Loose ballhead

[Darknight]

I know, I know. Things get loose as we get older
But my Night Stalker ballhead is loose in that it rocks back & forth just above the collar where it rotates.
I took it apart & tightened the 4 Phillips screws on the underside but it's still loose.
Is there a fix for this or just replace it? I left an email with N.G. but may need to call them. Just wanted to check here as well.

 

[wildcat18]

I have had problems with the Night Stalker heads getting loose as well. If the ball head has some tightness, it will loosen at the bottom as you try to rotate. I've tried some rubber between the bottom of the head and the baseplate of tripod and it helped a little. You have to keep the the ball loose in order to keep the base tight. I switched to a leveling head from predator hunter outdoors and like it much better.

 

[Darknight]

Is this what you're talking about?
NightSnipe Leveling Head - Predator Hunter Outdoors NightSnipe Leveling Head
I think that price is for just the head? I assume it mounts to the stud on the Nightstalker tripod?

 

[wildcat18]

Yes, that's the one. yes it mounts to the stud on the tripod. I find it is easier to loosen (or leave loose) than the ball heads.

 

[Darknight]

Thx guys, for anyone with this ballhead that might have issues in the future I thought I'd share the following.



Step 1- unthread and remove the entire ballhead from the trip



Step 2- take the 4 small screws out seen here at the underside of the ball head. You will turn the bottom piece to find them located at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions.

Step 3 separate the 2 halves and on the opposite side are 4 larger screws that are likely loose that is causing the ballhead to be wobbly. Tighten those down, put it back together and go hunting!

 

[wildcat18]

Thanks Dark, I'll have to give that a try.