First Tripod Aziak Backcountry Lite or Aziak Ridgeline

[Mfritts]

About to pull trigger on my first tripod for backpack hunting. Hunting first rifle in Colorado this October. Wanting something that can be shot from when needed, and for binos. Don’t own a spotter currently, focused on just finding something legal to chase. The Aziaks seem to have great feedback and curious if the backcountry lite w their backcountry head is a more versatile setup, or if keeping it simple with the ridgeline is better option for my current needs. Leaning toward ridgeline for weight and better head for shooting (is it?). Looked at Leupold CF-425 as well but doesn’t seem to be well liked overall. Open to other suggestions in the Aziak price range.

Bonus question: best Arca Swiss adapter that i can add to my Browning X-bolt speed gen-1 rifle factory stock…


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[Kurts86]

The ridgeline is much better for shooting because it has no center column and 2 sections. Shooting requires rigidity and the fewest connections to flex. The backcountry lite is better for glassing because of the center column and arguably more sections eases adjustment. I will say the center column is less of an issue without a spotting scope. The adjustment up and down from binoculars to a spotting scope is the biggest reason for a center column. The ridgeline is probably best for you.

Salmon River solutions makes the best arca adapters.

 

[Mfritts]

Thanks for the input, looking up salmon river now.


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[TX_Diver]

The ridgeline is an awesome tripod for someone wanting lightweight and a decent shooting platform. Glassing with binos it works well if you’re not dead set on a center Column. A spotter works ok as well but it wasn’t my favorite head for my heavy spotter.

I used one last year and ultimately missed my center column a bit, but had a good experience otherwise. Seems like for what you want it’d be a good choice

I have a horse now though so I’m selling the ridgeline and gonna pick up something a bit heavier to complement my other little tripod.

PM me if you and up going Ridgeline and want to make a deal on it

 

[satchamo]

I own the ridgeline and I’ve tried a tricer lp clipped onto the ball head as a “do all” and it’s ok for binos but only a small spotter would work with it.

I’d go with the backcountry and give up a bit of shootability for a better glassing experience. As mentioned the ridgeline is a great little shooting tripod and I’ll never get rid of mine but the lack of a center column and the ball head really hinders it for glassing even if you add a small pan head.