Leofoto LM Summit Series Tripod Apex with hook and spider

I earlier purchased an LS-364C tripod, but unfortunately it wasn't quite sturdy enough for my use. I then decided to buy the wider apex and have the surface for the first stop machined in order to increase the angle from 22 deg to 24. Only the machining would increase the stiffness by up to 15%. The wider apex has also helped increasing the stiffness. The apex came complete with all required assembly parts. It was reasonably easy to assemble thanks to the short video clip provided by Ophelia at customer service. Images below are with the narrower apex and then the recently purchased one after the machining. Pls not the change in leg angle. Height is reduced by app 2 cm which is acceptable to me.