To most keen stalkers the Viper-Flex Styx need little introduction. But, to those who don’t know, they are a brand of four-legged “quad” shooting sticks which enable you to shoot securely from not only a standing position but sitting or kneeling.

 

Quad sticks are a definite game changer for UK stalkers – they have certainly helped with lowland fallow culls in woodland and given a stable platform to wait for the ever-moving muntjac to present itself. No more looking for a sturdy branch to rest on, or struggling to see over long grass with a bipod – quad sticks give you so many more opportunities for clean steady shot. You can even use them to rest your binoculars on whilst you work out exactly what it is peeping through the undergrowth. Of all the brands available Viper-Flex they are certainly our favourite.

 

I used a set of Viper-Flex Elite for years. My first few outings were frustrating as I knocked them, got them caught in brambles and missed a few opportunities because of my slowness in deploying them. But, over the years, I have perfected this movement and they have more than made up for those few bumped deer. When selling a set, we always recommend plenty of practice at home with an empty rifle. You should also shoot some groups off them to check your point of impact isn’t too different and give you confidence before you go out stalking.

 



All Styx come with the same key features;

- The same super comfortable, stable shooting platform and they are all opened and used in the same way.

-Rubber sleeve on the legs to stop the wind from whistling through the holes and also makes them warmer and easier to hold.

- A wide front rest that allows you to track moving animals. It gives you approximately 20metres movement at 100metres

- A lever on the side that allows you to open them up one handed. If you hold this lever against the leg when its open and with a rifle on top, the legs stay open and you can pick everything up and move quickly. You can change which side this lever is on.

- Height adjustable (some more so than others as explained below)

- The option to to add a 5th leg – this can be used on the front or back for even more stability for longer shots, or clipped away if not needed. You can also use to make a tripod for hanging smaller species off to gralloch.

It’s clear that Claus, their designer, was truly making something he needed as everything has its purpose and is executed in a robust but streamlined way - only a hunter could have got it so right!

There are several different models of Styx to choose from and we are always asked which ones are best. I have summed up the differences below

 

Viper-Flex Elite+

This base model has aluminium legs and weigh just 1.45kg. Suitable for shooters up to 6ft 8 and retract down to 115cm long. Our best seller and firm favourite in the shop.

Viper-Flex Journey+

The best option for the travelling hunter. Part aluminium and part carbon fibre, they come apart to short sections that allow for easy travel through airports. They weigh 1.34kg and are suitable for shooters up to 6ft 3. Together they shorten to 120cm but if taken apart they are only 65cm long – perfect to pop in a suitcase or gun case and come with a bag for storage.

Viper-Flex Styx Pro

These are the lightest Styx so far at only 850 grams. Fully carbon fibre and suitable for shooters up to 6ft 8. Retract down to 110cm. Warmer to the touch than its aluminium cousins. Popular for stalkers who want the lightest kit possible.

Viper-Flex Pro To Go

Fully carbon fibre but they have the ability to be shortened down so you can shoot from a kneeling and sitting positions too. Suitable for shooters up to 6ft 7 and weigh 900grams. When retracted they are 91cm long. Great for those who walk and stalk, but sometimes want to sit down and wait. Popular for deer parks as they are taller than the grass but shorter than the browse line. If you are a mountain hunter then these are the ones for you -  they can also be taken apart and reassembled into two ultra lightweight sturdy trekking poles. 

Which one to buy ultimately comes down to budget and individual preference. Weight reduction matters to some so the new fully carbon versions has been hugely popular, but to others the Elite+ fit the bill perfectly. If you are a travelling hunter then the Journey+ are an obvious choice. The multi positions of the Pro To Go make them a truly versatile tool in your hunting kit.



The Pro To Go with a 5th leg. A group of us shot consistent groups on a 50cm gong at 1000yrds from this position. A true testament to how stable the really are.

 

All of the Viper-flex Styx can be purchased on our website but if you would like to have a hands-on demonstration then pop down to the shop and come and try before you buy.