Fatboy tripod opinions (vs RRS?)

H

Hurlow

Private
Minuteman
Apr 13, 2017
21
15
South of Chicago
#1
I was looking into getting a RRS (really right stuff) tripod for mostly long range range shooting with my MPA 338L, but maybe some hunting as well, and came across Fatboy (Fatboy traverse 3-section) for about half the cost. Seems to have fairly good reviews (though the 1-yr warranty vs. RRS’s 5-yr turned me off a bit).

Anyone have any experiences with the quality and general functionality (or customer service) differences between the brands?
 
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#3
HenryTheAce said:
Really Right Stuff is the peak of the tripod world. If they’re in your budget then you can’t beat it. I have no experience with FatBoy.

I had the 22i at one point but switched to the 24L which I don’t see myself ever getting rid of. Anvil-30 on both.
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Thanks for the reply. Those are actually the two RRS models I was looking at, any opinions on the differences between them since you have owned both.
 
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#4
I personally did not like the 22i for moving around. It’s a “long boi” so to say at 38.2” vs 23.6” folded length. Makes for a cumbersome tripod to hike around and hunt with. It’s also a few ounces heavier.

When sitting on the ground or in a hunting shack, you may need to go to position 2 with the legs on the 22i which just makes for an unrealistic insanely large footprint. Where as the 24L is short and compact and you can stay on position 1 of the legs for everything but prone essentially. I also prefer the skinnier TFC of the 24L vs the TVC of the 22i… the TVC allows to run a leveling base or ball head where the TFC only allows the anvil-30… however you can get a TVC 24L if you like.

Overall the 22i just wasn’t for me
 
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#9
I have both the Fatboy tripods and have been using them since they hit the market, they are a very solid design. I can’t speak to the RRS tripods but the Fatboys are definitely built better than the two vets that I had and the twist lock on them is a better design in my opinion. Not had one problem what so ever with either of mine, so buy with confidence. An the warranty I’ve been told will be changing to lifetime here very soon.
 
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#11
Bhobbs78 said:
I have both the Fatboy tripods and have been using them since they hit the market, they are a very solid design. I can’t speak to the RRS tripods but the Fatboys are definitely built better than the two vets that I had and the twist lock on them is a better design in my opinion. Not had one problem what so ever with either of mine, so buy with confidence. An the warranty I’ve been told will be changing to lifetime here very soon.
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I went ahead and forked out the $ for the RRS (from a forum supporter). I appreciate the suggestions from all though. If Fatboy would have had the lifetime warranty (or even just a 5y to match) I might have gone that direction though- I like the look of it.
 
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#12
24l here with the anvil 30 also. Like others stated if you can afford it it is definitely a one and done. Use mine for everything from comps to hunting/hiking.
 
#13
Hurlow said:
I went ahead and forked out the $ for the RRS (from a forum supporter). I appreciate the suggestions from all though. If Fatboy would have had the lifetime warranty (or even just a 5y to match) I might have gone that direction though- I like the look of it.
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All good man, don’t think you could go wrong with either. Somewhat quote from Tommy Boy! “You can shit in a box and put a warranty on it but it’s still a piece of shit in a box” lol…
 
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#22
22I is the Apex tripod (No Pun). Its not designed for packing small or shooting inside of a phone booth.

BUT:

Its the most stable tripod you can buy
Its the quickest to deploy
It has the twist locks in the right spot unlike some other brands.
For running Tripod rear, its unbelievably stable and easy to lock into.

Everyone who uses it goes out and buys one if they can afford it. My buddy had one and I sold mine and bought the 22i. Have since have a few friends try mine and run off to buy one (if they can find one in stock).
 
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#23
Hurlow said:
I went ahead and forked out the $ for the RRS (from a forum supporter). I appreciate the suggestions from all though. If Fatboy would have had the lifetime warranty (or even just a 5y to match) I might have gone that direction though- I like the look of it.
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Warranty doesn't mean shit if the company does not exist in 5 years or will not stand behind their product.

 
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#24
Their ball head is excellent, it's a bit heavier but rock solid.

The metal work is very nice too, plus the anodizing stands out

Their legs are a bit bigger but very good; well worth the money

IMG_0113.JPG
 
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#26
Bhobbs78 said:
I have both the Fatboy tripods and have been using them since they hit the market, they are a very solid design. I can’t speak to the RRS tripods but the Fatboys are definitely built better than the two vets that I had and the twist lock on them is a better design in my opinion. Not had one problem what so ever with either of mine, so buy with confidence. A the warranty I’ve been told will be changing to lifetime here very soon.
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I was wondering how you feel about the fat boys now after owning it for a while? Also could you enlighten me as to what the leg section locks are made of?
 
#27
Hurlow said:
Thanks for the reply. Those are actually the two RRS models I was looking at, any opinions on the differences between them since you have owned both.
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I have both. Main benefit of 22i is ease of adjustment , quick deployment and inverted legs keep internals out of mud/dirt

34 is much easier to transport , throw under a back seat etc.
Takes more time to to adjust. More locks to worry about loosening etc.
 
#28
OzTRG said:
I was wondering how you feel about the fat boys now after owning it for a while? Also could you enlighten me as to what the leg section locks are made of?
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I have both the fatboy traverse 3 section and their new elevate. The traverse I’ve been running for 2 seasons of prs, 1 season of hunting. The elevate has been used for practice and part of this prs season. These tripods have been outstanding. Unbelievably stable!!

7FCDCC79-07B2-4614-A3BE-4660E12119ED.jpeg
27AFBC7F-D104-481C-82E5-F56741AF15D2.jpeg
 
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#35
Mj30wilson900 said:
Harlan Iowa usa
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I love it when folks make bold assumptions....just got off the phone with them and while their facility is located in Iowa the tripods are actually made/manufactured "overseas" according to Casey at Fat BOY. If they were made in the USA they would be touting that, can you say CHINA.
 
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#36
ballisticdaddy said:
I love it when folks make bold assumptions....just got off the phone with them and while their facility is located in Iowa the tripods are actually made/manufactured "overseas" according to Casey at Fat BOY. If they were made in the USA they would be touting that, can you say CHINA.
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I looked into one and backed away for the "Overseas" CHINA reason.
Two things:
A) IF is was made in the US of A, you would think they would be loud and proud about that.
B) IF is was made in the US of A, it would cost twice as much. (See RRS).
 
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#37
ballisticdaddy said:
I love it when folks make bold assumptions....just got off the phone with them and while their facility is located in Iowa the tripods are actually made/manufactured "overseas" according to Casey at Fat BOY. If they were made in the USA they would be touting that, can you say CHINA.
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I don't get wrapped up around the axel about stuff being made in China. The number of things we use everyday come from China. My preference is US made but If I can acquire something I want/need at a fraction of the cost and the quality is just as good, I'm happy with that.
 
#38
Palehorse68 said:
I don't get wrapped up around the axel about stuff being made in China. The number of things we use everyday come from China. My preference is US made but If I can acquire something I want/need at a fraction of the cost and the quality is just as good, I'm happy with that.
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I only get wrapped up around the axle when it's made in China but they lead you to believe it's not. Why pay $750 for a FatBoy when you can get an Innorel for less than 1/2 the price......that was my point!
 
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#39
ballisticdaddy said:
I only get wrapped up around the axle when it's made in China but they lead you to believe it's not. Why pay $750 for a FatBoy when you can get an Innorel for less than 1/2 the price......that was my point!
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The most expensive Innorel I’ve found has a weight capacity rating of less than half of the Fatboy tripods. I wouldn’t think the lighter weight rating tripods would have more flex and be less stable but maybe I’m wrong. I’m looking into tripods as well and don’t need or want the most expensive so I am curious.
 
#41
There is definitely a difference between the lower end stuff and RRS/Fatboy/2 Vets. For what it's worth, myself and a couple buddies have gone to the latter 2 for increased stability/rigidity. RRS is still king of the ballheads with the Anvil 30 imo.

That said, most carbon tripods are pretty good these days. It's worth noting that it there are now a wide range of different tripods on the market in all price brackets. 2 section, inverted, wide footprint, narrow footprint, packable, compact, etc. What characteristics your tripod has should be driven by it's intended use.
 
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#42
ballisticdaddy said:
I love it when folks make bold assumptions....just got off the phone with them and while their facility is located in Iowa the tripods are actually made/manufactured "overseas" according to Casey at Fat BOY. If they were made in the USA they would be touting that, can you say CHINA.
Click to expand...
I stand corrected.
I was told the manufacture their stuff in Harlan with imported and domestic materials.
 
#43
Palehorse68 said:
Fatboy Tripods are having a sale on their 2 sections legs while they last. I snatched up the invert40 ball head as well. Ordered last night and was notified it shipped today.
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Why did you go with a 40 ball head over 60? I have a pretty heavy rifle and assumed I need a 60.
 
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#44
Sniperwannabee said:
Why did you go with a 40 ball head over 60? I have a pretty heavy rifle and assumed I need a 60.
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It was on sale. Even with a heavy rifle, the 40 will work just fine. I'm not sure what my Wilson Combat WC-10 weighs with a scope, suppressor, PRS G3 stock, but dry firing in my garage or back patio with it mounted, has not revealed any concerns for me at all. I'm quiet confident when I put rounds down range, no issues will arise.
 
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