pwrguy Report post Posted November 3, 2013 The Calumet sounds like a great setup except for the twistlock. I like the way it collapses neatly. Hunthard, I have a 13 pound give or take rifle, I'm not sure that little head can handle it. I haven't decided that I want to shoot of a tripod at this point, just thinking ahead in case I ever do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hunthard Report post Posted November 3, 2013 Little Head? The MVH500AH is as sturdy as they come before getting into non hunting tripod heads. The plate is about 2.75'' wide by 5.75'' long. I haven't seen a bigger plate/base on a tripod head used for hunting. I personally use a harris bipod and the triclawps. The bipod is only used obviously when you don't have time to set up the tripod. As far as twistlock. Are you talking about the legs or neck? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hunthard Report post Posted November 3, 2013 I've used the kowa highlanders(close to 14lbs) on this head and it handles them flawlessly. Your rifle should be fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted November 3, 2013 Here's a little twist to consider. Like just about everything from glass, to bullets to campers or tents, the perfect gun for this animal, the best broadhead for that, the best glass - the best glass on a budget.. What you are asking for is the very best tripod out there. In hunting there's no perfect anything - everything has a trade-off. I've spent way more money than I should have experimenting with equipment. To be honest, the absolute best tripod I have found for hunting in AZ and NM under almost all conditions is the Slik Sprint Pro. I've got the big Bogen 3225G which is necessary for a Spotting scope, or standing up with big optics. I'd say 95% of the time I'm sitting, and the $100 slik tripod weighs in at around 2 pounds and can handle 15x56 swaros very well. If I need to glass standing up or use a spotter, the Bogen fills that need. My point is, there probably isn't one tripod that does everything perfectly. When I go out with my boys, each of them has a Slik Sprint Pro and the Jim White adapter. Between thier 8x42 glass, my Swaros in 10x42 and 15x56, these little cheap tripods are the work horses we rely on. When there is no need to carry a heavy or bulky tripod they seem to do it all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rcdinaz Report post Posted November 3, 2013 HA! I am right there with you coach. I have beat that little Sprint up and it still works. I always have it in the truck. They make a CF one but the funny thing is the weight is almost identical. I do like the idea of having the monopod in the one Amanda mentioned. Been thinking about that, if you can throw a rifle rest on top of the monopod it would kill 2 birds with one stone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted November 3, 2013 Ebay. I Bought A Velbon Chaser EFl-4a From Amanda ProbablyClose To 8 Years Ago.It Is The ONLY Piece Of Gear Of Mine I've Never Even THOUGHT About replacing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pwrguy Report post Posted November 3, 2013 I'm not looking for perfection, I know that doesn't exist. The reason I question the head is the stated 11 pound weight capacity. I am not in the market for the head right now anyway, I am happy with the pistol grip I am using for my glass. I am just looking for for honest opinions. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted November 3, 2013 Here's a little twist to consider. Like just about everything from glass, to bullets to campers or tents, the perfect gun for this animal, the best broadhead for that, the best glass - the best glass on a budget.. What you are asking for is the very best tripod out there. In hunting there's no perfect anything - everything has a trade-off. I've spent way more money than I should have experimenting with equipment. To be honest, the absolute best tripod I have found for hunting in AZ and NM under almost all conditions is the Slik Sprint Pro. I've got the big Bogen 3225G which is necessary for a Spotting scope, or standing up with big optics. I'd say 95% of the time I'm sitting, and the $100 slik tripod weighs in at around 2 pounds and can handle 15x56 swaros very well. If I need to glass standing up or use a spotter, the Bogen fills that need. My point is, there probably isn't one tripod that does everything perfectly. When I go out with my boys, each of them has a Slik Sprint Pro and the Jim White adapter. Between thier 8x42 glass, my Swaros in 10x42 and 15x56, these little cheap tripods are the work horses we rely on. When there is no need to carry a heavy or bulky tripod they seem to do it all. yes, the Slik Sprint Pro is very good, much cheaper and lighter, but isn't quite as sturdy as the promaster or calumet. I sell the Slik Sprint Pro and slik sprint mini too. As well as the Velbon that Casey mentioned. here is a link to the tripod and tripod head section in the CW store: http://store.coueswhitetail.com/tripods-tripod-heads/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pwrguy Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Amanda, I am very interested in the Calumet. I tried to PM you but got a message back saying you cannot recieve messages? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildwoody Report post Posted November 6, 2013 hay rex i love my outdoorsmans with the pistal grip. shot a 270 weatherby of of the rifle rest attachment steady baby. call me ill let you test it. there costly but worth every penny, ive had mine for ten years and beet the heck out of it and its still in great shape. made of aircraft aluninum Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted November 6, 2013 Amanda, I am very interested in the Calumet. I tried to PM you but got a message back saying you cannot recieve messages? Sorry, it's always best to email me....Amanda@coueswhitetail.com unfortunately, I sold the last calumet I had a couple days ago.....And at the moment I don't have a source for more. Sorry! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted November 6, 2013 pwrguy you might take a look at this setup that a member is selling in the classifieds. http://www.coueswhitetail.com/forums/topic/44420-velbon-sherpa-530-and-manfrotto-701hdv-head/?do=findComment&comment=416521 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pwrguy Report post Posted November 7, 2013 Thanks Amanda, I did see that one, but the max height is a little short of what I am looking for. Great deal for someone that does not need to stand and is not 6-1. There are some other good options, but they are pricey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted November 7, 2013 Thanks Amanda, I did see that one, but the max height is a little short of what I am looking for. Great deal for someone that does not need to stand and is not 6-1. There are some other good options, but they are pricey. If I get a line on some calumets again, I will let you know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
