Dropping the big $$$ on a spotter. Straight or angled???

thinhorn_AK

"DADDY"
Joined
Jul 2, 2016
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Alaska
And why???

If you were going to buy a new swaro ats/sts which one would you get and why???

Thanks!
 

Journeyman

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 1, 2015
Messages
239
Location
Bozeman
I got an STX back in December.

I get on targets way faster with a straight. I have a tripod tall enough to use while standing up and I can easily go back and forth between my spotter and binos.

I've used both just prefer the straight.
 

realunlucky

Super Moderator
Staff member
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Jan 20, 2013
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13,126
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Eastern Utah
I prefer a angled all the best animal finders I know use angled scopes. People can have trouble finding the target if not familiar with angled scopes. You can use a shorter tripod so you can give a cheaper tripod a wider stance and get it more stable.

Here's gohunt take on it.https://www.gohunt.com/read/skills/spotting-scopes-angled-vs-straight-which-design-is-best#gs.3l5duu
Tons of people will say they can go from binoculars to straight scope without changing anything. It's a non issue for me personally.

Just as FYI Jay Scott an prefers a straight scope and his guiding partner uses a angled scope. You have to try them and see what you prefer.

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Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
750
Location
Utah
If you’re packing with it go straight as it’s easier for switching back and forth with Binos and for looking down from a high point. If it’s mostly for truck or quad use I’d maybe go angled
 
Joined
Mar 29, 2019
Messages
732
Straight.... if you run binoculars on a tripod (if not you should) you can quickly transition back and forth from binos to spotter, and change nothing...literally seconds, and when calibrated correctly your looking at the exact same spot....

The advantage of this alone outweighs all else. But, I’m also surprised at how many guys don’t implement a tripod adapter for binos.... to each their own I guess.
 
Joined
Jun 12, 2013
Messages
680
The video lays it out pretty well. My first spotter was straight. My neck would always get sore when I was using it for extended periods. Now I have an angled and I wouldn't go back. Going angled does take a little time getting used to. Straight is easier getting on target. Everyone is different though, if you can use both for a glassing session and see which you prefer.
 

Napperm4

WKR
Joined
Dec 31, 2016
Messages
444
Location
Calgary, AB, Canada
For my glassing style I prefer straight.

Backcountry (Rocky Mountains) - I get up high on ridges or peaks and am looking down or across valleys more than anything.

Front country (prairie and rolling hills) - I’m 99% of the time using a window mount so straight is far far better.

Range - I use the straight with a phone adapter and can see my shots with a quick turn of the head.

The only time I have seen a good benefit to angled for my use is new areas where I’d rather glass up hill than climb. I have a tall enough tripod that I can crank a good angle either standing or sitting to overcome those few occasions.
 
Joined
Aug 14, 2016
Messages
424
I prefer angled. My first high end spotter was straight. Since then through I have had angled and wouldn't go back.
 

ljalberta

WKR
Joined
Dec 7, 2015
Messages
1,679
Angled for me. My primary use is for bighorns. I just find angled more comfortable all around in the mountains. I'd only personally go straight if I was primarily glassing the prairies.
 

MtnMuley

WKR
Joined
Jun 11, 2016
Messages
550
100% a decision that you need to make for yourself. Try them both out. There's no such thing as guys who use angled spotters are better spotters than guys who use straight or vice versa.
 
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
2,158
I had no issue with target acquisition when I started using an angled spotter. Definitely a vote for angled in the mountains. And +1 it's personal preference.
 
Joined
May 29, 2012
Messages
3,474
Location
Lewiston ID
Ran a straight for 3 seasons, then an angled for 2 seasons. I'm back to a straight. The majority of my glassing is across canyon or from an elevated position. If I were glassing from valley floors alot I would maybe go with the angled spotter. But not for our style of hunting.

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Joined
Apr 3, 2013
Messages
77
I prefer an angled spotter. I feel it's more comfortable. It's easier to share with other people of different heights. And I can get it lower to the ground when battling high winds.
 

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