Slik 624CF vs Slik 624CFL

[Muley Buck]

I can't seem to figure out why the flip leg locks get no love as compared to the twist locks do? All I ever hear on trekking poles is to get the flip lock design as it is superior to the twist lock design. Now besides the (IMO) negligible weight gain and collapsible length which is a little longer, or the fact that it may or (may not) snag going in or out of the pack what is wrong with the CFL models? I tend to prefer the flip lock design when it comes to setting up on a rocky outcropping or any uneven ground, I seem to settle into a comfortable, level position quicker and easier. Tell me what I am missing here guys.

 

[Jordan Budd]

I can seem to figure out why the flip leg locks get no love as compared to the twist locks do? All I ever hear on trekking poles is to get the flip lock design as it is superior to the twist lock design. Now besides the (IMO) negligible weight gain and collapsible length which is a little longer, or the fact that it may or (may not) snag going in or out of the pack what is wrong with the CFL models? I tend to prefer the flip lock design when it comes to setting up on a rocky outcropping or any uneven ground, I seem to settle into a comfortable, level position quicker and easier. Tell me what I am missing here guys.

I've got the 634 and totally agree with the lever locks... now. Mine are the twists and were fine up until the last year now that they're getting a little worn. No way to work on them really.. once they wear and lose tension your kinda screwed. When I got mine, about 4-5 years ago, the twist locks were the only option and seemed easier to operate with one hand at the time. I'd go, and will go, with lever locks now. More solid approach to locking them into place I think... my twists will unscrew and lose tension really easy now that they're worn. I'm almost certain you'd undoubtedly get more life out of lever locks.


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[Bwana]

I've got the 634 and totally agree with the lever locks... now. Mine are the twists and were fine up until the last year now that they're getting a little worn. No way to work on them really.. once they wear and lose tension your kinda screwed. When I got mine, about 4-5 years ago, the twist locks were the only option and seemed easier to operate with one hand at the time. I'd go, and will go, with lever locks now. More solid approach to locking them into place I think... my twists will unscrew and lose tension really easy now that they're worn. I'm almost certain you'd undoubtedly get more life out of lever locks.


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I agree...I run a 624 with the flips and they're solid, it also comes with a Allen wrench to adjust the tension after wear sets in with time.

 

[Muley Buck]

Ok, that makes sense. The twist locks were the initial design then I take it. Bwana what head are you running on the 624?

 

[Whisky]

I much prefer lever locks.

 

[Bwana]

Ok, that makes sense. The twist locks were the initial design then I take it. Bwana what head are you running on the 624?

I run 3 different heads on 2 tripods,,,based on which scope I'm using, but the new Manfrotto Livefree fluidhead & MVH500AH.

 

[Muley Buck]

Thank you all for the responses. Hey Jordan, if I'm not mistaken I thought you had run the Benro S2 and the Outdoorsmans micro pan head? If so how'd you like em?

 

[Jordan Budd]

Thank you all for the responses. Hey Jordan, if I'm not mistaken I thought you had run the Benro S2 and the Outdoorsmans micro pan head? If so how'd you like em?

I do have the Benro and pan head. I've used the Benro the most, including on this Mexico trip, and I am really liking it for the cash spent. For glassing and running a camera it is a nice smooth operation. Then I just got the pan head at wild sheep and haven't gotten to use it much, but I'll be doing a full review on that for the site. My initial thoughts on it are very positive though. The fluid motion is very nice and locks down solid. I'll get a chance with it more later this week and weekend and I'll let you know more then!


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[Muley Buck]

Sounds good! Thank you!

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

I run 3 different heads on 2 tripods,,,based on which scope I'm using, but the new Manfrotto Livefree fluidhead & MVH500AH.

What did you think of that Livefree head? We got one in to compare, and had metal shavings coming out the bottom. We got it replaced, and the new one has the same problem. Any luck with yours?

 

[Bwana]

What did you think of that Livefree head? We got one in to compare, and had metal shavings coming out the bottom. We got it replaced, and the new one has the same problem. Any luck with yours?

Hi Rob (which reminds me that I need to order a new Spott Hogg from you )

Sorry to hear you've had problems, very surprising really...I've owned a lot of Manfrotto products and never any issues. I love the BeFree fluid head, much smoother & better adjustments than the 700rc(which sagged and was too finicky on settings), and much lighter than the MVH500. I mainly use it for digiscoping with a Swaro ATM80HD, and it preforms great for it's size/price. I like the plate hook-up & safety latch, I'll take a look at my underside later today & check for the shavings issue.

 

[dotman]

Ok, that makes sense. The twist locks were the initial design then I take it. Bwana what head are you running on the 624?

I didn't see this mentioned but the twist lock is lighter then the flip lock version as well.

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

Yea, we've always had great luck with Manfrotto products in the past. I had a 700rc that served me well. I was pretty disappointed in the BeFree head, we were very excited about the weight/price as well. Glad to hear that it was just bad luck on our part. I am surprised that it will handle an 80mm Swaro AND digiscoping to boot! Good for you.

I think you would have known about the issues we saw.. we could feel it grinding when applying friction to the vertical, you would have felt it for sure.

Just let me know on the Spot Hogg, I am super impressed with just about every new feature this year. Thanks again for the feedback on the head...maybe we'll have to give it another chance...

 

[Muley Buck]

Research on tripod heads seems to be a pretty daunting task, regarding size, user friendliness and function, weight ect. I'll probably go with the Outdoorsmans as it seems to have a concensus that is very positive. I'm really buying into the "buy once, cry once" mantra.

 

[Muley Buck]

I didn't see this mentioned but the twist lock is lighter then the flip lock version as well.

Yes, I did notice this as well. Thanx

 

[Bwana]

Research on tripod heads seems to be a pretty daunting task, regarding size, user friendliness and function, weight ect. I'll probably go with the Outdoorsmans as it seems to have a concensus that is very positive. I'm really buying into the "buy once, cry once" mantra.

Which is why: Based on your optic equipment's weight & balance point, I'd be ordering from 1 of the big boys(Cameraland, BH Photo, Eagle Optics, etc..)that allow free returns. Get the package and try it out, if it doesn't work as desired return and get a different model...also all the the big optic/photo places have demo units, like new & cheaper + free returns.