Thank you sir for your interest in the Mini / Mini-X!
Mini & Mini-X are basically the same, only the top/bag/stopper and the legs/ankle.
However the Mini does not come with the F-class feet as shown in the photo, it's optional item.
They are originally designed for F-Class, without the use of counterweight. It's much more compact and light and easy to carry from mound to mound.
Re; counterweight (originally named 'balance weight system' or BWS, it was my invention many years ago on a front rest and then adopted by some others)
It will make the joystick action smoother, however the best/correct one it shouldn't be used with uplift springs. The best action when you use a counterweight is when you remove the internal uplift springs.
Re: smooth joystick action
Yes smooth action is a must.
However please be advised that you don't really need a super light joystick action, especially in F-Class.
You know the reason. You shoot considerably heavy recoil, rifle twist factor, etc.
Extra light joystick action also means that your rest/top could move or easier to move under heavy recoil, thus it could/would translate to your score.
As you can see that many major F-Class competitions around the world are won using the Mini-NEO-MAX, and Joypod. Thus this is a solid proof of my statement.
I know that some or many of those rests that are/have been used to win, were not even in the best shape or in the best tune. But they still do the job very well.
For Benchrest shooting, I make the Ratigan BR model, which use the counterweight. Yes it is smoother with extra light joystick action (when set properly/correctly, just like most any other mechanical things).
You also know the reason, most BR rifles do not recoil and/or twist much due to the design etc.
So horses for courses thing.
Jmho,
seb
www.sebrests.com