Hey Kent, the Gitzo 1325 is on my short list, as is the Feisol 3371 and the woody Berlebach 9033. Good to know you've put it through hell and it could handle it. Do you have to clean it regularly in any way, or can you get it all wet and mucky and not give it a second thought?
Thanks Kent...it's nice to know they can stand up to the abuse and not get stuck or jammed.
So, lets see...A Gitzo 1325 weighs 4.45 pounds, plus I'd want the levelling base which weighs 1.32 pounds, for a total of 5.77 pounds. The Berlebach 9033 with a levelling base weighs 6.5 pounds, less than a pound more, and at $319.00 costs less than half what the Gitzo does. Hmmm...