Shooting Stick Suggestions: 3 vs 4 leg?

[mikecatt13]

I am wanting to get a set of shooting sticks for my wife and I so we have the exact ones we practice with on the safari(s) with us. Has anyone used both of the styles of stick pictured (3 and 4 leg) and can comment on pros and cons? I will buy both and compare if I absolutely have to but that will add up fast and is a hassle to return stuff sometimes.

SEEMS like the 4 leg would be very stable, but the way the 3 legs have a solid "V" for the front of the gun seems like it would be easier to "lock in" the forend over the flat front rest on the 4 legged ones. I'm sure those of you that have used both will have some good comments to assist. I think it's fair to assume that with some good practice, the speed of setting up on both will be equal.

For those that have used the 4 legged ones, any opinions on the "viper-flex" vs "4 stable" brands?

 

[Hank2211]

You asked which were more stable, and I think the answer is the four legged variety. But if the question is which is the fastest to set up and the most usable, I’d go with the three. But that likely is just a result of familiarity.

 

[baxterb]

I like two legs, lean them back a tad, wrap my hand around the X, put finger over the barrel and then ever so slightly lean into them to get it rock steady.

 

[BWH]

I like the Bog Pod systems.... tripod

 

[Bruce]

I have shot off 2x pods and 3x pods for YEARS with no problems.. Now I have my first suppressor fitted on my 6,5 Creedmoor and CANNOT GET THE DAMN RIFLE STILL???
Will get myself the 4x pod and see if that helps....

 

[Goose Cracker]

I have 3 legged Bog Pod, 3 legged Primos Trigger Stick, and the 4 legged Viperflex Journeys. The Viperflex are *by far* my favorites. Much more stable. They are not as compact/convenient as the 3-legged sticks, but I'd rather miss a shot opportunity than make a poor shot. I'll exclusively use the Viperflex going forward. I actually ordered mine with the optional 5th leg, and when using it the Viperflex sticks are like shooting off a bench. They are surprisingly quick/easy to get set up after a little practice.

Be warned - the Viperflex sticks are not cheap. But "buy once, cry once!"

 

[postoak]

The 4 leg is definitely more stable than the 1, 2, or 3 leg sticks, especially side to side. It is a little slower to get into action and move around, but the main two drawbacks are the cost, and the fact that none collapse short enough to fit in a suitcase. More than likely, when you go to Africa your outfitter over there won't have a 4 leg (although Khomas Highland Hunting does, which is where I first used them).

 

[JimP]

I like the Bog Pod systems.... tripod

Before I went on my safari I purchased a Bog Pod 3 legged tripod to practice off of.

To my surprise when I got to the hunt camp the PH was packing a Bog Pod tripod just exactly like the one that I had been practicing off of.

 

[mikecatt13]

The 4 leg is definitely more stable than the 1, 2, or 3 leg sticks, especially side to side. It is a little slower to get into action and move around, but the main two drawbacks are the cost, and the fact that none collapse short enough to fit in a suitcase. More than likely, when you go to Africa your outfitter over there won't have a 4 leg (although Khomas Highland Hunting does, which is where I first used them).

From what I understand, viperflex has a model that breaks down to under 26" and 4 stable goes around 35"

 

[Goose Cracker]

From what I understand, viperflex has a model that breaks down to under 26" and 4 stable goes around 35"

I purchased my Viperflex sticks in the UK and brought them home in my suitcase, but it was a tight fit. It can be done. I will say that the Viperflex sticks are much smaller broken down than my Primos Trigger Stick.

 

[postoak]

There’s still the expense though. I’d rather take over a $50 tripod that I can easily get into my suitcase and combine it with whatever tripod the PH has. That will be steadier than a quad.

 

[postoak]

I've been practicing daily off-hand and off a tripod for DG and off of two tripods, front and rear for plains game. The latter is so steady that practicing seems almost pointless, but I am still doing it. I don't want to go over under prepared.

 

[375Fox]

I use 4 stable sticks. I think they are really great and a little cheaper than viper flex. With a little practice I can set them up just as quick as a tripod or bipod and shoot 1”-2” groups at 100 yards and they are very easy/comfortable to carry with one hand. The bush stick that breaks into 2 pieces is more stable but pieces are longer. The mountain stick breaks into 3 pieces but has a little more flex but fits easy into luggage. The rifle sits solid on the sticks you’ll be impressed if you use and the flat space in front lets you slide rifle side to side. You can only miss up or down with stable sticks, there is zero left/right movement which is huge advantage of using them.

 

[Redleg 6]

Practice with several different models, chose that which you are most comfortable. Practice, practice, practice and you will be happy with the result

 

[BeeMaa]

Have 2 sets of the BogPod tripods and took one to Africa.
Worked great and both my wife and I used them.

I've never shot off the 4-legged sticks, but I've tried them out.
They are more stable than the tripods but with a few downsides.
First is you loose the ability to pivot much and move smoothly with the game if necessary.
Second is setting them up seems to be a little more of a chore than a regular tripod.
I can easily set up a set of tripods by myself while holding a rifle.
I couldn't do that with the 4-legged ones, but maybe with some practice.

Our next trip will include a set of ASC Super Compact Shooting Sticks.
Pricey, but they breakdown small and come with a lifetime warranty.
I wouldn't be surprised to find @African Sporting Creations posting here shortly.

We will most likely be taking the BogPod to our PH as a backup for his sticks.

 

[Rare Breed]

I am wanting to get a set of shooting sticks for my wife and I so we have the exact ones we practice with on the safari(s) with us. Has anyone used both of the styles of stick pictured (3 and 4 leg) and can comment on pros and cons? I will buy both and compare if I absolutely have to but that will add up fast and is a hassle to return stuff sometimes.

SEEMS like the 4 leg would be very stable, but the way the 3 legs have a solid "V" for the front of the gun seems like it would be easier to "lock in" the forend over the flat front rest on the 4 legged ones. I'm sure those of you that have used both will have some good comments to assist. I think it's fair to assume that with some good practice, the speed of setting up on both will be equal.

For those that have used the 4 legged ones, any opinions on the "viper-flex" vs "4 stable" brands?

View attachment 336117 View attachment 336118

 

[Rare Breed]

I have solid experience from last July hunting in SA with Game 4 Africa. I had bought four leg Bush stick. Hear me on this. They do not work on hilly ground at all! If you can’t swing laterally you will suffer. After not being able to make shots in hilly terrain I had to switch to Colin’s three leg sticks that allowed me to move laterally.

 

[tedthorn]

I've owned several shooting stix

My absolute favorite is the Gen1 and Gen2 Primos Tall Tripod Trigger Stix

The new version is big, heavy and heck....ugly

 

[sierraone]

For hunting, two legged stix work best for me.

 

[Philip Glass]

I own and have used Viper flex quad sticks on Safari. You must buy and be proficient with both kinds. The only downside to quad sticks is that you can’t swing on moving game. You can easily make longer shots as the quad sticks are more stable. On close shots I can shoot about as good free hand than with standard shooting sticks but that just me.
Philip