Help selecting Ballhead

[Diesel64]

Going to use some Christmas money to buy the PIG0311-G Tripod. This will be my fist tripod setup, and will be used for my R700 5R 308 in a XLR Element. Chassis.

I would like input and suggestions for ballheads that are in the $170 range. Having no experience I was looking at the Feisol CB-50D recommended by Hog Saddle. I also noticed the Sunwayfoto FB-52 seemed well rated.

Any pros and cons to either of these or suggestions in a similar price range.

Forgot to mention I plan on boltin/drill/tap an arc-Swiss plate to the XLR Element.

Thanks in advance,
Andy

 

[Natestreo]

If you’re going ballhead instead of Leveling Base I would 10/10 pick the Sunwayfoto FB-52. I did a lot of research and that’s easily the strongest rated for the money

 

[Diesel64]

I'll be honest I really don't know the advantage/disadvantage between a leveling base and ball head. Having used tripods for survey I the past, I would think the ball head would be much easier to get on target quickly and with minimal adjustment to the tripod. If there is a disadvantage let me know.

 

[DetroitRearView]

^^^^

 

[Natestreo]

Diver nailed it. Even the strongest ballhead will not match the stability of a Leveling head. Simply because of the design of a ballhead and the differences in center of gravity.

 

[Diesel64]

okay, so a dumb question is the center column assembly on the pig tripod already a leveling base? If not any recommendations in the similar price range as the ball head?

my preference would still be to mount the rifle via arc-swiss plate. My use right now is just shooting steel plateaube occasional elk or coyote hunt.

 

[Sogan]

I’ll try and answer it but I’m sure someone more knowledgeable with tripods will be along shortly. The center column is not a leveling base. The center column on that model moves up and down to allow you to quickly adjust height without having to mess with the 3 legs. However for stability keeping the center column as low as possible is advised. The center column does spin 360 degrees so if you decide to direct mount a hog saddle it will give you some panning. It appears that most people around here recommend the RSS universal leveling head, I’m not sure of what cheaper model is recommended however but I can tell you that most do not like the Feisol leveling head so stay away from that one

 

[Diesel64]

So it's the ole buy once cry once again?

Is there a sole provider for stay at home mom, with 2 kids & 3rd on the way, still paying off a mini van option?

 

[Sogan]

Look at the Ferisol ball heads or mane just cheat the angle via the pig saddle. It really depends on your expectations and if you really need a tripod anyway.

IÂ’ll see if I have one somewhere. IÂ’ve probably had 20+ tripods over the years so I must have one somewhere.

Edited to add: you might want to look at this thread I did comparing the leveling bases. It shows the universal you’d need but also how low some tripods go without a center column. I have cut my old Manfrotto past to provide lower options.

RRS Leveling heads on RRS TVC-33 & Feisol 3372 +
[video]https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=63359&share_tid=6570549&url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum%2Esnipershide%2Ecom%2Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Ft%3D6570549&share_type=t[/video]

Also found a extra ball head you can HAVE.. not the best, but better than some I have seen on these tripods! I used this on a super light set of carbon legs were I was counting every once for packing/hunts.

I am bad at PMs but I will try to check them today for your address if you want it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

That link isn’t working for me. Do you remember the thread title and I can try and search for it that way?

 

[Diesel64]

I don't know what to say, thank you, will send you a PM

I don't know if I need a tripod, but trying to get up off the ground and have an option where a bipod just doesn't work.

My shots for hunting really won't be beyond 500yd max. Everything else will just be shooting steel as far as me and the set up will alow.

 

[hiddenmongoose]

Try the mission critical designs BH1 , hogsaddle are now selling them your side of the pond,here is a pic of my PRST tripod by mission critical designs with the BH1 ballhead and a hogsaddle.