I just use standard, folding shooting sticks, but I'm not shooting 500 yards. I can shoot accurately enough to hammer an antelope out to 300-350 which is as far as I'm shooting. Perhaps I could shoot further with them because I get pretty rock-solid on them, but I've never tried. They are light, simple, quick to deploy, and not attached to my rifle...all great for my application. In my book they are as essential as the rifle itself for hunting.