How to keep wind flag tripods from tipping over in wind

[Shooter13]

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Call me Monday when you have time, how much for 2 sets of these? I'd like to try them, couldn't use them for the 200 at BGSL with the poles extended to 14' but might do well for 100 yards.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Did you make those? I bought 4 on Ebay a couple of years ago for not much more than the shipping. They looked pretty old. They are incredibly stable, and only weigh about 2 lbs. each.

Gerry

Yes, I make these. Never seen them on ebay but it's certainly possible I guess. These, the base alone is about 4lbs each and has roughly a 2ft wide stance when opened up. They have a leveling screw on one leg. I sell several but I'm sure the price is a deterrent to some, when they can buy a lightweight cheapo camera stand for $30 online. Granted, these are way better than those. The difference isn't so much when the cheapos get blown over and tear up your flags and takes your flags out of commission, on top of that.

 

[Cassidy]

Just a thought. I wonder if some sort of short wing segment that, with a vane somehow attached, turns into the wind, and the overall unit is affixed to the tripod stand somewhere between the ground and the flag apparatus, can provide enough downward force during wind gusts to help keep the flag upright. My initial sense is it may not provide enough downward force. Maybe NASCAR can help. Any thoughts?

 

[BCR1]

I drop $450 on a set of four Grahams and then find out I have Epilepsy so there goes any future competing in ARA factory class next year as I'm not allowed to drive.

Bill

 

[shortine]

Yes, I make these. Never seen them on ebay but it's certainly possible I guess. These, the base alone is about 4lbs each and has roughly a 2ft wide stance when opened up. They have a leveling screw on one leg. I sell several but I'm sure the price is a deterrent to some, when they can buy a lightweight cheapo camera stand for $30 online. Granted, these are way better than those. The difference isn't so much when the cheapos get blown over and tear up your flags and takes your flags out of commission, on top of that.

Wow, Yours are twice as heavy as the ones I have, and 6 inches wider. Wind does not affect mine at all. I guess yours would stand up in a hurricane. Also super easy to transport and set up.

I think you have a winner.

Gerry

 

[shortine]

I drop $450 on a set of four Grahams and then find out I have Epilepsy so there goes any future competing in ARA factory class next year as I'm not allowed to drive.

Bill

Bill, Where do you live, and what range are you near?

Gerry

 

[Cassidy]

With the intent to come up with the lightest, easiest and most compact way to keep wind flag tripods from tipping over in wind, I came up with the following design shown in the attached pics. I can use the foot-step welded onto the stake to push the 1/4"diameter steel stake into the ground and also after shooting use the handle at the top end of the 26" stake to easily pull the stake out while picking up multiple tripods/flags all without having to bend over (since I'd be carrying 3-5 wind flags/tripods while carrying the stakes). The steel rod hook on the stake goes over one of the three the horizontal cross members of the tripod to hold the tripod/flags down in wind. This stake design goes 2" into the ground (before the foot-step hits the ground) since my usual/home shooting range generally has dry weather and somewhat hard ground; for wetter ground more than 2" may be necessary in the design. The foot-step in the pics is pressed flat into the grass so it may be hard to see in the pics. The 26" stakes are light and easily fit into my plastic storage case along with the five tripods/flags/daisy wheels. This is my first attempt at the design so there may be revisions. I tried it at the range today and it seemed to work OK. Thought you might be interested.

 

[FNSafari]

Tent stakes the long ones