I have to admit that I was very hesitant about the 4 Stable Sticks shooting sticks platform from the moment I received the package. I just could not wrap my head around the best uses for this system. Modern tripods and bipods are getting lighter by the day, and based on where I live, my hunting style has me hunting with a tripod nearly every time I venture into the field. I hunt the wide-open prairies and utilize a tripod for both optics and as a shooting platform. Because of that, I could not initially understand the purpose of this system. What did I learn? Don’t judge a product until you’ve actually used it.
Where the 4 Stable Sticks Excel – Shooting Sticks For Hunting
This system can really support hunters in situations where getting prone isn’t an option and the terrain is likely to require sitting or standing shots. There are areas like in much of Europe where this hunting style is very popular, and the 4 Stable Sticks are the perfect application. I also can see a great benefit to these sticks in western South Dakota where long prairie grasses present a challenge in spot and stalk mule deer and antelope hunting. Because the 4 Stable Sticks shooting sticks are lightweight and able to be easily packed, one could leave their optics on the tripod and rapidly deploy the Stable Sticks to shoot from.
While many may prefer shooting from a tripod when possible, this can create challenges when needing to quickly switch from your optics, which are being used with the tripod, to making your tripod your shooting platform. Additionally, if you wish to film your shots, your spotting scope will likely require the use of your tripod to accomplish this.
The 4 Stable Sticks shooting sticks provide a very sturdy platform and are more efficient to use than a tripod because they do not require that an arca plate or another attachment system be installed on your weapon. I’m looking forward to my dad trying these out for a western hunt this fall as he is becoming increasingly shaky with age, and these will make an ideal platform for him that he can easily take with to help with him with stability while taking a shot.
During my testing, I felt rock solid at all configuration heights. The sitting height that has the removed center sections is exceptional and was my personal favorite with these 4 Stable Sticks. A person can sit in a chair and be very comfortable with these sticks all day. They are fast to deploy and are very versatile for a wide range of shot angles. They enable you to pivot directions with great fluidity.





Make sure to check out our other gear reviews and the Backwoods Pursuit YouTube Channel to help you decide what gear will help you stay out in the field longer!
For someone expecting an offhand shot, these are also the perfect solution. At only 23.2 ounces for the carbon model per my digital scale, a person could easily carry these all day and be prepared for that standing shot. In some river breaks country, a hunter would definitely benefit from having these at the ready if they were peaking over breaks trying to catch a big mule deer napping in the shade. As I mentioned before, this will come in handy for my dad as well. I could see him keeping his binoculars affixed to his tripod and just deploying the 4 Stable Sticks to shoot from rather than switching his rifle back and forth between his tripod.
Where the 4 Stable Sticks Don’t Excel – Shooting Sticks For Hunting
On the negative side, these really are a one-trick pony. They do not have a method to attach optics, although you could certainly use them to rest a pair of binoculars on, but it is clear that they were not designed with that intent.
Additionally, one could feasibly use the 4 Stable Sticks as trekking poles, however, I did not test them as such. I would be very hesitant to use them for that purpose. A light walking stick, maybe, but trekking poles to support heavy pack-outs? No way. They also, unfortunately, would not be well-suited to support an ultralight backcountry tent.
What Would I change About Them – 4 Stable Sticks Shooting Sticks
After using the 4 Stable Sticks shooting sticks system, there are a few changes I would personally make. First, I would include a pair of rubber feet to add versatility to the system. The forearm support saddle section could easily be used as a high tripod in certain situations if you were not concerned with jamming bare ends into the dirt, and rubber feet would solve this issue.
As it is configured, a hunter could significantly damage the connections as well as fill the hollow carbon tubes full of dirt and debris. I would like to see some rubber feet included. While rubber feet would be one more thing to lose, this section with the feet weighs only 4.5 ounces and would be a nice addition.
Additionally, I would modify the front rest. I would like to see more of a “V” style than the current design which is broader. This would allow for even more stability in an otherwise fairly stable system. The purpose of the double “V” would be to help prevent canting the rifle.
While I have tested this current system out to five hundred yards on steel and it works just fine, the longer shots would benefit from a more stable front rest. Like anything, this system requires practice for a person to become proficient.
What I Liked – 4 Stable Sticks Shooting Sticks
There was a lot to like about the 4 Stable Sticks after putting them to the test in the field:
- Ability to pivot directions with great fluidity
- Packable
- Customizable lengths depending on situations
- Sturdy
- Do not need to install an arca plate or another attachment system to your weapon
What I Didn’t Like – 4 Stable Sticks Shooting Sticks
- Not a multi-use item
- Front rest leaves something to be desired
- Cannot be used as a trekking pole or as a platform for glassing
- No rubber feet included to allow for use of individual sections
- Heavy for an item without a secondary function
Best Uses – 4 Stable Sticks Shooting Sticks
- Still hunting
- African safari
- Tall prairie grass hunting
Conclusion – 4 Stable Sticks Shooting Sticks
I admit that my initial impressions about the 4 Stable Sticks shooting sticks were wrong and I came to realize that there are a lot of hunting scenarios where they would be super beneficial. In particular, they would be very helpful anytime you need an elevated shooting platform to clear obstacles. However, if space is at a premium and you’re already packing an ultralight tripod, the Stable Sticks would be one of the first things to remove from your pack because it duplicates the function of a tripod system.
Subscribe to Backwoods Pursuit to get Your FREE Backcountry Gear Worksheet!!!
Dial in your gear list, calculate your pack weight, and lighten up your pack with this handy tool!