Invert40 vs Invert50 vs Invert60: Which FatBoy Ball Head Is Right for You?
Choosing the right tripod ball head comes down to one thing.
Matching the head to your setup.
A lightweight optics setup does not need the same support as a heavier rifle. And carrying more ball head than you need only adds unnecessary weight to your gear.
That is why FatBoy offers three sizes in the Invert lineup:
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Invert40
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Invert50
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Invert60
All three use FatBoy’s inverted ball head design and offer smooth movement, adjustable tension, quick-release functionality, and compatibility with both 1913 Picatinny and Arca Swiss equipment.
The biggest differences are size, weight, and the equipment each head is designed to support.
Here is how they compare.
Invert40 vs Invert50 vs Invert60 at a Glance
| Ball Head | Ball Diameter | Head Weight | Rifle Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invert40 | 40mm | 13 oz | <8 lbs |
| Invert50 | 50mm | 1 lb 2 oz | <20 lbs |
| Invert60 | 60mm | 1 lb 10 oz | <60 lbs |
The basic rule is simple.
As you move from the Invert40 to the Invert60, the ball gets larger and the head gets heavier, while the system is designed to support increasingly heavier rifle setups.
But bigger is not automatically better.
The right choice depends on what you plan to put on your tripod.
Invert40: Built for Optics and Lightweight Setups
The Invert40 is the smallest and lightest option of the three.
It uses a 40mm ball and weighs just 13 ounces, making it the most portable option in the Invert lineup.
FatBoy designed the Invert40 primarily for supporting:
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Spotting scopes
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Binoculars
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Cameras
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Lightweight equipment
FatBoy's comparison chart also lists the Invert40 for rifles weighing less than 8 pounds.
That makes it an appealing option when keeping your tripod system lightweight is a priority.
For hunters covering long distances, ounces matter.
A smaller head can reduce the overall weight of your tripod setup while still giving you the smooth movement and positioning you need for glassing.
The Invert40 includes both 1913 Picatinny and Arca Swiss adaptors, along with a quick-release lever and adjustable tension.
It also integrates with FatBoy's SideChick accessory.
Who Should Choose the Invert40?
Consider the Invert40 if you:
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Primarily use your tripod for binoculars or a spotting scope
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Carry a lightweight rifle under 8 pounds
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Want to minimize the weight of your tripod system
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Need a compact ball head for backcountry hunting
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Use a camera alongside your hunting optics
The Invert40 is about portability without giving up the advantages of the inverted head design.
If your tripod spends most of its time supporting optics rather than a heavy rifle, this may be all the ball head you need.
Invert50: The Middle Ground
The Invert50 sits directly between the Invert40 and Invert60.
It uses a 50mm ball, weighs 1 pound 2 ounces, and is listed for rifles weighing less than 20 pounds.
That gives it considerably more rifle capacity than the Invert40 without moving all the way to the size and weight of the Invert60.
FatBoy designed the Invert50 specifically around compact rifle setups where shooters need precision, smooth movement, and versatility.
Like the other Invert models, it includes:
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1913 Picatinny compatibility
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Arca Swiss compatibility
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Quick-release functionality
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Fine-tuning adjustable tension
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SideChick integration
For many hunters and shooters, the Invert50 represents the balance point in the lineup.
You get more support for rifle applications than the Invert40 while saving 8 ounces compared with the Invert60.
That difference can matter when you are carrying your tripod into the field.
Who Should Choose the Invert50?
Consider the Invert50 if you:
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Run a compact rifle setup
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Want one ball head for a broader range of hunting applications
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Need more support than the Invert40 provides
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Want to stay lighter than the Invert60
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Use a rifle weighing less than 20 pounds
The Invert50 makes sense when you want versatility without automatically choosing the largest option.
Invert60: Maximum Support in the Invert Lineup
The Invert60 is the largest of the three.
It uses a 60mm ball, weighs 1 pound 10 ounces, and FatBoy lists it for rifles weighing less than 60 pounds.
This is the option built for shooters whose priority is supporting substantially heavier equipment.
The larger ball maintains the inverted design found throughout the lineup, allowing for versatile shooting angles and smooth movement.
You also get the same core compatibility features:
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1913 Picatinny adaptor
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Arca Swiss adaptor
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Quick-release lever
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Fine-tuning adjustable tension
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SideChick integration
The tradeoff is weight.
The Invert60 weighs 13 ounces more than the Invert40 and 8 ounces more than the Invert50.
For someone carrying a lightweight spotting scope deep into the backcountry, that extra capacity may not be necessary.
For a shooter running heavier rifle equipment, it can make much more sense.
Who Should Choose the Invert60?
Consider the Invert60 if you:
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Use heavier rifle setups
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Prioritize support over minimizing tripod weight
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Want the largest ball in the Invert lineup
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Shoot from a tripod regularly
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Need a ball head designed around demanding rifle applications
If your equipment requires the additional support, the Invert60 is the logical step up.
What Do All Three Invert Ball Heads Have in Common?
Size is not the only thing that matters.
The Invert40, Invert50, and Invert60 share several important design features.
All three use an inverted ball head design intended to provide smooth movement and versatile positioning.
They also support both Arca Swiss and 1913 Picatinny equipment.
That flexibility matters for hunters and shooters who use the same tripod with different equipment throughout the day.
You can move between compatible optics, cameras, and shooting setups without needing an entirely different tripod system.
Each model also uses a quick-release lever with adjustable tension, giving you control over movement and attachment.
And all three integrate with FatBoy's SideChick accessory for additional functionality.
Is a Bigger Ball Head Always Better?
No.
The best tripod head is not necessarily the biggest one you can carry.
It is the one that fits your equipment and how you use it.
If you primarily glass and carry a lightweight setup, the Invert40 keeps your system compact.
If you need to support a compact rifle while keeping weight reasonable, the Invert50 fills the middle ground.
If your priority is supporting heavier rifle equipment, the Invert60 gives you the largest ball and highest listed rifle weight of the three.
Think about what your tripod actually needs to do.
Ask yourself:
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What will I mount to the tripod most often?
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How much does my rifle weigh?
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How important is pack weight?
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Do I primarily glass, shoot, or do both?
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Am I carrying the tripod long distances?
Those answers will usually make the decision much easier.
Invert40 vs Invert50 vs Invert60: Which Should You Buy?
The choice can be broken down simply.
Choose the Invert40 if portability and optics use are your priorities. Its 40mm ball and 13-ounce weight make it the lightest option, and FatBoy lists it for rifles under 8 pounds.
Choose the Invert50 if you want a middle-ground option for compact rifle setups. Its 50mm ball supports rifles under 20 pounds while keeping the head at 1 pound 2 ounces.
Choose the Invert60 if you need the most support. Its 60mm ball is the largest in the lineup, and FatBoy lists it for rifles under 60 pounds.
There is no universal winner.
There is simply the right ball head for the equipment you carry.
Final Thoughts
The Invert40, Invert50, and Invert60 are built around the same basic idea:
Smooth movement, fast adjustment, and a stable connection between your tripod and your equipment.
The difference is how much ball head you actually need.
For lightweight optics and backcountry setups, start with the Invert40.
For compact rifles and all-around versatility, look at the Invert50.
For heavier shooting setups and maximum support within the Invert lineup, move up to the Invert60.
Match the head to your equipment instead of automatically choosing the largest option.
You will end up with a tripod system that makes more sense in the field.