Best lightweight tripod/ARCA head set up for hunting

[codyadams]

So I have decided the best/most versatile set up for the type of hunting I do is to use a tripod with ARCA head for front support of my rifle, as I have the tripod for my spotting scope on back country hunts anyway, it doesn't really add anything to my pack that I wouldn't already have, and only a couple ounces to my rifle with the addition of an area 419 ARCA rail on the bottom.

My cousin has a tripod and head for his, but I want to get my own. Right now I just have a cheap aluminum tripod. Any suggestions for a tripod and ARCA head that would be lightweight but yet strong enough for my 9.5ish lb rifle? Alot of the ones I see are solid, but are really heavy. This will go in my back country pack, where I may be going 10 miles into the back country with an entire camp on my back.

Thanks guys!!

 

[codyadams]

Anyone?

 

[dfanonymous]

Shadowtech 0311
feisol ball head and get the ARCA plate for it.

Not the best set up out there but another option is
RRS. You can probably look up some of their stuff.
plenty of ARCA adapters for them, I know a lot of guys that have been digging the anvil 30 and ARCA plate.

However, many of haji's have been put in the dirt with the ol' manfrotto 190 and a hog saddle.

Those are some options out there to look into. The more sturdy the setup obviously the more it's going to weigh. For field use, it's my opinion you don't need to go full RRS to achieve practical use. I have the manfrotto and the shadowtech. They work fine for me. I've yet to really run into a PRS competition where I couldnt just barrow one. So having that match grade tripod is "eh" for me for now.

 

[Imnluck]

This little gal, has exceeded every expectation.

Comes with a universal plate mount.

 

[Imnluck]

This little gal, has exceeded every expectation.

Comes with a universal plate mount.

 

[TRG65]

I use a feisol Carbon fiber with an RRS ball head. ct-3372 and bh-55. The ball head is quicker and easier, but a leveling head is more stable. To get the range with a leveling head you just adjust one leg. If I would buy again I'd go with the leveling head and leg adjustment method. At the range, I've shot sub 1" 5-shot groups from this in the standing configuration with my 16# Sako TRG, not every time but it can be done so that just means more practice. I use the rrs attachment plates because I don't have the need for a full rail.

 

[TRG65]

RRS Leveling heads- RRS TVC-33 & Feisol 3372 + Anvil 30 comment

My intent here is to add a few images comparing the setup of the RRS TVC-33 with the TA-3 to the TA-3 used on the 3372 and add a couple of comments about the TA-UL on the 3372 and 3342. Plus, a quick note after a ton of time on the RRS Anvil 30, my overview of the different RRS head options...

www.snipershide.com

here's a discussion of the various heads.

 

[joeg26er]

This little gal, has exceeded every expectation.

Comes with a universal plate mount.

Can you provide more details about what you like about this and what you've compared to?

 

[264MHC]

I bought a Leofoto carbon tripod, the ranger series 323. It is very sturdy for only being 3 Lbs and it was only $250 or so. They make a version that breaks down shorter and is lighter, the 284, but I only carry it back and forth to ground blinds so I thought the 323 was a better compromise of weight vs stability for me. These don't have a center column so probably take a little longer to set up but fold into a smaller diameter as a result. I put sharpie marks on the legs for my normal sitting position so that usually gets me pretty close. Whatever you go with I would recommend getting some rock claw feet for it. They work way better than the spikes on most surfaces. Check out this website for some well written independent tripod reviews: thecentercolumn.com. The Leofotos rank pretty highly considering their price.

 

[Jakeweb09]

Sirui Backcountry Combo | Hunting Tripod | S&S Archery

Sirui Backcountry Combo features our favorite VA-5 fluid head and a Carbon Fiber Tripod. S&S Archery | Free Shipping. Expert Advice. VIP Customer Service.

sandsarchery.com

I use this tripod and changed the head to suruis ball head. Under 2lbs complete and a rail from Henderson precision

 

[codyadams]

I think I found what I'm gonna go with....seems extremely solid, not overly heavy and really well priced. It is a Night Snipe carbon tripod with a massive ball head, and all up weighs 4.09 lbs, and would be less in the field because I would remove the center pole as I have no need for it to go over 56". Also, they are made in America!!

Tripod specs from site:
9mm rigid high strength legs
Collapsed / folded height: 18 inches
Maximum height with neck extended: 68 inches
Maximum height without neck extended: 56 inches
Minimum height with center column: 15 inches
Minimum height without center column: 7.50 inches
Monopod extended height: 55 inches
Monopod collapsed minimum height: 15 inches
Total weight of Tripod: 3 pounds
Tripod weight rating: 33 lbs

Ball head specs from site:
The NS67/ 45 lb weight rated aluminum alloy Ball Head is setup to handle just about any weight rifle setup you can throw at it! The 67 will accommodate ARCA SWISS and (1/4-20) style mounts including Picatinny Rail, M-LOK, and KeyMOD. The locking ball allows for quick adjustments of any angle with precise movements, controlled friction and locking power to hold your weapon worry free. The locking release plate allows for quick attach and release of your weapon from the head. With the addition of the 3 leveling bubbles, you have precise and accurate reading from all angles to ensure proper shot placement at even the longest distances.

The NS67 also has a tension adjustment screw that allows the ball head to be fine tuned for your specific liking and specific weight of rifle / scope setup. This can be set so that adjustment on the tension knob will only allow your weapon to move if slight pressure is applied, OR can be set to a complete lock ensuring your weapon stays put no matter the pressure applied. NS67 weight: 1.09 lbs

https://www.predatorhunteroutdoors....od-carbon-fiber-nightsnipe-tournament-hunter/

It comes with a carry case, standard rubber feet, and spike feet, and is $270 set up like in the photo. There is also an option for a smaller ball head with a weight limit of 35 lb and weighs .89 lbs, and drops cost to $240. Has anyone else heard of/tried these? I am intrigued.

 

[jrock]

I have the tripod and VA head combo that Jakeweb09 mentioned. I'm either going to fab a front bag rest that has an ARCA rail base or a clamping rest like the hog saddle. Best of the West used to use a tripod with a bag as a front rest. I'm going to try that route with my pack as the rear rest. If that doesn't work well for shooting on steep slopes, I'll probably have to look at a ball head and supporting the rifle near the center of gravity.

 

[highdrum]

Two vets no name Jr tripod, 2#. Rrs anvil on top, another #. I have arca plates on most my rifles. Easy to hit plates out to 700y. That's probably the farthest I'd shoot off a tripod at game with a hunting weight rifle.

 

[Tommytrees]

I think I found what I'm gonna go with....seems extremely solid, not overly heavy and really well priced. It is a Night Snipe carbon tripod with a massive ball head, and all up weighs 4.09 lbs, and would be less in the field because I would remove the center pole as I have no need for it to go over 56". Also, they are made in America!!

Tripod specs from site:
9mm rigid high strength legs
Collapsed / folded height: 18 inches
Maximum height with neck extended: 68 inches
Maximum height without neck extended: 56 inches
Minimum height with center column: 15 inches
Minimum height without center column: 7.50 inches
Monopod extended height: 55 inches
Monopod collapsed minimum height: 15 inches
Total weight of Tripod: 3 pounds
Tripod weight rating: 33 lbs

Ball head specs from site:
The NS67/ 45 lb weight rated aluminum alloy Ball Head is setup to handle just about any weight rifle setup you can throw at it! The 67 will accommodate ARCA SWISS and (1/4-20) style mounts including Picatinny Rail, M-LOK, and KeyMOD. The locking ball allows for quick adjustments of any angle with precise movements, controlled friction and locking power to hold your weapon worry free. The locking release plate allows for quick attach and release of your weapon from the head. With the addition of the 3 leveling bubbles, you have precise and accurate reading from all angles to ensure proper shot placement at even the longest distances.

The NS67 also has a tension adjustment screw that allows the ball head to be fine tuned for your specific liking and specific weight of rifle / scope setup. This can be set so that adjustment on the tension knob will only allow your weapon to move if slight pressure is applied, OR can be set to a complete lock ensuring your weapon stays put no matter the pressure applied. NS67 weight: 1.09 lbs

View attachment 199221

https://www.predatorhunteroutdoors....od-carbon-fiber-nightsnipe-tournament-hunter/

It comes with a carry case, standard rubber feet, and spike feet, and is $270 set up like in the photo. There is also an option for a smaller ball head with a weight limit of 35 lb and weighs .89 lbs, and drops cost to $240. Has anyone else heard of/tried these? I am intrigued.

Cody-- Have you tried this rig out. Can you give a review, pro and con? Can you cant, pan etc.
Would greatly appreciate you update. Thank you in advance.

Be safe, be well. Tommy