thank you for sharing I'll check that one out. I had a vanguard in around that price range where the leg did some funky stuff in arizona. it was functional for the rest of the hunt but i had to get it warrantied.I think there's a step function in tripod quality versus pricing around $100. I wouldn't waste any (more) money below that. I've been very happy with my Vortex Summit SSP for $120 a few years back, and disappointed with everything I tried first costing less. I'm sure there's another step function at higher price ranges but I haven't been fortunate enough to explore that range .