When choosing a shooting rest, most shooters focus on the obvious specifications: stability, weight, height range and how securely the rifle is supported. While these factors are important, there is another feature that can have a huge impact on real-world performance: The levelling system.
What is a levelling system?
A levelling system sits between the tripod and the shooting rest and instead of having to adjust the length of individual tripod legs every time the ground changes, a levelling system allows the shooting platform to be adjusted independently. With a Vanguard levelling system you can tilt the angle by ±15° and rotate 360°.
Where would you benefit from a levelling system?
A levelling system will normally add weight to a tripod and if you are using an open yoke like Vanguard’s U-Yoke you have all the movement by hand, so it’s generally not used for stalking rests.
Instead, it’s normally associated with a universal clamp system like the Endeavor GM-65 or an Arca/Picatinny rail system on a larger, more stable tripod in static positions. This can be target shooting, in a hide, or with pest control. It can also be used for simple maintenance like fitting a rifle scope and sighting it.
What are the benefits of a levelling system?
If you are using a larger tripod with a clamp system, then there are a number of benefits for using a levelling system.
Level your rifle with the rifle scope directly above it in seconds on any terrain to ensure an accurate shot, without having to mess around with adjusting your tripod legs. You can achieve something similar with a ball head, but many ball heads have a slot in the side that allows them to move to 90° and if not tightened properly, this can cause the rifle to slip. The levelling system has a similar risk, but with a maximum movement of 15° the rifle is less likely to pick up any momentum which can impact the rifle scope accuracy, or in extreme even damage the rifle.
You get maximum accuracy as the rifle is secured on the tripod and the levelling system allows you to sight the target and lock in place, which minimises any other movement. If you're tracking a moving target you can loosen the tension and follow with ease.
You can step away from the rifle while it is secured in position. Whether this is to use a lure, use your optics or have a quiet snack, the rifle is in position and ready to go.
As a rule, a levelling system is simpler to use than alternatives like a ball head. Vanguard offers two systems. The Endeavor L Series has a built-in levelling system with a single locking knob on the side where the tension can be set to hold the rifle securely, but the aim can then be adjusted by simply rotating the rifle to the target without needing to worry about locating and loosening any locking knobs in the heat of the moment. The Endeavor RL Series has a removable levelling system with a locking handle between the legs making it easy to locate, even in the dark. Either of these can be particularly useful for pest controllers operating at night, when targets are only visible for a short period.
What are the levelling options from Vanguard?
If you believe a levelling system would be useful for you, there are three key options from Vanguard:
Firstly, the Endeavor L Series has a built-in levelling system with a single locking knob on the side where the tension can be set to hold the rifle securely, but the aim can then be adjusted by simply rotating the rifle to the target without needing to worry about locating and loosening any locking knobs in the heat of the moment.
Secondly, the Endeavor RL Series has a removable levelling system with a locking handle between the legs making it easy to locate, even in the dark. As the levelling system is removable, additional options are available separately to make the system more versatile and be able to swap setups in seconds.
- If you want an Arca or Picatinny setup you can buy an Endeavor Arca/Picatinny Rail System.
- A Lightweight Platform allows you to remove the levelling system and when combined with a U-Yoke, provides a lightweight yet solid shooting rest, or with a dual axis ball head like the LBP-S Series you have a perfect landscape photography setup.
- If you’re also interested in photography or birding you can buy other accessories such as the lightweight platform, a centre column or a spare levelling base to build your ideal setup.
Finally, if you have a shooting rest you are happy with, but want the benefit of a levelling system, you can get a Universal Levelling Adaptor that has a size to fit any tripod. Just be aware that not every shooting rest is designed to hold a rifle or air rifle on top so take care to test it works.
In summary:
Whatever your style of shooting, a levelling system can help you get on target faster, make more precise adjustments and shoot more confidently from any terrain. It’s not generally recommended for stalking, but for more planned and static shoots, with a clamp system, it can speed up and improve your accuracy.
