I have a Vanguard full sized and a small Sirui. The Vanguard tripod is serviceable, but the head on it was garbage and has been replaced. The much smaller head that came with the Sirui was nicer in every way. At some point the Vanguard tripod will be replaced with an FLM. FLM makes nice middle of the price range stuff. Cheaper than Really Right Stuff, but better than Sirui and Silk. That said, I recommend Sirui without hesitation.
Basically, I would not recommend a Vanguard unless budget constrained, and even then I would look for something better that was used first.
Basically, I would not recommend a Vanguard unless budget constrained, and even then I would look for something better that was used first.