Solid construction. Superior functionality. Unfortunate labeling. Why unfortunate labeling? Because it doesn't say 'Manfrotto', or 'Gucci' or some other slavish reference to fashion. Many of my American brethren are in love with labels, and sometimes this preoccupation with labels inordinately influences the selection of various items. Well, if you need a 'label', go on and spend your $$$ on silly stuff like a label, or feel the need for 'Carbon-fibre graphite' construction on something so functional as a monopod. Hey, it's your money. And many times I hear things like: "More money than sense..." Well, this is one instance where I whole-heartedly underwrite good sense and puzzle over the purchase of an item at more than ten times the price of this well-executed concept of design. So, if you wanna spend $180 on a monopod, then get in your Infinity and drive to your nearest Wolf photography retailer and throw that green down on the counter and impress folk you don't know with money you don't really have for something you don't really need and walk away feeling so much the better for being 'All Hat And No Cattle'...Oh, I almost forgot...It's also a great walking-stick...