Hey Wizards! Today I’ve got a product to show you that I’ve just absolutely fallen in love with. I’ve been using it a lot behind the scenes, and I’ve shown you a few shorts on these, but now I want to dive into more detail. We’re talking about Fatboy Tripods, their ballheads, and accessories. I’ll break down the options, show you how to put it all together, and help you decide what’s best for your needs, whether it’s for a hunt or a range day.

Before we jump in, a quick note: These are not your typical budget tripods, so if you’re looking to pick one up, make sure to use discount code TLDco on the Fatboy website to save yourself some cash. Fatboy is a sponsor of the channel, but we wouldn’t have them on board if we didn’t love their products. In fact, I was originally looking to buy one after hearing Kenny praise them during our mile shooting class. That’s how we connected, and now Fatboy supports what we do here at TLD. So, while I’m definitely biased, think of this as more of a product showcase than a review.

Lets get started!

Fatboy Tripod Models: Elevate vs. Traverse

First, you need to choose your tripod model. Fatboy offers two main options: Elevate and Traverse. Here’s the key difference:

• Elevate: Features an inverted locking ring at the top, making it easier to adjust on uneven terrain or in awkward shooting positions. This is my go-to recommendation for hunters and shooters.
• Traverse: Uses a traditional locking ring near the bottom of the legs. While fine for standard setups, it’s less ideal for uneven ground.

Both models are almost identical apart from the leg-locking mechanism, so the choice really comes down to your specific needs.

Two vs. Three Sections

Both the Elevate and Traverse are available in two or three-section legs:

• Two-section: Longer and faster to deploy, great for rifle setups.
• Three-section: More compact and portable, ideal for cameras or spotting scopes.

Personally, I prefer the Elevate 3-section for its versatility and portability.

Build Quality and Features

Fatboy tripods live up to their name with 42mm diameter, fully carbon-fiber legs. Here are some standout features:

• Rubberized Feet with Spikes: Rotate the feet to expose spikes for added stability on tough terrain. The spikes are built-in, so you don’t have to carry extra parts.
• Large Leg Grips: Easy to use, even with gloves or wet hands.
• Three Locking Positions: Adjust the legs for unique configurations, including low-prone setups.
• Threaded Holes: Add accessories like cameras, chronos, or Kestrels.
• Bubble Level: Ensures a perfectly level setup every time.

Ballheads: Invert vs. Levitate

Now that your tripod is set up, let’s pick a ballhead.

Invert Series

The Invert ballheads are your traditional option, available in three sizes:

• Invert 40: Ideal for cameras, spotting scopes, and binos.
• Invert 50: Suited for compact rifle setups.
• Invert 60: Built for larger, heavier setups.

Key features:

• Oversized Knobs: Easy to use with gloves.
• ARCA & Picatinny Mounts: Compatible with various systems (I’m an ARCA guy, but you can adapt as needed).
• Tension Adjustment: Allows fine-tuning for different mounts. I do wish there was a knob for quicker adjustments.

Levitate Head

The Levitate head is a game-changer for tactical and hunting setups. Instead of a knob, it uses a lever for fast adjustments, making it perfect for quick repositioning.

• Tension Adjustment: Hidden Allen wrench in the handle lets you fine-tune for different systems.
• Drawback: Cannot use the Revive charging bowl, but it’s worth the trade-off for the speed and ease of use.

The Revive Charging Bowl

This is a standout accessory. The Revive bowl is a 14,000mAh portable charging bank that powers your thermal optics or other devices directly from the tripod. Perfect for long days in the field when you can’t afford to run out of power.

Accessories: The Side Chick

The Side Chick is another must-have. It’s a mounting arm that attaches to the tripod and can hold devices like a Kestrel, chrono, or action camera. It’s easy to adjust and adds a ton of versatility to your setup.

FAQs

Fatboy provided me with some common questions they get. Here are quick answers:

1. How do I lock the bowl securely? Use the cam lock system to tighten it down, then engage or disengage the cam lock as needed.
2. How do I adjust ARCA clamp tension? Loosen the clamp, push the screw head out, and adjust the nut for the desired tension.
3. How do I adjust Levitate tension? Use the hidden Allen wrench in the handle to set it correctly.
4. What’s the difference between Elevate and Traverse? The Elevate has inverted leg locks at the top, making it easier to use on uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts

From tripods to ballheads to accessories, Fatboy’s lineup has everything you need for hunting or range days. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to help out. Don’t forget to use discount code TLDco on the Fatboy website to save some bucks. Thanks for watching, Wizards, and I’ll see you next time!