Feisol 3372 and RRS TA-U-LC Leveling Head - Review/Pictures

Shanerbanner10

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  • Jan 13, 2012
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    Oklahoma
    I've had lots of questions about this setup and how it works, how stable it is, is 15 degrees enough, how do Feisol's legs compared to RRS legs, ect. So I'm starting this thread to hopefully answer some of those questions. I hate reading long threads as much as the next person. Pictures explain most of it further down.

    First off let me say I am in no way shape or form involved with any of these companies. I am just throwing this out there to hopefully help others make informed decision about tripods and heads for rifles.

    I believe I was one of the first to start using the Feisol 3372 and discovered that the RRS head would work quite well on this setup. I originally ran a ballhead and pigsaddle which I found to be a terrible solution. I quickly discovered that anything with rubber would allow for a lot of wiggle when behind the rifle. So I set out to improve this without spending RRS money and with the help of some others in the photography world found the current setup I am running. This full setup runs around 800$ (can be had for much less if you are willing to look) which is about 1/2 the price of RRS legs and RRS head. While the RRS legs are very, very good they are quite expensive for most. I believe Feisol fills this gap very well with the 3372. (I do not own RRS legs but have spent significant time with some to feel that I can give a solid comparison).

    The 3372 is a carbon fiber 3 leg section tripod with twist locks very similar to RRS. I honestly believe the only downfall with Feisol are the twist locks. If they are not secured semi tight they will slide a little. Now if they are tight, I can literately hang from the tripod (I am about 190 lbs- the tripod is rated for 66 lbs). These legs are very tall (66" I believe) and can be very compact. They will get down to about 3" off the ground (I'll show a picture of this later). They are quite light at around 3.5 lbs. I believe the only thing that would make this tripod better would be a larger center piece which could allow the fitment of the RRS TA-2/3 leveling heads. I honestly think they are a touch better than the universal head. The Feisol 3372 does have on thing that I actually like more than the RRS tripod. When you need to change leg positions on the RRS tripod you have to push the lock out from the inside of the leg, then move the leg to the needed position and push the lock back in. On the Feisol there is a little lever that you push down to move the legs. It is simple and easier to move than the RRS counterpart. An added advantage here is that if you are prone or in a sitting position and need to go to a standing position quick you you can just grab the legs and pull them to the required position and then back to the nearest locking position (notch) which the spring loaded lever will automatically lock into.

    RRS TA-U-LC is a universal leveling head with a QD LC (Locking Clamp). Its super simple, compact, light and easy to use, I think one thing that RRS doesn't tell people is that is that the head can be adjusted for tension. It is a nice feature of you don't like its stock settings- which I did not like. There are 4 allen head screws that hold the clamp on, after removing those you will find a nylon threaded nut which is what can be used to adjust tension on the head. The head had a silver knob which turns about 90 degrees to adjust tension on the head. it locks up rock solid and can be adjusted to allow movement with some tension unlike the Feisol leveling head which is either rock solid or all over the place loose. The head overall is very good!

    One of the questions many people have asked is how do I attach the tripod to my rifle? Heres a quick video of the head and a direct mount to a rifle (definitely not the best video, sorry). Then the first 2 pictures show my new setup with the RRS JAE-700 adapter installed.
    <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y3zTA0QfdG4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

    To do this I used a 1/4-20 insert (amazon.com/gp/product/B002QUZNV8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and drilled my stock (Manners). I epoxied the insert into my stock and simply use a D ring type screw with a 70 mm acra swiss style plate and attach it to my rifle. It takes all of about 2 seconds to do. I keep the plate in my bag when I am not using it.

    If you guys have any additional questions let me know! Hope this helps

    Here are some pictures:
    IMG_2480_zpscxajjuve.JPEG



    Prone- This is insanely stable. Its almost easier than bipod and rear bag. It sits at about the same height as a typical harris/atlas bipod and works great! The difference here is recoil. The whole tripod will move a little which doesn't really allow you to see bullet holes at 100 through recoil like I can with a bipod and bag and solid fundamentals. Shooting prone like this takes a little getting used to. IMG_2621_zpsdqi4ig6m.JPG

    After they are removed you'll see a nylon threaded nut. Tighten or loosen this to adjust tension on the head. Once I found a tension setting I liked I removed the screw and put a drop of blue locktite on the nut and put it back on. I'd highly suggest adding a drop or two of locktite on this nut. The only issue I have ever had with this head was the nut coming loose and then tension not being very tight. Easy fix though.
    IMG_2622_zpst4vng2zm.JPG

    If you guys have any questions about this setup, parts, or anything else related to tripods and shooting. Let me know, I'll answer as best I can.
     

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    Last edited:
    With the leveling head, how much vertical adjustment do you have? I have been looking at this exact same setup but was curious if I had to have the vertical height perfect because of not having a ball head.
     
    With the leveling head, how much vertical adjustment do you have? I have been looking at this exact same setup but was curious if I had to have the vertical height perfect because of not having a ball head.

    15 degrees up and 15 degrees down. It really doesn't sound like much, but its more than you think. I'll try to get a video of that sometime soon. I'll get my new rifle together here pretty soon and get a video of it.
    If you need more adjustment, its as easy as just reaching up to the front leg and loosening it slightly taking the leg in an inch or two and re-tightening the leg. It takes all of 3 seconds to do.
    I have no problem shooting from 100 yard to 1320 where I practice. 1320 is as far as I can go there.
     
    After reading this thread back on Scout, I knew the RRS leveling base was the only base I could go with. I ended up with the 3342 instead of the 72 because I needed it to be a little lighter. I've got the universal leveling base on it. I started off with a HOG Saddle, but since my rifle is still at the smith for another week or so - I asked him to install a RRS QR camera plate to my stock. The HOG Saddle didn't work well with the RRS Leveling base because of the torque knob. Once installed on the RRS base, you can't torque down the torque knob on the HOG unless the knob is on the side of the RRS base's release handle, and you either have a long camera plate on the HOG or you slide the camera plate halfway out of the base.

    It's really worth it to mount the plate to the stock.

    Thanks for the writeup!
     
    I haven't shot with it yet, but I just got the Feisol 3342 and RRS BH-55 LR. After a couple hours of dry fire, I couldn't be happier with the set up. I think you really get what you pay for with ball heads and this thing is rock solid with my pig of a rifle (AT and gen II Razor).
     
    SB10,

    Great post; lots of good info and insight. I just got my leveling base from RRS yesterday, and can echo your comments about the quality and smoothness. Very nice.

    Just need to order the 3372 and some plates for my various rigs (varmint, PRS, hunting etc.).

    Again, great write up and pics bro.

    Edit: And a shout out to Michael at RRS. Pm'ed me to answer some questions, and was very informative and responsive. Seems like a great guy/company to work with, that takes time to work with their customers.
     
    SB10,

    Great post; lots of good info and insight. I just got my leveling base from RRS yesterday, and can echo your comments about the quality and smoothness. Very nice.

    Just need to order the 3372 and some plates for my various rigs (varmint, PRS, hunting etc.).

    Again, great write up and pics bro.

    Edit: And a shout out to Michael at RRS. Pm'ed me to answer some questions, and was very informative and responsive. Seems like a great guy/company to work with, that takes time to work with their customers.

    Enjoy it man! For as small and light as the RRS TA-U head is its a great option for just about any tripod. You can use it in all sorts of neat ways with the clamps that RRS and other companies make to shoot off tables and other stuff.

    Glad I can help some guys out.
     
    After reading this thread back on Scout, I knew the RRS leveling base was the only base I could go with. I ended up with the 3342 instead of the 72 because I needed it to be a little lighter. I've got the universal leveling base on it. I started off with a HOG Saddle, but since my rifle is still at the smith for another week or so - I asked him to install a RRS QR camera plate to my stock. The HOG Saddle didn't work well with the RRS Leveling base because of the torque knob. Once installed on the RRS base, you can't torque down the torque knob on the HOG unless the knob is on the side of the RRS base's release handle, and you either have a long camera plate on the HOG or you slide the camera plate halfway out of the base.

    It's really worth it to mount the plate to the stock.

    Thanks for the writeup!

    FYI you can still use the RRS leveling base with QR + the HOG when needed.. just add a qr plate to the HOG.

    Why would someone do that? Well, it isn't as stable, but it gives really far high angle options... I pop the HOG in when I am needing to control the crows.. or when with someone with out a plate



    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
     
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    To add to Divers comments, I use my saddle for holding a pair of binos. I use the bios 10x more than I use the tripod with my rifle. They are great for finding targets and watching hits/misses as well as getting wind calls. The saddle stays on a plate so with the flick of the lever I can swap the saddle out for a rifle or whatever else is needed.

    One issue I ran into today with the MPA chassis was that the chassis itself is not very wide in comparison to a Manners. So when throwing the MPA in the saddle the torque knob for the pigsaddle was hitting the level on the RRS head. To fix this I turn the pigsaddle sideways on the Arca plate and re-tightened it. Easy fix.
     
    We have a enough sticky's, but this info needs to be persisted. Maybe talk to "Commandant Cranky" about converting it to an article for the archives? Those additional pictures and video really explain a lot. Again, great post and content.
     
    FYI you can still use the RRS leveling base with QR + the HOG when needed.. just add a qr plate to the HOG.

    Why would someone do that? Well, it isn't as stable, but it gives really far high angle options... I pop the HOG in when I am needing to control the crows.. or when with someone with out a plate



    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

    I didn't specify, but that was how my setup was when I ran into that problem. HOG with 60mm QR plate and it's still in the way. It's do-able... but like I said, you have to put a longer QR plate on there, or slide the QR plate halfway out of the RRS base.
     
    After reading this thread back on Scout, I knew the RRS leveling base was the only base I could go with. I ended up with the 3342 instead of the 72 because I needed it to be a little lighter. I've got the universal leveling base on it. I started off with a HOG Saddle, but since my rifle is still at the smith for another week or so - I asked him to install a RRS QR camera plate to my stock. The HOG Saddle didn't work well with the RRS Leveling base because of the torque knob. Once installed on the RRS base, you can't torque down the torque knob on the HOG unless the knob is on the side of the RRS base's release handle, and you either have a long camera plate on the HOG or you slide the camera plate halfway out of the base.

    It's really worth it to mount the plate to the stock.

    Thanks for the writeup!

    RRS make a plate specific for the Hog saddle I have one and it clears the level bubble on my TA-3 leveling base.
    http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/VR-76?_ga=1.30662582.803748417.1487380157
     
    Thanks guys for making me go broke :D

    I just picked this combination up and it is nice. I also have the RRS 55 ball head I can use, but right now that is on my Manfrotto tripod holding my spotting scope. I will be able to take it out next weekend to see how I bad I can shoot on a tripod :)

    I have the RRS AX plate for my 338, the RRS M-Lok plate for my RPR and a RRS Picatinny adapter for my other rifles. Will probably get the VYCE down the road as well.


    33021300560_71bcaef182_c.jpg



    33248508752_8f2197ab40_c.jpg



    Chad
     
    Thanks guys for making me go broke :D

    I just picked this combination up and it is nice. I also have the RRS 55 ball head I can use, but right now that is on my Manfrotto tripod holding my spotting scope. I will be able to take it out next weekend to see how I bad I can shoot on a tripod :)

    I have the RRS AX plate for my 338, the RRS M-Lok plate for my RPR and a RRS Picatinny adapter for my other rifles. Will probably get the VYCE down the road as well.


    33021300560_71bcaef182_c.jpg



    33248508752_8f2197ab40_c.jpg



    Chad

    Hell ya man! Looks awesome. Glad my write up could help!

    If anyone has questions pertaining this setup, please let me know and I will do my best to answer and provide pictures to help if possible.
     
    I recently decided to upgrade my tripod setup, as a result of reading this thread. I was originally planning on buying the Feisol 3372, but I found a great deal on a used RRS TVC-33. It was not as cheap as the Feisol, but close enough that I felt being able to use the lower profile leveling base made it worth the difference. I also bought the RRS plate made specifically for the hog saddle. It does allow the torque knob to clear the clamp, but only if it's oriented over the level. It will still hit if the knob is over the clamp lever. Overall, the leveling base is the way to go. It's amazing how much more stable this setup is than what I've been using over the past twenty years. Thanks to the OP for this very informative thread. It certainly helped me make a much more informed decision.
     
    I recently decided to upgrade my tripod setup, as a result of reading this thread. I was originally planning on buying the Feisol 3372, but I found a great deal on a used RRS TVC-33. It was not as cheap as the Feisol, but close enough that I felt being able to use the lower profile leveling base made it worth the difference. I also bought the RRS plate made specifically for the hog saddle. It does allow the torque knob to clear the clamp, but only if it's oriented over the level. It will still hit if the knob is over the clamp lever. Overall, the leveling base is the way to go. It's amazing how much more stable this setup is than what I've been using over the past twenty years. Thanks to the OP for this very informative thread. It certainly helped me make a much more informed decision.

    Glad to help man. Those RRS legs are awesome! Combined with the TA-2 or 3 leveling head and you can't beat it!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Just received an RRS base and Feisol from BH in NYC . Wish I had
    jumps earlier , this shits on my old Slik with saddle . Sitting position is as
    good as prone for me now , standing needs a little work , will try the sling
    to belt trick next time out .
     
    RRS plate on T4A , attached with wood screws . Seems a little redneck ( guilty ) , but is rock solid .
    Didnt want hole saw large voids in the stock for T nuts or similar , seems like that would weaken
    stock .

    Within 30 seconds of using tripod , I realised I'd need a lot more plates for everything else . Rather
    than spend $ 500 on RRS plates , got the orange one from a local camera store for $25 . Ordered a
    few more for other gadgets and rifles . The XLR will need the NATO rail adapter , which is on its way
    from RRS .
     
    Sweet man! Standing can be trick if your tension isn't tight enough. It wobble a touch. Tighten the tension and you should be able to set your reticle on whatever you're shooting, lock it down and be good to go.
     
    Quick question on the tension since I've never used a leveling base. Quickly adjustable tension is a must for me. I understand that you can adjust the tension in the unlocked position using the nylock nut pictured, but can you also adjust the tension using the locking mechanism? In other words, is the leveling base either locked or unlocked, or is there tension adjustment in between?
     
    As stated above, the silver paddle adjust tension. If you watch the video on the original post you'll see me slightly undo it to make an adjustment and then lock it down.
    The range of tension is set with the nut inside the head.
    The amount of tension increases as you tighten the silver paddle.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Anyone using the RRS TV-33 that has direct comparisons against the universal head TA-U and the TA-3?

    I have a TA-U-LC, but would like to know how much real difference might be had if any with the TA-3. Seems any "bounce" or flex is coming from the TA-U-LC.


    DIY ELR Target Cam with DVR - well proven 2000m+ 2 camera, multiple monitors - link below


    https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...camera-system-with-integrated-dvr#post6291944

    The TA-3 is a little smoother than the TA-U. I've used both quite a bit and if I could I'd rather the TA-2/3. The TV-33 with TA-3 hard mounted is retarded good. There is a small but noticeable difference between a full RRS setup and the Feisol with the universal head.

    I've seen a few guys lately running either the TA-2 or 3 on a Feisol tripod. I was told when I originally went this route that was not possible. However, I've seen it about 3 separate times now and forget to ask every time how they made it work.
     
    all commenters. Looking for a used condition RRS leveling base or ball head with 3/8 mount for tripod. Let me know if you have anything you want to get rid of.