Sticks

[Sol]

I know Viper-flex are usually considered the "go to" for stability I'm curious If there's any other brand out there that's a little less break the bank, that are just as stable?
I missed out on an opportunity on a hind and calf tonight using regular non-quad sticks, I dont like the idea of injuring an animal with how shaky I was, obviously Its technique but same time I cant pass twenty deer we want to shoot for one successful shot either...

Probably a max of 150y shots, not far I just dont do well on regulars and I'd rather pass opportunities making sure Its right than pulling a shot.

 

[homer]

Bushwear and seeland do a budget version of the viper style sticks. They're ok, just not the same quality.

 

[bullet chucker]

@limulus ON HERE. Makes them, for your height and left or righthanded shooter, I have some by him as do many others on this site.

BC.

 

[billy_boyle_2010]

Any set of quad sticks gets you 98% there IMO. It's the quad design that's most beneficial - not the material etc or other subtle features.

The only other real advantage is to have one where the front rest is flat (where the front of the gun will rest on). 3-4" on the front means you can move the front of the gun around if the quarry takes a few steps.

The rear can be a V thats fine.

A 5th leg makes it slower to deploy and its heavier and more cumbersome. But it does mean you can leave the gun on the sticks without it falling over. And makes for a much more stable shot.

For 150 yards you won't need the additional accuracy that the 5th leg brings imo.

 

[Utectok]

Go for a bush wear one there fine and not so pricey

 

[User00056]

If you can control your breathing the tripod sticks such as Primos or Rifleman are brilliant. Fast to deploy, and far easier to set up if you're in a tramline. There's no doubt whatsoever that quads are a lot more forgiving though. As ever, it's a trade-off between speed and stability. And of course, quads are less likely to fail over time

 

[Deermanagement]

If twin sticks are used correctly, making best use of mechanics, a tripod offers no real advantage. The advantages twin sticks offer over quad sticks at normal stalking ranges, lets say sub 150yds, and conditions, woodland, field, in cover, short distances, limited time etc., are significant

 

[Deermanagement]

If twin sticks are used correctly, making best use of mechanics, a tripod offers no real advantage. The advantages twin sticks offer over quad sticks at normal stalking ranges, lets say sub 150yds, and conditions, woodland, field, in cover, short distances, limited time etc., are significant

Mind you, quad sticks are like most things, those new to stalking, well say the last 10 years would freak out if they didn't have a thermal, had to use a single stick or none at all I remenber being a guest of a stalker/game keeper near Loch Lomond backin maybe '95, and did I get some comments ref you "southerner's and your sticks"....... still the sticks I use today, twin sticks. I'm sure he's refuse to take anyone out with 3 4 or 5 legs

 

[Moose67]

Doing well off my Fenris II’s - cheaper thanks to FB Marketplace

 

[Hazlett]

The only other real advantage is to have one where the front rest is flat (where the front of the gun will rest on). 3-4" on the front means you can move the front of the gun around if the quarry takes a few steps.

I use the Bushwear type and swapped the tops over, so that the flat rest is at the back. I find it much more controlled to keep the front stable and sweep the stock across the flat rest.

 

[billy_boyle_2010]

I use the Bushwear type and swapped the tops over, so that the flat rest is at the back. I find it much more controlled to keep the front stable and sweep the stock across the flat rest.

Interesting!

 

[sikasako]

I have bought various sets of sticks over the years, as well as making my own homemade ones.

Eventually settled on Viperflex, after breaking my Bushwear ones.

Wish I’d originally gone directly for the Viperflex’s as I’d have saved myself a bit of money and had a better product for longer.

 

[Tim.243]

If twin sticks are used correctly, making best use of mechanics, a tripod offers no real advantage. The advantages twin sticks offer over quad sticks at normal stalking ranges, lets say sub 150yds, and conditions, woodland, field, in cover, short distances, limited time etc., are significant

I just don't open up my B&Q quads to make a set of twin sticks... Quite simple..
That way you have both options @Sol

 

[Sol]

I just don't open up my B&Q quads to make a set of twin sticks... Quite simple..
That way you have both options @Sol

Very true! Our set of regular sticks is adjustable however there pretty busted up missing one of foot pegs so its a spike, advantage on some pieces of ground, a nuisance on others as it cant dig in.

There adjustable, though not designed for a small woman I know some folk lean into them too get them a bit more secure but I'm having to tilt these sticks maybe 30-40* towards me too actually use them, gravity wise I cant imagine that's helping.

Decent image of what I'm refering to (whilst standing) the angle of use is very harsh and I cant imagine It helps much especially given if I try lean into that, It slips, more stable than freehand though.
.

 

[Tim.243]

Very true! Our set of regular sticks is adjustable however there pretty busted up missing one of foot pegs so its a spike, advantage on some pieces of ground, a nuisance on others as it cant dig in.

There adjustable, though not designed for a small woman I know some folk lean into them too get them a bit more secure but I'm having to tilt these sticks maybe 30-40* towards me too actually use them, gravity wise I cant imagine that's helping.

Decent image of what I'm refering to (whilst standing) the angle of use is very harsh and I cant imagine It helps much especially given if I try lean into that, It slips, more stable than freehand though.
. View attachment 391919

I stand in areas where I pitch up and wait, granted it is not Scotland also I don't use a bi-pod, however they fit me (as I made them with the front V taller than the back. The front to back cord means that distance repeats each time with the width cord has some adjustment should I need to get them wider (so lower)
The key is being able to repeat your Cheek Weld each time you put your eye to the scope, no good hunting for the cross hairs it need to be bang on. So if the sticks are right one less thing you have to do.

 

[SikaSeeker]

I use the bush ones, as I keep leaving them behind me in random places. I always find them still where I left them. If I was to get an expensive pair I’d bet they’d be fine first time.
The bush ones a fine.

 

[Deermanagement]

“Cheek weld” ???
The term usually implies tight contact to most people, but with such contact, maintaining visual contact with the target, re-acquisition of the same or secondary targets becomes more difficult.
Contact needs to be consistent and not necessarily tight

 

[Utectok]

I have bought various sets of sticks over the years, as well as making my own homemade ones.

Eventually settled on Viperflex, after breaking my Bushwear ones.

Wish I’d originally gone directly for the Viperflex’s as I’d have saved myself a bit of money and had a better product for longer.

Yeah I have viper flex now…. Although I actually rebuilt mine with fixed length 19mm carbon poles and a shrink wrap grip. I never adjusted them and they are even more robust now

 

[Daveyp]

If it was me I’d be saving up for the best ones (viperflex) they certainly do make a difference in my eyes after shooting off 2-3 different sets of sticks. Yes a massive percentage of guys on here will disagree but each to their own. Viperflex all the way and the after service is excellent.

 

[1894]

I found them less steady than my homemade ones. The flat front was quite hard and my rounded fore end wobbled.