{"id":222666,"date":"2025-10-13T22:26:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T03:26:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=222666"},"modified":"2025-10-26T21:51:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T02:51:27","slug":"mdt-ckye-pod-lightweight-mods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/mdt-ckye-pod-lightweight-mods\/","title":{"rendered":"CKYE-POD Mods That Cut 17.9 oz Without Killing Features"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>Estimated reading time: <\/span>12<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trusted by SOCOM snipers and PRS pros, the MDT CKYE-POD is rock solid and heavy. Here is the verified, field-tested path to shave 17.9 ounces with R3D carbon legs and the LRT Fat Trimmer while keeping stability, cant, and speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"MDT
MDT CKYE POD’s – Left – Double Pull, Middle is the Triple pull, and Right is the Hybrid. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Few pieces of shooting equipment have earned the reputation of the MDT CKYE-POD. It is trusted by top-tier Special Forces snipers, PRS and NRL competitors, and precision rifle shooters worldwide. The CKYE-POD is known for speed, adaptability, and rock-solid stability. It is also heavy and expensive, which is where modern innovation has stepped in to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This review includes verified weights, measured data, and practical performance insights. It also explains how two upgrades, the LRT Manufacturing Fat Trimmer and the R3D Carbon Legs, reduce nearly one pound of weight while maintaining full function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Active
An active SOCOM Sniper picking up his rifle at the 2025 NASTI. Note the MDT Double Pull bipod. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

*Subscribe to see exclusive GunsAmerica content (article and video coming soon) of the 2025 NASTI (North America Sniper Team Invitational), where the top military sniper teams in the world compete, and we take a look at their gear. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Also: 29 Facts About the NASTI Plus the Gear Fielded<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CKYE-POD Overview: Why This Bipod Owns Difficult Terrain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Single
Single Pull CKYE Pod <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MDT offers three standard sizes of CKYE Pod, as shown below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specification<\/strong><\/th>Standard (Single Pull)<\/strong><\/th>Double Pull<\/strong><\/th>Triple Pull<\/strong><\/th>Hybrid Triple Pull (R3D + Fat Trimmer)<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Lateral Leg Positions<\/strong><\/td>3<\/td>3<\/td>3<\/td>3<\/td><\/tr>
Width Leg Positions<\/strong><\/td>3<\/td>3<\/td>3<\/td>3<\/td><\/tr>
Maximum Height<\/strong><\/td>15.5″<\/td>18.5″<\/td>37″<\/td>41.75″<\/td><\/tr>
Minimum Height<\/strong><\/td>5″<\/td>5″<\/td>6.75″<\/td>6.75″<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>1.47 lb<\/td>1.68 lb<\/td>2.35 lb<\/td>1.26 lb<\/td><\/tr>
Cant Adjustment<\/strong><\/td>Knob<\/td>Knob<\/td>Knob<\/td>Knob<\/td><\/tr>
Cant Range<\/strong><\/td>170\u00b0<\/td>170\u00b0<\/td>170\u00b0<\/td>170\u00b0<\/td><\/tr>
Pan Range<\/strong><\/td>360\u00b0<\/td>360\u00b0<\/td>360\u00b0<\/td>None (Pan removed by Fat Trimmer)<\/td><\/tr>
Material<\/strong><\/td>6061-T6 Aluminum with Stainless Hardware<\/td>Same<\/td>Same<\/td>Carbon Fiber Legs with Aluminum\/Steel Hardware<\/td><\/tr>
Mount Options<\/strong><\/td>ARCA, Picatinny, or ARMS-17<\/td>ARCA, Picatinny, or ARMS-17<\/td>ARCA, Picatinny, or ARMS-17<\/td>ARCA, Picatinny (Dual Head)<\/td><\/tr>
MSRP<\/strong><\/td>$599<\/td>$799<\/td>$999<\/td>\u2248$1,040 (Single Pull + R3D Legs + Fat Trimmer)<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The CKYE-POD provides independent leg articulation, three width settings, and both cant and pan adjustments. Each leg can pivot, lock, or extend to nearly any angle, allowing shooters to maintain stability across uneven terrain. The result is unmatched positional flexibility for both competition and tactical applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Top Shooters Choose It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Hybrid,
Left to Right – Hybrid, Triple Pull, Double Pull. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The CKYE-POD is the preferred choice of top-tier shooters because it is engineered for precision and control. It allows rapid leg position changes, wide cant range, and dependable lockup under load. Special Forces snipers use it for the same reasons PRS professionals do: it delivers consistent accuracy and stability no matter the terrain or shooting position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only real drawback has always been the weight and price. The triple pull\u2019s extra range and adjustment options come at the cost of over two pounds total mass. For long-range hunters, competitors, snipers, or anyone hiking gear between stages, that matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Also: The Pinnacle of Bipods: CKYE-POD Gen 2 Bipod with RRS SC LR Mount Reviewed<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drop Ounces First: LRT Fat Trimmer Explained<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"SOCOM
SOCOM sniper using an LRT Fat Trimmer on his MDT Triple pull at the 2025 NASTI.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MSRP:<\/strong> $117
Weight Saved:<\/strong> Approximately 3.5 oz
Function:<\/strong> Removes the pan feature while keeping full cant control<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"LRT
LRT Fat Trimmer removes a bunch of stuff you don’t actually need. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Fat Trimmer replaces the CKYE-POD\u2019s head plate and removes the pan feature that most shooters never use. The cant adjustment remains functional, and ARMS-17 compatibility is retained, allowing continued use of RRS, Area 419, or MDT-style clamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Side-by-side
The Fat Trimmer (right) sits higher because it deletes the panning and cuts about 3.5 oz of weight. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can retain the big silver MDT Cant tightening knob or save more weight and use the LRT bolt that comes with the kit. I chose to remove it and had no problem getting good tension with the new bolt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Close
Fat Trimmer still allows you to adjust cant tension with an allen wrench. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The fat trimmer modification reduces weight, moves the bipod closer to the rifle, and simplifies the entire setup. Honestly, it’s how it should come from the factory. I’m likely going to get a couple more and replace all of the heads on my CKYE Pods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two
The only downside to the Fat Trimmer is… I can’t think of one. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Verdict:<\/strong> The Fat Trimmer is the best starting point for anyone looking to shed ounces without changing the core mechanics of the CKYE-POD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go Carbon: R3D Legs Add Height and Kill Weight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Rifle
R3D Carbon legs are a direct replacement for the aluminum legs on any MDT CKYE Pod. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MSRP:<\/strong> $325
Collapsed Length:<\/strong> 12″
Extended Length:<\/strong> 40″
Weight (each):<\/strong> 0.276 lb
System Savings:<\/strong> About 14 oz total
Compatibility:<\/strong> Fits all CKYE bodies and accepts single pull factory feet<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Active
Here’s an active duty military sniper with R3D Carbon legs shown installed on his MDT bipod. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The R3D Carbon Legs replace the CKYE\u2019s aluminum legs with high-strength carbon fiber. They are longer and significantly lighter. Installation is straightforward, and the legs fit any CKYE-POD body, whether single, double, or triple pull. If you don’t already own a CKYE pod but want to get one and do the R3D mod, I’d suggest buying a single pull, as you can reuse the feet, and it’s the cheapest option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twist-Lock Mechanism<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"R3D
Simply grab the biggest part of the leg and twist, and all three joints unlock and slide to your desired length up to 41.75 inches.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Each leg joint uses a quarter-turn twist lock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n