Introduction
As a precision shooter, whether you're dialling in your spotting scope, running a heavyweight rifle, or setting up for glassing, having the right gear can make all the difference in the world. That's where the FatBoy Invert60 Ball Head comes in - a compact, high-performance ball head designed to deliver unmatched stability and fluid control in the field.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a deep dive into the Invert60, exploring its features, benefits, and how to master its setup and operation. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to unlock the full potential of this game-changing piece of equipment and take your shooting to new heights.
Understanding the Invert60 Ball Head
The Invert60 Ball Head is a revolutionary product from the team at FatBoy Tripods, designed to cater to the needs of serious shooters and outdoor enthusiasts. At the heart of this innovative design is a 60mm inverted ball, which provides unparalleled smoothness and control during panning and tilting movements.
One of the standout features of the Invert60 is its versatility. It's compatible with both Arca-Swiss and Picatinny rail systems, allowing you to seamlessly mount a wide range of optics, cameras, and other accessories. This flexibility ensures that the Invert60 can be a valuable asset no matter your specific shooting or outdoor needs.
Mounting the Invert60 on Your Tripod
Before you can start using the Invert60, you'll need to properly mount it to your tripod. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a secure and stable setup:
1. Attach the Bowl Plate: Locate the spring-loaded tab on the outside of your tripod's bowl plate. Snug this down to secure the bowl plate in place, then tuck the spring-loaded tab out of the way to prevent snagging.
2. Mount the Invert60: Identify the threads on the bottom of the Invert60's ball head plate and mate them to the tripod's threads. Rotate the Invert60 clockwise until it's snug and secure.
3. Tighten the Set Screws: Use the included Allen key wrench to tighten the set screw on top of the plate, as well as the additional set screw in the bowl plate on the bottom. This will ensure a rock-solid connection between the Invert60 and your tripod.
With the Invert60 properly mounted, you're now ready to start attaching your optics, cameras, or other accessories.
Mounting Your Gear with the Arca or Picatinny Interface
One of the key features of the Invert60 is its ability to accommodate both Arca-Swiss and Picatinny rail systems. This allows you to seamlessly mount a wide range of gear, from spotting scopes and cameras to tactical rifles and more.
Arca-Swiss Mounting / Picatinny Mounting
To mount your gear using the Arca-Swiss/Picatinny interface, start by locating the spring-loaded mechanism on the Invert60's Arca plate. This mechanism allows you to adjust the tension to fit your specific Arca rail.
1. Adjust the Tension: Push out the spring-loaded mechanism and rotate it to adjust the tension. This will ensure a secure fit for your Arca rail.
2. Lock it Down: Once the tension is set, the mechanism will click back into place, locking your gear in position. Give it a gentle tug to ensure it's secure.
Mastering the Invert60's Adjustments
The Invert60 Ball Head is designed with a range of intuitive adjustments to help you fine-tune your setup and achieve the perfect shot. Let's explore how to make the most of these features:
Adjusting Pan and Tilt Tension
The Invert60's main control knob allows you to adjust the tension for both panning and tilting movements. To tighten the tension, rotate the knob clockwise. To loosen it and allow for smoother, more fluid movement, rotate the knob counterclockwise.
By finding the right balance of tension, you can achieve precise control over your gear, whether you're tracking a moving target or making minute adjustments for the perfect shot.
Flipping the Quick-Release Plate
Another unique feature of the Invert60 is the ability to flip the quick-release plate 180 degrees. This can be particularly useful if you prefer to have the control knob on the opposite side of your setup.
1. Remove the Plate: Use the included Torx-tip screws to remove the quick-release plate from the Invert60's ball head.
2. Flip the Plate: Rotate the plate 180 degrees and reattach it, ensuring the screws are securely tightened.
With the plate flipped, you can now mount your gear with the control knob positioned in your preferred orientation, further enhancing the Invert60's customizability and ergonomics.
Unlocking the Invert60's Versatility
One of the standout features of the Invert60 Ball Head is its versatility, allowing you to adapt it to a wide range of shooting and outdoor applications. Let's explore some of the ways you can maximize the Invert60's capabilities:
Utilizing the 1/4"-20 Threaded Hole
The Invert60 features a 1/4"-20 threaded hole on the top of the ball head, which opens up a world of possibilities. You can use this to mount a SideChick, such as:
- Remote: For predator hunters, you can attach a remote trigger for your electronic game call, keeping your hands free and your focus on the hunt.
- Body Cameras: Law enforcement officers can use the threaded hole to mount a body camera, ensuring they capture the action from the perfect angle.
- Environmental Sensors: Outdoor enthusiasts can attach devices like Kestrel wind meters to monitor critical environmental conditions.
- Smartphone Mounts: Photographers and videographers can use the threaded hole to mount their smartphones, allowing them to capture high-quality footage or stills on the go.
The possibilities are endless, and the Invert60's unique design sets it apart from other ball heads on the market.
Pairing with the Side Chick Mount
To further enhance the Invert60's versatility, FatBoy Tripods offers the Side Chick mount, a complementary accessory that seamlessly integrates with the ball head's 1/4"-20 threaded hole.
The Side Chick mount allows you to attach a wide range of accessories, from remote triggers and body cameras to environmental sensors and smartphone holders. This combination of the Invert60 and Side Chick mount creates a powerful, customizable platform that can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you're a predator hunter, law enforcement officer, or outdoor enthusiast.
To learn more about the Side Chick mount and how it can enhance your Invert60 setup, be sure to check out the FatBoy Tripods website.
Caring for Your Invert60 Ball Head
To ensure the long-term performance and reliability of your Invert60 Ball Head, it's important to properly maintain and care for it. Here are some tips to keep your Invert60 in top condition:
1. Clean and Lubricate: Regularly wipe down the Invert60 with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. You can also apply a small amount of high-quality lubricant to the moving parts, such as the ball and adjustment knob, to keep them operating smoothly.
2. Protect from the Elements: When not in use, store the Invert60 in a dry, protected environment. Avoid exposing it to excessive moisture, extreme temperatures, or other harsh conditions that could potentially damage the internal components.
3. Inspect for Wear and Tear: Periodically inspect the Invert60 for any signs of wear, such as loose screws, damaged threads, or worn-out parts. If you notice any issues, contact the FatBoy Tripods team for guidance on repairs or replacement.
By following these simple maintenance practices, you can ensure that your Invert60 Ball Head continues to deliver reliable performance for years to come, no matter the demands of your shooting or outdoor activities.
Conclusion
The FatBoy Invert60 Ball Head is a game-changing piece of equipment for precision shooters, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who demands the ultimate in stability, control, and versatility. By mastering the Invert60's features and adjustments, you'll be able to unlock its full potential and take your shooting or outdoor experiences to new heights.
Whether you're dialing in your spotting scope, running a heavyweight rifle, or setting up for glassing, the Invert60 delivers unmatched performance and reliability. And with its ability to accommodate both Arca-Swiss and Picatinny rail systems, as well as its unique 1/4"-20 threaded hole for a wide range of accessories, the Invert60 is a truly versatile and customizable piece of gear.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to the FatBoy Tripods website to learn more about the Invert60 Ball Head and start unlocking your full potential as a precision shooter or outdoor enthusiast. With the Invert60 in your arsenal, the possibilities are endless.