Hey guys,
Many of you know already but Vortex released a new tripod today. I was fortunate enough to receive one for testing and wanted to give you some quick specs. First, I am excited about this tripod because it bridges the gap between a dedicated shooting tripod and a glassing tripod.
Here is what Vortex says about it,
The Switchback
was designed for hunters and competitive shooters who need a compact, yet super-stable platform for precision shooting and backcountry glassing. Coming in at an MSRP of $779.99, the tripod supports heavy rifles and optics, delivering fast setup and adaptability in any environment whether you’re sitting, kneeling, standing or prone.
Some high-level specs:
Now, on my scale, the tripod came in a little less at just under 4 pounds, 8 ounces
My first impressions are pretty solid (pun intended) and this tripod is very solid for the size of the legs. the ball head adjusts similarly to a RRS Anvil 30 or the leofoto copycat if you are familiar. its a very solid ball head. there is a twist knob to adjust tension and another to allow panning. The panning lever is very sensitive, just a little will allow you to pan while glassing and if you open it up more than 1/4 turn, the head becomes way too loose. The Switchback's arca clamp is a twist lock and locks down hard. I would like to see a version with a throw lever style clamp as long as it doesn't add extra weight.
I shot off of this tripod and while I prefer to shoot off of a dedicated shooting tripod still, it did really well and is surprisingly steady locked in. While I don't see myself backpack hunting with this tripod as of now, it does fill a big void in the tripod arena for me. I will definitely be using it on hunts this year. I also shot off the tripod not locked in but using a tac table and bag. I shot just as well (or just as bad!) as I did off my dedicated shooting tripod.
The only draw back for this tripod that I see and this is totally user preference, is I do not like glass with a ball head! I much prefer a pan head however I think with more use, ill become more comfortable with the ball.
With that said, the head is removable but there are not any other options at this time. It does give me hope in the future though that this product will expand with more options.
I'll be posting more on this tripod in the coming weeks but what are your thoughts?
Many of you know already but Vortex released a new tripod today. I was fortunate enough to receive one for testing and wanted to give you some quick specs. First, I am excited about this tripod because it bridges the gap between a dedicated shooting tripod and a glassing tripod.
Here is what Vortex says about it,
The Switchback
was designed for hunters and competitive shooters who need a compact, yet super-stable platform for precision shooting and backcountry glassing. Coming in at an MSRP of $779.99, the tripod supports heavy rifles and optics, delivering fast setup and adaptability in any environment whether you’re sitting, kneeling, standing or prone.Some high-level specs:
- Weight: 4.6 lbs
- Folded length: 29”
- 44 lb max load
- Minimum height: 5.8”
- Max height: 65”
- 3 twist-lock leg sections
- 3-single leg pivot locks
- Lockable ball head
- Carbon fiber construction
Now, on my scale, the tripod came in a little less at just under 4 pounds, 8 ounces
My first impressions are pretty solid (pun intended) and this tripod is very solid for the size of the legs. the ball head adjusts similarly to a RRS Anvil 30 or the leofoto copycat if you are familiar. its a very solid ball head. there is a twist knob to adjust tension and another to allow panning. The panning lever is very sensitive, just a little will allow you to pan while glassing and if you open it up more than 1/4 turn, the head becomes way too loose. The Switchback's arca clamp is a twist lock and locks down hard. I would like to see a version with a throw lever style clamp as long as it doesn't add extra weight.
I shot off of this tripod and while I prefer to shoot off of a dedicated shooting tripod still, it did really well and is surprisingly steady locked in. While I don't see myself backpack hunting with this tripod as of now, it does fill a big void in the tripod arena for me. I will definitely be using it on hunts this year. I also shot off the tripod not locked in but using a tac table and bag. I shot just as well (or just as bad!) as I did off my dedicated shooting tripod.
The only draw back for this tripod that I see and this is totally user preference, is I do not like glass with a ball head! I much prefer a pan head however I think with more use, ill become more comfortable with the ball.
With that said, the head is removable but there are not any other options at this time. It does give me hope in the future though that this product will expand with more options.
I'll be posting more on this tripod in the coming weeks but what are your thoughts?
Last edited:
