Tripod in Africa

[Guépard]

Hello,

Take you a tripod during your hunting trips in Africa ?

I'm considering buying this equipment for stays in flat open areas.
I think at this model: Primos Gen 2 Jim Shockey Deluxe Trigger Stick Tall Tripod Ground Swat Camo.
Do you know the differences between 1 and Gen 2 ?

If there are users, could you share your experience please ?

Maybe other models recommended!

Thank you.

 

[Johnny7604]

The gen 2 trigger stick is a great piece of kit and I have used them extensively. I would check with your outfitter before buying a tripod to take with if that's your intention. I'm pretty sure most outfitters have their own to use with clients.

Cheers,

John

 

[bluey]

I got a trigger stick at the end of may , wouldn't know what generation,,,,,,
its great , but a little noisey, with it alloy telescopic legs , but very functional .
my wife has claimed it for herslf, that's life....
I wish we had of taken it with us on our trip .so does she .
I told our bloke that if, we come across a set in our travels I would buy him one .
my only concern is getting them to spread wide enough for a comfortable sitting shot .ive not tried them out in this fashion .

 

[Billcollector]

I got a trigger stick at the end of may , wouldn't know what generation,,,,,,
its great , but a little noisey, with it alloy telescopic legs , but very functional .
my wife has claimed it for herslf, that's life....
I wish we had of taken it with us on our trip .so does she .
I told our bloke that if, we come across a set in our travels I would buy him one .
my only concern is getting them to spread wide enough for a comfortable sitting shot .ive not tried them out in this fashion .

Hello,

Take you a tripod during your hunting trips in Africa ?

I'm considering buying this equipment for stays in flat open areas.
I think at this model: Primos Gen 2 Jim Shockey Deluxe Trigger Stick Tall Tripod Ground Swat Camo.
Do you know the differences between 1 and Gen 2 ?

If there are users, could you share your experience please ?

Maybe other models recommended!

Thank you.

I would take my own sticks if possible. My experience in Africa has been that their sticks go from good to really bad. Plus, practicing with your own setup give you a great deal of familiarity that can really make a huge difference in your confidence level and correct shot placement.
I use a bog pod tripod and really love it.

 

[ActionBob]

Our PH actually had two sets of trigger sticks. One exactly like ours (my wife claimed them as well but will let me borrow them) for standing shots and one short set for sitting or kneeling.

What I like about them is that with a simple pull of the trigger the legs drop down to whatever length you need, even on uneven terrain. What I don't like is the legs do not spread out very wide, they can be "clanky" but I did not think it was a problem.... And I personally much prefer an old fashioned tree or rock if available, or even sitting and braced on my knees.

If you have them or want them, find room in your hard gun case and by all means take them along.

I think the Gen 2 somehow swivel a little better on top and are just an improved version... If you going to buy them, might as well get the latest and best.

 

[Johnny7604]

The Gen 2 Trigger Stick tripod has a more solid locking mechanism in the legs (my gen 1 tended to creep on me), a better swivel on top and the best feature is the legs will spread very wide allowing for shots from sitting to standing. If you try the gen 2 you will be shocked at how low they can get with the legs fully spread apart.


Here is a pic of mine with a shitty plastic deck chair for scale.

 

[BRICKBURN]

The Gen 2 Trigger Stick tripod has a more solid locking mechanism in the legs (my gen 1 tended to creep on me), a better swivel on top and the best feature is the legs will spread very wide allowing for shots from sitting to standing. If you try the gen 2 you will be shocked at how low they can get with the legs fully spread apart.

Good answer.

 

[ActionBob]

Nice tree stand Johnny..... Is that tripod strong enough with the legs spread out that far? And how is stability when you pull them in?

 

[Johnny7604]

Good question. I just went and tested it for you.

Test 1: 25 lbs

Test 2: 50 lbs This one was a bit scary.

Test 3: 50 lbs set up for standing shot height. Handled it no problem

I set it up for standing shot height and saw how wide I could get the legs with the adjustment available. They measured about 56" spread.

These things are rock solid.

 

[ActionBob]

Thanks Johnny, I might need to go get one of those.

 

[Guépard]

Very interesting, thank you !

Johnny, this test is a very good idea

I agree with Billcollector, use own equipment is better.

If I look for tripod is not primarily for Africa where I found good material but also when I hunt alone.

 

[lcq]

My PH says trigger sticks are nice but won't take the abuse of daily use. I bought one because I won't be using it day in day out and it adjusts smoothly and quickly.

 

[matt85]

ive had a gen 2 trigger stick for a few months now and ive been happy with it. its light weight and will conform to just about any surface. my only complaint is due to its light weight it will often fall over when used under heavy recoiling guns. but that issue isnt a problem in the field where you will not likely take a second shot from sticks with large bore guns.

i will be taking mine to Africa.

-matt

 

[Royal27]

Guepard,

Are you sold on an actual tripod, or would you consider making your own shooting sticks? I made my own and they really worked well.

 

[lcq]

Guepard,

Are you sold on an actual tripod, or would you consider making your own shooting sticks? I made my own and they really worked well.

View attachment 31268

The nice thing about trigger sticks is that they quickly adjust to any height. The preferred method is place it on the ground first then raise it to shooting height. Added benefit is staying out of sight of the quarry while preparing for the shot.

 

[ActionBob]

I'm drooling over a set of the Gen II's but my wife says we have the originals so don't need them... but I have some gift card/rebate card's so just might end up with a set.

Royal maybe you could go into business and sell those! Post a pic of the way you bound them together without the belt and binos hanging on them.

 

[Royal27]

Vacuum cleaner belt golds them together at the tip and copper repair pipe join the legs so that I can break them down for travel. The real fancy part is the electrical tape I use to keep the wood from sliding out of the copper. LOL

 

[Royal27]

Close up

 

[ActionBob]

Cool! Love the copper tips and careful application of black tape.

How sturdy are they when shooting the 375 from them?

 

[Royal27]

Cool! Love the copper tips and careful application of black tape.

How sturdy are they when shooting the 375 from them?

Very, and I practiced with them a lot. I would use them with a real big bore without hesitation.