Vortex Summit SS-P

[69ChrisCraft]

Before I'm chastised....I've read through all the tripod threads multiple times.

I was settled on a Slik Sprint Mini ii and PH 111v head until I came across the Summit SS-P.... I have my backup binos and my razor 50 setup on my Vortex High Country (POS).

The only reason I entertain the idea of the Summit SS is to keep all my optics on the same tripod adaptor. I'd like to run my Monarch 10x42s on the High Country and my Conquest HDs on the Summit SS and keep the Razor 50 mm spotter handy for either setup.

As much as I'd love a Slik 624 cf and OD head it's not in the cards this year.

Anyone have experience with the Panhead on the Summit SS?

 

[jack88]

I bought one a few weeks ago. Panhead is nice and smooth but the whole setup is somewhat heavy. No major complaints so far.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I bought one a few weeks ago. Panhead is nice and smooth but the whole setup is somewhat heavy. No major complaints so far.

The Vortex website has the setup listed at 2.0 lbs? Is this not accurate?

 

[edg1967]

I actually used the standard Vortex ball head tripod, but took the ball head end off flipped it around so that the 1/4" stud for the hook as a mount for a panhead & put on a Vangaurd PH-111. For the money it's a great setup.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I actually used the standard Vortex ball head tripod, but took the ball head end off flipped it around so that the 1/4" stud for the hook as a mount for a panhead & put on a Vangaurd PH-111. For the money it's a great setup.

Hmmm, nice. That gives me an idea, I wonder if I could remove the ball off the high country and replace it with the panhead from the Vortex SS-p then buy the PH-111v for it. Essentially upgrading the high country in the process.

 

[edg1967]

Hmmm, nice. That gives me an idea, I wonder if I could remove the ball off the high country and replace it with the panhead from the Vortex SS-p then buy the PH-111v for it. Essentially upgrading the high country in the process.

Possibly. I had a High Country bu can't remember if it had the two-piece center pole or if the ball head could be removed easily. I have Outdoorsman pan and pistol grip heads on my Outdoorsman tripods now but my dad used the ph-111 on the Summit to look out on the lake & I use the head on my window mount & am very impressed by how smooth it is for the money.

 

[5MilesBack]

I have a Slik 634CF Pro with a Promaster 6160 panhead and the Summit SS with ball head. Last night I was playing around with them when we were going to watch the fireworks from our roof, and put the Summit SS ball head on the Slik 634 and actually preferred that head on it to the panhead I have. I wouldn't mind trying the Summit panhead, but not sure I'd like it better.

 

[ElkNut1]

I have a couple of the New SS-P Tripods & they are pretty darned nice, a step above over the ball head for my liking!They are 2lb with pan head. The nice thing with this unit over the ball head is I can use a 50mm--65mm or 85mm spotter on this unit & it supports it well & allows for smooth movements in all directions. The SS Ball head only allows up to the 65mm spotter as do most light weight tripods. I like this unit quite a bit & will use it no doubt for its compactness sturdiness.

These units are tough to get but I do have one left here in stock & a bunch more on back order, hope to be getting them in very soon!

ElkNut1

 

[69ChrisCraft]

ElkNut,

PM sent

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I just wanted to follow up in case anyone was interested in the Summit SS-P. I just received the shipment from ElkNut (excellent service). The Summit tripod itself is hands down superior to the High Country. It's much more stable and appears to be made of better components. Being this is the first pan head I've ever used other than a window mount Cabelas model I believe it will be more than adequate for my needs. If anyone is looking for a decent tripod on a budget I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to pick up an SS-P. In fact, I've already requested that Paul (Elknut) notify me when his next shipment arrives.... As I'll be replacing the High Country I use for my Razor 50 mm spotter with a second Summit SS-P.

 

[5MilesBack]

In fact, I've already requested that Paul (Elknut) notify me when his next shipment arrives.... As I'll be replacing the High Country I use for my Razor 50 mm spotter with a second Summit SS-P.

Why can't you use the first one with the 50mm Razor? Not trying to take business away from Paul, but just wondering why you have dedicated tripods.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I've been using the High Country tripod for the past year with the 50 mm and it does as designed. I think the Summit tripod itself is superior and just swapping back and forth between ball heads and the pan head in the backyard I feel the pan head is the way to go. With the ball head I generally use one hand on the base of the scope and the other on the knob of the ball. Pan head makes one handed operation much simpler.

 

[5MilesBack]

You missed my point. You said you just got one from Paul, and wanted another one when he gets more in. Just wondering why you want two of the same tripod.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

You missed my point. You said you just got one from Paul, and wanted another one when he gets more in. Just wondering why you want two of the same tripod.

Gotcha.... I more or less outfit my brother who is my hunting parter. We are both glassing off tripods this year. One tripod with my 10x42s and the other with the 50 mm. Obviously when I scout alone I only take one tripod for both binos and spotter.

 

[primitive]

Ironically I bought an SSP last week not knowing anything about them. I liked the compactness and smoothness of the panhead, and the weight. Do y'all remove the center leg for backpacking?

 

[ElkNut1]

Why would you remove it? It's the same length or shorter than the actual legs. I assume you are not considering leaving it behind because it's the only thing the pan head attaches too.

ElkNut1

 

[supercub]

for those looking to upgrade just the panhead it appears to be the Velbon PHD-31Q 3-Way Panhead. Looks like same adapter plates as the ballhead also

 

[rodney482]

I think he is talking about the extension that screws on?

Why would you remove it? It's the same length or shorter than the actual legs. I assume you are not considering leaving it behind because it's the only thing the pan head attaches too.

ElkNut1