Anyone used a tripod for Precision Rifle? I've read about the RRS but can't drop that kinda money on a tripod right now. Any thoughts on the Predator Tactics Deadeye Tripod System? How would it compare to the Nightstalker or the Shadowtech Pig 0311? These are the three that I've narrowed my search down to at this point. Primarily will be used for hunting, however I'd like to be able to use at range, but not as important as being useful in the field. I'll hang up and listen...
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Tripod help
- Thread starter smokey24_24
- Start date
Buy once, cry once,
if you start dancing around with inferior tripods you’ll see it, cause and effect.
the better the tripod the better the results, weight ratings matter, there is a reason the more expensive tripods have a weight rating over 50LBS, it’s not just the rifle weight you are working with.
tons use tripods but the results can be all over the board, if your tripod is not shooting sub MOA at 100, it’s just not reaching its potential and when you go against the ones that are the decisions made become clear.
if you start dancing around with inferior tripods you’ll see it, cause and effect.
the better the tripod the better the results, weight ratings matter, there is a reason the more expensive tripods have a weight rating over 50LBS, it’s not just the rifle weight you are working with.
tons use tripods but the results can be all over the board, if your tripod is not shooting sub MOA at 100, it’s just not reaching its potential and when you go against the ones that are the decisions made become clear.
I get that and generally subscribe to the same theory, however, it's just not feasible for me to drop $1500 on a RRS system right now. The primary purpose is for Hog/Coyote hunting, and possibly take deer hunting if need be. If I'm looking for precision, I'm guessing a good bipod and rear bag will beat even the RRS tripod...???
Sure, and I always shoot best when it's 75 and sunny... But we don't always get to pick the conditions we shoot in.
Different horses for courses.
I went cheap on my first tripod setup... sat for over a year once I figured it was only good for watching how much my reticle danced on a 450 yard plate. Its now a decent spotting scope mount, at best. Its the Nightstalker one.
Save! What ever you get, make sure it’s an ARCA mount. Forget the vice grip clamp.
Save! What ever you get, make sure it’s an ARCA mount. Forget the vice grip clamp.
What caliber gun were you shooting off of it? I'm going to be using 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 blackout, or .223
Spend more $ on the head / leveling base.
The Innorel RT-90C is great for its price - $300. Throw on an Anvil-30 or a TA-2U-LB for another $300-$400 gets you setup for $700.
Then later on when you want to invest in RRS legs, you can, and you still have the RRS head. From a stability point of view, the Innorel RT-90C is sturdy and tank built. It weighs 2lbs more than a RRS setup.
The Innorel RT-90C is great for its price - $300. Throw on an Anvil-30 or a TA-2U-LB for another $300-$400 gets you setup for $700.
Then later on when you want to invest in RRS legs, you can, and you still have the RRS head. From a stability point of view, the Innorel RT-90C is sturdy and tank built. It weighs 2lbs more than a RRS setup.
Quick google and this came up
REKON Outdoor Gear™ CT-1 Carbon Fiber Tripod with BH-1 Ball Head and RTA2 Arca-Swiss Adaptor Mount R003
REKON tripods combine precision engineering, innovative design, and value in support of hunters, precision shooters, military & law enforcement, and photographers. The REKON Carbon Fiber CT-1 Tripod features several key improvements over "adapted for use photography tripods". The NEW REKON CT-1...
allpredatorcalls.com
Is this what you run? Or something different? Carbon fiber with ball head with mount for that price seems like really good deal. How sturdy is it?
A 16lbs 6mm creed. I struggled to hit s 450 yard 10” plate. When I did hit it, I couldn’t see it. If I missed, too much movement to spot.
I've been happy with it for the price. Just a hobbyist shooter. Haven't played with the RRS.Quick google and this came up
REKON Outdoor Gear™ CT-1 Carbon Fiber Tripod with BH-1 Ball Head and RTA2 Arca-Swiss Adaptor Mount R003
REKON tripods combine precision engineering, innovative design, and value in support of hunters, precision shooters, military & law enforcement, and photographers. The REKON Carbon Fiber CT-1 Tripod features several key improvements over "adapted for use photography tripods". The NEW REKON CT-1...
Is this what you run? Or something different? Carbon fiber with ball head with mount for that price seems like really good deal. How sturdy is it?
I may give it a shot. It's difficult to spend the money on a RRS when I'm a hobbyist and hunter. For me it doesnt have to be sub MOA at X-distance. It's a matter of if it can hold up in the field and allow me to get accurate shots on game.
I understand that possibility. It's a matter of needing something for some pig and coyote hunting right now. I just bought a Tikka Tac a1 so no way I could drop that kind of money again on a tripod right now. From a lot of research I've done it seems weight capacity is one of the primary concerns. The Rekon Carbon Fiber has a rating of 35.2 pounds, which seems highest in the price range I'm looking at.
I don't shoot matches yet so I wouldn't be using a tripod for that. If I'm shooting at the range I'll most likely be using an Atlas bipod and rear bag. Do you have any experience with the Rekon? Would you consider it "cheap" like some of the others or could it possibly be a mid range with the specs that it has?
Thanks for all of the input
I agree 100% STAY AWAY from a center column, especially for huting. You most likely will not be able to get low enough if you are sitting or neeling. To me a RRS tripod has more advantage to me hunting than PRS or range shooting. They are light, stable and can get down low. I also have my spotter and binos set up to run off of mine. If you spend a few hundered now on a low end tripod that money is wasted. I would get a cheap a cheap Primos Trigger stick for hunting to get by while I saved for the RRS. I have the RRS with Anvil ballhead and have ZERO regrets.
I can't tell a difference between my Feisol 3372 with RRS leveling base and my buddy's RRS tripod with RRS leveling base.
I'd like to stay around $300 max right now....could flex some however. I just dropped $1500 on a rifle and I need to stock up on some ammo as well.
I'd buy a Innorel RT90C, and get a cheapo $15 arca clamp on Amazon. Then when I get $300-400 more dollars I'd get a RRS Anvil 30 or a RRS Leveling Base.
Then when you get $750 more dollars, you can sell the Innorel for $250, and buy RRS legs if you want to drop 2lbs in weight. Look at the Innorel RT90C thread on the forum.
For your budget I think littlepod nailed it. Maybe just put a bag on top. Depending on your landscape another option that might work is a quality U.S. made bipod. Possibly an Atlas Scal with homemade leg extensions if needed.
I just recently got a shadow tech tripod and it works very well for my application. I also bought a cheap ball head on Amazon (desmond devil $90) and although it works well and is steady enough to make good shots I do understand why some will say to invest on a good ball head. Overall am very happy with my set up and it does what it needs to.
damn that tripod holds up to 88 pounds...any particular arca clamp or doest that even matter?
It comes with a 3/8" base any general arca clamp would work. You need to buy an arca rail for your tac a1 as well.
Amazon.com : CAVIX CL-50C 50mm Quick Release Clamp with 3/8"-1/4" Screw Adapter for Tripod Head Compatible with Arca Style Plate : Camera & Photo
Amazon.com : CAVIX CL-50C 50mm Quick Release Clamp with 3/8"-1/4" Screw Adapter for Tripod Head Compatible with Arca Style Plate : Camera & Photo
amzn.to
I actually like the weight of the Innorel better for shooting off than the RRS. It's almost as stable as the RRS and extra weight is nice for recoil.
The trade off, yes there is no free lunch, is the RRS legs lock faster requiring less turns to lock and unlock. The RRS leg locks are more durable and resist dirt getting in better as well. Don't forget the leveling head on the Innorel is functional, but it's far from smooth and has more play than the RRS heads. The light weight RRS stuff is fantastic if you need to carry it long distances, but for shooting off I still wish RRS would quit doing light weight and do something with some more weight to it.
The extended bipod legs are not much different than shooting sticks. Quick n convenient and easier to pan with, but no where near as stable as a good tripod and head. Depending on how you setup to hunt that loss in stability my be a worth while trade off for being able to pick up your gun to turn 360 in place vs tripping over tripod legs walking around a tripod. The Harris bipod extensions go to 27" and are reasonable priced.
The trade off, yes there is no free lunch, is the RRS legs lock faster requiring less turns to lock and unlock. The RRS leg locks are more durable and resist dirt getting in better as well. Don't forget the leveling head on the Innorel is functional, but it's far from smooth and has more play than the RRS heads. The light weight RRS stuff is fantastic if you need to carry it long distances, but for shooting off I still wish RRS would quit doing light weight and do something with some more weight to it.
The extended bipod legs are not much different than shooting sticks. Quick n convenient and easier to pan with, but no where near as stable as a good tripod and head. Depending on how you setup to hunt that loss in stability my be a worth while trade off for being able to pick up your gun to turn 360 in place vs tripping over tripod legs walking around a tripod. The Harris bipod extensions go to 27" and are reasonable priced.
I think I prefer extra weight as well for recoil. Have any of you ran across this ball head from Vault Outdoors? Innorel doesn't look like it comes with ball head...
I agree, if you’re budget is $300, the Innorel RT90c on Amazon is probably the best bet.
Amazon Innorel RT90c $298
Don’t forget the QD clamp littlepod recommended above.
Amazon Innorel RT90c $298
Don’t forget the QD clamp littlepod recommended above.
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I'm definitely leaning that way now. Will probably add ball head down the road. But it seems like great option to meet my needs currently
No, the Innorel does not come with a ball head. It comes with a leveling base/head. Unless you're shooting up or down hill the leveling base might have enough elevation for you. Worth trying first since it's free.
No experience with the ball head in the video.
Innorel RT90c looks like it comes with leveling base, even better for this scenario.
Sorry I edited my post.
You may not even need a ball head the Innorel in my link comes with a leveling base, which in your case is probably better.
Yeah, I've played with one. Even considered buying one, but then I thought why... the Innorel still weighs more and the midwest adapter for the anvil adds even more weight.
For something quicker to deploy on the clock and less parts to break I think I might end up selling my series 3 to get the tvc-22 RRS. Seems to check a lot of prs boxes (minus weight), but I wanna shoot off one before I jump. Maybe I can find a way to add weight to the legs... then I wouldn't need the Innorel either
Check out CruxOrd tripods if you are looking at heavier. A lot of them being used in the shooting community.
Another nice tripod option. The big one has even bigger legs and more weight than the Innorel. Really nice for follow up shots.
Personally, my hang up is they are too spendy for an imported tripod... for the much $$$, to me, it could/should all be USA made with better leg locks.
I went with the pig0311 with a sunwayfoto ball head. It actually has worked just fine, but left me wanting more stability and a tighter locking ballhead. I also wanted something a bit slicker to deploy and adjust as well. I’ve really enjoyed using a tripod and decided to go the RRS route. I’m definitely one of the guys that went budget initially and then shortly after went with what I really wanted.
Where I’m able to shoot outside of the regular range is really uneven. If I set up targets usually I’m moving around to get a decent line of sight and I’ll usually end up on uneven ground. Shooting off the tripod is what I like to do in those situations. Kicking one leg out further and putting more weight on one side. The versatility I can try to get out of the tripod is nice and I feel like going with the RRS gives me that option, especially in the strength department. Also with my current ballhead it will still move, with it cranked all the way down I can get it to move fairly easy. This is all for fun though, strictly a hobbyist.
I am as well, very new to precision rifles but further down the rabbit hole I go
This was my exact experience. Tried out the PIG0311 with Sunwayfoto ballhead, and while workable, wasnt really happy with the compromises. Picked up RRS with Anvil-30, and it’s what I should have bought in the first place. Kick myself every time I forget to follow my own advice to “buy nice or buy twice”.
So do you guys feel like the ball head makes a bigger difference or the tripod itself? When looking at Tripods I tend to focus on Carbon Fiber and Weight capacity...is there something else that sets one tripod apart from another? Or does a RRS tripod have something that another one doesn't outside of these two characteristics?
PersonallyI feel like the ball head is most important. When looking at tripods it seems like the biggest concern is weight and that’s why most people go for the carbon fiber, if you’re not gonna haul that thing around from stage to stage or a hunt I dont see the point of spending extra on carbon fiber. Also the tripods weight rating is important obviously, I feel like its best to invest on a quality ball head.
The ball head matters and more importantly the stem holding the plate above the ball
The stem is where the movement is, this is the area of influence with a ball head.
Legs are material but also the angle, some angles for the legs are better than others, but the legs help with the center of gravity, which is why Leveling bases work better because they lower it and reduce the movement, where ball heads raise it and increase it. Why Center columns are frowned on, they add another layer of movement and raise the CG.
The stem is where the movement is, this is the area of influence with a ball head.
Legs are material but also the angle, some angles for the legs are better than others, but the legs help with the center of gravity, which is why Leveling bases work better because they lower it and reduce the movement, where ball heads raise it and increase it. Why Center columns are frowned on, they add another layer of movement and raise the CG.
I'll go carbon fiber as I will hunt with it primarily. May just direct mount to arca rail for now and save up again for quality ball head....not sure yet. Extremely new to using tripods so at this point I'm getting analysis paralysis ha
The RRS has more reliable and faster locking leg locks. It's pretty fun watching my friend deploy his, he's pretty fast.
I think you’re safe getting the Innorel. As we’ve said we suspect you’ll find the leveling head with the Inorrel will be sufficient for your stated needs. As Lowlight said, ball heads and even the Anvil from RRS raise the center of gravity which lends to making everything more unstable. The main reason for wanting a ball head or anvil is for more articulation. Articulation needed for shooting at steep angles. Doesn’t sound like that’s what you need.
I think you should make the jump and get shooting!
That would be cool but I'm not sure it's a necessity for my hunting purposes....especially for price difference.
