Red Snapper RS284 tripod - initial thoughts

Took delivery of my Red Snapper RS284 tripod today (after mulling over which tripod to buy for an age!), so thought I would post my initial thoughts.

The RS284 is a 4 section aluminium tripod, which was around £50 with a free 3 way head and good quality carry bag.

Upon opening the package I was really suprised at how well made the tripod appeared to be. I had heard many favourable things about the build quality , so was expecting it to be good, just not this good. To put it in persepctive I think it's every bit the equal of the Manfrotto XPRO190B (if not sturdier), but the Red Snapper is at least £35 cheaper and comes with a head (and bag).

Although listed as heavier than its rivals, it doesn't necessarily feel it. By that I mean it feels very sturdy, but not too heavy when in the bag on your shoulder.

The tripod also comes with a shorter middle post in a separate section in the bag, which allows you to get the tripod lower to the ground.

The leg movement is solid without being stiff, and the twist locks feel perfect, unlocking swiftly and easily but onced locked are solid as a rock.

The three way head which comes with the tripod functions perfectly well, and benefits from a quick release plate. I intend to purchase a ball head in due course (so if anyone wants to buy the 3 way head, let me know).

Nice touches include the feet, which twist back to reveal spikes, a sprung hook on the centre balance for hanging your bag as a ballast, and a spirit bubble built into the tripod body. All these features are those which you see in the higher end tripods, but you don't necessarily expect to see in something retailing at less than £50.

Been playing around with the tripod all night, and at all times it has felt very secure, and the more I use it the more pleased I am with my purchase.

Can't wait to get out and about with it!

Ditto - and the service is amazing. I had a problem with my ball head and Joe was really helpful in sorting it out.

I am really pleased with the quality at any price.

I can't recommend Redsnapper highly enough.

Andy

Ditto here too! I am still extremely impressed with it every time I take it out of the (very well made) bag

I was going to do some comments on my Redsnapper 284...

I have a troubled history with tripods
I suppose the closest to ideal for me owulf be the manfrotto mf4 or mf3, but.. ouch the price.

I got the redsnapper, and build wise it seems very good, the bag is surprisingly good for the price. I have tried the 190XPROB, which is very similar, but slimmer. The 284 seems to have more robust legs.
An evidence of manfrottos quality is that it does not feel less capable or reliable than the 284. It has a flexible column too and locking screws for the head.
The 284 on the plus side has a weight hook, and spiked legs (scottish hills here I go!).

I didn't take it up Conic Hill because the weather was absolutely rubbish so I saved myself the weight and it stayed in the boot of the car.
Hope to go to the Pentlands this weekend and give it a try. The bag's strap seems good, although a bit short to be used across the torso.

Great to hear you're pleased with it Robbie