TacRest – the new inflatable front rest bag!

Chris Parkin reviews an innovative new front rest bag from Edgar Brothers – the inflatable (!) TacRest!

The new TacRest from Edgar Brothers is an interesting development of the standard front rest bag with an innovative bulb inflator. My first thought was that the unit would be totally flatpacked and then taken to the range and inflated on site, but when it arrived, I immediately saw that is not the case. It is actually pre-filled with high-density polymer beads, making it water-resistant and durable, and both the bulb inflator and valve can be used to add and remove air for additional fine elevation control.

With the rear of your rifle set up in a solid rabbit-eared or squeeze bag, your left hand transfers to the bulb, with the centrally positioned rifle in the softer V/U-shaped profile of the TacRest. Whether it be for a slim fore-end on a sporting rifle or a broader flat underside on a bench gun, it’s actually rather innovative being able to slowly squeeze the bulb while viewing through the scope and watching the crosshairs rise with every squeeze or fall if the deflation valve is pressed/twisted.

The primary height set-up involves the rear bag and core size of the TacRest, but it’s actually surprisingly precise when adding or subtracting air for secondary elevation control. Although fine adjustment is possible with your fingertip, rather than with full hand squeezes, I still by habit manipulate and squeeze the rear bag back and forth, under the sloping underside of the butt, which gives me some additional control. If your gun’s stock underside is flat, a delicate fingertip or hand squeeze on the bulb might just be what gets you on target, coupled with the front bag’s recess, which helps maintain position on the bench, retaining any lateral movement of the gun through recoil.

Complete deflation offers a deep V-shaped groove 4.5”/115mm from the base with a flatter, more U-shaped profile, developing at 5.5”/140mm when fully inflated from about 20 full squeezes of the bulb. The overall width of the rest is 9”/230mm, with a front-to-back measurement of 6”/150mm. The air pipe is 17”/430mm long, so it’s easy to grasp without undue stretch when the rifle is shouldered, and this can be directed either way for left- or right-handed shooters by flipping the bag around. The small lemon-sized bulb is light to use, with minimal force needed to press the deflate button.

Weighing in at 2,389g, it’s not too onerous to transport with a carry strap on the end opposite the air tube. Its Cordura construction is durable and easily sheds water, while the softer suede-type surface offers ideal gun grip, along with just enough slide friction through recoil without damaging either walnut or oiled finishes. This is one of those funky accessories that is delightfully innovative.

RRP: £64.99

www.edgarbrothers.com