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Paulo_Santos
19 October 2009, 11:11
Please post any comments here:
http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1626

INTRODUCTION:
The Grip Pod is a VFG with built-in bipod legs. The Grip Pod's legs are deployed by a push button, which is activated with the thumb. When deploying the Grip Pod legs by pushing the button, the legs are deployed very rapidly and with a lot of force. For quiet deployment, place the weapon on the ground and push the button and let the legs deploy slowly. When the legs are in the closed position, the Grip Pod is just a little bit shorter than a PMAG (5.75"). When deployed, the height is 8.25". You will have no issues using the Grip Pod with any 30 round magazine.

Grip Pod Placement and Grip:
One of the biggest questions about the Grip Pod is where to place it on the Handguard. The best suggestion is to place the Grip Pod wherever you would place a VFG. The Grip Pod does not have a QD mount, but it goes on and off very fast by turning the knob on the right side. When gripping the Grip Pod, you can use the traditional method or you can use a magwell type hold. The way I set mine up is as close to the magwell as possible and I use the magwell type hold. I have the weaponlight on the left side in an offset mount. I've been using the Grip Pod for about 2 years and that is position that I have settled on. Try different positions and see what works best for you.

As a VFG:
As a VFG, the Grip Pod LE is 5.75" long and weighs 7 oz. In comparison to a Tangodown QD VFG, which is 4.875" long and weighs 4.8 oz. One of the complaints about the Grip Pod is the square shape at the top. It can be uncomfortable with the square edges. It is no issue if you use the magwell type hold. The shape was actually designed for mounting the light module. If you use a magwell type hold, you will not have

As a Bipod:
As a bipod, it will clear any 30 round magazine on the market. With a bipod, the further you place it forward on the rail, the more stable it is, while the closer to the magwell it is, the more mobility you will have. I have tried the Grip Pod forward and close to the magwell and I haven't noticed much of a difference. So I just recommend placing the Grip Pod wherever you would place your VFG. As a bipod, it is extremely stable and I don't notice any difference when shooting with the Grip Pod or the Harris bipod. You can also tilt the Grip Pod by grabbing the legs and squeezing the left or right side to tilt the weapon. Not perfect, but it works.

Weapon Lights:
Weapon lights can be used as you would with any other VFG. For a right handed shooter, you can place the weaponlight on the left side in an offset mount. You can also mount the weaponlight on the right side in an offset mount. You can also place velcro strips on the left or right side of the Grip Pod, which are flat, so you can use a tape switch. See pictures for details.

USES:
I view the Grip Pod as just another tool in the tool box. Just like any other accessory, it isn't for everyone. IMHO, the Grip Pod is ideal for:
1. Combat Weapons: The Grip Pod is ideal for Military use.
2. Perimeter Weapon: LE Patrol Rifle.
3. Hunting Weapon: AR used for hunting.

Here is what the Grip Pod is not ideal for:
1. Precision Weapon: A traditional bipod would be better.
2. Entry Weapon: In a pure entry weapon, a traditional VFG would be better served. I can't think of any scenario in which I would be deploying the Grip Pod legs in a CQB situation.

GRIP POD MODELS:
GPS01: (11 oz). Constructed from 7075-T6 Aluminum. Was designed for use on SAW and other large portable weapon systems.
GPS02: (http://www.mountsplus.com/miva/merchant.mvc?page=MSP/PROD/GRIP_POD/GPA-000-GP1) (7 oz). Constructed from reinforced Polymers. Supports up to 350 LBS.
GPSLE: (http://www.mountsplus.com/miva/merchant.mvc?page=MSP/PROD/GRIP_POD/GPA-000-LE) (7 oz). Same as GPS02, but without the steel in legs. Supports up to 170 Lbs.

Diameter: 1.75''
Closed length: 5.75"
Deployed height: 8.25"
Deployed Width: 7.125''

ACCESSORIES:
Grip Pod Double Light Rail Module: (http://www.mountsplus.com/miva/merchant.mvc?page=MSP/PROD/GRIP_POD/GPA-000-LR2)
The Light Module adds a rail system to the Grip Pod System and allows the user to have a tactical light or laser at their finger tips. Simply attach the LRM to the Trip Pod System and then add what ever tactical accessory to the LRM rail and continue with the mission. My Grip Pod LE came with the double light rail module and I tried it, but I don't use it. It comes in handy if you don't have handguards with rails on them.

CONCLUSION:
I have owned both the Grip Pod 02 and the Grip Pod LE. The only difference in the two is that the Grip Pod 02 model has the steel insert in the legs which will support more weight. I can't think of any situation in which I would need my AR to support 350 LBS, so I recommend saving yourself some money and getting the Grip Pod LE Model.

Paulo_Santos
19 October 2009, 11:18
Grip Pod LE:
http://www.mountsplus.com/miva/graphics/00000001/grip_pod-1.gif

Grip Pod Double Rail Light Module:
http://www.mountsplus.com/miva/graphics/00000001/gpa-000-lr2.jpg
http://www.mountsplus.com/images-product/grippod/gpa-000-lr.jpg

Grip Pod Closed:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/paulosantos/100_6120.jpg

Grip Pod Deployed:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/paulosantos/100_6121.jpg

Traditional Hold and weaponlight placement:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/paulosantos/100_6125.jpg

Magwell Type Hold and weaponlight placement:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/paulosantos/100_6122.jpg