Neo-X vs Raptor

[Ccrider]

I have read quite a bit about both of these rest. They are both obviously fine pieces of equipment.

What I have not seen is where someone, anyone, that has shot off of both rest has given the pros and cons of each and described which rest they most preferred.

So, for those of you that have shot off of each rest, which is your favorite and why?

Is the joystick on one smoother or lighter than the other? Does one rest seem more stable?

Thanks for your responses.

Btw, I have watched Fclass John’s videos.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I have read quite a bit about both of these rest. They are both obviously fine pieces of equipment.

What I have not seen is where someone, anyone, that has shot off of both rest has given the pros and cons of each and described which rest they most preferred.

So, for those of you that have shot off of each rest, which is your favorite and why?

Is the joystick on one smoother or lighter than the other? Does one rest seem more stable?

Thanks for your responses.

Btw, I have watched Fclass John’s videos.

Both are very stable. The Raptor is so much lighter and smoother that it's just hard to express in words, much less on an internet forum. Try both, but both need to be well adjusted as that can ruin either one.

What else in particular would you like to know? I've owned both and hands down, I'd buy the Raptor again and again.

 

[Ccrider]

Both are very stable. The Raptor is so much lighter and smoother that it's just hard to express in words, much less on an internet forum. Try both, but both need to be well adjusted as that can ruin either one.

What else in particular would you like to know? I've owned both and hands down, I'd buy the Raptor again and again.

Thanks Mike. Did you try the NeoX. For some reason I was thinking you only used the Neo.

 

[Ccrider]

As I am thinking back, I believe Jerry may have had a TRex and I know he has a Neo X. I Is the joystick setup the same on the T Rex and Raptor?

@shoot4fun, what are your thoughts about the Neo X and the T Rex?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Thanks Mike. Did you try the NeoX. For some reason I was thinking you only used the Neo.

No, haven't seen an x yet other than online. The engineering concept does appear to mimic the Raptor, although I've read that the seb x uses bushings in a couple of areas where the Raptor uses linear bearings. I can see either working OK but I KNOW what the Raptor feels like. It's apples and oranges to the neo.

 

[shoot4fun]

As I am thinking back, I believe Jerry may have had a TRex and I know he has a Neo X. I Is the joystick setup the same on the T Rex and Raptor?

@shoot4fun, what are your thoughts about the Neo X and the T Rex?

No sir, I never owned a Rodzilla rest. I do have the front stop he makes for my Set Max and am happy with that.
Guys I know that do own Rodzilla rests all seem happy with them. I just never sat down at their bench to check it out.

 

[JMayo]

Having different widths on stocks is my issue.
Does either have adjustable for width?

 

[Fuj]

Having different widths on stocks is my issue.
Does either have adjustable for width?

Not to piss Rod off but, the IBS top on my T-Rex did not lend
itself well for wider stocks. I have since removed that, and also
the pivoting feature, and built my own rest top to use a standard
bag from Protektor. Just not a fan of Farley style bags. Rod uses
a separate serrated elevation post which hinders going wider. I
would like to see him delete that and use a main serrated post
system like what Seb uses. That way you can go as wide as you
want if a top is available.....I'm always making changes to things
that concern me, and may not be a benefit to someone else but,
let me say that Rod's joystick mechanism is one of the most
smoothest, if not the best in that department, in my opinion of
course......I currently run a 4" wide stock off the T-Rex. Just finished
making 3" wide pivoting feet and glued on non skid rubber to the
bottom of those. Pics to come if the snow did'nt get too deep at
the range.

 

[LuvDog]

What is the wait time for a Rodzilla?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

What is the wait time for a Rodzilla?

Mine was 4 weeks but that was when he was getting the first batch of the new Raptors ready to ship. I've heard of people getting them in a couple of weeks or less more recently. I think he must be keeping some in stock or ready to assemble. Check out his website. I have the Raptor model. He offers a couple of models and options.

Rodzilla Rests | Made In The USA | Precision Crafted for Champions

Rodzilla Rests was born from a passion for precision and a drive to create shooting rests that exceed expectations. With a legacy rooted in innovation and craftsmanship, we provide competitive shooters with tools they can trust, whether it’s F-Class, bench rest, or rimfire competitions. Made in...

therodzilla.com

 

[Bill Clifton]

What is the wait time for a Rodzilla?

A couple weeks recently

 

[Hotrod6.5]

What is the wait time for a Rodzilla?

Currently I'm running one week out as I have everything on hand to build units with. I build in lots of 50-100 units and worst case would be a 6-8 week wait for a rest.
I've been following this thread and would like to add a few things. first as to the differences in my T-Rex vs the Raptor: the only difference is the base with the T-Rex being a one pc design with a 12-1/2" width, where the Raptor is a folding design with a smaller folded up footprint for portability but opens up to over a 20" width for great stability. Both units weigh in at around 16.5 lb and have quick detachable leveling legs.

As to post #8 above:
I don't like the one pc bag option on the IBS top either. However the IBS rules require sand touching the forearm all around and not higher than 1/2" on the sides so this has been the only option that meets the rules for bench rest. My IBS top block by design will only accept the new style Farley size either in a 3" wide bag or a 4" wide bag without the ability to adjust between these two dimensions, so no they don't allow for in between dimensions.

I shoot five different F-Class rifles and none are exactly the same width so like most of my customers I use the adjustable blocks. My new T3 top blocks meet the new rules requiring sand filled bags so this is the only legal option for the F-Class folks anyway.
My T3 blocks adjust from 1-1/4" at the narrowest setting to 5-3/4" at the widest.

Also my new side mounted sand bags can be adjusted up or down so they only set above the bottom sand bags by as little as 7/16 of an inch and therefore should now be legal for IBS I would think. I don't shoot IBS so anyone familiar with these rules please chime in and let me know how you would interpret the rules regarding the new sand bags for IBS. The one McMillan EDGE bench rest stock that I own has 1/2" tall sides on the forearm so is legal in a one pc bag even if the sand bags set taller than 1/2". For the folks who have taller sides like F-Class rifles, should now be able to shoot IBS with my new T3 sand bags as the only contact can be set to 1/2" on the vertical, with sand touching on both sides and bottom.

 

[USMCDOC]

Currently I'm running one week out as I have everything on hand to build units with. I build in lots of 50-100 units and worst case would be a 6-8 week wait for a rest.
I've been following this thread and would like to add a few things. first as to the differences in my T-Rex vs the Raptor: the only difference is the base with the T-Rex being a one pc design with a 12-1/2" width, where the Raptor is a folding design with a smaller folded up footprint for portability but opens up to over a 20" width for great stability. Both units weigh in at around 16.5 lb and have quick detachable leveling legs.

As to post #8 above:
I don't like the one pc bag option on the IBS top either. However the rules require sand touching the forearm all around and not higher than 1/2" on the sides so this has been the only option that meets the rules for bench rest. My IBS top block by design will only accept the new style Farley size either in a 3" wide bag or a 4" wide bag without the ability to adjust between these two dimensions, so no they don't allow for in between dimensions.

I shoot five different F-Class rifles and none are exactly the same width so like most of my customers I use the adjustable blocks. My new T3 top blocks meet the new rules requiring sand filled bags so this is the only legal option for the F-Class folks anyway.
My T3 blocks adjust from 1-1/4" at the narrowest setting to 5-3/4" at the widest.

Also my new side mounted sand bags can be adjusted up or down so they only set above the bottom sand bags by as little as 7/16 of an inch and therefore should now be legal for IBS I would think. I don't shoot IBS so anyone familiar with these rules please chime in and let me know how you would interpret the rules regarding the new sand bags for IBS. The one McMillan EDGE bench rest stock that I own has 1/2" tall sides on the forearm so is legal in a one pc bag even if the sand bags set taller than 1/2". For the folks who have taller sides like F-Class rifles, should now be able to shoot IBS with my new bags as the only contact can be set to 1/2" on the vertical, with sand touching on both sides and bottom.

are you saying that the IBS top is not legal for NRA F-Class?

 

[Hotrod6.5]

are you saying that the IBS top is not legal for NRA F-Class?

Of course its legal, always has been. I said I don't like it and prefer the adjustability of my top blocks for F-Class because my forearm widths are all different .

 

[USMCDOC]

Of course its legal, always has been. I said I don't like it and prefer the adjustability of my top blocks.

just making sure.. cuz my SBR F-Class and my Center fire F-Class rifles shoot great off of that top

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Here's a post I made some time back. Check out the pull weight to move the handle(my knob, not Rods) vs the Neo. After using it for a while and more comfortable with it, I can go lower on my Raptor. The amazing thing is it seemingly defies physics that it's still rock solid and doesn't move with the weight of the gun and/or recoil. Just smart engineering there.

Just wanted to post an interesting update on my new Raptor rest. I'm still playing with it and one of the things I'm doing is trying different knobs on the joystick handle. Just personal preference stuff mostly so disregard the knob that's in the pic. I'm playing. Yes, even the weight of the knob has an effect on the handle.
But I thought of a way to give you all some idea what I mean when I say this new rest is in a league by itself in terms of smoothness. I used a trigger pull gage to measure how much force it takes to move the handle horizontally of the Raptor vs my Neo. Both rests are set up pretty well at this point but of course the numbers could be fudged significantly if one wanted but both are set nicely in this example.
I'm gonna post two pics with the digital trigger pull gage on the handle of both rests, the Neo and the Raptor, just to put it in perspective. A pound and a half vs 3.2 OUNCES. Where's your Jewell trigger set?

 

[Hotrod6.5]

Here's a post I made some time back. Check out the pull weight to move the handle(my knob, not Rods) vs the Neo. After using it for a while and more comfortable with it, I can go lower on my Raptor. The amazing thing is it seemingly defies physics that it's still rock solid and doesn't move with the weight of the gun and/or recoil. Just smart engineering there.

Just wanted to post an interesting update on my new Raptor rest. I'm still playing with it and one of the things I'm doing is trying different knobs on the joystick handle. Just personal preference stuff mostly so disregard the knob that's in the pic. I'm playing. Yes, even the weight of the knob has an effect on the handle.
But I thought of a way to give you all some idea what I mean when I say this new rest is in a league by itself in terms of smoothness. I used a trigger pull gage to measure how much force it takes to move the handle horizontally of the Raptor vs my Neo. Both rests are set up pretty well at this point but of course the numbers could be fudged significantly if one wanted but both are set nicely in this example.
I'm gonna post two pics with the digital trigger pull gage on the handle of both rests, the Neo and the Raptor, just to put it in perspective. A pound and a half vs 3.2 OUNCES. Where's your Jewell trigger set?

The low amount of drag on the joy stick in my rests also allows for an actual movement of the forearm by very small increments. I don't know how to post a video but I made one for George Macdonald ( the Bullet Genie guy) showing a very precise Interapid Swiss dial indicator mounted with its needle setting against a stock. From a zero setting I was able to move it .0002 left, back to zero then .0002 to the right then back to zero (that is 2 tenths of one thousandths of an inch) without going beyond these numbers and then needing to come back. Perhaps George can post that video.

Addressing why my rest is able to track well with low resistance is due to being able to set the exact counterbalance for your rifle. My counter balance adjustment is made with the rifle setting on my rest.

All joy stick (co-axial) operated rests are floating platforms so if your counter balance springs are set too stiff the rest is trying to push the stock up and if set to lightly it will let the stock drop down when the shot breaks. High friction in the X-Y assembly which provides the co-axial movement will make this imbalance less obvious but friction being what it is, also causes higher resistance in the joy stick movement and provides less resolution.
Guys, I'm not picking on anyone's rests just answering the questions that started this thread about the differences in rests and the design features that go into them

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

The low amount of drag on the joy stick in my rests also allows for an actual movement of the forearm by very small increments. I don't know how to post a video but I made one for George Macdonald ( the Bullet Genie guy) showing a very precise Interapid Swiss dial indicator mounted with its needle setting against a stock. From a zero setting I and was able to move it .0002 left, back to zero then .0002 to the right then back to zero without going beyond these numbers and then needing to come back. Perhaps George can post that video.

Addressing why my rest is able to track well with low resistance is due to being able to set the exact counterbalance for your rifle. My counter balance adjustment is made with the rifle setting on my rest.

All joy stick (co-axial) operated rests are floating platforms so if your counter balance springs are set too stiff the rest is trying to push the stock up and if set to lightly it will let the stock drop down when the shot breaks. High friction in the X-Y assembly which provides the co-axial movement will make this imbalance less obvious but friction being what it is, also causes higher resistance in the joy stick movement and provides less resolution.
Guys, I'm not picking on anyone's rests just answering the questions that started this thread about the differences in rests and the design features that go into them

No bashing here either. The Seb is a fantastic rest, no doubt. I do think there are tons of people that wrongly assume it's the only viable option without experiencing both. You make a great product and no harm touting it a bit. It needs more exposure like this, IMO. I for one know that if I bought a different rest solely based on what's most popular or whatever..and then got my hands on one of yours, I would be disappointed that I did not do more research before spending that kinda coin.

 

[Ccrider]

The low amount of drag on the joy stick in my rests also allows for an actual movement of the forearm by very small increments. I don't know how to post a video but I made one for George Macdonald ( the Bullet Genie guy) showing a very precise Interapid Swiss dial indicator mounted with its needle setting against a stock. From a zero setting I was able to move it .0002 left, back to zero then .0002 to the right then back to zero (that is 2 tenths of one thousandths of an inch) without going beyond these numbers and then needing to come back. Perhaps George can post that video.

Addressing why my rest is able to track well with low resistance is due to being able to set the exact counterbalance for your rifle. My counter balance adjustment is made with the rifle setting on my rest.

All joy stick (co-axial) operated rests are floating platforms so if your counter balance springs are set too stiff the rest is trying to push the stock up and if set to lightly it will let the stock drop down when the shot breaks. High friction in the X-Y assembly which provides the co-axial movement will make this imbalance less obvious but friction being what it is, also causes higher resistance in the joy stick movement and provides less resolution.
Guys, I'm not picking on anyone's rests just answering the questions that started this thread about the differences in rests and the design features that go into them

Thanks for responding Rod. I do not think you have put anyone’s rest down and that was not the intent of my post. I understand how none of us want to get into putting down others that contribute to our sport.

One of the things that I am looking for is the ability to go from a 3 inch stock to a 4 inch stock without having to get tools out. The Neo (which I have owned 2) and Neo X offer this in the 3 piece sand bag set up and it is very convenient when you don’t have a lot of time and want to switch guns. I had and sold a Cicognani that had a similar 3 bag setup.

I now have a 21st Century Hybrid and love it right until it’s time to change out the top to go from three to 4 inches. How does your T3 top adjust? It looks like it may just slide in and out. The Mel and Cicognani had hand manipulated screws that you could loosen and tighten to adjust the width. Is your T3 top set up like that?

Also, what is the Micro Adjustment Block that is offered as an accessory?

 

[Hotrod6.5]

My top blocks slide in and out. just loosen one bolt and adjust them. the micro adjustment block is new and allows for precise adjustments. Everything is spelled out under the more information tab on my site https://therodzilla.com/