Best Tripod

[adam123]

After my old tripod giving up the ghost yesterday I am after a new tripod and just want your opinions which tripods you use and which are the best out there, which will be equally sturdy on piers and walkways as they are on rocks. Thinking about getting one of those MTI rests as they look fairly sturdy but the only down side being there weight- anyone had any experience of these and are they any good.

[Tiddler]

Personally I think the Ian Golds are still hard to beat and if anything goes on them spare cups and heads etc. are widely available. You can buy leg lock kits for them too which can be handy on piers.

[g-force]

The two best I've come across are the Ian Golds Supermatch & one made by Craig Parker. Downside to the Goldsie's is a lot of plastic fittings which can be prone to breaking, but it's light & folds down nice & compact & can be carried along with a rod in one hand. The Parker has all metal fittings & is maybe a little sturdier, but doesn't quite fold up so neatly & I found that the abundance of wing-nuts & bolts on them were putting a good few dings & scratches into my rods. I've got leg-lock's fitted to both of mine, certainly stops them collapsing!

Haven't tried the MTI you mention but have heard it's quite heavy.

Gary

[adam123]

Think I will definintley have to invest in leg locks when i get a new tripod, as not having them on my old tripod was probably the 'downfall' of it.

[g.ordon]

I've got one of them blue shakespear ones. It's solid and like any other rest just elecy's tape it to yer box or bag if it's blowing a hooley. Downside is it's a ton weight for lugging but worth it.

[Stewart 1971]

I've got the MTI and it is a brilliant tripod. VERY sturdy and can be extended to about 8'. Comes with a carry bag with shoulder strap that also takes two rods strapped securely to the outside. Has leg locks already fitted with two hooks on each one for holding spare traces etc...

As said though it is HEAVY. Ok for short distances - I just about manage to lug mine back up from Horden to the viaduct but it is not great if you have to walk a long way over rough terrain - for this a Goldsie is ideal.

[waco]

After my old tripod giving up the ghost yesterday I am after a new tripod and just want your opinions which tripods you use and which are the best out there, which will be equally sturdy on piers and walkways as they are on rocks. Thinking about getting one of those MTI rests as they look fairly sturdy but the only down side being there weight- anyone had any experience of these and are they any good.

bout 6 year ago my ian goulds blue over in very strong wind and several of plastic parts cracked, snapped, and fell off and a guy a met when fishing reccomended an all metal one from U K hooks(cost £30 ) and after being used and abused it is still going strong, also a few of me mates have bought one and they have got no complaints.

[pop39]

i like the shakespeare salt (blue one ) comes with leg locks and is ok on hard ground ,but a bit heavy

[COD-O-MATIC]

Cant comment on the best but one to avoid:
BISON 7 ft delux.

Its crap, many cast components.
And takes half an hour to assemble and dissasemble!
Must replace this year so thanks for starting this gr8 thread

[dizzydaz]

i like the shakespeare salt (blue one ) comes with leg locks and is ok on hard ground ,but a bit heavy

i got the same one never had any problems with yet rather sturdy too

[g.ordon]

i like the shakespeare salt (blue one ) comes with leg locks and is ok on hard ground ,but a bit heavy

First thing I did with mine was take the leg struts off just to make it a bit more practical. Never had any problems without them. Still got them stored away somewhere like just in case.

[codcatcher3000]

shakespeare salt....comes in a bag etc ....used them up and down st abbs and kirkcudbright. no complaints...if i am fishing one rod i use a monopod....

[apollo mk3]

ian golds al the way.