Thread: Ridgeline speed-stick tripod

Hey all, I am looking at giving shooting sticks a go.

Has anyone had any hands on experience with the Ridgeline speed-stick tripod? If so how was it? Do you recommend etc? Is there any other reasonably priced ones you do recommend?

I appreciate any and all suggestions.

Thanks.

Cheaply made. Leg hinges snap easily.

Ah that's disappointing. Thanks for the heads up.

I owned one for a while I think (it was unbranded, but same design). It was brilliant until it wasn't. Got rained on, internals in the legs rusted and the mechanism failed. I like the concept though. Sucked it up and bought the Primos version recently.

I have a unbranded Chinese one. Works pretty well for what it is. Great for long grass/tussock. Like any tripod takes a but of practice to set up quickly. There is a bit of flex/wobble in them, but still better than shooting freehand. Mate has the quad shooting sticks(can't remember the brand). They are way more stable but also more expensive.

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You can make quad sticks for pennies. There's a few threads on the subject. Quad sticks are definitely more stable, but less versatile.

I also have been looking into these- big price jump from the ridgeline to the primos-
Anyone with a primos gen 3 with some feedback- are they worth forking out the $500?

Originally Posted by Hokistag

I also have been looking into these- big price jump from the ridgeline to the primos-
Anyone with a primos gen 3 with some feedback- are they worth forking out the $500?

The Primos Trigger Stick Gen3 works just like the cheap knock-off did, but the key difference for me will be longevity and I can't comment on that yet. By the way, the short trigger stick isn't much shorter than the tall version (6 inches difference). It's too tall to use instead of a bipod and not long enough to use standing. Only good for the seated position. Get the tall version. XHunter (AU) were selling them a bit cheaper than NZ retailers.

Originally Posted by Greyman

Ah that's disappointing. Thanks for the heads up.

I have both the Ridgeline tripod and the genuine Primos version. I went with Ridgeline first up because of the high price of the Primos. The Ridgeline has done a lot of work and is still Ok, a couple of the rubber feet have gone west and the handle is taped because it started to come apart but it still works. I then went for the Primos because the concept was working so well for me I felt I could justify the extra coin. Definitely the Primos is a better built piece of kit, Mine has now done a few trips and no issues, the ease of use and adjustability is better than the Ridgeline. The only slight issue I had was when I strapped it to the side of the Polaris Ranger and it got covered in mud, the mud then got into the legs which stopped them sliding out by themselves, it took a bit of cleaning to sort this one out.

Thanks all! I would love to buy the Primos however, never having used shooting sticks before I'd be a bit worried spending that kind of money to find out I didn't like them.

Do you think it's worth going tri-sticks over bi-sticks? I was looking at the bi-sticks that break down like tent poles for easy storage. Is the extra weight/bulk worth the added stability?

Originally Posted by Greyman

Thanks all! I would love to buy the Primos however, never having used shooting sticks before I'd be a bit worried spending that kind of money to find out I didn't like them.

Do you think it's worth going tri-sticks over bi-sticks? I was looking at the bi-sticks that break down like tent poles for easy storage. Is the extra weight/bulk worth the added stability?

The advantage with the tripod is more stability than a bipod. also the range of positions it can be used, from standing through to prone, in the sitting and prone I have used one of the legs as rest by putting the front hand on the leg and then the rifle on my hand. The tripod will also stand alone so you can get to a shooting position, set the thing up and do whatever else you need to do prior to taking a rest on the tripod and taking the shot. They really shine in more open country where the option to go prone with a bipod doesn't really work due to scrub or terrain.
I tend to carry them with the legs 1/2 extended and use them as a walking pole, for me with buggered knees they are great for stability going down hill, its surprising the weight they will take.
For me they are steady enough for a 300m shot as long as I'm not being buffeted by wind. If your cautious about spending then go for the ridgeline version first up, they aren't that bad.

I have a set of safari sticks I made from tomato stakes and zip ties, as they support both fore end and butt over a a long radius they provide an exceptionally stable platform. The draw backs are traverse is minimal or non existent same as with a bipods and they are really a fixed elevation ie standing, they can be a bit cumbersome setting up but would rival any tripod for accuracy of shot from a fixed position.
I also have a gen 3 trigger stick, currently out on loan, they were $ 300 or so when I got it. It gets used way more as although less stable, with one not 2 points of contact for the firearm traverse is unlimited they go from sitting height to standing, are quick to deploy, and although your not supposed to they function as a good hill stick for someone with buggered knees.
If they're $500 now that's a big increase but knowing what I do about them Id still get a set as they suit some if my shooting, and I never was a bipods fan.

Tomato stakes from the big green shed are very handy. 4 stainless bolts instead of the cable ties and can be used from standing all the way down to sitting depending on how far the legs are spread. They have helped me account for 900 sambar deer in this calendar year. Didn't cost anywhere near $500 either but probably not as pretty

Originally Posted by Ackley

Tomato stakes from the big green shed are very handy. 4 stainless bolts instead of the cable ties and can be used from standing all the way down to sitting depending on how far the legs are spread. They have helped me account for 900 sambar deer in this calendar year. Didn't cost anywhere near $500 either but probably not as pretty

True but my "gun smithing" according to some friends consists of duct taping bits of alkathene or jandal to things and calling it good. I have used a home made set that had yokes front and rear that allowed for cant and a degree of traverse they were very effective and pretty as the guys who made them is a wood worker.

I use the vanguard tripod, it doesn't have the quick adjustment trigger but I have used it extensively for rabbit shooting and am happy with it. I extend it to full height when I start and carry it around like that. The third leg provides height adjustment when needed.

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