RRS leveling head handle choice

[northshorelumber]

The RRS TA-3 leveling head comes with the choice of three different handles. You get to choose one out of the three choices of short handle 2.5", long handle with hook 4.5" , or a knob. These are the handles you twist to lock/unlock the base. I will be using this with a tripod setup for shooting a 15# to 20# rifle standing and sitting positions. Anyone out there with experience with any of theses choices? What is best and why? Thanks

 

[Danattherock]

I would let your hand size dictate perhaps. Most the ones I've seen at matches were long ones with hook, but have not seen anyone hang a pack as counter balance yet. Most common use I've seen is using tripod legs for second point of contact, support, as opposed to rifle mounted in head itself. But that could just be reflective of course of fire in my area, SE.

 

[L.R.Novice]

I purchased the knob version thinking I could torque it down easier. Turns out you don’t need much torque on the TA-3 and the knob is tough to turn like knob (from bottom up) because their isn’t much clearance that high up in the tripod. I think I would prefer one of the handles so I could reach it and turn it easier.

 

[MSTN]

The 4.5" handle has worked out quite well for me.

 

[Diver160651]

The 4.5 is the one to get.

The smaller ones cause your hands to be slowed by bumping into the legs.

The 4.5 is hand size. In the dirt, it can still go prone by moving a tiny bit of dirt and you can still spin off the hook if you want to go lower on harder surfaces.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...-tvc-33-feisol-3372-anvil-30-comment.6570549/

Hope this helps

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

So from my opinion, if you are going to be working often in the prone position, on natural and man made shooting surfaces i would get the knob version which is the least comfortable but will never have any issue hitting the ground.

If you rarely go prone with the tripod, and you have time to dick around I would go with the 2.5" handle as it will kiss the ground but if your on natural terrain you can usually shift the tripod a little to get you more clearance or dig a small little hole with your palm.

If you basically never go prone and are willing to do slightly higher prone when you do get into position, but you mainly stay seated or higher the 4.5" w/ hook is the money shot. Its big enough for gloved hands and has a hook on the bottom. If you are working in some really high winds and you don't want your equipment to topple over, it'll come in use.