Is the RRS Ascent 14 w/ Anvil-30 Head the Way to Go?

[InkedElkSlayer]

I searched/read about a dozen previous threads and this Really Right Stuff combo was mentioned a few times.

I currently have a Slik 624C for glassing with 15s and a spotter. I am looking to upgrade to a setup that I can not only glass/spot from, but will serve as a solid shooting platform as well. I would like to be able to glass with 15s from the tripod, then to quickly transition to shooting from the tripod. Weight is a factor, but I understand I’ll need to add a little from my current Slik.

For those with experience glassing, spotting and shooting from a RRS tripod…
What configuration would you recommend for backcountry hunting if you were starting from scratch?
Is there a better head option than the Anvil-30?
Do you have a specific arca mount you would mount on the stock?

 

[hereinaz]

The Anvil 30 is amazing for shooting but sucks for glassing. You can not set tension.

I run the Leofoto MH motorcycle handle ball head because it can set tension and glass with my 15s. For shooting it locks as tight as the Anvil.

I like having a long handle to “drive” the rifle and head.

RRS tripods are amazing and the best.

 

[NeedleCrook]

I’ve been using an ascend 14L for a couple years now with the anvil 30. Before that I had the anvil on a leofoto ls324c I think. But it’s the only head I’ve ever used. I wasn’t used to a pan head or anything. It’s been great. But this year I added a Tricer lp to the mix. I still keep the anvil attached to the tripod, but when I’m glassing I attach the Tricer, which has a built in ARCA plate on the base, to the anvil and glass, then I can quickly take it off and lock in a rifle. It’s also nice because i don’t need to worry about leveling the tripod. I can just level the anvil then grid with the Tricer lp.

You can ditch the bottom of the center post to shav me some weight. Or not do the long version. But I do enjoy having the option to glass standing.

 

[NeedleCrook]

.

 

[hereinaz]

Yup, a small pan head works great on top. I have one that I use sometimes. Small Rig makes a nice one that I use.

 

[InkedElkSlayer]

@hereinaz & @NeedleCrook - Appreciate the feedback. I’ve been surfing sites...

My current setup is 2.3lbs with Field Optics FBH-30 head and 17.5in collapsed.

RRS Ascent 14C- 3.19lbs (2.84lbs w/o center) and 17.1in
Leofoto MH-35 w/Handlebar- 1.1lbs and 3.7in
Tricer-LP Head- 4.5oz

The entire setup would be @ 4.25lbs and 21in collapsed. Not too bad. The head definitely isn’t light, but that style looks very natural and efficient.

I may keep shopping a bit, so any other suggestions would be great. But I would like to get everything in hand before too long. My youngest and I are heading to AZ in late February for Javelina. That will be a perfect opportunity to utilize the new setup. Thanks.

 

[Nine Banger]

I have the really thick TFTC tripod and another one that is a little bit thinner. Seems like they are splitting hairs on the product line now that I have both.

The anvil head is the way to go. I've had guys that own a pan head shoot on mine and you figuratively can see them go "damn" when they first interact with it.

I have one of these attached to my spotting scope and lock it into the anvil:

PT-Scout Pan-Tilt Head

Explore the PT-Scout Ball Head from Really Right Stuff SOAR. Precision control, adaptability, and user-friendly design elevate your scouting missions.

rrssoar.com

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I second that you want the Anvil for shooting from the Ascend tripod. Nothing comes close to providing ergonomics of shooting from it.


The Tricer LP with a little arca on it works great for glassing, but I’ll be replacing it with a Wiser Knighthawk.

 

[NeedleCrook]

I second that you want the Anvil for shooting from the Ascend tripod. Nothing comes close to providing ergonomics of shooting from it.


The Tricer LP with a little arca on it works great for glassing, but I’ll be replacing it with a Wiser Knighthawk.


View attachment 798864

I’ve been wanting to try the wiser nighthawk. Is it a big improvement over the Tricer lp?

And I haven’t used the leofoto head inkedelkslayer mentioned but would also recommend the anvil for shooting, especially if you’re wanting to add a small panhead for glassing

 

[hereinaz]

The MH handle is just as stable as the Anvil 30 for shooting AND it is usable for glassing. Accordingly, I don't have to run a separate pan head at all.

I ran the Anvil 30 for a season or so. And, switched after testing the MH Leofoto. I picked up a Leofoto version of the Anvil 30 to use when I teach people shooting.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I’ve been wanting to try the wiser nighthawk. Is it a big improvement over the Tricer lp?

And I haven’t used the leofoto head inkedelkslayer mentioned but would also recommend the anvil for shooting, especially if you’re wanting to add a small panhead for glassing

Nighthawk is made in USA and the Tricer’s owner rubs me the wrong way. Don’t want to support them anymore.

Sounds like @hereinaz is happy with his solution. I’ve never tried that one. The Anvil/Pan Tilt is awesome though and doesn’t give up any shooting or glassing performance.