Vanguard Quest T62U Shooting Stick Review

The Story of My Time with the Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick

The Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick promised versatility, and as someone who spends a significant amount of time in the field, the appeal was undeniable. Vanguard, a company known for its optics and support systems, aimed to create a shooting stick that could function as a tripod, bipod, and monopod, all while remaining lightweight and portable. Could this jack-of-all-trades actually deliver?

My need for a reliable shooting support system arose from increasingly diverse hunting scenarios. Sometimes I’m in a treestand, other times I’m stalking through dense brush, and occasionally I’m glassing open fields from a prone position. I needed a single system adaptable enough to handle all these situations, and the Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick seemed like a potential solution.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the lightweight feel of the aluminum alloy construction. The initial build quality seemed sturdy enough, though not exceptionally robust. The soft foam grip felt comfortable in hand, and the quick flip leg locks provided a reassuring “click” during adjustment.

I considered other options like the Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 and the BOG DeathGrip tripod. The Primos offered rapid adjustment, but lacked the tripod functionality. The BOG DeathGrip was incredibly stable, but too bulky for mobile hunting. The Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick aimed for a middle ground, prioritizing adaptability over sheer stability.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The light weight and versatility were promising, but I remained skeptical about its long-term durability and stability under real-world conditions. I was eager to get it into the field and see if it could live up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick was on a scouting trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The terrain was varied, with steep hills, dense underbrush, and open meadows. I primarily used it as a walking stick while navigating the uneven terrain, and then deployed it as a bipod and tripod for glassing potential deer bedding areas.

The shooting stick performed adequately in dry conditions. The rubber feet provided sufficient grip on the forest floor, and the soft foam grip remained comfortable even after hours of hiking. Converting between the tripod, bipod, and monopod configurations was relatively quick and straightforward, though I did find the leg locks occasionally stiff.

One initial issue was the swivel head – while it offered a full 360° rotation, it lacked a tilt function. This made leveling the rifle challenging on uneven ground when using the monopod or bipod configurations. This limitation was immediately noticeable.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use across multiple hunting seasons, the Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick has held up reasonably well, but shows some signs of wear and tear. The aluminum alloy legs have proven durable, but the plastic leg locks have become slightly looser over time. The rubber feet also exhibit some wear from repeated use on rocky terrain.

Cleaning is relatively simple, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and mud. I occasionally apply a silicone lubricant to the leg locks to keep them functioning smoothly. The removable U-shaped yoke is easily detached for cleaning.

Compared to other shooting sticks I’ve used, the Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick offers superior versatility but falls short in terms of overall stability. It’s a decent compromise for hunters who prioritize adaptability, but those seeking maximum stability might be better served by a dedicated tripod or bipod system. The versatility is the key selling point, even with minor trade-offs.

Breaking Down the Features of Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick

Specifications

• Extended height: 62 inches (1575 mm), offering a comfortable shooting height for most users in standing or kneeling positions. This height is ideal for adapting to different terrains quickly.
• Folded height: 27.5 inches (700 mm), making it reasonably compact for transport. The folded size is convenient, although a slightly smaller footprint would be preferred.
• Weight: 2.24 lbs (1020 g), making it lightweight and easy to carry for extended periods. The low weight is a significant advantage for mobile hunters.
• Yoke type: U-shaped yoke, providing a stable platform for rifles and other equipment. The U-shaped design accommodates a variety of firearm forends.
• Swivel range: 360°, allowing for quick target acquisition without repositioning the shooting stick. The full swivel is essential for tracking moving game.
• Main material: Aluminum alloy legs, offering a good balance of strength and weight. Aluminum is a practical choice for durability and portability.

These specifications contribute to a versatile and portable shooting support system. The extended height allows for comfortable shooting from various positions, while the folded height and weight make it easy to carry. The 360° swivel and U-shaped yoke enhance target acquisition and stability.

Performance & Functionality

The Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick performs adequately as a shooting support system, but it is not without its limitations. The tripod configuration offers the most stable platform, while the bipod and monopod configurations are better suited for quick adjustments and mobile hunting.

The key strength is its adaptability. Being able to transition from a stable tripod to a quick-deploy bipod or monopod is invaluable in dynamic hunting scenarios. However, the lack of a tilt function on the swivel head is a significant drawback, making it difficult to level the rifle on uneven terrain.

The shooting stick meets expectations for versatility and portability, but falls short in terms of stability compared to dedicated systems. It’s a decent compromise for hunters who prioritize adaptability, but not ideal for those seeking maximum stability.

Design & Ergonomics

The Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick features a user-friendly design with quick flip leg locks and a comfortable foam grip. The lightweight aluminum alloy construction makes it easy to carry for extended periods.

The build quality is adequate, though not exceptional. The aluminum legs are durable, but the plastic leg locks feel somewhat flimsy and prone to wear. The U-shaped yoke is easily removable for cleaning and can be replaced with other accessories.

There is a slight learning curve involved in mastering the various configurations, but overall the shooting stick is intuitive and easy to use. The lack of a tilt function on the swivel head is a design flaw that detracts from the overall user experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick is reasonably durable, but not built to withstand extreme abuse. The aluminum legs are resistant to bending and corrosion, but the plastic leg locks are a potential point of failure.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The rubber feet may need to be replaced over time, depending on usage. The U-shaped yoke is easily detached for cleaning and can be replaced if damaged.

With proper care, the Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick should last for several years of regular use. However, it is not a heavy-duty system and is not designed for extreme conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick comes with a removable U-shaped yoke that can be used to support rifles, crossbows, and spotting scopes. The universal 1/4in thread bolt allows for compatibility with cameras and camcorders.

There are limited customization options available for this shooting stick. The U-shaped yoke can be replaced with other V-shaped yokes or custom-built supports.

The shooting stick is compatible with a wide range of firearms and optics, making it a versatile platform for various shooting applications. However, there are no aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this model.

Pros and Cons of Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick

Who Should Buy Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick?

The Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick is perfect for hunters who prioritize versatility and portability over absolute stability. It’s a good option for those who hunt in diverse terrains and need a system that can adapt to different shooting scenarios.

Hunters who require maximum stability, such as long-range shooters or those hunting in windy conditions, should skip this product. A dedicated tripod or bipod system would be a better choice.

A must-have modification would be a leveling base to attach between the yoke and the stick itself. This would overcome its biggest drawback.

Conclusion on Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick

The Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick offers a compelling blend of versatility and affordability. It’s not the most stable shooting platform on the market, but its ability to function as a tripod, bipod, and monopod makes it a valuable tool for hunters who need a system that can adapt to different situations.

The price is justified, considering the versatility and lightweight design. It’s a good value for hunters on a budget who are looking for a do-it-all shooting support system.

I would personally recommend the Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick to hunters who prioritize adaptability and portability over absolute stability. If you’re looking for a versatile shooting support system that won’t break the bank, give the Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick a try. It might just be the perfect tool for your next hunting adventure.