The Artcise AS-90C tripod is a bit much maybe?

I decided I needed a better tripod as my decades old Slik U-212 flexes at the head a bit too much for my liking. So, I scoured the net and after several hours narrowed it down to the Artcise AS-90C or the Innorel RT-90C which are basically the same unit.

https://www.amazon.com/INNOREL-Professional-Top-Level-Birdwatching-88pounds/dp/B07J3BCFQ9

I thought that the 40mm tube diameter would be good and strong and never fail me. The machined aluminum top plate would not flex like the plastic Slik unit did. The thing just looked strong so I bought it.

Received it today and wow! This thing is built! The 40mm leg diameter is a bit much in reality and being a bit height challenged, my feet barely reach the ground, I don't even need to extend the forth section of the legs at all. I believe that most companies stretch the truth a bit about their specs so when I saw this thing is posed to support 88lbs I figured in reality half that but no this no doubt will do it all. At about six pounds it is not overly heavy for what it will do but it is way more than I expected. Had I known I how heavy duty this thing really is I would have gone down a step to the

https://www.amazon.com/Tripod-LT364C-Small-Professional-Tripods-Photography-Mid-column/dp/B08CK9WW5D/ref=sr_1_29?dchild=1&keywords=innorel+carbon+tripod&qid=1625635267&s=electronics&sr=1-29

Or may be even two steps to the

https://www.amazon.com/Monopod-Adapter-ARTCISE-Lightweight-Professional/dp/B089M36DW9/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=artcise+carbon+tripod&qid=1625633593&s=electronics&sr=1-10

So, If you are after a tripod and don't want to buy the Bog DeathGrip

https://www.amazon.com/DeathGrip-Lightweight-Hands-Free-Operation-Shooting/dp/B07KMPZTWG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

be mindful of how much bipod you really need or you may end up with more than you bargained for.


 
I just received the exact same unit ( different Head ) as recommended by Dairyboy ( Dillon ), and it works great for standing and sitting positions, so not sure what the problem would be with anyone being a of a shorter Stature. The unit will adjust from approximately 28-63". 

I will agree that it is solid and perhaps a bit stout to lug around in the Wild, but that's the reason I bought it, Stability. For me it is only slightly less accurate to shot from then my BR setup.

Also it's definitely not a Table Top Model!

The Best

JoeWillie
 
Been looking at going this route vs buying another bipod; what head, if I'm calling it right, do you have to attach to your Impact? I already have the saber tactical trigger guard arca rail and want to make sure of the right attachment. 
The setup looks awesome and seems to be solid as a rock...



Info on the rail and mount

https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/kraford-and-lypt-arca-adapter-installed/?referrer=1

The Gimbal is a Yelangu brand but as with most China made stiff names are just names and there are so many of them. Got it on Adorama one of the better prices but maybe slightly less on eBay with another brand name.

https://www.adorama.com/yla19.html
 
Been looking at going this route vs buying another bipod; what head, if I'm calling it right, do you have to attach to your Impact? I already have the saber tactical trigger guard arca rail and want to make sure of the right attachment. 
The setup looks awesome and seems to be solid as a rock...



Info on the rail and mount

https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/kraford-and-lypt-arca-adapter-installed/?referrer=1

The Gimbal is a Yelangu brand but as with most China made stiff names are just names and there are so many of them. Got it on Adorama one of the better prices but maybe slightly less on eBay with another brand name.

https://www.adorama.com/yla19.html

Thank you for the information.
 
I’ve got an Innorel RT90C (same as the Artcise) with a custom aluminum adapter plate made by a sniper's hide forum member that interfaces with the taper lock on a Really Right Stuff Anvil 30 ball head.

Works great, but is a bit heavy as you mentioned… but I also use it for large powder burners, so in that case the strength and weight of the larger RT90C come in handy. No problems shooting a 20# 300 PRC or 338 Norma Mag from it. Nice and stable at standing height with my 18# ground squirrel and coyote powder burner locked on top.

For air rifles, it is very stable but certainly overkill IMO.

The next size tripod down (Innorel 324C I believe) has a smaller apex and is lighter than the RT90C and probably more than stable and sturdy enough for airgun use.

I’d say the RT90C with the Anvil 30 on top works 85% as well as a full Really Right Stuff TFCT series 3 tripod with Anvil 30 ballhead for about 55% of the cost… the Innorel/Artcise tripod leg couplers aren’t quite as stout/stiff as an RRS TFCT tripod and allow a bit more movement, but they’re quite close. Also, the leg locks on the RRS TFCT are better requiring less rotation to lock and unlock which is nice for fast manipulation. The RRS apex is smaller so it’s about a pound lighter and a bit more compact when folded than the RT90C. I can live with that for the money saved. For my first “heavy duty” shooting tripod setup I’m very happy with the RT90C / Anvil 30 combo and if I ever want to upgrade later I already have the Anvil 30 and just need the tripod from RRS.

While I’m happy with the RT90C I will say the Anvil 30 is worth the money though-- great ballhead for shooting from, very quick to manipulate between scanning and locked.
 
I don’t like extending the bottom section of most tripods anyway because they are usually too flimsy. When you have all of the sections extended, you’re at the mercy of the thinnest legs which are way smaller than 40mm. I think you made the right choice with the 40mm, the added weight is minimal and they’re super sturdy.

Stoti. 
 
Well, my feeling after years of using tripods for photography with very pricey heavy long wildlife lenses (as much as $10k for a lens) Bigger is better! :) (but heaviest is NOT best)

Additional height (for photography) is about using it for odd angles.

The lowest legs sections are the smallest diameter, and therefore have the most flex. So anytime you don't need to use them, bonus. Larger tube diameter with CF = more vibration dampening. Again in photography with long shutter shooting, vibration kills detail. A lot of the pluses may not be as important or even germane to shooting rests, but some certainly remain so. I'd think vibration dampening would be a boon to bullseye shooting.

Ironically, since the last time the two of us exchanged discussion on tripods in that other thread, I have done the opposite, and gone from a series 3 (approx 32mm tube) up to a series 4. (41mm tubes) and feel much better. Is the 3 series enough? Yes, absolutely, but the 4 series is helping to hold it all and leave me fully confident that this set up will not fall over, or introduce additional vibration,. I can see the results through the scope at 20x or more magnification.

Again, I think series 3 or 2 is in fact adequate for this application, particularly if portability is paramount. I'm just saying that for me, the slight additional weight is welcome along with the additional stability and piece of mind.
 
P.S. I looked at the Anvil 30, and at some of the clamping heads made by shooting companies that have moved into tripods. In the end I went with the LeoFoto clamp/head here;

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B085SZBJSX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1



This has turned out to be a FANTASTIC solution. I can remove it from the tripod and use it as a bench clamp. It has in no way marred the finish on my stocks,. yet it will hold a rifle strong enough that I can walk away. Unlike mounting a rail (arca, picatiny, or otherwise) you don;t need to modify your file at all, and you can perfectly balance the rifle before clamping for the easiest movement. I'm using it with the bare 75mm bowl leveling head which is akin to a military "pintel" mount.



This was on Sale on Prime day for under $200.00, it is pricey, but it is such a great option. ANY rifle is immediately usable in my current tripod set up without modification. It can also be used to clamp anything in there, like a scope for testing or spotting.
 
I believe that RRS, Pro Media Gear, and Kirk, are the best money can buy. I used to recommend RRS a lot, and bought from them. I no longer will however, we've had a parting of ways. This does not reflect on their product.

As for "predatory", all of these legs and heads are copies or knock-offs of Gitzo (France) and Arca-Swiss) (Switzerland) Make of that what you will.