SLIK Pro CF-635 Mod

[willfrye027]

I’m loving this thread! Any ideas on lightening up a double-center column?

 

[Ohio Darin]

I’m loving this thread! Any ideas on lightening up a double-center column?

What do you mean? Can you post a pic? I know I can shorten the SLIK center column but like it where it is.

 

[realunlucky]

What size scope are you using? I only ask because it looks like most of your height is coming from the center section fully extended. I've heard that really raised the center of gravity how's your stability?

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[Ohio Darin]

Nice....but that squaring jig is bad ass....more pics of that if you would please.

Did you make or purchase that?
[I just bought a spool gun so I can weld up some aluminum....a jig is on my list]

It's by Firenock. I was going to make one using roller skate bearings but ended up just buying one.

Firenock Arrow Prep

 

[willfrye027]

What do you mean? Can you post a pic? I know I can shorten the SLIK center column but like it where it is.

It’s basically an extra extension for the center column to make the overall tripod more compact but achieve the same height. I don’t need that much center column height but I don’t see a way to shorten it without some major aluminum cutting and probably loss of structural integrity and stability.

 

[Ohio Darin]

What size scope are you using? I only ask because it looks like most of your height is coming from the center section fully extended. I've heard that really raised the center of gravity how's your stability?

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60mm scope. That picture is pretty deceiving too. Only 25% of the height is coming from the 8" of center post. Also the center post will only come into play when I am sitting on something other than the ground. This set up is almost spot on of the Outdoorsman Compact I had. Very stable.

 

[Ohio Darin]

It’s basically an extra extension for the center column to make the overall tripod more compact but achieve the same height. I don’t need that much center column height but I don’t see a way to shorten it without some major aluminum cutting and probably loss of structural integrity and stability.

View attachment 93914

Return it and buy a SLIK? You could always remove the upper part of the column with it's twist lock. Cut the upper column about an inch from the top plate and epoxy the 1" stub piece into the bottom shaft.

 

[willfrye027]

Return it and buy a SLIK? You could always remove the upper part of the column with it's twist lock. Cut the upper column about an inch from the top plate and epoxy the 1" stub piece into the bottom shaft.

Haha! Let’s see how light I can get this thing before I’m willing to drop $200 on a new one. I think you’re right on the cutting option..may not be worth the effort for an ounce or two. I’ll post up the finished product when I’m done tinkering.

 

[realunlucky]

I got one of those brunton carbon fiber tripods when they were discontinued. I was super surprised at the difference between carbon fiber and aluminum at damping vibration. I've cut my tripod into pieces to try and save some wieght and make it perfect for my uses. Love your project you saved a bunch of weight with a bit of trimming. I cut the center section down on mine but it didn't save much weight honestly.

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[willfrye027]

I’m at 29.5oz including quick plate with the new head, 2 sections removed, and 5/8 caps installed. From a quick out-the-window test it’s stead and smooth enough even at full extension from a chair. My heavier tripod is more stable (now wearing the promaster ball head) but for the weight savings I think the small one will do just fine. Total cost was $117 plus I got a new head for my big tripod.

 

[Brendan]

It's by Firenock. I was going to make one using roller skate bearings but ended up just buying one.

Firenock Arrow Prep

I've got one of these too. It's what I use as my arrow spinner and squaring jig...

 

[Trial153]

Nice work...you taking orders...lol

 

[Ohio Darin]

I’m at 29.5oz including quick plate with the new head, 2 sections removed, and 5/8 caps installed. From a quick out-the-window test it’s stead and smooth enough even at full extension from a chair. My heavier tripod is more stable (now wearing the promaster ball head) but for the weight savings I think the small one will do just fine. Total cost was $117 plus I got a new head for my big tripod. View attachment 93977

Sweet! Sub 2 pounds - that's what I was after.

 

[NMMuledeer777]

Nice modifications! Definitely going to follow suit on removing the small plate where the head attaches

 

[howe0772]

Nice work! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Marine4life]

I did a similar thing to my XC525c but did not cut off the threaded section so I can add the extensions back if I ever want the height or to sell. Definitely like the weight savings.



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[andrewsb12]

Sweet mods, thanks for sharing.

 

[Elite]

I did a similar thing to my XC525c but did not cut off the threaded section so I can add the extensions back if I ever want the height or to sell. Definitely like the weight savings.
View attachment 99571View attachment 99573


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Do you have any pictures of what you installed over the exposed threaded pieces on the legs? And can you re assemble it after if you want the full height for a different style of hunting? I am looking to lighten up my xc525c


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[Darren D]

After humping around my 36.8 ounce Outdoorsmans compact tripod on my sheep hunt I figured I could do better and gave it to my guide.

Picked up the SLIK at less than half the price and 30.9 ounces.

I bought this knowing I would modify it as it’s 14.5” taller than the Outdoorsmans and even that one was taller than needed since I prefer to sit while using a spotter.

Broke out the dremel with cut off wheel and arrow squaring jig and went to town cutting off the threaded connections.

Used the same squaring jig to clean up the cuts

This is what was removed - bottom 2 sections and cut off connections.

Picked up some 5/8" rubber feet on Amazon and added a drop of gel super glue for added insurance.

Finished product comes in at 23.8 ounces. Loaded up with my micro pan head it’s all in at 31.6 ounces vs. 44.3 ounces.

Pretty compact right at 16”

And here it is all set up

Took right at 30 minutes from start to finish.


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Great work!

 

[Darren D]

Got looking at the top of the tripod and how it’s constructed. Don’t really need this big of a plate for my head.

Picking up an additional 1.2 ounces. Here is what’s left after removal.

Puts me at 30.4 ounces tripod and head. Almost a pound savings over my old set up.

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I removed mine as well. Great minds think alike .

I understand why some people would prefer removing the center post as well. But I like to stand up when I glass because of a tricky bad back. At 6’3”, I need the full height the center column provides. But man that center column is heavy!!! I ordered a 18mm OD carbon fiber tube today. Going to see if I can swap out the aluminum column with carbon to save several ounces.

More to come