March 2026
Author: Brady Harang
They Finally Perfected the Lightweight Hunting Tripod
A few years ago, tripod companies finally caught onto the demand that existed for a lightweight, sturdy tripod. When the original Tricer AD and BC came out, Tricer was undoubtedly leading the pack. As time went on however, competitors began to catch up, and, honestly, the Tricer AD and BC tripods were no longer stand-out products. But the folks at Tricer were already busy refining their designs. Recently, they released the updated versions of the AD and BC tripods, and I honestly don’t think there’s anything they missed. Of course, they function much the same—three legs and a center column—but they’ve refined every inch of these tripods to create a substantially better product. With the release of the new Tricer AD and BC tripods, it appears Tricer has taken another meaningful step toward perfecting the lightweight hunting tripod.
A More Stable, Refined Center Column
One of the standout improvements on both the Tricer AD and BC is the redesigned center column. Tricer moved to a single-piece, concave aluminum center column and paired it with a cam-lock system, creating a noticeable upgrade in both feel and function.
The center column is often a weak point on lightweight tripods. Extended columns can introduce flex, especially when glassing with heavier optics or dealing with wind. The updated Tricer design addresses this head on. The concave aluminum construction adds rigidity while keeping weight in check, and the cam lock provides a secure hold that minimizes wobble even at full extension.
The concave design of the center post also allows for a significantly smaller diameter when folded up. This decreases overall pack size and gives a more compact feel to the tripod.
Whether you’re glassing for extended periods or running a rifle setup, the center column remains solid and predictable—exactly what you want out of a high-end tripod.
Quick Removal for Prone Setups
Versatility is one of the defining characteristics of a good hunting tripod, and this is another area where the Tricer AD and BC shine. The center column can be quickly removed and replaced with a shorter version, allowing the tripod to drop down into an extremely low profile. Simply push a button at the bottom of the column to allow it to slide up and out. There’s no unscrewing or noisy hook attachment to remove and potentially lose. In fact, the center column hook is now cut into the bottom of the column, ensuring that it won’t be in the way.
This feature is especially valuable for prone shooting scenarios. You can simply remove the main column and replace it with a shorter variant, allowing for a completely prone setup.
The tradeoff is that your head is still attached to the other center column. It can be a cumbersome task to swap tripod heads under pressure, so I’d recommend either swapping the center post at the beginning of the hunt or carrying a lightweight ball head pre-fastened to the shorter center column for shooting scenarios.
Thoughtful, Field-Driven Details
Beyond the major design updates, Tricer also included several small but meaningful details that reflect real field use. One example is the hidden Allen key built directly into the tripod.
It’s a subtle feature but one that can make a big difference. If the leg joints need tightening or adjustment in the field, having the necessary tool already on the tripod can save time and frustration.
The mounting plate between the center column and the head also has three set screws now. This allows the tension that locks the head in place to be more balanced—and, yes, the hidden Allen key will also work for these screws.
I think it’s also worth mentioning here that Tricer is still utilizing their inverted leg system. The twist lock is reversed from most other tripods, but that does put the largest and most durable leg section at the bottom where that durability is needed the most. Once you get used to the inverted legs, you likely won’t want to go back.
Choosing Between the Tricer AD and Tricer BC
While the Tricer AD and BC share the same core design updates, they are intended for slightly different styles of hunting. The Tricer BC is the more compact and lightweight of the two. It’s well suited for hunters who primarily glass from a seated position and prioritize minimizing pack weight. For ultralight setups or hunters who plan to always glass from a sitting position, the BC makes a lot of sense.
The Tricer AD, on the other hand, offers additional height. This makes it a better option for hunters who prefer to glass while standing or want more versatility across a wider range of terrain and scenarios. That added height can be a significant advantage in rolling country or when glassing above brush and vegetation.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal hunting style and how you spend most of your time glassing in the field. That being said, the AD is only a few ounces heavier and nearly the same price. If it were me, I’d take the AD nine times out of ten.
Final Thoughts
The new Tricer AD and BC tripods don’t rely on flashy redesigns or unnecessary features. Instead, they focus on refining the elements that matter most: stability, weight, and versatility.
For hunters who demand lightweight performance without compromise, these updates make the Tricer lineup more compelling than ever. In a category where small details can have a big impact, the Tricer AD and BC demonstrate that thoughtful refinement—not reinvention—is often what truly perfects a piece of hunting gear. Pick up yours today at
GearFool.com!