10-Mar-2025
I’ve always been on the lookout for gear that makes my stalking trips easier, especially when I’m travelling light. So when I heard about the Viper-Flex Styx Pro To Go—touted as a sturdy, portable set of shooting sticks—I couldn’t wait to give them a whirl. I’ve been testing these carbon-fibre quad sticks, complete with the optional fifth leg, and I’ve got some thoughts on what works, what doesn’t and whether they’re worth your hard-earned cash. Here’s my take.
Right off the bat, I was impressed by how light these sticks are. At just 0.9 kg (that’s under 2 lbs), they’re a breeze to carry, especially compared to some of the clunky aluminium sets I’ve hauled around in the past. The full carbon-fibre construction feels premium, and the rubberised legs cut down on noise—a real bonus when I’m creeping through bracken after a roe buck. They’re steady as anything too. With four legs and a wide front, I can cover a 20-metre arc at 100 metres without shifting them—perfect for scanning open ground.
The single-hand operation is a clever touch. I can pop them open with one hand while steadying my rifle with the other, and the height adjusts quickly from prone to standing (up to 2.05 metres tall, so fine for most of us). I took them out on a windy day in the Brecon Beacons, and they held firm on both rocky paths and soggy turf, thanks to those grippy rubber feet. For a travelling stalker like me, the idea of a compact set of sticks that double as trekking poles or a binocular rest is brilliant—I even used them to steady my binos while glassing a hillside.
Now, here’s where I hit some snags. I added the optional fifth leg, thinking it’d make these sticks rock-solid—maybe even let them stand solo with my rifle propped up. In practice? It just gets in the way. It’s fiddly to clip on, and when I’m moving fast through cover, it catches on everything—brambles, heather, you name it. I ended up ditching it after a day; the four legs alone are plenty stable for my needs, and the extra faff wasn’t worth it.
Then there’s the size. Viper-Flex markets these as “travel-friendly,” collapsing to 91 cm (about 35 inches). Sounds great—until I tried fitting them into my suitcase. Most standard cases max out at 70-80 cm for checked luggage, and these sticks just won’t squeeze in without sticking out awkwardly. I had to strap them to the outside of my bag on a recent trip, which defeats the whole “to go” vibe. For air travel or tight packing, they’re not as practical as I’d hoped.
Oh, and a small gripe: in long grass, getting them set up quietly can be a wrestle. The legs splay wide, which is ace for stability, but it’s a pain when I’m trying to stay low and silent. Mind you, that’s a quad-stick problem in general, not just these.
So, what’s my final word on the Viper-Flex Styx Pro To Go? I reckon they’re a cracking choice if you’re after lightweight, stable shooting sticks for a day’s stalk—especially if you’re driving to your spot rather than flying. The carbon build and smart design make them a joy to use in the field, and they’ve saved my bacon on a few tricky shots already. At £536 (or £670 with the fifth leg), they’re not cheap, but you’re paying for Danish quality that’s built to last.
That said, they’re not perfect. The fifth leg’s more hassle than help—I’d skip it unless you’re dead-set on free-standing support. And if you’re hopping on a plane, be ready to rethink your packing strategy; they don’t collapse small enough for a normal suitcase, despite the “to go” name. For close-quarters woodland work, I’d still grab something simpler, but for open ranges, they’re tough to beat.
The Styx Pro To Go is a solid bit of kit that shines when you’re trekking across the moors, less so when you’re wrestling with airport baggage rules. Have you tried them—or found a better travel-friendly stick?
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