I recently had the opportunity to test out the Vanguard Endeavor RL 303C6M Shooting Tripod. This budget-friendly option surprised me with its impressive features and overall performance. Full Disclosure: I am obsessed with tripods. I probably have 10-15 at any given time, so I was initially skeptical about finding a reliable shooting tripod at an affordable price. However, Vanguard is a Rokslide advertiser, so Robby arranged a review on the Vanguard Endeavor RL 303C6M tripod. With no strings attached, I could say what I wanted.
Vanguard Endeavor RL 303C6M
One of the first things that caught my attention was the sturdiness of the Vanguard Endeavor RL 303C6M tripod. At the same time, the legs are smaller in diameter than other shooting tripods. It is very sturdy when collapsed. Once extended, you can tell the difference between it and other high-end tripods as it was not as stable. The Endeavor is offered in aluminum as well as carbon. I received the carbon version, which I prefer as it’s not as cold in the hands when it’s cold outside. The quality of construction instills confidence, and it has held up well since I’ve owned it. See the whole Vanguard tripod lineup here.
Fast To Deploy
The Vanguard Endeavor RL 303C6M tripod can be widened with one of my favorite features of this tripod. At the top of the leg, they designed a button on the side to unlock the legs. It is straightforward to use. The three-section telescopic legs can easily extend and retract while locking up tight.
Another feature I like is the 1″ markings on the lower legs. You can easily set up your tripod to a repeatable height you like shooting off of with ease. Another awesome feature I like, which is on most Vanguard tripods, is the feet. They are rubber, but twisting them exposes a spike for better traction in the dirt.
Rifle Clamp
The tripods come with a gun mount that is a large clamp style with an oversized tightening wheel. While it works well, I am not a fan. It is heavy, and arca rails on hunting rifles are the future. While I wouldn’t say I like the head, it is also the main reason I recommend this tripod to a hunter looking into upping their game by shooting off a tripod. The head is removable; you can replace it later with an arca head when you put an arca rail on your rifle.
The gun mount is on top of a leveling head, which allows you to adjust the angle 15 degrees up and down. I have a few leveling head tripods with similar degree ranges, and the Vanguard is the smoothest out of them all. It locks down extremely tight and has a comfortable handle. Having a mount on a tripod is also versatile; I use this head to hold rifles while installing scopes and cleaning them.
Three Generation Antelope Hunt
I recently took this tripod on an antelope hunt in Wyoming, where three of us used it in one way or another to take our antelope.
My son and I used it in a tripod rear support fashion, meaning we were on tall bipods. We used the height of the tripod to support the rifle in the rear, utilizing one of the tripod legs. The tripod rear creates a solid shooting position.
My father used it in more of a traditional manner with his rifle on top of the tripod. This was the first animal he’d taken off a tripod, and he was impressed with the stability. The tripod weighs around 6 pounds and 4 ounces with the head and 4 pounds and 6 ounces without the head, so you would want to pack only a short distance from the truck or other means of transportation.
Good Value
What truly sets the Vanguard Endeavor RL 303C6M tripod apart is its exceptional value for money. Its combination of build quality, adjustability, and portability competes with more expensive models on the market. The RL series offers a reliable solution for budget-conscious shooters wanting to start shooting off a tripod without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Overall, the Vanguard Endeavor RL 303C6M tripod exceeded my expectations. It is a good option for someone wanting to get into shooting off of a tripod.
I have also brought up suggested features to Vanguard, which I prefer on tripods, such as a good ball head and arca mount. Typically, feedback goes in one ear and out the other; however, what I like about Vanguard is they are willing to listen and are open to improving their products. Look for possible changes in the future line.
The Endeavor line of tripods can be purchased at any Vanguard retailer or directly through them. You are looking at spending anywhere from 340 bucks to 500 bucks depending on a specific model and if you would like it in carbon fiber.
Vanguard offers a Standard and an Extended (free for just registering) Warranty. More information here.
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