The challenge is real. You decide to head to the backcountry for a one-in-a-lifetime hunt. You know from experience that once your prize emerges, you will get one chance to make your shot. With that in mind, you have carefully chosen your rifle, hand-picked ammo, and secured the best optic for the job. While all of th
While it may still be a few months out, it is never too early to start preparing for hunting season. And something worth considering for your next hunt is a good tripod, like the carbon fiber Switchback from Vortex. Featuring carbon fiber legs and a lockable ball head, the Switchback can handle heavy loads and fast, easy adjustments.
Vortex Switchback Carbon Fiber Tripod Details
Measuring 29 inches long and 4 inches wide when folded, the Switchback easily stores on your pack. Likewise, weighing a lightweight 4.6 pounds, the tripod won’t place an undue burden on your pack weight. However, delivering an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, it can support up to 44 pounds. This makes it ideal for heavy rifles, large binoculars, and spotting scopes.
Each carbon fiber leg features three twist-lock leg sections for versatility on uneven terrain. Similarly, three angle leg pivot locks also allow you to fine-tune the height and stability of the tripod. As a result, you can adjust the Switchback from a height of 5.8 inches to a maximum of 65 inches. So, switching from prone to standing on any terrain is quick and easy.
The tripod utilizes the Arca-Swiss compatible head mount, allowing direct mounting of compatible accessories. However, the included Arca plate will accommodate accessories requiring a ¼” – 20 threaded stud. Articulation comes in the form of a quick-detach lockable ball head. But a head adapter is also available separately for installing other tripod heads.
Under the head of the Switchback is a removable counterweight hook that allows you to increase stability and deaden vibration. Depending on the terrain, the tripod includes detachable rubber and spiked feet for maximum grip on any type of ground.
What the Pros Say About the Switchback
The challenge is real. You decide to head to the backcountry for a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. You know from experience that once your prize emerges, you will get one chance to make your shot.
With that in mind, you have carefully chosen your rifle, hand-picked ammo, and secured the best optic for the job. While all of that is good and fine, you still have the task of actually pulling the trigger.
Contrary to what may be seen in movies, the success rate of any off-hand shot in the woods has a low chance of doing the job. So, what’s the answer? Do you balance the rifle on some limbs and hope to find the perfect moment? Or maybe use a lightweight shooting stock, and hope you can get it stable?
Well, in reality, if you are serious about the shot, you need a tripod. While these have been cumbersome pains in the butt in the past, the team at Vortex answered our cry with a fantastic new option. That option is the Vortex Switchback Carbon Tripod.
The Switchback Carbon Tripod can be used with any 1/4″-20 or 3/8″-16 threaded tripod head with the use of the Switchback Carbon Tripod Head Adapter (MSRP: $39.99, MAP: $29.99), which is sold separately. If you are looking for a great “does it all” tripod that will serve you well, the Vortex Switchback Carbon Tripod is the one you want.
Availability
The Vortex Switchback carbon fiber tripod is available now with an MSRP of $799.99. For more info, please visit VortexOptics.com.
Vortex Switchback Carbon Fiber Tripod Specs
Weight: 4.6 pounds
Head Mount: Arca-Swiss
Min Height: 5.8 inches
Max Load: 44 pounds
Max Height: 65.0 inches
Leg Sections: 3
Leg Angles: 3
Folded Dimensions (HxW): 29.0″ x 4.0″ (H x W)
Leg Locks: Twist
Leg Material: Carbon Fiber
MSRP: $799.99
Features
- 44 lbs. Max Load – Perfect for large binoculars, spotting scopes, and rifles.
- Carbon Fiber Leg Construction – Perfect combination of strength and lightweight build.
- Lockable Ball Head – Provides independent pan movement and tension control for precision adjustment and 35 degrees of tilt.
- Arca-Swiss Head Mount – Compatability across a broad range of mounting options.
- Three Leg Sections – Allows for quick deployment and adjustments.
- 3-Angle Leg Pivot Locks – Position each leg individually for multiple heights and easy, secure setup.
- Detachable Counterweight Hook – Holds extra weight on the bottom of the center column for greater stability in windy conditions.
- Twist Leg Locks – Ensure a solid hold and low profile design is snag free.
- Rubber Feet – Provide solid footing on slick surfaces.
- Spiked Feet – Included spiked feet ensure a non-slip grip.
