Thank you for this... I too prefer the flip lock. Where did you end up purchasing that set up? What head is that? Any creep at all?
I too have thought about just getting the outdoorsman head. Something to consider I guess.
My first tripod was a vortex with flip legs. It was very light and a mid-grade unit at best. Snow got into the cylinders and froze on my -5 degree WY hunt.
I then tried the Promaster XC525 tripod. It was ok, but I just don't like the twist legs. It was sturdy, but just not my style. My phone also never worked right after that trip either. Brrrr
I hunted Co with a guy running the Suiri tripod. It was nice and he was running a larger spotter than me at the time and it was great. I had to do a lot of hunting on the internet to find it. It then took about 4 weeks to come in, but I love it. Seems this model is more plentiful in the twist legs.
I then purchased the head from S&S. For the money, I don't think you can beat it. No creep, smooth to operate and the weight is good.
I did a thread on my spotter and tripod research about this time last year. I moved from a vortex 65 and twist tripod to an Swaro ATX 85 and flip lock and actually saved a few ounces if I recall. Best of both worlds!
PM me for any other questions.