Aziak ridgeline vs Aziak Backcountry/wiser BT20

[Tex_Miller]

I ended up going with a ridgeline based on this thread and the shooting one.

To deal with panning I picked up a spartan magnaswitch adapter since I already have their attachments on my optics. Pretty simple and light.

I plan to pick up an srs arca plate eventually for my rifle but I can use the spartan bipod mount I already have for now to shoot with. I look forward to seeing how it works out shooting and glassing.

 

[Ajsomp]

Some updates- ran my tripod and spotter yesterday at the range running a Horus HoVR spotting scope with tremor reticle (great for the range and spotting shots and milling targets, not my favorite for backcountry use)

Backcountry/wiser combo was great. I would occasionally switch out the spotter with either a lightweight hunter plate from gray ops or a mini plate pro with heavy bag. I did shoot off the tripod with the bag or plate/mollinator combo and with my tikkas it was no issues shooting seated or kneeling. I had the center column installed so I can’t speak to prone, but I have no doubt it would would just fine if needed.

Overall, I’m happy with the set up for how I plan to use it. Fast to swap between binos and spotter, easy enough to shoot off with a mollinator thrown on top or pushing the binos forward and using that as a makeshift rest. I have a late season Colorado mule deer tag I’m looking to fill this year and possibly cow elk in Wyoming. I can’t see myself carrying a heavier tripod combo again unless it’s Coyote/pig hunts in SE NC where I’m still hunting or set up.

 

[flyfisher117]

I believe I saw something about Aziak coming out with a ball tilt head too!

They are releasing a panning head.

He has also been talking about releasing an accessory for the front country ball head to add a panning handle to it. I’m anxiously waiting for that ha.

 

[salcedo57]

Anyone have any more thoughts after using the Ridge warden some more?

 

[JustinD]

How does the Aziak compare to the RRS from a quality standpoint? I understand they’re totally different price brackets. But I’ve tried the Tricers and they feel very cheap.

 

[4090Sharps]

How does the Aziak compare to the RRS from a quality standpoint? I understand they’re totally different price brackets. But I’ve tried the Tricers and they feel very cheap.

For the tripods, I think Aziak feels cheap in comparison to RRS, but high quality compared to something like the Aoka tripod. The Aziak Backcountry is a great combo of value for price, weight, and stability, but RRS is far more rigid (and generally heavier).