Leofoto tripod for NRL

[Wild Eyes Woodworks]

Good afternoon everyone. Recently shot the Sooner State Safari match and figured out some things I need to do differently for time management and deployment. My tripod ( a bog) is just not up to the job. Broke a tripod leg during a stage.

Picked up a cert for Leofoto and am just curious what others are using and what my best option would be from them. I appreciate input on tripods but am looking for a Leofoto since I have a cert and am poor. If you were shopping for one like me, what sounds good and why?

Also, a good recommendation for a tax table, plate bag and again what and why?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Sheldon N]

Leofoto SO-362CX, two section inverted, sturdy, fast to deploy, nice and tall. I use a RRS TA-3 leveling head in mine, but there are lots of options for different heads.

Tac table = DIY. Thick piece of 8x10 polycarbonate, drill two holes and mount an Arca rail section on the bottom. Cover the top with skateboard grip tape.

Plate bag is not needed for NRL hunter, just throw a gamechanger for the front and tripod rear for the few times you'll do it.

 

[1911Shootist]

SO-362 is the way. Fast deploy, super rigid, easy to adjust. Deploy to second notch for seated/kneeling positions.

Ball head like LH-55 for hands free panning when spotting during PRS style matches, or Anvil-30 for matches when you need to shoot off it. I have both, the Anvil only goes on for NRLH matches.

Skip the tac table. If you want to bag it, just place your bag over the top of the tripod head. Plenty stable without the need for a table.

 

[Sheldon N]

I could take or leave the tac table for shooting off of. I usually will just throw a bag on the top of the leveling head if I'm going to shoot from the tripod. The tac table is nice for glassing though, I throw a bag on top of the table (with bag oriented vertically) and binos on top of the bag. With just the head it's a little harder to balance both bag and binos.

 

[021411]

I have no affiliation with the following company and product but did pick one up. They have a version for the 75mm tripod for Leofoto and an arca version. I watched their video on YouTube and it makes sense. The curved top allows a bag to sit better on it.

The “HUMP BACK” Bag Saddle | crazycrowgunworks.co

Revolutionary alternative to a standard Tac Table. The "Hump Back" allows your bag to contour to and grip your tripod while providing maximum surface area contacting your rifle. Works even when your tripod is at an angle and aids in transitioning with your bag. Fits in most all 75 MM bowl tripods

www.crazycrowgunworks.com

 

[Wild Eyes Woodworks]

Sorry for the late response everyone and thank you for your input. I really like the way the 2 sections deploy quickly. I just don’t like how long they are fully collapsed. I like to take my tripod out off my pack and kick legs out so I can glass immediately kneeling. I also want something less cumbersome to have on my pack for matches, hunting and different field style matches. I also RO a lot. I’m 5’9 so I don’t need a super tall tripod either. I don’t know if the shorter version of the two sections would get me about where I want to be but it still seems real long compared to a three section collapsed.

But I guess that’s my only downside is how long they are collapsed. how are you guys carrying them? I’m looking at some of their thick legged three sections. I really just want something that’s way quicker to clip into when I need to and more stable for the majority of time I’ll throw a bag on it. But I also want it to fit in/ on my bag.

 

[beetroot]

The Leofoto 4 section SA 364c is a nice tripod if you want a smaller package.
I'm not sure if a 2 section tripod would be very good for NRL Hunter, if you are shooting off steep angles the 2 section tripods can be a real pain.

The easiest way to carry a long tripod is in a pack with a scabbard, but if you aren't walking too far just carry it.
Short tripods will be easily attachable to the side of any pack, but you'll need to then pack your glass away, so again I just carry the tripod.

You can get tripod slings but I find then awkward if you have glass attached.
Prefer to sling my rifle and carry the tripod.

 

[1911Shootist]

OBi Link on a shoulder strap is the quickest and easiest way to carry and fast deploy, even with the long 2-sections. Deploy to the second leg notch for seated/low kneeling.

What makes a good hunting tripod makes for a poor competition tripod. I'd expect to get two different tripods for the very different roles, or be prepared to make noticeable sacrifices on both ends of the spectrum.