Beating Physics: The Ultra-Light Tricer-HK Tripod

In the world of precision shooting and long-range hunting, a shooting tripod usually can’t be both light and sturdy. It’s one thing to have an ultra-light tripod setup you can carry deep into the backcountry or shoot a fast-paced match like the Mammoth Sniper Challenge with, but it’s extremely rare for that tripod to also be rock-solid when it matters most.

The Tricer HK-Tripod, paired with the Tricer-AK Ball Head, attempts to reconcile that by offering a package that is both lightweight and extremely capable under heavy rifle load or adverse shooting positions. When paired with the compact package of my .308 Winchester Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker rifle, the Tricer-HK Tripod with AK ball head is a lethal combo on game or steel targets.

Overview

At its core, the Tricer-HK Tripod features carbon fiber inverted legs, “inverted” meaning the thickest portion of the leg is at the base rather than the top, which aids stability by reducing leverage and flex when the tripod is extended. At the bottom of the legs are rubberized feet that can be swapped for metal spikes.

The Tricer-HK Tripod is built with three leg sections, a twist-lock mechanism, and a folded length that’s compact enough for pack-out conditions. I have found this to be very convenient when attached to a pack, as it reduces bulk and weight to around just 3.5 lbs. with no ball head. With the AK ball head attached, it still falls below 5 lbs. What this means is you can pack this tripod miles upon miles without the concern of leaving it at home because it’s too heavy (like with many shooting tripods).

Complementing the Tricer-HK tripod is the Tricer-AK Ball Head, which takes this tripod into the precision shooting support market further by integrating a mount that accommodates both Arca-Swiss and Picatinny/rail style systems. This means you can mount this on an Arca plate as we did with our Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker, or you could also attach a standard 1913 Picatinny rail for attaching the AK head.

The Tricer-HK has a load capacity of around 50 lbs., so you should have no issues holding a 10-lb. setup or a 25-lb. competition rifle. In addition, the tripod includes a hook for adding weight underneath for stability. In short, this tripod and ball head combo is built to handle large calibers, optics, and the real-world recoil or jostle you might encounter in a hunting scenario or tactical environment.

How Does It Perform?

The marriage between the Tricer-HK Tripod and Tricer-AK Ball Head shines in use. From a field deployment standpoint, you need something fast to set up, quiet in operation, and yet forgiving of uneven terrain or odd angles.

Because the tripod legs can be independently adjusted, you have the flexibility to adapt to uneven ground, tree roots, rocks, steep slopes, or quirky shooting positions at a match. Meanwhile, the AK head allows smooth panning and tilting, locking off once you have your target framed. In essence, the Tricer-HK Tripod with AK head performs like tripods that weigh twice as much.

While testing this tripod, I have used it standing, sitting, kneeling, and as rear support when the rifle is on a barricade, and it performed admirably. Can I say it’s as sturdy as something like the Tricer X2 competition shooting tripod, no, but does it work without flaws? Absolutely. The fact I can strap this to a backpack, pack it for miles upon miles and not worry about weight like I would with a heavier shooting tripod is worth it.

In addition to this, it works exceptionally well attaching my spotting scope to the Arca mount while glassing for animals in the backcountry. This tripod has traveled to Arkansas for the Mammoth Sniper Challenge, to Alaska in the Northern Brooks Range for caribou, and then a mule deer hunt in Idaho. All without a failure or flaw to be found. This tripod will not hinder you before your abilities fail you.

Concluding Thoughts

In summary, the Tricer-HK Tripod with the AK Ball Head presents a package for the serious shooter who doesn’t want to compromise between portability and performance. It’s designed with an appreciation for the hunter or lightweight competition shooter’s demands: fast deployment, adaptation to terrain, heavy-duty load capacity, smooth adjustment under pressure, and compatibility with multiple mounting systems.

The price is in line with others on the market ($339 for the tripod and $219 for the Tricer-AK), and it weighs less than most tripods in a similar category. I believe that for someone whose success depends on stable platforms in challenging terrain, it stands out.

This tripod and ball head combo performed like someone with shooting or hunting experience designed it, which is clearly the case. It’s very obvious someone who lives and breathes the outdoors designed this.

Whether you’re positioning for a rare big-game shot or setting up for a long-range precision opportunity, having a support system that behaves more like part of your gear than a burden can make all the difference. That is why I think the Tricer-HK with Tricer-AK head is a capable combo for any serious long-range shooter looking to save weight while maintaining solid support.

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