Predator Masters Carbon Fiber Tripod

Versatile Platform

Shooting from a stable platform is critical for any type of precision shooting; be that in competition, hunting, or just punching paper. Bipods, shooting sticks, bags, and tripods are tools commonly used to create stability to enable accuracy downrange. Two types of shooting make good use of tripods: long-range competition and night hunting. In the former, accuracy is everything and a solid tripod can be used as a primary platform or as a rear stabilizer when shooting off of a bipod or structure. Competitors and others also use tripods to stabilize spotting scopes and laser range finders.

Night hunting brings its own challenges and a good tripod is extremely helpful. Two techniques are commonly used. With helmet-mounted night vision, the rifle has an IR laser and is mounted on a tripod. The hunter scans with the night vision and points the laser at the predator to take the shot. Alternatively, scanning may be done through a rifle mounted thermal or night vision scope. In either case, a stable tripod makes for better accuracy and less fatigue.

Heavy-Duty, Light Weight

Recently I tested the Night Stalker Pro carbon fiber tripod from Night Goggles, Inc. This is a large tripod with an overall usable height ranging from just 11 inches to 66 inches. It will accommodate any sized shooter in any position: prone, kneeling, sitting, or standing. Granted, shooting prone requires a bag or something under the shooter’s chest, but it works and is very solid in that position. In fact, it is solid in every position and if there is one word to describe this tripod it is that: solid. But its looks and size mislead one into thinking it is as heavy as a Chevy. It weighs just over 7 pounds including the ball head. There is a hook under the head for hanging a bag or a predator call.

The ball head that comes with the Night Stalker Pro is simple and effective. The main knob for adjustment is large, knurled, and quick to put you on target. The tripod smoothly pans from side to side, and there is a small knob to adjust the panning friction. The clamp mechanism uses an Arca-Swiss style dovetail interface with a knurled knob for tightening, but this may be swapped out for an RC2 or other attachment mechanisms (purchased elsewhere). A Hog Saddle with an Arca plate works well on this platform to accommodate any rifle or spotting scope in a hurry.

Carrying the Load

To put the Night Stalker Pro to the test I mounted up a Seekins Precision SP10. With a scope, suppressor, and bipod this rifle weighs 15 pounds unloaded. The Night Stalker Pro has a maximum load of 66 pounds, so the SP10 was easily held in a solid shooting position. In fact, I left the SP10 mounted in the tripod for several days without issue. To attach the SP10 I used Seekins’ new MRAS rail attachment. This rail section mounts to the MLOK holes in the handguard. I used the 10.5-inch rail, which provides ample space for a bipod at the same time as a tripod. This combination is useful for PRS style shooting competitions in which the shooter may have to transition from a standing tripod shot to a prone bipod shot in seconds. The Night Stalker Pro tripod does well in this application, and the MRAS rail gives multiple attachment point options for the tripod and bipod.

Silent Adjustment

The fat two-inch diameter legs on the Night Stalker Pro adjust for the height by twisting the knurled rubber sections between each leg segment. These are beefy and enable it to quickly loosen or tighten. The difference between these quick adjustment sections and a clamp-style adjustment cannot be overstated. These are better – much better. Adjustments may be intuitively made in the dark when night hunting and the rubber coating keeps the tripod quiet for one less thing to go bump in the night. The rubber feet may be swapped with the included spike feet if so desired. The entire package comes in a well-built carrying bag.

Long Range Stability

When testing the Night Stalker Pro a few other rifles were also used with a Hog Saddle attached. An FN SCAR 20S and the author’s personal coyote rifle easily took predator vital-sized targets at 300 yards and beyond with ease. There is no question this is a stable shooting platform. There are other options for predator hunting – toting a seven-pound tripod all over the countryside isn’t always practical when shooting sticks will do. However, the Night Stalker Pro really shines for night hunting when stalks from rig to stand are relatively short and when standing to shoot is more the norm – night hog hunting or coyote hunting using IR lasers for example. As stated earlier, PRS style shooting competitions are another arena in which the Night Stalker Pro will function well. It is an excellent platform for a spotting scope or a laser range finder as well. Finally, for those of us who do photography, this is a superb tripod for taking photographs.

Two sizes

The Night Stalker Pro is available from Night Goggles, Inc. for $499 on their website with about a two to four week lead time. The company also offers a smaller version called the Night Stalker, which has similar features in a lighter, less expensive package at $189. The Night Stalker was unavailable at the time of this review.

For more information visit Night Goggles website.

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