BOG DeathGrip Infinite Tripod Review: 8.5/10 Verdict
A surprising pattern in user reports shows that while the BOG DeathGrip Infinite Carbon Fiber Tripod is marketed as “the best tripod ever made (again),” it delivers rock-solid performance for many shooters but struggles with certain firearm types—particularly bottle guns—due to clamp fit and head strength. Across platforms, praise for stability, durability, and versatility dominates, but issues with ball head stiffness, knob placement, and portability keep it from perfection. Overall verdict: 8.5/10 for hunters and long-range shooters, conditional for mobile or bottle-gun users.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely stable, even with heavy rifles | Clamp fit issues with some bottle guns |
| Lightweight carbon fiber legs | Ball head stiffness and awkward knob placement |
| Smooth 360° rotation and tilt | Lacks sling for easier portability |
| Quick Arca-Swiss optic/rifle swap | Some defective units reported out of the box |
| Durable build, good customer service | Heavy for highly mobile hunting |
| Versatile foot system with spikes/rubber | Not ideal for HFT or fast relocation scenarios |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes the “glass-smooth ball head” with 360° rotation and 180° tilt, promising infinite positioning. While many users confirm this, the experience varies. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “The ball head swivels smoothly and allows for high or low angle shooting. Locks in place,” but Reddit user yennie dn countered: “A ball head would be an improvement... the head is not strong enough to hold the gun indefinitely in any position at all.”
BOG also claims the proprietary DeathGrip clamp fits all rifle types securely. In practice, several shooters with bottle guns reported problems. One Airgun Nation member stated: “I experienced the death grip not clamping on my impact bottle hard enough today... The death grip worked perfectly well with my red wolf,” highlighting a firearm-specific limitation.
Portability is marketed as lightweight convenience at 6.5 lbs. While true compared to aluminum, mobility-focused hunters were less convinced. An Amazon reviewer shared: “Bog needs to design these with a sling! I am walking up and down hills... I prefer to have at least one arm free.” The included padded bag suits storage, not rapid deployment.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Amazon, stability is the most celebrated trait. From prone to standing, shooters report rock-solid performance. Reddit user Airgun forum contributor said: “I’ve tallied 16 coyotes and hundreds of pest birds off of it since the first of the year,” underscoring field reliability. On OpticsPlanet, user 50apit confirmed: “The tripod is rock solid even with a very heavy DPMS SASS AR-10 on top.”
Carbon fiber construction is another standout. Jablet32 on Trustpilot wrote: “Much lighter than aluminum and very quiet in comparison. I highly recommend.” This weight reduction benefits hunters covering distance without compromising strength—essential for long mountain treks.
The Arca-Swiss quick-release system receives consistent praise for versatility. Scotty’s Trustpilot review states: “Both the arca mount and death grip work very well for my usage. Used mostly for long distance shooting. Versatility in the mountains is a must.” Switching from optics to rifles mid-session is a clear time-saver.
Common Complaints
Clamp incompatibility with bottle guns is a recurring frustration. Reddit user yennie dn noted: “Impact/Maverick being too thin to fit the Bog DeathGrip clamp. I’ve considered putting a shim...” This impacts airgun and PCP rifle owners most, forcing aftermarket modifications.
Ball head stiffness and knob layout hinder ease-of-use. An Amazon reviewer warned: “The knobs are too close together... if you grab the wrong knob your gun will slide off! That’s a $7000 screw up I don’t want to happen.” For left-handed shooters, ergonomics can be worse.
Portability complaints center on the absence of a sling and leg stiffness. The same Amazon buyer described struggling “to spread the legs one-handed” when moving quietly in the field. Mobile hunters scanning multiple locations per trip find this setup cumbersome.
Defective units, while rare, appear in early experiences. Trustpilot reviewer tcc005 wrote: “Missing pieces and a defective ball head... made the return easy so 5 stars to them,” pointing to solid customer support despite QC lapses.
Divisive Features
Weight is both a plus and minus depending on context. For stationary or blind hunting, its heft aids stability. Davidthearcher on Trustpilot explained: “Some people complain that there isn’t a center post to change elevation... heavy (not much anyone can do about that).” For mobile stalk hunting, even carbon fiber feels substantial.
The DeathGrip clamp itself divides opinion. Some, like Amazon’s “great price and very stable” reviewer, find it holds even 12 lb rifles securely. Others prefer a single-point rest for mobility, as one Reddit user admitted: “Perfect for in a blind but... something more mobile would suit me better.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit confirm BOG’s customer service reputation. An Amazon buyer recounted: “One call to Bog and... they replaced the entire tripod” after a bent leg on an older model. This willingness to resolve issues quickly bolsters brand trust.
Long-term durability stories are strong. A Reddit hunter reported: “I’ve had it for three years and it’s still going strong,” showing carbon fiber legs and clamp mechanisms withstand repeated outdoor use.
However, QC issues like uneven leg lengths or missing parts surface sporadically. Amazon user feedback warns of “one leg... shorter by half an inch,” which could affect precision on level surfaces.
Alternatives
Some dissatisfied users switched to higher-end tripods with premium ball heads. One Reddit user advised: “Better off spending more and getting an actual tripod with good ball-head combo... any rifle stays at any angle indefinitely until I decide to move it.” The BOG Adrenaline Switcheroo, mentioned by Amazon buyers, offers lighter legs but sacrifices durability.
For bottle-gun shooters, custom shims or third-party clamps are common workarounds, though this adds complexity compared to switching to a more universally compatible brand.
Price & Value
Current prices range from $399.95 to $494.99 new, with eBay resale around $400 for lightly used units. Auction sites have seen them sell for ~$200, showing moderate depreciation but retaining value for high-condition gear.
Community buying tips emphasize waiting for sales or bundling with accessories. Barry on Trustpilot highlighted: “Lightweight. On sale,” as a deciding factor. Resale value holds better for carbon fiber over aluminum due to weight and perceived premium quality.
FAQ
Q: Does the DeathGrip clamp fit all rifles?
A: No. While many rifles fit securely, several users report bottle guns like the Impact or Maverick are too thin for the clamp without shims or adapters.
Q: Is the ball head smooth enough for scanning?
A: For most, yes. However, some find it stiff over hours-long sessions, leading to wrist fatigue. Adjusting tension helps, but knob placement can be awkward.
Q: Can it be easily carried during mobile hunts?
A: At 6.5 lbs, it’s lighter than aluminum models but still not ideal for high-mobility hunting without a sling. The included bag suits storage, not quick moves.
Q: How stable is it on uneven terrain?
A: Extremely stable. Users report confident shooting from rocky slopes to muddy fields, aided by removable steel spikes and wide leg angles.
Q: What’s BOG’s customer service like?
A: Highly regarded. Multiple buyers describe swift replacements and friendly support, even for older models.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a stationary or long-range hunter needing maximum stability and quick optic-to-rifle swaps. Avoid if you primarily shoot bottle guns or move rapidly between locations without a vehicle. Pro tip from community: consider a ball head upgrade and DIY sling for optimal field usability.
