[mtngal]

Funny others have had trouble with their Gitzo twist locks. Mine is probably 10 years old and I've never had any trouble with the locks. I prefer them to the Manfrotto flip locks, the one I tried kept pinching my thumb or finger, and an old cheap one I had was a pain because the locks kept getting caught in the plants when I was taking wildflower pictures.

[Kameko]

In the year and a half I've had my Gitzo Series 3 Systematic set of legs, I've never had any issues with it. The twist lock system has saved my fingers from being pinched and I don't have to worry about carrying a hex key to make sure the flip lock nuts are tightened.

One thing I did notice is that you bought the large model, as well the load limit is 22 lbs. more than the Mefoto. I think the GT1545T would've been more comparable to your Mefoto, smaller, compact. What set up did you intend to use the tripod for?

[Obin Robinson]

Funny others have had trouble with their Gitzo twist locks. Mine is probably 10 years old and I've never had any trouble with the locks. I prefer them to the Manfrotto flip locks, the one I tried kept pinching my thumb or finger, and an old cheap one I had was a pain because the locks kept getting caught in the plants when I was taking wildflower pictures.

I never cared for how the flip locks seem to grab cables or clothing drawstrings at the worst possible time. The twist locks don't get caught on anything.

obin