I asked Brian for permission to post this article that I wrote for Western Hunter last year and he graciously allowed it.
Forepaw - this should help explain the difference between the two heads. I hope it helps!
Outdoorsmans Tripod Accessories: Pan Head vs. Pistol Grip Head
By: Trent Swanson, Senior Editor
So, you went on a hunt this year with someone using tripod-mounted binoculars and realized how effective glassing from a tripod can be. You?ve decided that the Outdoorsmans tripod system is the lightest and highest-quality system available and you've chosen the legs (sold separately) that suit your hunting style. Now you must choose the right head: the Pan Head or the Pistol Grip Head?
Outdoorsmans Pan Head
The Outdoorsmans Pan Head functions just like the industry-standard tripod head - it pans horizontally and tilts up and down. What distinguishes it from other heads, however, is its compact size, light weight, and design. At 3.25 inches tall, 3.5 inches wide, and just 10.2 ounces, it is one of the smallest and lightest heads on the market. You will have no trouble fitting into a pack and you won't need to worry about weight.
Most pan heads require you to twist a long handle sticking off the head to adjust either vertical or horizontal travel (depending on model) and then twist a separate knob on the side for the opposite adjustment. The Outdoorsmans Pan Head uses clearly-marked small knobs on opposite sides for each adjustment, which eliminates the need for a handle. However, knowing that many hunters like to use a handle for moving the head, they include one that is short and very lightweight. It can be rotated, moved from front to back, or simply left at home.
Once your binoculars are mounted atop the head is when it really shines. The ingenious tilt adjustment knob requires just a quarter-turn to fully loosen it, and then can be tightened by turning it either direction. The pan adjustment knob requires less than a quarter-turn to fully loosen, but it must be turned clockwise to tighten and counter-clockwise to loosen. When each knob is loose, the head tilts or pans smoothly, but with just enough friction to allow for precise adjustments. The Outdoorsmans Pan Head is machined aluminum designed to accept the Outdoorsmans Binocular Adapter and Outdoorsmans Adapter Plates (not included), and sells for $389.99.
Outdoorsmans Pistol Grip
The Outdoorsmans Pistol Grip Head is the smallest, lightest, and easiest to use head available. It weighs 9.8 ounces, measures 5 inches tall, and even with the curved handle is only about 2.5 inches wide. All it takes to move the head is a simple, light squeeze of the handle. The handle releases pressure on a ball, which allows the head to tilt and pan in almost any direction. Compared to other much larger pistol grip heads, the Outdoorsmans Pistol Grip only requires the strength of one finger for operation. In addition, since the pivot point is at the top instead of the bottom, you can use any of your fingers to squeeze the handle, which helps prevent hand fatigue during long glassing periods. There is a notch machined into the bottom of the head so that it can be folded over 90 degrees for storage. There is also a small depression machined into the side so that when the head is folded over it can be used as a rifle rest. The Outdoorsmans Pistol Grip Head is also machined aluminum and designed to accept the Outdoorsmans Binocular Adapter and Outdoorsmans Adapter Plates (not included). It sells for $389.99.
Which One Should You Choose?
Like most things in life, it comes down to personal preference. The Pistol Grip is a little lighter and much easier to use. Just squeeze, point, and release. You must repeat those steps each time you change your field of view, but it is very simple to do. If desired, you can add the Panning Attachment ($89.99) that allows the Pistol Grip to spin freely on its horizontal axis so you only have to squeeze when you want to tilt. In addition, the machined rifle rest is a handy addition that can be very useful when nothing else is available. Of course you can interchange all of your other optics including spotting scopes, cameras and video cameras. If you are looking for light weight and simplicity, or just prefer the design, choose the Pistol Grip Head.
The Pan Head is truly the cr?me-de-la-cr?me of hunting tripod heads. It is not quite a simple to use as the Pistol Grip and it weighs a little more, but the compact size makes up for the weight and with some practice, it is just as easy to use. If you also plan to use your tripod for professional-quality videography, long glassing periods with a spotting scope, or the Outdoorsmans Dual Mount, you will appreciate the Pan Head. The precision-adjustment knobs provide smooth panning, and the compact design is more stable and handles weight much better than the Pistol Grip.
I have used the Pistol Grip Head for the past few years and just recently got the Pan Head for use with my telephoto camera and the Dual Mount. I feel that each head fits a niche within the marketplace and it just boils down to what you prefer and what you plan to use it for. With either head you choose, you can rest assured that the Outdoorsmans will stand behind its products and provide you with the service you deserve. If at anytime your head becomes dirty and doesn't function the way it did when it was new, simply return it to the Outdoorsmans for a thorough cleaning and repair.
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Trent Swanson
Western Hunter Magazine
www.westernhuntermagazine.net
Outdoorsmans
www.outdoorsmans.com
Wilderness Athlete
www.wildernessathlete.com