Ball Head Recommendations?

[Potsie]

I’ve been very happy with my current tripod head, a VA-5, for glassing. But I’ve recently gotten my 6 y/o out shooting with a tikka compact .223, and I’m thinking it might be a good idea for us both to learn how to shoot off a bipod. Not ideal off the VA-5 because you can’t level up the rifle.

Any recommendations on a ball head that won’t break the bank? Any out there that pull double duty for shooting and glassing?

 

[rtraverdavis]

Do you mean you want to shoot off a tripod?

I used to use a Sirui KS-10 to glass with. It was fine with binoculars but once I put my old spotting scope on there, which was fairly light and compact as far as spotters go, getting the tension on the tilt just right was a serious pain in the ass. Just a little too much tension, and the head wouldn’t tilt. Just a tiny bit too little tension, and the spotter would flop over. It was really annoying, especially once animals were spotted and I was trying to see them through the spotting scope. I can picture all kinds of frustrating situations trying to get a rifle aimed and steady while up on that ball head with a tripod, messing around with tension knobs trying to get things set right—especially for a young’un like J. Maybe it won’t be a problem, but I thought I’d throw it out there.

I’m sure there are far better ball heads out there though, so maybe there’s a few where that won’t be a problem.

 

[JBS]

I just went through this research. I believe most users think that the RRS anvil 30 is one of the best.

Anvil-30 ARC Ball Head

Discover the Anvil-30 Ball Head by RRS. With enhanced control and adaptability, it revolutionizes your outdoor experiences and equipment mounting.

rrssoar.com

I got the knockoff made by Leofoto and so far really like it.

Leofoto LH-30 Low Profile Ball Head + QR Plate | Arca Compatible

The Leofoto LH-30 Low Profile Ball Head (Black/Blue) is a great support solution in a small form factor. With a load capacity of 33 lbs, the LH-30 is a great match for professional cameras with lenses up to 70-200mm, both mirrorless and bridge cameras alike. The head features a single ball...

leofotousa.com

Lots and Lots of info and discussion on the Gear focused hunting forum.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Use some of that bonus money and get a full RRS set up. My brother has one and I have used a friend’s. They are nice.

 

[rjthehunter]

I’ve been very happy with my current tripod head, a VA-5, for glassing. But I’ve recently gotten my 6 y/o out shooting with a tikka compact .223, and I’m thinking it might be a good idea for us both to learn how to shoot off a bipod. Not ideal off the VA-5 because you can’t level up the rifle.

Any recommendations on a ball head that won’t break the bank? Any out there that pull double duty for shooting and glassing?

Are you intending to shoot off of the tripod, or learn off a bipod?

When I was searching about a year ago, I saw there's quite a few people who shoot of their VA-5 as well as glass, so I went the VA-5 route and considered getting a clamp if I decided to shoot off of it a lot.

Last year I pulled off my spotter and just laid my rifle on top of the VA-5 to shoot a mule deer at 403 yards. It ended up being really solid rest, but with a clamp, I could have been even more solid. I definitely see the advantage to a ball head for shooting though. In my case, I would have had plenty of time to adjust the legs to level the rifle if needed.

 

[Dsnow9]

 

[Potsie]

Are you intending to shoot off of the tripod, or learn off a bipod?

When I was searching about a year ago, I saw there's quite a few people who shoot of their VA-5 as well as glass, so I went the VA-5 route and considered getting a clamp if I decided to shoot off of it a lot.

Last year I pulled off my spotter and just laid my rifle on top of the VA-5 to shoot a mule deer at 403 yards. It ended up being really solid rest, but with a clamp, I could have been even more solid. I definitely see the advantage to a ball head for shooting though. In my case, I would have had plenty of time to adjust the legs to level the rifle if needed.

Sorry, ya, shoot off the tripod - not bipod.

I’ve shot a lot of the top the VA-5 and my spotter, which works in a pinch, but looking for a ball head to mount his .223 in on the tripod, specifically for coyotes but also just learning to shoot away from a bench.