I want a intro tripod that's like cheating

I just purchased a BOG Deathgrip tripod, and it's far better than anything i've used previously...but i'm also a bit disappointed because with the knob fully tightened, it always tilts down from wherever I try to set it. This is a pretty light rifle. In order to get the vertical elevation angle I want, I find myself needling to set the angle significantly above and then let it droop down, readjust and repeat until it eventually falls down to the point I want. I know it was only a $130 tripod...but I'm wondering what the next best step up tripod is in terms of price?