PRS Tripod Recommendations

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tylerbeck

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Im looking for a new tripod for PRS. I dont shoot off of it much in comp, but do like one for rear support on some stages. Im currently funning a cheaper metal tripod but is just not tall enough for standing stages.
I want carbon fibber, has to be tall (I'm 6'2) and like the bowl levelling plate/head.
Don't really want to spend $1200US on a real rights stuff. Any other good options out there? and best place to get one. Thanks
 
Patriot Valley Arms Comp 40 tripod from Go Big Tactical is a light weight beefy tripod. My buddy has one that I've borrowed in I think 4 PRS matches last year. They are rock solid. I'm hoping to pick one up this year. Definitely worth a look!
 
RRS is the golden standard, but it is $$$. There was a PRS match not too long ago that had a lot of tripods go down - leg sections had to be removed and cleaned up to even be functional. Lots of Leofotos went down. Not a single RRS though. They are without a doubt the best quality, hence the $$$.

That said, you don't need an RRS for most situations. While maybe not as quality and sometimes functional, cheaper tripods will handle most situations. The higher the load rating, the more stability it will have, which you want. Personally, I would look for tripods rated at a minimum for 60 lbs, but preferably more then that. Light, strong, cheap - pick any two. Up to you to decide if the good standard RRS is worth it, or if you can get by with a cheaper lesser quality tripod.

For performance at a bit less of $$$ of RRS, this tripod would be worth looking at: https://tacticalsupports.com/
 
Just as importantly, you want a ballhead or leveling base rated for as high of weight rating as possible for stability. Leveling heads or generally more stable then ballheads (RRS Anvil being a good leveling head developed for precision rifle shooting), but come with limitations in degrees of movement.
 
kthomas said:
RRS is the golden standard, but it is $$$. There was a PRS match not too long ago that had a lot of tripods go down - leg sections had to be removed and cleaned up to even be functional. Lots of Leofotos went down. Not a single RRS though. They are without a doubt the best quality, hence the $$$.

That said, you don't need an RRS for most situations. While maybe not as quality and sometimes functional, cheaper tripods will handle most situations. The higher the load rating, the more stability it will have, which you want. Personally, I would look for tripods rated at a minimum for 60 lbs, but preferably more then that. Light, strong, cheap - pick any two. Up to you to decide if the good standard RRS is worth it, or if you can get by with a cheaper lesser quality tripod.

For performance at a bit less of $$$ of RRS, this tripod would be worth looking at: https://tacticalsupports.com/
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I was there and I got bit by my Leofoto. If you're only using it for rear support and weight isn't a big deal (read PRS/NRL match use), it really doesn't matter what you have. Get a Slik DX700 for $100. If you want a tripod that will always perform as both rear and front support in any condition and is lightweight, the answer is RRS. Anything in the middle is kind of a waste of time and money, I should know, I've owned most of them.
 
That seems to be the general trend. People wanting to get by with something cheaper but end up getting an RRS anyways after trying 1-3 other cheaper tripods and realizing they need/want something better.

Sometimes it costs a lot more money when you go cheaper.
 
kthomas said:
That seems to be the general trend. People wanting to get by with something cheaper but end up getting an RRS anyways after trying 1-3 other cheaper tripods and realizing they need/want something better.

Sometimes it costs a lot more money when you go cheaper.
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I've easily spent more than it would've cost me to get an RRS right off the bat...
 
rugbydave said:
I've easily spent more than it would've cost me to get an RRS right off the bat...
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Agree 100%. There is a saying...I am not wealthy enough to buy cheap gear, ironic but true. I had 3 tripods before I ended up with a RRS tripod. It would have cost me less if I had went with the RRS Tripod in the first place. Expensive and had to work some overtime but should have went that route. Same thing with a case trimmer. Had 2 trimmers before I ended up with a Giraud Power Trimmer. Again would have cost me less to get the Giraud in the first place. I thought I would have learned my lesson but that's the price of being a stubborn ass newfie.
 
Lead hammer said:
Are any of the PIG tripods any good? They are only rated for 26lbs only though.
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The PIG 0311 (I think, the non-carbon one) is basically just a Slik D700X cerakoted green and modified to take spikes. It's a good budget tripod but unless the spikes are critical to you, just get the Slik for $100.
 
rugbydave said:
The PIG 0311 (I think, the non-carbon one) is basically just a Slik D700X cerakoted green and modified to take spikes. It's a good budget tripod but unless the spikes are critical to you, just get the Slik for $100.
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Thanks,
How about the Nightgoggles tripod? Night Stalker Shooting Tripod and Ball head. 31lb load
Edit, I see they make a pro carbon fiber version, 66lb load.
 
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kthomas said:
RRS is the golden standard, but it is $$$. There was a PRS match not too long ago that had a lot of tripods go down - leg sections had to be removed and cleaned up to even be functional. Lots of Leofotos went down. Not a single RRS though. They are without a doubt the best quality, hence the $$$.

That said, you don't need an RRS for most situations. While maybe not as quality and sometimes functional, cheaper tripods will handle most situations. The higher the load rating, the more stability it will have, which you want. Personally, I would look for tripods rated at a minimum for 60 lbs, but preferably more then that. Light, strong, cheap - pick any two. Up to you to decide if the good standard RRS is worth it, or if you can get by with a cheaper lesser quality tripod.

For performance at a bit less of $$$ of RRS, this tripod would be worth looking at: https://tacticalsupports.com/
Click to expand...

rugbydave said:
I was there and I got bit by my Leofoto. If you're only using it for rear support and weight isn't a big deal (read PRS/NRL match use), it really doesn't matter what you have. Get a Slik DX700 for $100. If you want a tripod that will always perform as both rear and front support in any condition and is lightweight, the answer is RRS. Anything in the middle is kind of a waste of time and money, I should know, I've owned most of them.
Click to expand...

What kind of conditions did you guys run into that knocked out so many tripods?
 
LeadMonkey said:
Which one of these Really Right Stuff tripods is most popular/effective? What about the ball head vs levelling base?
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TFCT-34/33 with the Anvil head. 34 has 4 leg sections so collapses a bit smaller and 33 has 3 leg sections so is maybe a hair more stable. The Anvil head is without equal for shooting off (although my shooting partner who likes to "track" movers instead of "trapping" them prefers a levelling base.
 
Johnny Boom said:
What kind of conditions did you guys run into that knocked out so many tripods?
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Driving rain and gritty dirt and all gear (including tripods) had to be fully deployed on the clock. There were multiple stages where the only way to shoot them well was to be proficient at deploying your tripod (and adjusting it) on the clock. I was well practiced from field matches but one of the stoppers in my Leofoto broke and the leg came fully out and another leg just got super sticky. Tons of guys were disassembling and cleaning tripods between stages just not those who had RRS tripods, haha. I didn't think it was that funny then though cause I missed out on a few easy points and dropped just outta the top 20...
 
Johnny Boom said:
What kind of conditions did you guys run into that knocked out so many tripods?
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As Dave mentioned, dirt and rain don't play well with tripods. Not uncommon to encounter in PRS, and more then a few instances of Leofotos, Fiesols, and other cheaper tripods going down during matches when the conditions turn for worst.

Some matches wreck all h*ll on equipment - it's why a lot of PRS gear may seem overbuilt and overpriced to those not used to shooting in really sh*tty conditions for extended times and those coming from different disciplines. We want stuff that will work through any environment, because when things fail it usually happens fast and it can be hard to recover from.

Unfortunately this means more $$$. That said, tripods aren't necessary for most PRS matches. You can shoot the majority of matches without one and not miss having one. If you really want a tripod and want to do it right (RRS), you can always take the time to save up money and "buy once, cry once".
 
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