A quality tripod is no longer optional for serious shooters, night hunters, or precision rifle competitors — it’s essential. After more than a year of hard real-world use, Fatboy tripods have earned a permanent place in our lineup at Custom Night Vision.
From thermal hog hunting in South Texas to PRS matches across the country, these tripods have been thoroughly abused, tested, and trusted. In this review, we’ll break down Fatboy tripod systems, ball head options, and the growing ecosystem of accessories now available on our website.
Why We Chose Fatboy Tripods
We don’t sell gear we haven’t personally run in the field. The Fatboy tripods we carry have:
- Been used for night hunting with thermals
- Supported cameras and optics daily
- Traveled nationwide for PRS competitions
- Replaced lower-quality tripods that simply didn’t hold up
Simply put, these are a massive upgrade over entry-level tripods and offer outstanding value compared to many overpriced “high-end” options on the market.
Understanding Tripod Systems: Bases & Ball Heads
If you’re new to tripods, there are two main components to understand:
1. The Tripod Base
This is the leg system itself — stability, height, weight, and deployment speed all come from here.
2. The Ball Head
The ball head is the interface between your tripod and whatever you’re mounting:
- Rifle
- Thermal
- Spotting scope
- Camera
While you can run a tripod without a ball head, most users will want one for flexibility and ease of use.
Fatboy Tripod Options: Elevate 2 vs Elevate 3
We offer two Fatboy tripod bases:
Elevate 3
- Three leg sections
- Shorter when collapsed
- More adjustment points
- Same max height as Elevate 2
Elevate 2
- Two leg sections
- Longer when collapsed
- Faster deployment (fewer adjustments)
Key takeaway:
Both tripods weigh the same and reach the same height. The choice comes down to whether you prefer compact storage or quicker setup.
Ball Head Options: Levitate Level Head vs Invert 60
Levitate Level Head
- Simple lever-based locking system
- Positive lock-up
- Lighter and more compact
- ~15° of adjustment
This is an excellent choice for most shooters and hunters who want fast, repeatable positioning without excessive complexity.
Invert 60 Ball Head
- Significantly more adjustment range
- Ideal for extreme angles and advanced positioning
- Slightly larger profile
While the Invert 60 offers more flexibility, many users find the Levitate more than sufficient by adjusting tripod leg angles when needed.
Arca Swiss and Picatinny Compatibility
One standout feature of Fatboy ball heads is their dual-interface clamping system:
- Accepts Arca Swiss
- Accepts Picatinny (1913) rails
This means:
- No need to add Arca rails to every rifle
- Works with quad rails, M-LOK Pic sections, and cameras
- Seamless transitions between weapons and optics
This compatibility extends to several Fatboy accessories as well, making the entire system incredibly versatile.
Tool-Less Design & Smart Engineering
Fatboy uses a tool-less fastening system for attaching ball heads and accessories. A spring-loaded clutch and lever system allows quick tightening or loosening without digging through your toolbox — a small detail that makes a huge difference in the field.
Fatboy Tripod Accessories
Fatboy isn’t just selling tripods — they’ve built a complete ecosystem.
Side Chick Accessory Mount
The Side Chick is an adjustable device holder designed for:
- Phones
- Kestrels
- Ballistic calculators
- Other electronic devices
It mounts directly to the tripod and keeps your data visible while behind the rifle — no pockets, no dangling cords, no distractions.
Revive Integrated Power Bank
The Revive is one of the most innovative tripod accessories available.
- Drops directly into the tripod bowl
- Functions as a built-in power bank
- USB power for:
- Thermals
- Cameras
- Phones
- Kestrels
If you’ve ever killed onboard batteries mid-hunt or mid-match, you’ll immediately understand the value of having power built into your tripod.
Thick Grip Clamp
The Thick Grip clamps directly to a tripod leg and accepts:
- Arca Swiss
- Picatinny rails
Perfect for:
- Rangefinders
- Cameras
- Accessories you want instantly accessible
The clamp is adjustable for rail tolerance differences, similar to an ADM-style QD system, ensuring secure lock-up even on out-of-spec rails.
Real-World Performance & Value
After extensive use, Fatboy tripods have proven to be:
- Durable
- Stable
- Modular
- Competitively priced
Many high-end tripods on the market are shockingly expensive, but Fatboy delivers premium performance without unnecessary cost. We feel confident using them, selling them, and standing behind them.
Final Thoughts: Are Fatboy Tripods Worth It?
If you’re looking for a rock-solid tripod system for:
- Night hunting
- Thermal scanning
- PRS shooting
- Long-range precision
- Filming or spotting
Fatboy tripods and accessories offer one of the best balances of quality, functionality, and price available today.
Questions About Fatboy Tripods?
We’re happy to help.
Call the shop, leave a comment on the video, or reach out on social media — our phones ring 24/7, and we’re always glad to talk gear.
Explore Fatboy tripods and accessories now on customnightvision.com.