This is just my initial out of the box review and it has yet to be field tested. I have been a professional sports photographer for 19 years and I count on equipment to work well for my needs and in a somewhat harsh and demanding environment. Too often I think we are married to particular brands (sometimes for good reason), but looking at the quality for value that this monopod has makes me question why others are 2-3x the price. I know "why" Leofoto is cheaper, but let's put that far aside. The monopod it's replacing for full time duty falls into the very expensive category and it served me well, but age and over a decade of use and some field damage is starting to catch up with it. . This is every bit as good, if perhaps better. It's lighter than my previous CF monopod, feels confidently strong, and it functions exactly how I need it. I'm 6' tall and I prefer having a monopod that is near the top of my head height fully extended. I find myself sometimes on a platform or stair where I need it to reach below my standing level to make solid contact and it's always useful to have the length available. One thing missing from the specs list is that it does indeed have anti-rotation sections, which is a total necessity with this type of locking mechanism. For the price they're selling this at I think it's a total steal if it holds up how I expect it to, and I see no reason initially why it won't.