Bald Eagle rests

[rain164845]

Are the newer Bald Eagle rests any good? I am looking at the Slingshot models with the remote windage.
My other idea would be just a Bald Eagle base with a Shadetree Joystick.
Any input? PM is fine.
Thanks!

 

[JRS]

Go with the Shadetree top and don't look back

 

[LHSmith]

I shot Score Matches for years with the B/E & Shadetree top. I only upgraded to a Farley in order to get that little bit of extra travel.

 

[rain164845]

With the Shadetree, do I need to hold the joystick, or can I just let it go once I am on target and start shooting?
Also, I am shooting a 16lb rifle and may add weight for F-open, so possibly 21 lbs.

 

[mikegaiz]

I really like the bald eagle, it has two vertical adjustments, plus the new wind age adjustment at the rear of the rest. They are very solid and can't be bumped as a joystick. That is just my opinion.

 

[ARshuter]

I really like the bald eagle, it has two vertical adjustments, plus the new wind age adjustment at the rear of the rest. They are very solid and can't be bumped as a joystick. That is just my opinion.

How smooth is the windage travel?

 

[LHSmith]

While some shooters (Tony Boyer for one) don't hold onto the joystick, I would advise you to do so.
The problem with mechanical rests with windage knobs and speed screws for vertical adjustments, is that conditions change too rapidly to correct for hold-off........and if you're not allowing for conditions, you're just shooting.

 

[mikegaiz]

My bald eagle is very smooth, but it is an older model which is what I have used in my observations and replies to this string. can't speak for the new ones.

 

[Uthink Uknow]

Bill Gebhart designed the slingshot base for those who may on occasion have a problem getting the rest with a wider stance close to the edge of the bench. As you asked for opinions, I'll give you my take on the slingshot base. It is not as stable as the wider or normal base.

 

[butchlambert]

Don't hold onto the joystick! Shadetree will work with a 25lbs. rifle.

 

[johara1]

Butch will want to hit me over the head for this comment but i used his top for windage only and the rear leg for elevation and it works super for 1K…….. Plus you can still use to go up………. jim

 

[butchlambert]

Watch out Jim!!

 

[johara1]

Butch, I know…. but it does work good, and i still have the option of elevation. Wait i go get my old hard hat……LOL… jim

 

[butchlambert]

Jim,
Use it anyway that works for you. I'm not that humorous, but I think you picked up on it.

 

[rain164845]

Thanks!

 

[letronshootit]

Monkeying with bases to improve upon seems to be a ongoing part of bench shooting. As long as can keep my Shadetree rest on it I am happy. Thanks again Butch!

Ron

 

[johara1]

Butch, What i'm trying to say it works great many different ways, and it is a good solid product……. james O'Hara

 

[butchlambert]

Dang it Mr O'Hara, I'm jerking your chain. Certainly no malice from me.

 

[rain164845]

Thanks guys. I guess I need to do some thinking. I have never shot off of a joystick and have only messed with one for a few seconds a few years back. I think I might want to go with the stability of a standard windage rest, perhaps with a remote windage cable such as Bald Eagle uses, but fitted to something fancier.

 

[Old Navy]

Can someone post a photo of this rest? Thanks. Frank