Not the most technical question. But which do you prefer? I am trying to decide on my first monopod. Seems like flip locks are much faster and eaiser, but i sure see a lot of twist locks out there
I prefer twist locks on both my monopod and tripod. Long time ago, common wisdom was that flip locks were not good enough for the tripod as they could loosen overtime and a tripod could suddenly collapse. With twist locks this would not be an issue as you tighten them every time.
I don't know how much the flip locks have improved since then, but I'm now too used to twist locks to bother with everything else. Plus they make handling tripods and monopods easier
having owned tripods with both flip locks and twist locks, i prefer the twist locks even though it might be a little slower (but really not by much) since they are less prone to getting snagged on cords, webbing, tree branches and the like. It also making unstrapping it off a backpack much faster and easier.
I like flip locks on a tripod but find twist locks fine on a monopod. It may just be the way I do my adjustments. Or that I find that the monopod has fewer locks so twists aren't as bothersome. I don't do much adjustment of a monopod once set to length and often do some adjustments when moving a tripod around in rougher territory.
Flip locks are easier to use but I like twist locks on mono/tripod for transport. So far, my tripods (Gitzo and Feisol) have twist locks and my monopod (Bogen) has flip locks. Go figure .
Flip locks all the way. I have never had a flip lock loosen to the point that it would cause unexpected problems. As with all my gear, I give my tripod and monopod locks periodic maintenance.
Flip lock for me, mind you my manfrotto flip lock monopod is my oldest bit of kit that I still have, bought it in 1990 from memory! I have used twisters a few times when I've had to borrow or whatever and found them to be too slow and fiddly to change heights quickly. I'm sure they work fine for many people's applications though.
beewee wrote:
having owned tripods with both flip locks and twist locks, i prefer the twist locks even though it might be a little slower (but really not by much) since they are less prone to getting snagged on cords, webbing, tree branches and the like. It also making unstrapping it off a backpack much faster and easier.
Exactly... and the new Gitzo ALR locks are very fast to set up
I personally cannot stand flip locks...sure, on a tripod the Gitzo twist locks take a little while, but they don't slow me down at all on my monopod. I actually went for the Gitzo partially due to the locks, and its definitely worth it to me.
The 682B monopod comes with flip locks and a small plastic wrench to tighten the locks. I had the bottom tube start the slip and I quickly tightened the lock and im good to go. I think I like the flip locks the best over twist and screw locks now.
I wanted a monopod, and needed a good walking stick too.
Not finding one that suited me, I made my own,
The Montana Mountain MonoPod.
I made up the first one for myself, and a few other photographers liked it asked for one. I've sold several, and everyone has seemed to be pleased, so far.
They are hand cut from Montana mountain grown pine, spruce, tamarack etc. and finished to size, to suit the user and his, or her equipment
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The length is not adjustable, and I doubt you'd want to carry one on a plane, but it can't be beat for strength, durability and looks, and character.
I make them with a tripod screw, leather wrist strap, and rubber crutch tip, or steel spike tip.
Ultimately, go with the one you really prefer to use as you want confidence in your kit to both use it and enjoy it. If you don't use it because you don't like it, you've wasted money....
Preferences aside, I suspect that you could adapt to either style if you really want to....
I would, however, recommend that your tripod and monopod are both the same style!
>>Long time ago, common wisdom was that flip locks were not good enough for the tripod as they could loosen overtime and a tripod could suddenly collapse.<<
Non issue. There are flip locks that are adjustable with the little plastic 'wrench' that comes with the monopod/tripod, like the Bogen.
I have both kinds of tripods. I like the twist locks better and I think they are faster - you just need to practice a little bit.
With the anti rotating legs, the twist locks are definitely better and faster. Without the anti rotating legs, the twist is faster - until you make a mistake (easy to do) and then it takes longer.
Flip locks on my monopod, twist locks on my tripod. Speed is priority with a monopod, and they are disposable in a way. When the leg locks give out, just get a new one.
It hasn't been mentioned yet so I will say it, flip locks are NOISY.
And it's harder using them with a monopod because you don't have the other legs to grab to get leverage.
wilt wrote:
>>Long time ago, common wisdom was that flip locks were not good enough for the tripod as they could loosen overtime and a tripod could suddenly collapse.<<
Non issue. There are flip locks that are adjustable with the little plastic 'wrench' that comes with the monopod/tripod, like the Bogen.
This happened to my Bogen flip locks. No tightening in the world could save them. I ended up tossing the monopod. I did buy another bogen though. I like the flip locks because they are fast to adjust, however I do know that they will fail with time. When I bought my tripod I went with a Gitzo with twist locks. Those will stand the test of time.
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