NightStalker "PRO" model

[LRSHOOTER0311]

So I spoke with Tom over at nightgoggles.com , after noticing the shot show 2018 video of the new version of the Night Stalker tripod dubbed the "Pro" version which is supposed to be a slightly heavier, but improved version of their standard tripod, that from what I have been told is going to give RRS a run for their money given it can be had WITH the ball head for a fraction of the cost. I for one am extremely anxious to get one and measure it against my friends RRS tripod. But I figured I would give the budget shooters out there an option. I haven't seen it on their site yet. Also, check out their OWL system, full pan thermal mount (magnetic). Excellent for pig or night hunters with thermal scanners, links to an ipad in the car/truck. I look forward to picking up one, but worry about the lens of my thermal, definitely will have to travel at lower speed and explore some sort of lens protection. UPDATE: Tom has told me they hope to have them up by next week.

Pictured is the "older" system, I'm going to try and attach their review video and shot show video for their pro model. Also, the OWL system.

FULL DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT work for them or get any sort of credit for anything, just wanted to share a budget product with you guys.

 

[RyanM]

I would love to be proven wrong and see lower cost options come on the scene but I would highly doubt anything with a centre column like that can compete with the system tripods (RRS/Gitzo/leofoto).

The centre columns just have so much more wobble in them than when the ball head is directly attached to the tripods.

 

[DetroitRearView]

Marketing is fluid; Physics are constant

 

[mlpkhl]

I wasn't going to say anything about this until I started watching the videos on the re-seller/re-brander site. I believe I heard him say "we designed" a few times throughout the video.

I will say, I have not bought one of these tripods, I have not had my hands on one, and I will not crap on any other manufacturers product, so I can't tell you how it feels or looks, and maybe I am wrong.

What I will say, for someone to bring in a "RRS competitor" product, they should; design, manufacture, market, all in the U.S. while based off of original ideas, while giving away a big percentage of their profit in awards/prizes at civilian and military competitions in order to keep growing the sport.

Check out where my frustration comes from:
I think these links are the original tripods that came out a few years back.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/XIL...-Monopod-Panoramic-Ball-Head/32788632016.html

https://www.dhgate.com/product/letu-photo-camouflage-foldable-portable-extendable/406984146.html

There are many counterfeit, patent-infringement, design, etc. manufacturers located in many different countries outside of the U.S. We can't really do anything about it, aside from making our products badass. I can also tell you with RRS, you can call us up and talk to someone who actually shoots, has military ties, and cares about the product and product users (me).

Sorry for the rant, I am pretty passionate about this stuff. @LRSHOOTER0311 I am also not coming at you, please don't take it that way.
Michael H

 

[LRSHOOTER0311]

I wasn't going to say anything about this until I started watching the videos on the re-seller/re-brander site. I believe I heard him say "we designed" a few times throughout the video.

I will say, I have not bought one of these tripods, I have not had my hands on one, and I will not crap on any other manufacturers product, so I can't tell you how it feels or looks, and maybe I am wrong.

What I will say, for someone to bring in a "RRS competitor" product, they should; design, manufacture, market, all in the U.S. while based off of original ideas, while giving away a big percentage of their profit in awards/prizes at civilian and military competitions in order to keep growing the sport.

Check out where my frustration comes from:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/XIL...-Monopod-Panoramic-Ball-Head/32788632016.html

https://www.dhgate.com/product/letu-photo-camouflage-foldable-portable-extendable/406984146.html

There are many counterfeit, patent-infringement, design, etc. manufacturers located in many different countries outside of the U.S. We can't really do anything about it, aside from making our products badass. I can also tell you with RRS, you can call us up and talk to someone who actually shoots, has military ties, and cares about the product and product users (me).

Sorry for the rant, I am pretty passionate about this stuff. @LRSHOOTER0311 I am also not coming at you, please don't take it that way.
Michael H

Michael,

First off A+ in your response delivery. I didn’t feel you were coming at me in anyway, I’m not an easily offended person. Next, I give you props in providing a point accompanied by ACTUAL evidence (knock off product sites) of your point. I agree with your points on manufacturing and etc. and hope you understand that I was no way implying that their product is up to RSS quality and I may have jumped the gun in posting before hearing from other people but if it is a bad product or someone has more knowledge of it before blue collar buyers buy it, I would rather than that be stopped then allowed as “guinea pigging” a product. I say this because I didn’t know is either a knock off made by night goggles or some other company sold by night goggles, I’m NOT saying they are doing that and will await reviews. I will say that I disagree on one point and that is giving away a portion of a companies profit for civilian/military competitions to “keep the sport going”. I being former military have dabbled in civilian competitions and will NOT knock them as I had a relatively good time competing. However, it’s not what keeps the industry going, Innovation is what keeps the industry going in my opinion. I have my own thoughts about prize tables at competition and etc., I think that if you take that profit that you would give away at prize tables and put it back in the shooters buying the products, you would have more shooters. I have witnessed the days of distinguished and high powered rifle competitions take a back seat to the innovation of new generation rifle competitions know as the PRS circuit. Innovation at its finest within a newer generation, The gear and rifles have also moved from blue collar to white collar in terms of pricing and individuals, as not many can afford the price of a tripod that is the same price as a PRS setup rifle. I have personally worked off military issued tripods, RRS tripods and a number of others. I honestly couldn’t justify the price for what I’m using them for, night hunting and range usage. I don’t doubt the quality or the marketing of them and their team, I just wanted to post a competitive product in an effort to drive innovation and allow the budget shooters an option. I want to reiterate that I’m NOT knocking RRS products, just the price, as it doesn’t fit MY level of disposable income. I wish that wasn’t the case as I’m sure it’s awesome and would last a lifetime, just can’t drop $2k for a tripod. Sorry for the rant, I too am passionate about the sport.

 

[mlpkhl]

No issue dude. I understand your post, and the reason why you posted it in the first place. I talk to people on the phone everyday about using our gear on other more budget friendly pods. I get tons of new hunters and shooters trying to figure out if they should get a ballhead or leveling base to put on their (insert name) tripod.
There have been a lot of "new" tripods in the industry in the past 6 months/year, that are just from another company who saw an opening in the market and wanted to make money. I get that, I just also like knowing the truth when someone tells me about a piece of gear. Sorry for derailing your post. Have a good one.

 

[Frankly]

That's just a rebranded decent $150-$200 photo tripod made in China. It'll work but not as well, not at all in the same class. Look at the cast yoke, don't drop it.

 

[matt2143]

I love it when guys talk about a new tripod being "competition" to a RRS product. All I gotta say is this, they better bring a big fucking stick because the RRS stuff is damn near indestructible while being VERY user friendly, tank like stability. The shots we can make and how crafty we get with our tripods in matches, civi training and mil training knows no bounds..... What we thought was possible from the standing with only tripod support has been redefined. I however am all about competition because every market needs it to continue and to promote growth. I am saying every other tripod company that wants to market as an RRS competitor has a VERY hard road ahead of them, RRS has set an incredibly high bar.

 

[LRSHOOTER0311]

Matt, I think you missed the point. As was stated multiple times above NO ONE is doubting RRS quality and I wish I could afford one. It has its place, as do others. I was stating that I was told by someone in the competitive market to RRS that’s what was told to me. No need to defend RRS as they are OBVIOUSLY the standard to be measured against if that’s what competitors are comparing their products to.

 

[LRSHOOTER0311]

That's just a rebranded decent $150-$200 photo tripod made in China. It'll work but not as well, not at all in the same class. Look at the cast yoke, don't drop it.

Frankly, I’m not going against what your saying as I was shown some links to very similar products that the “competition” is offering. But I wouldn’t judge it till you have it in your hands, have used it extensively or know of someone who put in the time to do so. Speaking to something without experience is like spreading a nasty rumor and can damage reputations and spread false information. MLPKHL did it perfectly in his post above. If your right and it is a Chinese copy that isn’t worth anything, then so be it. I will denounce it after it’s proven. Not getting on your case, just trying to help a jaded industry.

 

[Frankly]

Frankly, I’m not going against what your saying as I was shown some links to very similar products that the “competition” is offering. But I wouldn’t judge it till you have it in your hands, have used it extensively or know of someone who put in the time to do so. Speaking to something without experience is like spreading a nasty rumor and can damage reputations and spread false information. MLPKHL did it perfectly in his post above. If your right and it is a Chinese copy that isn’t worth anything, then so be it. I will denounce it after it’s proven. Not getting on your case, just trying to help a jaded industry.

I'm sorry to be mean but I'm a photographer and have been to trade shows and seen these types or tripods offered by multiple vendors, often with different wraps and branding. So my skepticism is such that I see somebody take a tripod and put some camo on it and "it's new!". There is nothing inherently new in it.

It's probably made in the same factory as these http://www.mefoto.com and https://www.3leggedthing.com.

There is no reason why you can't use them since they also have Arca-Swiss standard clamps and at their price point it's a good way to start. But as I ended up with RRS for my cameras so it goes with guns. Buy once, cry once.

I don't have any dog in the fight other I prefer quality American manufacturing. That's why when some big brand launches some product - like Yeti Coolers - and does the whole stars and bars - then you read the fine print and it says, "designed in USA, made in China" you puke.

 

[Diver160651]

Matt, I think you missed the point. As was stated multiple times above NO ONE is doubting RRS quality and I wish I could afford one. It has its place, as do others.

I fully get that there are a ton of tripod choices, hell RRS jumped into the camera market that Getzo had for years with lighter cheaper carbon legs offering a better way to secure video bowls etc to the apex while American made. Luckily for us, they also innovated designs that greatly improved precision rifle shooting allowing smaller groups at further distances for most of us.

I think, when in posts, (I am guilty too) is is very hard to get our message across. However, it doesn't help when one Titles the post "RRS Tripod Competition?" or "going to give RRS a run for their money". No way can everyone afford the RRS set up .. but it also does not cost 2K.. Putting the comments together it does look as though there was an agenda. I am not saying you have one, just that it can look that way.

If we said "new assume tripod" it looks to be a great price or "New Affordable tripod" and it works well for my needs.. I don't think anyone would have jumped in..

 

[DetroitRearView]

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1...j30i10k1.125.Km4IfiYkf8M#imgrc=G_3S5STHerWWaM:

 

[delfuego]

LRSHOOTER0311, I would advise you to change the title of your thread or this will quickly escalate into a SH shitstorm on your head, and ultimately onto this company. Friendly advice...

I would bet my next paycheck that this comes straight from the same factory as the Nightforce tripod.

 

[LRSHOOTER0311]

I fully get that there are a ton of tripod choices, hell RRS jumped into the camera market that Getzo had for years with lighter cheaper carbon legs offering a better way to secure video bowls etc to the apex while American made. Luckily for us, they also innovated designs that greatly improved precision rifle shooting allowing smaller groups at further distances for most of us.

I think, when in posts, (I am guilty too) is is very hard to get our message across. However, it doesn't help when one Titles the post "RRS Tripod Competition?" or "going to give RRS a run for their money". No way can everyone afford the RRS set up .. but it also does not cost 2K.. Putting the comments together it does look as though there was an agenda. I am not saying you have one, just that it can look that way.

If we said "new assume tripod" it looks to be a great price or "New Affordable tripod" and it works well for my needs.. I don't think anyone would have jumped in..

Diver, I hear what your saying. Very valid points. No agenda involved except keeping the marketing and innovation vs. pricing, honest. I don’t want people to be blinded by the well it’s either product A or nothing. As for the “quoted” quotes, they were from product B’s representative, not my own words. It was more of an awareness title that it was another “manufacturers” claim.

 

[LRSHOOTER0311]

Delfuego, the title is changed out of respect for the company. I, however, am not worried about a "shitstorm" on my head for calling things as I see them. RRS is good/right stuff now, just like Getzo was yesterday... just saying. If you were also worried about the company's rep as well, why do the same to Nightforce?

 

[delfuego]

If you really are not affiliated, then you would not want them to come here after the predictable internet shitstorm and people badmouthing their product. As to the images, that is show the likely origin of the product. Please don't try to turn this around on me. I was trying to help you not get eaten by the wolves.

 

[LRSHOOTER0311]

LOL, I don't need your help to avoid the "wolves" on this forum and if you couldn't tell definitely not affiliated with anyone or product. I'm not a kool-aid drinker like most and enjoy practicality, not names. I'm not a man afraid of controversy or standing for what I believe in if you couldn't tell by my avatar picture. I could care less what some guys with some toys, shooting at steel and paper that don't shoot back think about my title or opinion, nor definitions of "shit storms" been there, seen em. I didn't try to turn things on you, you brought another comparison in like I did. Just imagine if everyone was afraid to say what they wanted because of an "internet shit storm", we wouldn't have presidents or Elon Musk.

 

[delfuego]

Ok sport. Pick a fight with someone else. As you can see by my avatar, I don't fucking care.

 

[LRSHOOTER0311]

delfuego, I'm not picking a fight with you on the internet, I'm not a keyboard warrior... I'm just checking to see if you still have a set of brass casings with your Esocbart avatar and think for yourself. And "sport"... what are you 60? I'm not your grandson.

 

[LRSHOOTER0311]

I wasn't going to say anything about this until I started watching the videos on the re-seller/re-brander site. I believe I heard him say "we designed" a few times throughout the video.

I will say, I have not bought one of these tripods, I have not had my hands on one, and I will not crap on any other manufacturers product, so I can't tell you how it feels or looks, and maybe I am wrong.

What I will say, for someone to bring in a "RRS competitor" product, they should; design, manufacture, market, all in the U.S. while based off of original ideas, while giving away a big percentage of their profit in awards/prizes at civilian and military competitions in order to keep growing the sport.

Check out where my frustration comes from:
I think these links are the original tripods that came out a few years back.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/XIL...-Monopod-Panoramic-Ball-Head/32788632016.html

https://www.dhgate.com/product/letu-photo-camouflage-foldable-portable-extendable/406984146.html

There are many counterfeit, patent-infringement, design, etc. manufacturers located in many different countries outside of the U.S. We can't really do anything about it, aside from making our products badass. I can also tell you with RRS, you can call us up and talk to someone who actually shoots, has military ties, and cares about the product and product users (me).

Sorry for the rant, I am pretty passionate about this stuff. @LRSHOOTER0311 I am also not coming at you, please don't take it that way.
Michael H

Michael,

Thought you might want to see their new pro model, they just posted it up. You opened my eyes to look around for copies and I MIGHT be interested in discussing a SOAR setup with you if we can get the price to an agreeable point.

https://www.nightgoggles.com/shop/n...ing_wp_cron=1518716662.1762380599975585937500

 

[LRSHOOTER0311]

MLPKHL, Here is their site's description, can you nit-pick through and shoot me a PM on what's pro/con?

The All-New Night Stalker PRO Carbon Fiber Shooting Tripod is everything we love about the original Night Stalker, on steroids (2x Stronger). With double the weight capacity and a beefier construction, the PRO was designed for the ultimate, most solid platform the industry has ever seen in such a lightweight, compact package. The removable camouflage shoulder pad makes carrying the PRO a breeze with rifle attached! Standing, sitting, kneeling or even prone. All the versatility and ultimate stability you’d expect from a PRO. **** NIGHT STALKER PRO TRIPOD & BALL-HEAD only. RIFLE REST sold separately****

Features:
Night Stalker PRO Tripod:
Made of high quality carbon fiber, durable and sturdy.
Approx 27″ when folded with Ball-Head, 23″ without Ball-Head
3 sections for height adjustment, the max height up to 66″
Lowest shooting height 11″
Quick lock system to securely lock the legs.
Camouflage foam-padded legs for comfortable gripping. (the foam-pad can be removed)
Hook to hang weight like backpack and digital game call, etc.
The maximum diameter of the tripod is 40mm, giving it exceptional strength for heavy duty work.
Non-slip rubber feet, snow/mud baskets and steel spike feet to prevent from slipping in different environments.

Night Stalker PRO-Ball Head:
All-around 44mm rotational ball plate, allows shooting from all angles.
Level adjustment knob with tension screw and 360°dial, convenient for panoramic shooting.
Quick release plate with anti-sliding rubber to avoid equipment sliding down.
Lock design, you can remove the quick release plate easily.
Quick release plate with 1/4″ screw. (Arca-Swiss Style)
Three built-in bubble levels.

Specs:
Night Stalker Tripod:
Color: Black/Camouflage
Material: Carbon Fiber
Section-4
Max Diameter-40mm
Folded Height-23″ Folded Height with Ball-Head 27″
Max Height 66″
Minimum Height-11″
Quick release plate size-2.75″ x 1.73″
Max Load-66lbs
Total Unit Weight-7.3lbs
Package Size-30.5″x6.5″x6.5″
Package Weight-8.5lbs

Package list:
1 * Tripod with Ball-Head
1 *Camouflage Shoulder Pad
1 * Carrying bag
1 * Hexagon bolt
3 * Steel Spike Feet
3 *Snow/Mud Baskets
1 * User manual

 

[pkp851]

MLPKHL, Here is their site's description, can you nit-pick through and shoot me a PM on what's pro/con?

The All-New Night Stalker PRO Carbon Fiber Shooting Tripod is everything we love about the original Night Stalker, on steroids (2x Stronger). With double the weight capacity and a beefier construction, the PRO was designed for the ultimate, most solid platform the industry has ever seen in such a lightweight, compact package. The removable camouflage shoulder pad makes carrying the PRO a breeze with rifle attached! Standing, sitting, kneeling or even prone. All the versatility and ultimate stability you’d expect from a PRO. **** NIGHT STALKER PRO TRIPOD & BALL-HEAD only. RIFLE REST sold separately****

Features:
Night Stalker PRO Tripod:
Made of high quality carbon fiber, durable and sturdy.
Approx 27″ when folded with Ball-Head, 23″ without Ball-Head
3 sections for height adjustment, the max height up to 66″
Lowest shooting height 11″
Quick lock system to securely lock the legs.
Camouflage foam-padded legs for comfortable gripping. (the foam-pad can be removed)
Hook to hang weight like backpack and digital game call, etc.
The maximum diameter of the tripod is 40mm, giving it exceptional strength for heavy duty work.
Non-slip rubber feet, snow/mud baskets and steel spike feet to prevent from slipping in different environments.

Night Stalker PRO-Ball Head:
All-around 44mm rotational ball plate, allows shooting from all angles.
Level adjustment knob with tension screw and 360°dial, convenient for panoramic shooting.
Quick release plate with anti-sliding rubber to avoid equipment sliding down.
Lock design, you can remove the quick release plate easily.
Quick release plate with 1/4″ screw. (Arca-Swiss Style)
Three built-in bubble levels.

Specs:
Night Stalker Tripod:
Color: Black/Camouflage
Material: Carbon Fiber
Section-4
Max Diameter-40mm
Folded Height-23″ Folded Height with Ball-Head 27″
Max Height 66″
Minimum Height-11″
Quick release plate size-2.75″ x 1.73″
Max Load-66lbs
Total Unit Weight-7.3lbs
Package Size-30.5″x6.5″x6.5″
Package Weight-8.5lbs

Package list:
1 * Tripod with Ball-Head
1 *Camouflage Shoulder Pad
1 * Carrying bag
1 * Hexagon bolt
3 * Steel Spike Feet
3 *Snow/Mud Baskets
1 * User manual

Curious, did you end up getting this tripod? I have been looking very hard at them and am very new to this. I would like your opinion on it, if you did.

 

[LRSHOOTER0311]

Curious, did you end up getting this tripod? I have been looking very hard at them and am very new to this. I would like your opinion on it, if you did.

I didn't. But from what I've seen and heard they are decent options without breaking the bank.