The RAPTOR project began shortly after introducing my original T-Rex. Customers commented on how they loved the original rest but for air travel and easier carrying and set up, could it be made in a smaller lighter version without sacrificing features or stability?
One of my primary goals throughout this project was to make any new improvements retrofittable to my original T-Rex front rest. This was a great example of forward thinking while offering my customers the ability to upgrade.
So, after re-designing every part on the original T-Rex, we found ways to reduce the weight without sacrificing strength, features, or stability, and added a few very good improvements.
First, we improved the stability with the base legs now rotating out 30 degrees further than the original T-Rex.
Then by replacing the steel base plate with an aluminum base with fold out aluminum legs we saved 4.5Lbs. We now drill the centers out of the vertical guide posts which saved another 2Lbs for a total of 6.5Lbs weight reduction with just the new Raptor base assembly alone. This becomes a great upgrade to the original T-Rex.
We added a new adjustment knob for raising and lowering the bridge by hand. So, if the provided tool is not available you merely turn the vertical bridge adjustment knob by hand. This feature can also be installed on the original T-Rex.
There is now a new, adjustable clutch assembly that allows the bridge to smoothly traverse vertically and hold position. This is a Raptor exclusive and requires a complete rebuild of the original T-Rex to install.
The new aluminum base assembly can be retro-fitted to the original T-Rex for a 6.5 Lbs weight savings. This takes only a few minutes and brings the original rest down from 23 Lbs to just 16.5 Lbs. The Raptor base kit can be purchased on the accessories page.
we then turned our focus to the bridge assembly itself. We machined lightening pockets, drilled holes, thinned parts, and skeletonized everywhere possible. We took the original T-Rex from 23Lbs down to just 14Lbs. This is a 40% reduction in weight!
We left no stone unturned and fought for every ounce of weight reduction we could find. An added benefit was designing quick removable leveling feet that pop on and off without having to screw the leveling bolts out of the base for storage in the case.
The original T-Rex has a spread between the feet of 12.5” and 10” front to back. The new aluminum Raptor base featuring 3-fold out legs. The legs rotate with zero play and sandwiched between Teflon bearings. There is no lube needed and no chance for dust to enter the pivoting movements. Also, there are 3 very positive ball detents that position the legs at 14-1/4” wide x 10-3/4” front to back with the first detent or the narrowest configuration. We achieve a huge 19-1/2” x 9-1/2” stance when rotated to the second detent. This additional 30 degrees from perpendicular is a 33% improvement from the original T-Rex!
We now hard anodize everything for durability without a chance for rust or pitting.
We reduced the carry case from 8”x16”x20” tall to just 7”x16”x13” tall. That is a massive 43% reduction in size.
So, with a 40% weight reduction, a 33% improvement in footprint size, and a 43% reduction in case size we have created a totally new, industry leader in front shooting rests!
We are very proud, and excited to introduce the new light weight RAPTOR front rest!
