RRS TFCX-13 vs Ascend-14

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I just received the new Really Right Stuff TFCX-13 tripod to compare to my Ascend-14 Compact/Platform.

I think that RRS could have done a bit more to develop a truly lightweight yet capable tripod.
It is significantly longer than the Ascend and also has beefier rubber feet.

When compared directly to the Ascend in direct mounted Anvil (MA-30L), there is only a 4 oz weight difference.

The Ascend allows for more versatility in these areas:

Longer extended height.
Shorter packed length.
Center column in 2 configurations.
1/4” micro head compatibility (RRS BC-18)

I’m going to send it back. If I want to reduce more weight, I’ll remove the lower leg sections of the Ascend and cap them off.

See below for following weights:

Ascend-14 (no center column)- 2 lbs 6 oz
W/ short center column: 2 lbs 10 oz
W/ long center column: 3 lbs
W/direct mount MA-30L: 3 lbs 2 oz
1 lower leg section of Ascend: 3 oz (x3 9 oz)

TFCX-13: 2 lbs 3 oz
W/ MA-30L: 2 lbs 14.5 oz

 

[willfrye027]

I just received the new Really Right Stuff TFCX-13 tripod to compare to my Ascend-14 Compact/Platform.

I think that RRS could have done a bit more to develop a truly lightweight yet capable tripod.
It is significantly longer than the Ascend and also has beefier rubber feet.

When compared directly to the Ascend in direct mounted Anvil (MA-30L), there is only a 4 oz weight difference.

The Ascend allows for more versatility in these areas:

Longer extended height.
Shorter packed length.
Center column in 2 configurations.
1/4” micro head compatibility (RRS BC-18)

I’m going to send it back. If I want to reduce more weight, I’ll remove the lower leg sections of the Ascend and cap them off.

See below for following weights:

Ascend-14 (no center column)- 2 lbs 6 oz
W/ short center column: 2 lbs 10 oz
W/ long center column: 3 lbs
W/direct mount MA-30L: 3 lbs 2 oz
1 lower leg section of Ascend: 3 oz (x3 9 oz)

TFCX-13: 2 lbs 3 oz
W/ MA-30L: 2 lbs 14.5 oz


View attachment 727887

Thanks for posting this. I’ve been happy with my ascend..I need to play with removing a leg section and using just the short center column. Would love to see what you come up with end caps

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Thanks for posting this. I’ve been happy with my ascend..I need to play with removing a leg section and using just the short center column. Would love to see what you come up with end caps

I purchased rubber chair end caps off of Amazon for another tripod a couple years ago. I plan to measure the Ascend and do the same again. The end caps are not super light, but the net overall savings should atleast be a quarter lb., which is the difference between these two tripods.

The height of the Ascend without the lower legs is like 3 inches lower than the full length TFCX, but it’s not a big deal as neither would be standing height in that configuration anyhow.

 

[StopMakingSense]

@B_Reynolds_AK could you take a picture of both of the direct mount options for the Ascend and TFCX-13?

I was interested in this setup but now I'm thinking through which one I want.

 

[Kurts86]

My biggest question would be how much shooting stability is improved from the Ascend-14 to the TFCX?

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

My biggest question would be how much shooting stability is improved from the Ascend-14 to the TFCX?

Zero. It’s the same tripod minus the lower leg sections of the Ascend. I find the Ascend a fantastic tripod to shoot from, from prone to kneeling, out to 800+ yards.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

@B_Reynolds_AK could you take a picture of both of the direct mount options for the Ascend and TFCX-13?

I was interested in this setup but now I'm thinking through which one I want.

On the Ascend you remove the center column and use a bolt and washer to attach the Anvil. Both are equally as secure.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Ascend-14 with lower legs removed and capped off with 1” chair end caps from Amazon.

With short center column and the RRS BC-18, it comes in at 2 lbs 8 oz.

Direct mounted MA-30L (Anvil clone) and it weighs 2 lbs 12 oz.

 

[Sadler]

Ascend-14 with lower legs removed and capped off with 1” chair end caps from Amazon.

With short center column and the RRS BC-18, it comes in at 2 lbs 8 oz.

Direct mounted MA-30L (Anvil clone) and it weighs 2 lbs 12 oz.

View attachment 731353

That looks way cleaner than my electrical tape and rubber caps. Do those stay on by a friction fit or did you have to use some sort of adhesive?

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

That looks way cleaner than my electrical tape and rubber caps. Do those stay on by a friction fit or did you have to use some sort of adhesive?

Friction fit. They can be pulled off, but not very easily. I may wrap some electrical tape directly around the threads underneath, so the caps fit a bit more snug though.

 

[Sadler]

That’s what I did. I’ll post a pic of my ghetto looking $1300 tripod when I get home

 

[Wiscgunner]

What is the difference between the Ascend-14 and the TFCT-14? Looks like the TFCT doesn't have a center column but confused by the one listed at Europtics that is a TFCT-14L Ascend seems to be a combination of both.

Really Right Stuff TFCT-14L Ascend Series 1 Long-Leg Carbon Fiber Tripod w/Anvil-30 ARC Ball Head TFCT-14L-ASC-A30ARC

FREE SHIPPING on Really Right Stuff TFCT-14L Ascend Series 1 Long-Leg Carbon Fiber Tripod w/Anvil-30 ARC Ball Head TFCT-14L-ASC-A30ARC

www.eurooptic.com

I currently use a Feisol 3342 with RRS universal Leveling base and like shooting off this setup and do not mind glassing off the leveling base at all. Unfortunately I came across The Center Column and my satisfaction with my tripod setup has turned to arsonist inclinations towards my wallet and stiffness envy.

I do not want to go with a heavier tripod if possible and have heard conflicting reports regarding the Anvil-30 for shooting compared to the U-LB.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

What is the difference between the Ascend-14 and the TFCT-14? Looks like the TFCT doesn't have a center column but confused by the one listed at Europtics that is a TFCT-14L Ascend seems to be a combination of both.

Really Right Stuff TFCT-14L Ascend Series 1 Long-Leg Carbon Fiber Tripod w/Anvil-30 ARC Ball Head TFCT-14L-ASC-A30ARC

FREE SHIPPING on Really Right Stuff TFCT-14L Ascend Series 1 Long-Leg Carbon Fiber Tripod w/Anvil-30 ARC Ball Head TFCT-14L-ASC-A30ARC

www.eurooptic.com

I currently use a Feisol 3342 with RRS universal Leveling base and like shooting off this setup and do not mind glassing off the leveling base at all. Unfortunately I came across The Center Column and my satisfaction with my tripod setup has turned to arsonist inclinations towards my wallet and stiffness envy.

I do not want to go with a heavier tripod if possible and have heard conflicting reports regarding the Anvil-30 for shooting compared to the U-LB.

The TFCT uses the same legs, yet does not have a center column. They don’t make the standard height version any more, only the Long one. When mounting an Anvil-30 (or Leofoto MA-30L), the Ascend has the distinct advantage of being able to seat the head down into the apex where the center column was removed from, resulting in a far more secure connection. This is opposed to just screwing the head onto a regular 3/8 stud like the TFCT and most tripods have.

There are no conflicting reports by anyone who has actually used an Anvil or MA-30L. It is without question the best shooting head available.

 

[Wiscgunner]

The TFCT uses the same legs, yet does not have a center column. They don’t make the standard height version any more, only the Long one. When mounting an Anvil-30 (or Leofoto MA-30L), the Ascend has the distinct advantage of being able to seat the head down into the apex where the center column was removed from, resulting in a far more secure connection. This is opposed to just screwing the head onto a regular 3/8 stud like the TFCT and most tripods have.

There are no conflicting reports by anyone who has actually used an Anvil or MA-30L. It is without question the best shooting head available.

Thank you for the quick reply. I see now what you mean about the heads seated differently which answers my question about the EurOptic link. Must be a special pkg they sell without the center column as I didn't see that listed on RRS.com site.

 

[Lawnboi]

I need another ascend L. I miss it a lot of the time when I’m not doing anything standing.

 

[Wiscgunner]

I need another ascend L. I miss it a lot of the time when I’m not doing anything standing.

Do you mean it is better suited to sitting vs standing? What are you using now?

PS Hello from Madison

 

[Lawnboi]

Do you mean it is better suited to sitting vs standing? What are you using now?

PS Hello from Madison

I had an early ascend without a center colum and now own a 24L I use for everything.

The 14 was plenty stable for hunting rifles from seated kneeling, and got pretty wobbly when standing. Eventually I’ll probably own a 14L as a dedicated hunting tripod, the 24L is a bit much but is very stable.

Located up near tomahawk here.

 

[Wiscgunner]

I had an early ascend without a center colum and now own a 24L I use for everything.

The 14 was plenty stable for hunting rifles from seated kneeling, and got pretty wobbly when standing. Eventually I’ll probably own a 14L as a dedicated hunting tripod, the 24L is a bit much but is very stable.

Located up near tomahawk here.

Have you taken it backpacking at all? wondering if it would make a difference to remove the lower leg section as it should still be tall enough for me to glass and shoot off of. My current tripod is 56"

 

[Lawnboi]

Have you taken it backpacking at all? wondering if it would make a difference to remove the lower leg section as it should still be tall enough for me to glass and shoot off of. My current tripod is 56"

Iv used the 24L for everything. Including carrying it on a pack. I’m not a weight weenie when it comes to equipment for making a shot.

I havnt messed with taking legs off. The tripod is around 26” broken down so it’s not small at all.

I think a 33/34 and a 14L would be an ideal setup for me, until then I’ll just keep making the 24L work. I need a beefy tripod for PRS/NRL and so appreciate it for prairie dog shoots.

 

[Wiscgunner]

I need to find someplace to compare a 14L to a 24L, I don't really see myself needing a giant tripod and just want a better hunting version of what I already have (Feisol 3342). Looking for less torsional flex (twisting) at a similar weight (2.5lbs). I would not go less stable for hunting regardless of weight. I suspect the Ascend-14L might be as stable or better at a similar weight but if the 24l is even better and can weigh closer to 3lbs with last leg section removed, I might go that way. The 24L is 10 inches taller than my current setup so could possibly afford to shorted while maintaining the thicker sturdier sections. Maybe thought the juice isn't worth the squeeze.