to satisfy everyone with one model rest only. Although my rests are considered as "the best" my many & used for various shooting disciplines, I'm still seeking for possible improvements i.e. to make it better from time to time. (On the other side, I don't want to make many models as it would be too busy).

Paul, your rest was one of the very first prototypes, also with the front bag - I will send the items you need, soon.
I think together with the joy-pod, in one shipment. Give me a few days / two weeks, the bipods (the pre-production units) are almost ready. I will also make the cover/carry bag.

Jay, can you send me a photo showing the screw/which one that is loose on your top? or maybe just the # part list?
Re: longer or adjustable length joystick. I make longer joystick or shorter one on request, but no one asking the adjustable length. I will think about it.
Longer leg is optional, you can get it from Ernie.

Rick & DRS, heavy rest is nice for some reasons but if I make the current rest heavier not all people would be happy, on the other side. I combined the weight (@ about 20 lbs +) so that it's not so heavy but not so light also. I found that many big competitions have been also won by the users using the regular NEO rest.
The 3pc bag configuration was designed to accept various stocks/forend and may not work good for stock that has no 'flat' (or sharp) on the sides of the fore-end. It also depends on how you set the side bags, the closer/tighter you set the bottom of the side bag onto the main/horizontal bag the better. Optional one pc bag is available, and it works for any (sectional cross) forend's shape.
I prefer to not change the base & the top, for the reasons above. But I might probably accept special request custom base & top. Or would probably recommend the MAX for people that want an extra heavy rest.

Fergus, too bad that I can't make it to the Nats! Wishing you all the best there.
Re: side tension - let me know the issue after the Nats / when you have time.

AJ, trust me that the upcoming rests would be even better.

Mark, I will think / find a way how to make the travel locks on both sides without ruining the look of the unit, and the F-Class feet.
Re: adhesive - I have found / bought JB Weld!
Re: timer holder - I'll check my inventory today.

Best Wishes,
seb.

 

[seb]

A carry box to protect the rest in transport would be wonderful.

Trav, I will think about that - but probably just a soft case w/ straps.....seb.

 

[Steve Blair]

A carry box to protect the rest in transport would be wonderful.

Trav, I will think about that - but probably just a soft case w/ straps.....seb.

[br]
Put a fitted plywood piece in the bottom of the bag with three holes to locate the screw points. That's what I had to do with my Farley rest to keep it from wearing through the bag bottom. It also distributes the load and keeps the bag's shape when carrying.

 

[seb]

That's what I thought also.
Thank you sir,
seb.

 

[itchyTF]

Travelor -
An option for a carry case -
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2012/04/tote-your-neo-rest-in-fitted-pelican-storm-im2450-case/