This is a review of the ProMediaGear Pro Stix 77 Carbon Fiber Tripod (model TR424L), a tall, heavy-duty, yet lightweight tripod considering its size and functionality. Generally, this is a bigger tripod than many will ever want or need, but because the company makes such nice gear and has a variety of carbon fiber tripods, I suggest that you read on and then consider your specific needs. If you’re unsure of what you need in a tripod, take a look at Nasim’s article on choosing a tripod. If your gear is heavier and potentially more expensive, then this model will be of more interest, but regardless, ProMediaGear has multiple options available to fit your needs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
A couple of years ago, I purchased a monopod from ProMediaGear (PMG) after seeing a friend’s tripod from PMG and being so impressed with it that when I misplaced my (previously) favorite monopod, I knew I wanted to buy one from PMG. The old monopod eventually surfaced, but I haven’t even thought about using it since I got the new one from PMG. You could say that the monopod purchase was a gateway purchase because it made me want one of their tripods.
I wanted a taller tripod than the one I currently have and since I knew that I wanted one from ProMediaGear, that left me two choices, the 344L or the 424L. PMG offers two lines of tripods, a line with 34mm diameter legs and a top-of-the-line with 42mm diameter legs. The first two digits in their model name are the diameter of the largest carbon fiber leg segments and the third digit is the number of leg sections (3 or 4). The L stands for “long” or taller tripod, and the 42mm model comes in at 77 inches tall. You can find a couple of tables on the PMG website that compare the different models in each series of tripods. Since the 34mm line doesn’t have the modular apex, I chose the 424L. If the 34mm line had the modular apex, I may have chosen the 344L. While I’m very happy with the 42mm, perhaps in the future PMG will consider selling the 34mm series with the modular apex design of the 42mm series.
When I bought my first good carbon fiber tripod, I selected one that placed my gear basically eye level or just slightly higher. I thought that it would be all I need. For the most part, it was and it’s lasted well over 10 years. Occasionally, I’ve needed a taller tripod such as when I’m on a hill and need height for the downhill leg(s). That’s where the ProMediaGear 77 inch 424L comes in. In the photo below, it’s set up for my height at 5’9″ tall and you can see that the top section is still retracted. Most of the time, I don’t need the extra reach but the few times that I do, I’m covered.
ProMediaGear Pro Stix 77 TR42 Specifications
Below are the key specifications of the ProMediaGear Pro Stix 77:
General
Load Capacity: 125 lbs
Head Attachment Fitting: 3/8″-16
Maximum Height: 77” (196 cm)
Minimum Height: 6.70” (15 cm)
Folded Length: 26.25″ (67 cm)
Weight: 6.40 lb (2903g)
Apex
Material: CNC Machined T6061 Aluminum
Quick Release: Yes
Modular: Yes
Modules: Flat Mount, Center Column or 75mm Leveling Bowl
Adapter Ports for Accessories: Yes, one on each side (1/4”-20)
Integrated Bubble Level: Yes
Legs
Material: 10x Carbon Fiber
Sections: 4 Long
Leg Lock Type: Twist Lock
Adjustable Locking Angle: Yes, 3 angles
Independent Leg Spread: Yes
Spiked Retractable Feet: Yes, Integrated, Reversible
Features and Use
With their quick release system on the apex of the 42 series tripods, PMG makes it easy to change from a flat platform with a standard 3/8-16 screw to a 75mm bowl leveling base, or to an adjustable center column. A quick twist of a lever and push the release button and the platform is loose and ready to slip the leveling base or center column in its place. Re-tighten and you’re all set. Also, located on the deck of the apex is a spirit/bubble level and on the sides are holes to attach accessories.
The legs each have a “push/pull” mechanism to unlock the legs to allow adjustment of the angle of each leg. At first, I didn’t think much about this feature but after using it, the inside or finger push side is molded so nicely that it feels far more natural and comfortable to push than to pull the release. The bracket of each leg has set screws to allow you to adjust the tension on the leg angle adjustments. I found the tension set by the manufacturer to be too stiff for my liking and a quick adjustment with the supplied Allen wrench let me easily dial it to my preference. The legs don’t quite go flat so the 424L has a minimum height of 6.7 inches.
Each segment is made of high quality 10x carbon fiber for strength while maintaining its light weight. Each leg extends and collapses with buttery smooth ease, if you’ve struggled with legs that bind upon extension and retraction, you’ll appreciate this. The all-aluminum segment leg locks are large, but not bulky. The dimpled surface not only looks great, but it also serves to make it easy to grip. The locking mechanism is smooth and only takes 1/4 turn to loosen or to tighten. Prior to buying the monopod, I feared that the leg locks would be very cold in the winter or would slip with gloves. After using it for two years, it hasn’t been an issue for me with or without gloves. If it bothers you, I’m sure you could place a wrap or some type of grip tape on it but honestly, I haven’t thought about it even one time when out in the field.
The feet are nice large, rounded rubber hemispheres that give a solid grip on any terrain. If you feel you need a spike on the end of the sticks, each foot unscrews and reverses to reveal a ground spike so there’s no need to carry a second set of feet or spikes.
Packaging
The Pro Stix come in a cinchable dust bag for travel and storage and bubble wrapped inside a black ProMediaGear cardboard box. Underneath the apex securely and conveniently attached by two strong magnets, is an Allen wrench so it’s always there should you need it. A second Allen wrench was included in a bag in the packaging – just in case.
Build Quality
From top to bottom, everything has been thought out and engineered to please. PMG manufactures all of its products here in the USA and uses precision CNC-machined components made in the USA of T6061 aluminum and stainless steel. Billet aluminum is stronger than cast aluminum and PMG doesn’t use any cast parts.
The apex has been machined with a truss design that reduces weight while maintaining strength. Considering the diameter of the legs, its height, and strength, it’s actually a light tripod. Before getting my PMG monopod or my tripod, I asked the same friend how he liked the taller, larger diameter tripod, he said he loved it and sent me a photo of himself hanging from the apex inside the legs. While I don’t recommend doing this and I’m sure that the manufacturer doesn’t either, it does speak to the strength and quality of the tripod. This thing is solid, light and will support your gear. It is rated at up to 125 pounds which should be sufficient for most set-ups.
Summary
I’ve been really impressed with both my monopod and tripod from ProMediaGear. The twist locks work well and the legs extend and collapse super smoothly. The 42mm 10x carbon fiber legs provide a solid stable base for all my gear. If these 42mm tripods aren’t good looking enough as it is, the apex comes in 4 color choices – black, red, blue and silver. The 42mm diameter tripods aren’t small, but they’re light for their size and stability. They also aren’t cheap but they’re extremely well-built and backed by a 5-year warranty with personalized service from a company that has photographers designing and using their products. If a smaller tripod is what you desire, the 34mm series has the same quality but in a more compact and lighter size, but keep in mind the apex doesn’t have the quick release function of the 42mm series. Overall, I’ve been very pleased with my ProMediaGear products and recommend them highly.
Pros:
-Excellent build quality
-Lightweight (lightest in its class)
-Strength (max. load 125 lbs.)
-Solid design
-Smooth and easy leg locking mechanism
-Quick-release interchangeable base
-5-year warranty (remember to properly rinse and clean / lube gear if used in saltwater environments)
-Great customer service
-Made in the USA
-Beautiful aesthetics
Cons:
-Minimum height is not quite as low as some other tripods
Pricing and Where to Buy
You can find your ProMediaGear carbon fiber tripod at ProMediaGear’s website, as well as other retailers such as Adorama and B&H Photo Video.
ProMediaGear Pro Stix 77 Carbon Fiber Tripod
- Features
- Build Quality
- Handling
- Size and Weight
- Packaging and Manual
- Stability
- Value
Photography Life Overall Rating
I loved the thought of a 77″ tall tripod (I’m 6′ 8″) until I saw the price. Being a senior citizen, I will have to pass. Great review though.
Also, I love your website, I reference it often in a monthly photo newsletter that I write for my camera club.
Thank you Jmach54 for your comment and for mentioning the website in your newsletter. ProMediaGear does make multiple tripods, so there is one to meet any need. They aren’t cheap but they are good! Happy trails!
I am glad to see that these are made in the USA.
I own the three section version of this pod and it is indeed an excellent piece of gear. PMG prices did go up in the last year, but their products and service is top-notch. Someone, asked about cheaper alternatives. Well, you do get what you pay for. However Uniqball makes an excellent 4 section pod with 40MM diameter legs and a build in level base. That comes in at under $900 and is also a great pod. Still, not cheap, but a bit cheaper given all that you get.
The Leofoto LS-323C looks like a winner for travel – best of many worlds and in a hole that none have filled with this much balance of strength and lightness and price point. And, FWIW, fewer sections is key to wildlife – you don’t have time to fiddle with four or five sections or a center post. Only weakness is height, which I’ll sacrifice for travel if I can’t bring the big dog – and this would handle a gimble, adding height, if needed.
The real tragedy when it comes to tripods is that most of us invest so much being cheap that if we STARTED with a well made – more than we need tripod to start with – we would have spent less than our collection of tripods cost. It’s great to have another great option. Initially I aimed to follow my own advice. But the Gitzo’s I invested in just didn’t handle my needs as well as I had hoped – and weren’t as solid functionally. In round two, I got RRS and have had no issues in need or functionality. Buy up, cry once. I have taken the RRS all over the world in a wide range of environments – no issues for me. Great tripods. If I was still looking, I would check out this brand – but long term functionality – for me – is more important than up front cost. Invest wisely and you only have to cry once.
Oh – and for fun – if you are wanting a high quality ballhead for smaller cameras/lenses for a fraction of the RRS heads – which I use mostly, but tried a couple of these for travel and I really like them – the Innorel brand on Amazon. I have used the N44 with my Z7 with the 14-30mm or 24-70mm f/4 and my bridge camera, a Sony RX10 IV (great for travel when space/weight is tight) and the ballhead worked well for me, and they make one that is larger. These are lighter than RRS and for what I have wanted, they have worked well. No affiliation – YMMV. I think it would work fine with my Z7 with the 70-200 f/2.8 – just haven’t shot with that combo, as I just barely got that lens.
Good advice WileEC. It’s easy to go cheaper on tripods but I always think of the old Michelin tire commercial. “When so much is riding on your tires.” It’s really true. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing.
As it turns out I am buying one of their tripods, the LS-323C – it fits a nitch I have been trying to fill for awhile – a light, yet strong, travel tripod. I won’t expect it to handle my big glass, but on some trips, it’s not feasible to bring the big stuff – but the tripod I have to fill that space is the same weight, but not as sturdy, and this gives me a chance to try out the brand, at what I consider a bargain price for what this tripod seems capable of. If it does what I expect, will likely sell a couple of attempts to fill this nitch. This one is lighter than my two main RRS tripods, but because it’s three legs, not four, it will be quite stable to handle up to 300 f/2.8 – will see with some testing. I’m really looking forward to this one getting here. I have looked at several brands, though not Gitzo any more – had two give me problems and I take care of my gear. I don’t have time to wrangle with that in the field. No issues with RRS, or a couple of less expensive brands I have tried. Thanks for the article.
BIG error on my part – somehow I got pointed to a different brand. The one I bought is not PMG. My mistake, though from all the reviews I have read on this other brand, it seems worth a look. I will know soon, for myself.
Thank you for this in depth review.
Personally, at the price of this Pro Stix 77, I would get the Sachtler / Vinten Flowtech 75. Same weight but the 75 has the unique leg release etc.
Although Sachtler tripods (owned by Vinten group) are aimed primarily at the pro film industry, this lighter model is ideal for a heavy telephoto rig for wildlife etc for stills. They are also very well made – as confirmed by stress tests in the Dead Sea etc. Landscape pros such as Guy Edwardes swear by this tripod for stability and rapid setup etc
Sachtler is owned by Vitec group, Vinten is a sister company and therefore also owned by Vitec. Vitec also owns Manfrotto, Gitzo, JOBY and some others (www.vitecgroup.com/produ…solutions/)
I too needed a new monopod and bought the PMG TRM42L, which is also 42mm diameter and 81inches tall. It’s a true beast of a monopod and it’s by far the best monopod on earth, better than the RRS monopods. I have an RRS monopod head on top of my PMG monopod though, because I do think they make better heads. Having an $800 monopod setup might seem crazy to some, but it really makes a difference in stability and ease of use. I can extend the bottom two sections and if I need to go higher, I just twist and utilize the top section with ease. Same thing is true for tripods and for me as well, my PMG monopod purchase was a gateway drug! I immediately wanted a PMG tripod and without a doubt the one reviewed here. It’s the matching tripod to my monopod and although it’s not cheap, it’s the best. I’m using both to support my Nikon 500mm f/4E VR FL and D5 so it’s well worth the investment. I don’t use my tripod often and I’m almost always using my monopod or hand holding, but it’s so nice to have a good tripod when you do need it. However nowadays with the 500FL, that seems to be less and less. This lens is so much lighter and so well balanced, I rarely need or want a tripod. However I’ll never sell my PMG tripod and I’ll definitely never leave home without my PMG monopod! I’m glad you finally found PMG like I did and that you’re spreading the good word on them, they really are second to none. Well in reality only Really Right Stuff compares, but at the end of the day PMG is better and slightly cheaper! RRS is great don’t get me wrong or get mad if you own and love RRS, but I’ve had both and I’ll never go back. Both are made in the USA and both have excellent customer service and warranties,etc. However PMG really just nailed it out of the park with their 42mm diameter long tripod and monopod. Nothing from anyone else compares, RRS comes close, but they don’t make a monopod or tripod with the same dimensions. So I’m my opinion PMG is the top of the top and it’s nice that you can get the very best, for slightly less than the not really comparable RRS gear. Better and less expensive is just a winning combination in my book and when more people realize how good PMG is, RRS will be in trouble. Great review, spot on as always and glad so many more people will now know about PMG.
Thanks Patrick for sharing your comments and experience. Well said.
An impressive tripod but I use a large Feisol with reversible legs that allows me to leave the ball head in place thus maintaining a compact size for transportation. I would prefer a tripod where the apex could be reversed and installed from below between the legs. This will be the ideal set-up. I have reached several tripod manufacturers and none have adopted this design. Regarding the spikes, I prefer the design where they are hidden inside the threaded rubber feet that when screwed backward exposes the spikes, simpler arrangement than having to remove the rubber feet and replacing then with the metal spikes and having to carry an additional tool. I will buy this tripod if they will incorporate above suggestions.
Actually they have, the spikes are incorporated into the rubber feet. I wish I could post an image, but trust me they are. I have both the tripod reviewed here and the matching monopod. Both have heavy duty plastic and rubber feet, with a metal spike screwed into the feet that is reversible when you need the spikes. Feisol I’m sorry to say is just in another universe when compared to this PMG tripod or even an RRS tripod. Of course these large PMG tripods are less transportable and not as small or light, but that’s the point. It really matters what you’re going to be supporting. If you’re like me or the reviewer, and you’re supporting $20,000 worth of gear…you want the best. If you’re supporting a D500 and 200-500mm than a Feisol or Surui tripod is more than adequate. I’ve had both and I regret buying both although neither was bad, you just compare those $500 tripods to this. My PMG monopod setup alone costs $800+ but again I’m using it to support my very expensive lens and camera. Just like the reviewer, I too first came to PMG by way of the 42mm long monopod and instantly knew I wanted and needed the tripod too. They are large and they are not cheap, but they really are unmatched and they do make a noticeable difference. They are much more stable than your average tripod or monopod. They are rock solid, absolutely beasts of tripods and monopods! Nothing compares, although RRS does come close, not even RRS makes tripods this large or well. Once more people find out about PMG and how good they are, RRS is going to be in trouble. Not only are these PMG products bigger and better, but they are also less expensive than RRS!
I have a couple of tripods that do what you are describing. The solution I have for ALL of my main tripods is I put clamps on the top of each one and plates on the bottom of each head. This allows me to quick break them down for travel AND the ability to swap heads simply. I use my tripods for cameras, scopes, and even a telescope, and swapping heads relative to what I’m putting on the tripod makes it quick and easy rather than have everything all tightened down – and even my largest tripods travel fine with no head.
It’s interesting that I barely knew who ProMedia was, yet they appear to make top quality tripods! It’s good RRS and Gitzo have some competition.
Note that they make a fantastic gimbal (I don’t have one, have an old Wimberley that still works great). This is how I heard about them. A buddy has one that is lighter than the Wimberley and functions similarly. It is also slightly less expensive.
Thanks Sceptical1, I have a Gitzo Systematic and it’s a very good tripod which has served me well but the PMG is a notch above for sure.
PMG does make nice gimbals. They’re very smooth and one feature that is nice about it is that the tension holds much better than on other gimbals in which You can find yourself having to periodically re-tighten as they get too loose during usage.
Holy crap it’s expensive. I’m not a professional photographer and I don’t have an unlimited budget. Are there any reasonable alternatives?
What one pays is what one gets…. The longer term benefits of Gitzo and RRS is repair and parts, if the legs break but unlikely with routine usage. for the money Sirui are a sound investment. Leofoto are even better with stainless steel fasteners and brass and very well made. Their 400 series is closest to this P’mediaGear model.
I have a Leofoto tripod and I wonder why it is not a more known brand as I think the quality is far better than for example Sirui, Benro and others, actually on par (or close) with RRS (in my opinion). And then the price is absolutely competitive, actually cheaper than similar Sirui. Leofoto uses legs made of 10 layers of carbon and all aluminum parts are CNC machined, i.e. NOT cast. Leofoto also have a wide range of accessories and spare parts.
Check my post below.
Here is a real good review on it. Forgot to add it to my post below.
youtu.be/b0grIjib2TU
Take a look at FLM and Novoflex.