ATVPT

All Terrain Vehicle Product Tests ATV Technical Magazine

Product for this review was provided by Kolpin.

Kolpin Gear Grips



Item # 20085 Keeps a gun, bow, shovel, fishing rod or other gear securely in place and within reach Easy, one hand operation Ratchet design provides a custom fit for any size or shaped object Push button release for quick removal of gear Rhino TeethTM for superior friction and cushioning support Mounting base features quarter turn quick detach of Gear Grip® Universal fit Easy installation Includes mounting hardware

Product Review
Product:	- Kolpin Gear Grips
Tested By:	- Nathan Hill
Location:	- Various
Machine:	- 2003 Kawasaki Prairie
Review Date:	- Dec 2006

First Impressions:
	The Gear Grips by Kolpin are designed to be universal. Kolpin claims that you can use them for tools, guns, bows, etc… My main use for any sort of grips on my ATV rack is for my bow. I was very excited to try them out because I have not been able to find a product yet that would mount to my rack easily, remove easily, hold my expensive bow in place, and be easy to use. The concept of a dynamic clamp appears to be a good idea.
Field Test:
	When installing any sort of rack accessory you have to be patient in order to find the sweet spot of your ATV, the rack accessory, and the equipment that the accessory will be holding. The Kolpin Gear Grips can be mounted several ways and I would say that they are definitely universal as far as mounting goes. I was able to find the sweet spot, but it took me a while to do so, as there are so many options. As far as using the gear grips with my bow, I am not happy with the system. I can get my bow to stay in the grips very tight, but it is very difficult to get the clamps to shut tight enough to do so. When I do eventually get the clamps to latch on to my bow, some of the rubber has broken or ripped and it is difficult to get the grips to release under the pressure. I tried several configurations and the best configuration that I could come up with to secure my bow is not good enough and I will not be using the gear grips for the archery hunt. For holding miscellaneous gear like a fly rod case or shovels, the gear grips do a great job in securing the cargo and they are very easy to open and close with the cargo in place. The grips work fine for holding a rifle or shot gun, but I would recommend using Kolpin’s Gun Boot system for that as it is more likely to keep your firearms clean and protected. I plan on mounting these grips to my trailer that I pull behind my ATV on the trails. The grips will be used for holding yard tools and fishing poles.

Pros:
	Universal
	Soft rubber to protect valuable equipment
	Convenient quick release system
Cons:
	Does not work well with the two bows that I tried

Bottom Line

I recommend the Kolpin Gear Grip System to hold your yard tools and fishing poles. I do not recommend them for a bow.

Note: This product was provided by Kolpin