Tried and tested: the Spartan Javelin Lite Bipod and Night Master Trident
Sporting Gun writers give their expert opinion on this month’s new kit
Spartan Javelin Lite bipod
Some hunters thought the original Spartan bipod was too expensive. The Spartan team has reacted by introducing a new version, the Javelin Lite bipod. At £129 it has a much more competitive price tag for a bipod. The lower price means slightly less carbon fibre compared with other models (but it still only weighs 130g), and the legs aren’t adjustable.
The Javelin Lite comes in three sizes – mini, standard or long. The mini provides 5.1in of ground clearance, while the long provides 7.5in. So, for the same price as a Harris bipod you lose the ability to adjust the height of the legs, but you do save 238g.
Adapter
Spartan bipods attach to your rifle using its patented system: a small adapter that permanently attaches to your rifle using your front sling stud screw. The adapter becomes a magnetic port that you can attach any Spartan accessory to. You can opt for an upgraded adapter that a gunsmith can fit flush into the stock of your rifle; some rifles come with these fitted as standard from the factory, which shows how highly some manufacturers think of Spartan bipods. Each bipod is supplied with one adapter and various washers and screws to allow you to fit it to a stock of any shape or material. It’s something any rifle owner should be able to do without the help of a gunsmith. Relying on a magnet to hold your £120 bipod in place may cause concern, but you need a decent tug to get the bipod out, so there isn’t any danger of it falling off. Depending on which way round the bipod goes into the adapter changes whether the bipod traverses or is fixed in position. Regardless of orientation, the bipod will always be able to cant, unless that is, you turn the switch on the body of the bipod and everything is locked into place. When you’re not using the bipod, the legs collapse together to make it easier to carry. The legs on the Lite version come with spiked tungsten carbide feet (tips) and rubber caps to cover them. The legs on all Spartan bipods can be removed and swapped, so if you opt for the Lite version and later want adjustable legs you can simply detach your Lite legs and buy upgraded ones. With the legs being made out of carbon fibre, they are extremely light but are still sturdy enough to take recoil.
Changes
It is hard to say much more about a bipod, but this one is certainly different. Your stalking style is going to have a big impact on whether this product makes sense for you or not. If you are someone who always shoots deer off a bipod, then having a removable one probably isn’t a selling point, then I can’t see what a Spartan bipod will offer you over other bipods, aside from a weight saving. However, if you are a hunter that regularly chops and changes between shooting sticks and a bipod, or if you appreciate lightweight chic gear, then I’d encourage you to consider a Spartan bipod.
Lamping was once a necessity in my career but has now progressed to an enjoyable pastime. Back in the day, we used big lamps and needed to work as a slick team between the lamper and shooter to ensure the target was illuminated and shot seamlessly. Over the years there have been great advancements in night vision and thermal technology but there is still something pleasurable about using a lamp.
I have been lucky enough to get my hands on the Night Master Trident. This lamp has a lot of features built into a small frame. The Trident received its name due to the Tri-LED bulbs built into the body. The three bulbs vary depending on the unit and specifications you require. The unit I have contains white, red and amber LEDs, which make a perfect trio for traditional lamping. There are also variations with infrared bulbs for the night vision enthusiast. An operator can easily flick between different bulbs with a quick twist of the dial. This makes the lamp very versatile and does away with the hassle of swapping filters or different heads to the lamp. The LEDs are also switched without affecting anything else, and swiftly if the situation requires. It can pick up eyes with its beam out to 1,000m and clearly identify quarry across the range of LEDs out to 350m.
As is the case with all Night Master products, the build quality is fantastic. The impression is that the lamp is certainly built to last. The bracket provided with the lamp is ideal for mounting the Trident onto your rifle scope.
Night Master also sells a range of additional attachments that can be used in conjunction with the Trident, including a pistol grip that converts the lamp into a perfect handheld unit. The beam can be focused to produce a tighter and bright field of view down range, as with other Night Master lamps. The quiet power button on the rear of the lamp also allows the brightness to be dimmed by twisting.
I am really impressed with this new tool for night-time shooting and it will be an ideal piece of kit for rabbiting, ratting or foxing in a range of situations. The team at Night Master has produced a fantastic and well thought-out product.