I’m currently thinking of upgrading to a new tripod sometime over the summer. I’m using a BogPod death grip aluminum tripod currently. I shoot an Sig Cross rifle which has an M Lok rail. I’ve been looking at new tripods but some of the stuff loses me when you get to the options. What do you all recommend? I’m thinking something with a Swiss arca rail perhaps?
Help with new tripod setup
- Thread starter R. Toker
- Start date
JTPinTX
Custom Call Maker
Lots of good tripods and heads out there. But that depends pretty heavy on what your budget is and what you really expect out of one. With so many options most guys have their favorites. Personally I like the Two Vets stuff, that is what I use. I also like more of a lightweight tripod because I carry a lot and stalk pigs across wide fields. The Two Vets No Name for my style is a good combination of light weight and yet being pretty solid as well.
And for sure go ARCA plate. Once you get used to a plate you will never go back to any kind of clamp system. ARCA is way lighter and way more solid.
And for sure go ARCA plate. Once you get used to a plate you will never go back to any kind of clamp system. ARCA is way lighter and way more solid.
In my limited experience the arca is the way to go. Way toooooo many tripod options out there. I run a leofoto with their 35mm ball head for a Ruger American compact topped with a thermion xg50 with no issues. Total weight is 8#. The ball head is a must in my terrain.
JTPINTX has posted on here his way of using tripods which helped me a lot. Alf also posted some stuff on here which lead me to leofoto.
Mike
JTPINTX has posted on here his way of using tripods which helped me a lot. Alf also posted some stuff on here which lead me to leofoto.
Mike
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limbhanger10
Active member
I have 2 Feisol with RSS leveling head set-ups. And have been outstanding...IMO a leveling head is the way to go...plenty of angle adjustability and smooth motion and position locking.
Feisol Cretac 3372 topped with RSS TA-2U-SC is my suggestion from my experience...
Feisol Cretac 3372 topped with RSS TA-2U-SC is my suggestion from my experience...
limbhanger10
Active member
..exactly !!! I have one on another tripod I use for woodchuck hunting some of the hillier farms and it works great.
The one thing I'll add is that I prefer to stand almost straight up with minimal lean which also affects close negative angled shots.... not in a good way(from experience). All I would have to do is lower overall height to get better angles but it works good for out terrain north of ya ...ya we have some steep ravines and such...but nothing like them hills you have
The one thing I'll add is that I prefer to stand almost straight up with minimal lean which also affects close negative angled shots.... not in a good way(from experience). All I would have to do is lower overall height to get better angles but it works good for out terrain north of ya ...ya we have some steep ravines and such...but nothing like them hills you have
spotstalkshoot
Well-known member
You can put a ballhead/acra setup on your dg(remove the top).
So several things to add here but first and foremost you need to consider how you intend to hunt, standing or setting???
I stand while night hunting like most people do and I MUCH prefer a tripod with 2 leg sections. They are way faster to setup and less joints to get loose or mud to infiltrate. They are also more robust and stable because the leg sections are much larger in diameter. I also prefer the bottom section to slide OVER the top section, not many brands do this. This helps keeping mud and junk out of the joints or collecting on the other leg sections.
I run a 2vets QDT, its solid, my only gripe is the legs are traditional and the bottom section collapses inside the top section and I am continually retightening the bolts because I literally use it on hundreds of stands throughout the winter.
I would recommend a RRS, Fatboy (inverted legs), 2vets QDT, and the Leophoto SO362 Inverted Legs.
If you plan on setting down while hunting or want something that collapses down more you will want a multiple section tripod. Again the brands I would trust are in order depending on your budget. RRS, Fatboy, 2vets, Leophoto and also the Innorel RT90 on a budjet.
I've used/owned various heads and NOTHING is as solid as a leveling bowl, period. Unless you need an excessive amount of travel forget ball heads. I love RRS products but Leophoto makes good stuff on a budget, in particular the YB75LC.
As for the attachment to the rifle the Swiss Arca is the way to go IMO. A word of caution here however, I see guys cheap out and get the little plates that only have two Mloc screws going into the firearm. MAKE SURE you get an Mloc plate that attaches with at least 4 screws to the rifle and HAS STOPS ON BOTH ENDS.
Once you get your tripod, I recommend setting it up where your rifle is about level with the bottom of your sternum. Setting it up low like this allows you to shoulder your rifle on varying terrain. If the rifle lands perfectly in your shoulder on level ground while you are standing strait its TOO HIGH, trust me on this.
Once you find your sweet spot, mark each leg so you can easily set up and return to that exact height. I leave my tripod extended and ready to go. Breaking your tripod down between sets is a waste IMO and its noisy, adds wear and tear, and takes time in the dark. I pull up to a stand, park, pull out tripod and open the legs, attach the rifle and balance the whole rig on my shoulder and I'm gone! I can literally be gone from the truck in less than one minute and be completely silent. Breakdown to go to the next stand is just as fast.
Thats my experience and hopefully helps you to get started right the first time. Expect to end up around $400 and up, closer to 1k or more if you want something to last the next 25 years.
I stand while night hunting like most people do and I MUCH prefer a tripod with 2 leg sections. They are way faster to setup and less joints to get loose or mud to infiltrate. They are also more robust and stable because the leg sections are much larger in diameter. I also prefer the bottom section to slide OVER the top section, not many brands do this. This helps keeping mud and junk out of the joints or collecting on the other leg sections.
I run a 2vets QDT, its solid, my only gripe is the legs are traditional and the bottom section collapses inside the top section and I am continually retightening the bolts because I literally use it on hundreds of stands throughout the winter.
I would recommend a RRS, Fatboy (inverted legs), 2vets QDT, and the Leophoto SO362 Inverted Legs.
If you plan on setting down while hunting or want something that collapses down more you will want a multiple section tripod. Again the brands I would trust are in order depending on your budget. RRS, Fatboy, 2vets, Leophoto and also the Innorel RT90 on a budjet.
I've used/owned various heads and NOTHING is as solid as a leveling bowl, period. Unless you need an excessive amount of travel forget ball heads. I love RRS products but Leophoto makes good stuff on a budget, in particular the YB75LC.
As for the attachment to the rifle the Swiss Arca is the way to go IMO. A word of caution here however, I see guys cheap out and get the little plates that only have two Mloc screws going into the firearm. MAKE SURE you get an Mloc plate that attaches with at least 4 screws to the rifle and HAS STOPS ON BOTH ENDS.
Once you get your tripod, I recommend setting it up where your rifle is about level with the bottom of your sternum. Setting it up low like this allows you to shoulder your rifle on varying terrain. If the rifle lands perfectly in your shoulder on level ground while you are standing strait its TOO HIGH, trust me on this.
Once you find your sweet spot, mark each leg so you can easily set up and return to that exact height. I leave my tripod extended and ready to go. Breaking your tripod down between sets is a waste IMO and its noisy, adds wear and tear, and takes time in the dark. I pull up to a stand, park, pull out tripod and open the legs, attach the rifle and balance the whole rig on my shoulder and I'm gone! I can literally be gone from the truck in less than one minute and be completely silent. Breakdown to go to the next stand is just as fast.
Thats my experience and hopefully helps you to get started right the first time. Expect to end up around $400 and up, closer to 1k or more if you want something to last the next 25 years.
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JTPinTX
Custom Call Maker
Great post by Kino and I agree with 98% of what he said. I do most of the things he is talking about, marking legs, not breaking down, the height he uses, etc. Run and gun on pigs sometimes you have to be fast and efficient to get on them. Great advice I think.
My only disagreement is I have tried a levelling bowl, it was either a leophoto or feisol, I don't remember which. But for me I was using it stalking pigs where we get lots of running shots, and it would tighten/loosen on me as I panned back and forth. Drove me crazy. I do agree if you are getting on target and locking down for a shot then nothing is more solid. But for me using a lighter weight tripod I'm not sure that I would even realize that added stability anyways. Honestly I rarely shoot past 250 and what I am using is plenty stable for that. So only a minor quibble point Kino, lol.
My only disagreement is I have tried a levelling bowl, it was either a leophoto or feisol, I don't remember which. But for me I was using it stalking pigs where we get lots of running shots, and it would tighten/loosen on me as I panned back and forth. Drove me crazy. I do agree if you are getting on target and locking down for a shot then nothing is more solid. But for me using a lighter weight tripod I'm not sure that I would even realize that added stability anyways. Honestly I rarely shoot past 250 and what I am using is plenty stable for that. So only a minor quibble point Kino, lol.
Thanks JTP, its hard to hit on every point! I do agree that if panning a lot that the leveling bowl could potentially tight up on its "own" if you pan a certain direction with it not loosened enough. I ran one so long now its muscle memory! If I didn't run a leveling bowl it would be a RRS Anvil 30 or something with that design with a lever. Fatboy has one similar but uses a knob to tighten down. They are very similar and IMO would be the next best option over a ball head.
Another thing I left out is camo. Is it necessary, absolutely not but what can tell you is the solid black legs stick out like a sore thumb. You don't realize it until you go to drag a coyote back and at distance you can plainly see your rifle. A rattle can of FDE and other lighter shades makes it disappear. I don't have issues with the coyotes that I know are coming, its the ones that just "appear" at 40 yards that I'm concerned about spooking and breaking up the outline really helps. Not only do you help hide the tripod but the legs also break up your outline because its typically between you and the coyote!
Another thing I left out is camo. Is it necessary, absolutely not but what can tell you is the solid black legs stick out like a sore thumb. You don't realize it until you go to drag a coyote back and at distance you can plainly see your rifle. A rattle can of FDE and other lighter shades makes it disappear. I don't have issues with the coyotes that I know are coming, its the ones that just "appear" at 40 yards that I'm concerned about spooking and breaking up the outline really helps. Not only do you help hide the tripod but the legs also break up your outline because its typically between you and the coyote!
alf
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: JTPinTXMy only disagreement is I have tried a leveling bowl. But for me I was using it stalking pigs where we get lots of running shots, and it would tighten/loosen on me as I panned back and forth. Drove me crazy. I do agree if you are getting on target and locking down for a shot then nothing is more solid. But for me using a lighter weight tripod I'm not sure that I would even realize that added stability anyways.
That's the difference between a leveling bowl and a leveling base.
With a bowl, it does tighten or loosen while panning. With practice, you get used to running the handle with your off hand, but it still can be a PITA.
With a leveling base, you can set the tension to let the gun balance on it's own, but you can still tilt and pan w/o touching the tension adjustment. You could spin multiple 360's till you screwed yourself into the ground, & not touch anything but the gun.
That's the difference between a leveling bowl and a leveling base.
With a bowl, it does tighten or loosen while panning. With practice, you get used to running the handle with your off hand, but it still can be a PITA.
With a leveling base, you can set the tension to let the gun balance on it's own, but you can still tilt and pan w/o touching the tension adjustment. You could spin multiple 360's till you screwed yourself into the ground, & not touch anything but the gun.
Pa. Mick
Well-known member
This is what I have in my notes to help answer your question :
Bog Pod Death Grip conversion to a Ballhead
The answer to your question about a quality tripod from what I’ve observed is $
Just like everything else, you get what you pay for !
Tripod/ RRS ( reallyrightstuff.com ) or https://thermalopticsplus.com/
TFCT-33Mk2
Series 3 Tripod + Anvil-30 Ballhead is AWESOME !
Bog Pod Death Grip conversion to a Ballhead
The answer to your question about a quality tripod from what I’ve observed is $
Just like everything else, you get what you pay for !
Tripod/ RRS ( reallyrightstuff.com ) or https://thermalopticsplus.com/
TFCT-33Mk2
Series 3 Tripod + Anvil-30 Ballhead is AWESOME !
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Shooter222
Custom Call Maker
The first picture Alf posted is exactly what I use.
Fairly light. Easy to connect in dark.
I have tried a few others- which I have sold. The leveling bowl just works.
KISS method works for me .
Fairly light. Easy to connect in dark.
I have tried a few others- which I have sold. The leveling bowl just works.
KISS method works for me .
NVO
New member
It all really depends on the budget. There is alot of value in the higher end carbon fiber setups in weight and stability, with downside being cost of course. I've used trigger sticks and bogs and all over the years, but nothing beats a quality freestanding tripod for night hunting.
We have been selling Feisol forever and they're good tripods, but recently we picked up 2Vet's and the QDT V2 is probably the most stable tripod I've ever shot off of. I personally use an RRS with an Anvil and the QDT is slightly more sturdy. I like the integrated spikes with the thread on rubber feet too. We're not a dealer for RRS, but we did get set up with them a couple years ago and decided against it. They don't really promote their dealers well and the margins are very low. They mainly want customers to buy direct which is both good and bad.
We also picked up a Fatboy elevate with the inverted legs (at retail, we chose not to be a dealer) to compare, and it's also a solid tripod but not as stable as the 2Vets and is more expensive. The carbon pattern on the 2Vets is similar to the RRS and the Fatboy is similar to the other cheaper foreign tripods.
I love the RRS Anvil for a head, but the 2 Vets ballhead is pretty solid and you can get an area 419 option which has indexing pins the prevent front to back movement. You do have to have an area 419 arca rail to use that function though. They can be removed for regular arca rails.
Anyway, here's a link to some of that stuff. We generally have most of it in stock. https://www.nightvisionoutfitters.com/search?type=product&q=2VETS
We have been selling Feisol forever and they're good tripods, but recently we picked up 2Vet's and the QDT V2 is probably the most stable tripod I've ever shot off of. I personally use an RRS with an Anvil and the QDT is slightly more sturdy. I like the integrated spikes with the thread on rubber feet too. We're not a dealer for RRS, but we did get set up with them a couple years ago and decided against it. They don't really promote their dealers well and the margins are very low. They mainly want customers to buy direct which is both good and bad.
We also picked up a Fatboy elevate with the inverted legs (at retail, we chose not to be a dealer) to compare, and it's also a solid tripod but not as stable as the 2Vets and is more expensive. The carbon pattern on the 2Vets is similar to the RRS and the Fatboy is similar to the other cheaper foreign tripods.
I love the RRS Anvil for a head, but the 2 Vets ballhead is pretty solid and you can get an area 419 option which has indexing pins the prevent front to back movement. You do have to have an area 419 arca rail to use that function though. They can be removed for regular arca rails.
Anyway, here's a link to some of that stuff. We generally have most of it in stock. https://www.nightvisionoutfitters.com/search?type=product&q=2VETS
Yeah I understand my bod pod is entry level thus the reason for this thread. So here we what I’m understanding so far. I need a quality tripod then a ball head that has an arca Swiss on it then a section of M Lok arca Swiss adapter on my rifle to connect to said ball head?
Lastly I see where some ball heads have just a screw handle and some have a locking lever on the arca Swiss mount. Any difference in these two? I don’t want my $1500 rifle and $4700 thermal and $1200 suppressor crashing to the ground as I’m carrying it to the stand.
Lastly I see where some ball heads have just a screw handle and some have a locking lever on the arca Swiss mount. Any difference in these two? I don’t want my $1500 rifle and $4700 thermal and $1200 suppressor crashing to the ground as I’m carrying it to the stand.
NVO
New member
Yessir that's basically the scope of it. Tripod legs, ballhead, arca or picatinny attachment on your rifle. A saddle works really well too if you're using a bolt gun. The reaper grip is my preference for saddles. With that you don't have to have anything permanently attached to the rifle. Only works well though with something with a fat stock. A skinny AR stock like an MLOK or keymod is much better with some type of arca plate.
Pa. Mick
Well-known member
You just commented on what I usually reply to when someone questions why I spent big bucks on my tripod setup !
My rig hit the ground twice before I went thermal due to a cheap tripod ! Fortunately my rifle & scope weren’t damaged ! I then spent I think around $400 on another which failed me too !
Spent some time talking to Mike, #1turkeyhntr as he has a lot of experience with many tripods. I now lock my rifle onto the RRS, carry it over my shoulder ready to shoot without worry !
Setting maybe thousands of dollars on a cheap tripod is NOT A GOOD DECISION !
I would also like to add after speaking with my State Farm agent I did place my equipment on a very inexpensive insurance policy !!!
Good luck with your decision !
My rig hit the ground twice before I went thermal due to a cheap tripod ! Fortunately my rifle & scope weren’t damaged ! I then spent I think around $400 on another which failed me too !
Spent some time talking to Mike, #1turkeyhntr as he has a lot of experience with many tripods. I now lock my rifle onto the RRS, carry it over my shoulder ready to shoot without worry !
Setting maybe thousands of dollars on a cheap tripod is NOT A GOOD DECISION !
I would also like to add after speaking with my State Farm agent I did place my equipment on a very inexpensive insurance policy !!!
Good luck with your decision !