Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick Review

Everything I Learned from the Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick

The Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick presents itself as a specialized monopod designed with the turkey hunter in mind. From the moment I unboxed it, the intent was clear: a streamlined, quick-adjusting support for those crucial moments in the field. It’s built by Allen, a brand I’ve come to associate with practical, no-nonsense outdoor gear.

My own pursuit of elusive gobblers often leaves me in awkward positions, either perched precariously in a ground blind or kneeling for extended periods. Maintaining a steady aim while managing calls and decoys is a constant challenge, and my trusty old shooting sticks, while functional, felt increasingly cumbersome in tight spaces. This need for a more adaptable and less intrusive support system led me to investigate options like this particular shooting stick.

First impressions were positive. The materials felt robust, and the green/camo finish blends well with natural surroundings. The collapsible design, a key selling point, immediately suggested improved packability. I briefly considered a more traditional bipod, but the limited mobility in a blind and the weight were significant drawbacks for my specific needs. This monopod felt like a more promising solution for quick deployments and agile hunting scenarios.

My initial reaction was one of quiet optimism; the potential for greater stability without sacrificing maneuverability was certainly appealing.

Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick to the Test

My testing of the Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick was primarily focused on the environments it’s designed for: turkey blinds and kneeling positions in the woods. I spent several early mornings deploying it in various settings, from the confines of a pop-up blind to open woodland terrain where prolonged kneeling is often required. The stick was subjected to repeated adjustments, quick repositioning, and exposure to damp earth and light morning dew.

First Use Experience

The initial deployment in my favorite ground blind was a revelation. The ability to collapse the lower section and tuck it away while I was settled in was a huge advantage over my previous, bulkier sticks. Adjusting the height was indeed as simple as described; pulling the middle section out until it “clicked” into place provided a stable platform for my shotgun. The V-shaped top cradled the forend of my shotgun securely, offering a solid rest without any perceived wobble.

There was a slight learning curve in determining the optimal height for different positions, but the quick adjusting mechanism made fine-tuning effortless even when I was already in a hunting posture. Removing the rubber foot and exposing the metal tip was also straightforward, allowing for better penetration into softer ground outside the blind.

One minor surprise was how compact it became when fully disassembled, fitting neatly into the side pocket of my hunting pack. This made navigating thicker brush significantly easier than with longer, fixed-length sticks.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of the spring turkey season, the Click-Stix became an indispensable part of my hunting kit. It held up remarkably well, even with daily use. The metal construction showed no signs of bending or weakening, and the locking mechanisms remained firm, with no slippage during crucial moments.

There were no noticeable signs of wear and tear beyond minor scuffs on the metal tubing from occasional contact with rocks or branches. The bungee cord that keeps the disassembled sections together has also proven durable, resisting fraying despite constant handling. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth and ensuring the locking mechanisms are free of dirt and debris.

Compared to other shooting sticks I’ve used, the Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick offers a superior combination of speed, adjustability, and portability. While some high-end bipods might offer more stability for static rifle shooting, for the dynamic and often cramped situations faced by turkey hunters, this monopod excels. Its ease of maintenance and robust construction suggest a long service life.

Breaking Down the Features of Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick

Specifications

The Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick boasts a maximum height of 36 inches, which is ample for most hunting scenarios, especially when seated or kneeling. Its construction is primarily metal, providing the necessary durability for outdoor use. When fully collapsed, it can be taken apart to fit into a backpack, a significant advantage for portability.

The coated bungee is a thoughtful touch, ensuring the separated pieces stay together and don’t get lost. The quick adjusting middle section uses a button-stop mechanism, allowing for rapid height changes. The top section features a cam-lock for further, finer adjustments, offering versatility in achieving the perfect shooting platform.

The inclusion of a removable rubber foot is a practical design choice. This allows for silent operation and stability within tent-style blinds, while the exposed metal foot provides better grip on natural ground surfaces.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this shooting stick is to provide a stable rest for a firearm, and it performs this task admirably for its intended use. The V-shaped top is wide enough to accommodate the forends of most shotguns and rifles, offering a secure cradle that minimizes felt recoil and improves accuracy. I found it particularly effective in reducing the fatigue associated with holding a shotgun at the ready for extended periods.

Its strength lies in its speed and ease of deployment. In situations where a gobbler might appear unexpectedly, the ability to have a stable rest in seconds is invaluable. The adjustments are smooth, and the locking mechanisms hold firm.

A minor weakness, inherent to most monopods, is that it doesn’t offer the same lateral stability as a bipod or tripod. For extremely precise long-range shots with a rifle where minute adjustments are critical, a more robust support system might be preferred. However, for the typical shotgun distances involved in turkey hunting, its performance is more than adequate.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick prioritizes functionality and ease of use in a hunting context. The green/camo color scheme is aesthetically appropriate for the outdoors and helps reduce its visual presence. The metal construction gives it a solid, reliable feel, and the coating on the tubes protects against scratches and helps with grip.

Ergonomically, the quick adjusting mechanism with its distinct click is intuitive. The cam-lock on the upper section is also easy to manipulate with gloves on, a crucial detail for cold-weather hunting. The V-shaped cradle is well-profiled to hold a firearm securely without marring its finish.

The ability to disassemble it into two pieces and use the bungee to keep them together is a smart design choice for packing and transport. This makes it significantly more convenient to carry than traditional, non-collapsible shooting sticks.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick appears to be a durable piece of equipment. The metal tubing is robust, and the locking mechanisms are designed to withstand repeated use. I have not encountered any issues with corrosion or significant wear, even after exposure to damp conditions.

Maintenance is minimal. Keeping the adjusting tubes clean and free of dirt is the most important aspect to ensure the quick adjusting and cam-lock functions continue to operate smoothly. A light wipe-down after each use is generally sufficient.

While it’s built for the rigors of the field, it’s not designed for extreme abuse. I would advise against using it as a walking stick or for supporting significant weight beyond that of a standard rifle or shotgun. Potential failure points could include excessive force applied to the locking mechanisms or damage to the telescoping tubes if they become significantly bent.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary “accessory” that comes with the Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick is the removable rubber foot. This is a highly practical addition that significantly broadens its usability across different hunting environments. The top section, with its standard X 20-inch threads, also offers a degree of customization.

This standard threading means the V-shaped cradle can be removed and replaced with other accessories designed for tripods or camera mounts. While not something I utilized during my hunting tests, this opens up possibilities for using the stick as a makeshift camera support for filming hunts or for other applications requiring a stable post. This versatility adds value beyond its intended hunting purpose.

Pros and Cons of Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick

Who Should Buy Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick?

The Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick is an ideal choice for turkey hunters who frequently hunt from ground blinds or spend extended periods kneeling. Its collapsible nature and quick adjustment make it perfect for those who value mobility and fast setup in the field. It’s also well-suited for hunters who might transition between different hunting scenarios within a single outing.

Anyone who prioritizes a lightweight, easily packable shooting support over the absolute maximum stability of a bipod will find this monopod to be an excellent companion. It’s designed for speed and convenience, not static bench rest shooting.

Those who require a shooting stick for an extended range of standing shots with a rifle might consider a taller, more traditional shooting stick or a bipod. However, for shotgun-focused hunting or scenarios where space is limited, this shooting stick is a superb option. If you anticipate needing a camera mount, the standard X 20-inch threads make it a dual-purpose tool.

Conclusion on Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick

The Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick is a highly effective and thoughtfully designed tool for the dedicated turkey hunter. Its collapsible design significantly enhances portability, while the quick adjusting mechanism and cam-lock system allow for rapid, precise height adjustments in the field. The inclusion of a removable rubber foot further adds to its versatility, making it suitable for a variety of hunting environments.

Considering its robust metal construction, user-friendly design, and the added benefit of its standard threading for accessory interchangeability, the price of $54.89 represents excellent value. It successfully addresses common pain points for hunters needing a stable shooting platform without the bulk of traditional options.

I would confidently recommend the Allen Shocker Tom Taker Click-Stix Shooting Stick to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable, quick-deploying, and packable shooting aid. It’s a product that clearly understands the demands of its target user and delivers on its promises.