Tripod shopping

[MartyK2500]

Lately been getting some LR shooting done at my buddies new place (400 acres of fun!)
We have a few spots where it’s overgrown and a tripod would give us elevation to get the rifle off the ground and try a few spots.

My 3 rifles are ARCA railed, 2x using the Area 419 rail and 1x is built in (MDT ACC).
Heaviest of the 3 is 19lbs and is the heaviest recoiling (.308).

There is this shop I spend a few bucks in from time to time, called coretac solutions.
He has something a bit more budget minded than others I’ve seen, but wondering if they’re any good?

PIGlite-CF4 Carbon Fiber Tripod
and
Sunwayfoto GNN XB-52DL Ball Head

Input appreciated before I get spending,
Thanks!

 

[TRDJer]

Amazon has some good options believe it or not. Innorel has a good range of weight capacities up to 90lbs. There’s a big thread on Snipershide about the RT90C. Personally I plan to get their 66lb rated version. There’s also a thread on tripods here in the practical precision sub forum. Maybe there will be some feedback there.

 

[rugbydave]

For the amount of cash that you're willing to drop here, I'd just get a full RRS setup (specifically the TFCT-34 in my case). I've tried most of the tripod offerings out there, from the Slik D700, through the PRST and now have a Leofoto 404C with a RRS Anvil-30 on top. If I could start again, I'd just get the RRS setup from the get go.

I haven't owned the carbon Pig tripod you list but a buddy of mine has it and it seems nice (the other Pig tripod is a rebranded Slik D700 in green with spike feet). If you don't want to spend for the whole RRS setup, at least get an Anvil-30 ballhead as it's maybe $100 more but a much better head for shooting. It only has the one lever, unlike most other heads that are built for photography/video first and foremost. To be honest, if weight isn't a concern and you want to save a few bucks, just get a Slik D700 for about $100, it'll be just as solid but 1/4 the price.

 

[MartyK2500]

Weight is of “some” concern.
We have a 600-700M hike to the shooting spot, it’s not that far but PR gear weights me down in a hurry.

This Anvil-30 ballhead, do you have a CDN shop to recommend that carries it?
I’ll look at the price diff for going RRS tripod also.

TRDjer
I’m not an Amazon type of guy unfortunately.

 

[rugbydave]

Weight is of “some” concern.
We have a 600-700M hike to the shooting spot, it’s not that far but PR gear weights me down in a hurry.

This Anvil-30 ballhead, do you have a CDN shop to recommend that carries it?
I’ll look at the price diff for going RRS tripod also.

TRDjer
I’m not an Amazon type of guy unfortunately.

For RRS, order directly from them, they ship up here. It's all manufactured in the States as well so no duty.

 

[Maple57]

Peelee Wings has a carbon fiber one from Swarovsky if you don't mind dropping a thousand bucks.

 

[MartyK2500]

My budget was close to 1000$, tripod + ball head.
I know this is somewhat not ideal, but for shooting at this spot 4-5 times a year, I have a hard time spending more.
I will get my CRPS setup this week and plan to have a try at PRS sooner than later, but from what I see tripods are not used in PRS anyways.

It's also something I plan to bring on coyote hunts.

 

[prairieguy]

Marty,

Have a look at the standard SHADOW TECH PIG0311-G Field Tripod, available through site sponsor Nordic Marksman.

All the features of the Shadow Tech carbon fibre tripod but made of aluminum and half the price. I have this version and it's fantastic.

If you are patient and willing to buy used, the EE will eventually yield a good tripod set up for far less than your budget ceiling.

 

[LeadMonkey]

Another vote for spending the money once on Really Right Stuff tripod... they will also hold their value should you decide to move onto a new hobby.

 

[Trevor60]

Coretac solutions sells solid gear; Karmin is a nice guy and you can buy with confidence.

On the tripod itself it looks to hold 24lbs not sure what your rifle system weighs or your requirement.

RRS TFCT-34 Mk2 SOAR Series 3 Tripod can support 50lbs for $1,500USD

Feisol Tournament ct-3443 $698CAN popular model

Sirui sr-3204 SR Professional 55lb is $620 to $680CAN

What does are your requirements and frequency of use?

Cheers
Trevor

 

[TRDJer]

Frequency of use is what makes me consider the Innorel tripods from amazon. For ~450 you can get a tripod and ball head that support 66lbs.

 

[vultr]

Marty,

Have a look at the standard SHADOW TECH PIG0311-G Field Tripod, available through site sponsor Nordic Marksman.

All the features of the Shadow Tech carbon fibre tripod but made of aluminum and half the price. I have this version and it's fantastic.

If you are patient and willing to buy used, the EE will eventually yield a good tripod set up for far less than your budget ceiling.

I like the standard Shadow tech (which I own) as well as the RRS with leveling mount (which I have owned previously).

 

[MartyK2500]

Marty,

Have a look at the standard SHADOW TECH PIG0311-G Field Tripod, available through site sponsor Nordic Marksman.

All the features of the Shadow Tech carbon fibre tripod but made of aluminum and half the price. I have this version and it's fantastic.

If you are patient and willing to buy used, the EE will eventually yield a good tripod set up for far less than your budget ceiling.

Thread has lot's of varied replies, which I was expecting.
I may just go with the PIG tripod you are referring to, with a RRS ball head.

Low frequency of use with no real match use is what is making me cringe to spend 2K on something used so occasionally.
Still gotta be careful as to not go too cheap as I won't get any use out of it.

 

[LeadMonkey]

There’s a big thread on Snipershide about the RT90C. Personally I plan to get their 66lb rated version.

Just googled RT90C and read some of that snipers hide post on this option... I think I might get one of those and try it, yes it is not a RRS tripod but similar performance claims at $300-$400 USD (it’s all made in China these days anyway)...worst case it ends up as the spotter.

OP maybe have a look at that before buying a PIG tripod.

 

[TRDJer]

Innorel has a couple sizes. There are 44, 66 and 90lb rated versions and correspond ball heads. My dad has the RT90C. He hasn’t shot with it yet but it’s a monster. As I said I’m looking at one of the smaller versions when funds free up. Someday.

 

[rugbydave]

Thread has lot's of varied replies, which I was expecting.
I may just go with the PIG tripod you are referring to, with a RRS ball head.

Low frequency of use with no real match use is what is making me cringe to spend 2K on something used so occasionally.
Still gotta be careful as to not go too cheap as I won't get any use out of it.

If you're thinking of getting the Pig-0311 tripod, just get a Slik D700 for half the price. It is exactly the same tripod minus the green paint and ability to add spike feet. When I say exactly the same, I mean the Shadow Tech branded tripod is literally a rebranded Slik. I've shot I dunno how many rds (1000s?) off tripods and despite having owned tripods that can take spikes I have used them a total of zero times, haha.

A Slik D700 with a RRS Anvil-30 will give you a reasonably priced setup that is stable and has what is hands down the best ballhead in the game for shooting. The Anvil is the only head designed specifically to be used for shooting and it's quite evident when you actually compare it (in use) to other heads with similar weight ratings. Having only a throw lever (to look your rifle with RRS dovetail or pic rail in) and then a single lever (vs a knob to control pan and another to operate the ball, like on most camera ballheads) to operate the ballhead is so simple and so smooth, it becomes very evident that it's designed for the purpose of shooting.

 

[MartyK2500]

Thanks for the feedback, that’s exactly what I’m lining myself up to do.
Slik D700 + Anvil-30
Maybe upgrade tripod down the road if ever it gives me issues

 

[LeadMonkey]

Anyone know where I can order a Really Right Stuff Anvil-30 ball head (no plate) either in Canada or from the USA?

RRS is backordered and has exorbitant shipping fees ($60 USD + minimum)... I checked with both mile high shooting and thermal optics plus but unfortunately neither would ship internationally (despite their website allowing you to check out).

 

[scourge18a]

I had the Pig o311 and went to an Innorel RTC90. Comes with a quick change leveling base.
The Innorel is better and beefier in every way. Very happy with it. Taller with more adjustment, thiccc tubes.
Also went with an Amazon ball head. Very smooth and beefy.
The main problem with it is Amazon and China, but....

 

[LeadMonkey]

I had the Pig o311 and went to an Innorel RTC90. Comes with a quick change leveling base.
The Innorel is better and beefier in every way. Very happy with it. Taller with more adjustment, thiccc tubes.
Also went with an Amazon ball head. Very smooth and beefy.
The main problem with it is Amazon and China, but....

That doesn’t look like the Amazon ball head you posted...