Slik or Promaster tripod advice?

[Screamrider]

So I'm looking to pick up a new tripod and head this year. For now I will just be glassing with my Swaro EL Range 10x42, but will likely pick up a 65mm scope down the road. Primary use will be western backpack hunting, 2-4 day outings at a time.

My Swaro binos are currently at the Outdoorsmans getting the stud and bino adapter installed.

My first dilemma is which tripod to get? I'm considering the following:

1. Slik 624 CF ($225 and 1.8 lbs)
2. Promaster T525 ($299 and 2 lbs, 3oz)
3. Outdoorsmans medium ($369, weight unknown)

I glass sitting down and have a super heavy Manfrotto tripod for the truck if I do want to glass from a road on the drive in.

From what I understand, all three of these tripods are excellent products and I've already watched the great video from Steve at S and S comparing the first two. Looking for anyone who has actually used them and could recommend one over the others based on usability in the field.

Dilemma number 2 is which tripod head:

1. Vanguard PH-111V ($70)
2. Jim white Pan ($270)
3. Outdoorsmans Pan ($389)

Obviously a huge price range, but again I've heard good things about all of them. One definite consideration is that I'll be using the Outdoorsmans bino adapter, which will obviously fit best into the Outdoorsmans pan head.....but given the price I'm very reluctant. Does anyone know how well it will attach to the Vanguard on Jim White heads?

Appreciated any input!

 

[trdhunter]

I have the promaster, and ph11 head. So far I have had nothing but great experience with both. I have not used any of the others listed to offer any comparison. For the price I believe the ph11 head is worth a try and if you want more or it does not work for you, then go ahead and spend the money on one of the other heads. That was my thinking and so far I am happy with the vanguard. One thing that pushed me towards the 525 was the ability to go taller if needed, which might not matter if your planning on sitting only. I believe the Slik 234 is closer comparison to the 525.

 

[Screamrider]

thanks for the info.

Anyone have thoughts on the outdoorsmans head?

 

[CodyB]

I have a Slik 623 with the Outdoorsman pan head as my lightweight tripod setup and use it currently ith either a Leupold Gold Ring HD scope or 10x42 SLC binos. It is a nice setup but not nearly as stable as my Manfrotto 190CX tripod with Manfrotto fluid head so I usually end up lugging it around unless I am really trying to save weight. I am a bit disappointed with the Outdoorsman head as it seems like the tension on the pan and tilt adjustments go from very tight to very loose in a short turn of the lever which can make fine tuning the head a bit tricky.

 

[WOOD5045]

I have the Slik 624 CF and I am very happy with it. I'm also running the Promaster 6160 Video 3-way pan head. While it's a decent head for the money, I would like to upgrade to the Outdoorsmans or Jim White.

Good luck.

 

[WOOD5045]

thanks for the info.

Anyone have thoughts on the outdoorsmans head?

This might help:

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?7675-Outdoorsmans-Pan-Head&highlight=outdoorsmans+head

 

[Screamrider]

I ended up going with the Promaster T525 tripod and Vanguard PH-111V head from Steve at S and S archery. The promaster seemed to be the best blend of size/weight/cost and apparently the PH-111V head is incredible for the price. I usually subscribe to the "buy once, cry once" school of thought, but at several hundred dollars less than the outdoorsmans head I have to give the vanguard a try.

 

[Screamrider]

Quick follow up: I received the tripod and the T525 has actually been replaced by the XC525C. The tripod itself is actually 2 oz lighter than the original. I weighed it at 2 lbs 1 oz. It also comes with a nice ball head, weighing 12 oz. Overall seems like a great deal; 2 oz lighter, free ball head and it actually has a few extra inches working height (than the T525). The Vanguard head is also a great deal at $70, I couldn't be happier with my decision. The combo also works great with the sportsman bino adapter. 4 more days and I'll be chasing Elk it Oregon, putting them to the test!!!