Have any of you ever seen this (monopod question)

[timmyquest]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30092&item=3822222 726&rd=1

I did some research on google, cant find any information on this "brand"

There are a ton of these auctions on ebay right now.

Where is this thing coming from, does it look like a solid deal?

[Tom W]

Hmmmnn....

Looks a little like a takeoff of the Manfrotto design. I wonder if that hand lever is metal or not - looks kind of thin.

It would be interesting to hear more about this monopod, since the price is pretty good.

[slejhamer]

Does that head rating of 15lbs seem a bit unrealistic? By comparison, the Manfrotto 3265 is rated for 5.5lbs...

[dn7elson]

I did some research on google, cant find any information on this "brand"

You are right, this almost seems like an eBay/auction "brand".

Here's a photographers site that has one in his equipment list:
http://www.larussoweb.com/equipment.html

Also, here is the company that is the wholesaler for the "brand"

http://www.amvona.com/v7/shop/?page=shop/subcat&category_id=89769b2f73d9d7e940440e867abba4d 0

First impression is that of some of the high pressure "add-ons" at some of the lesser NY mail order houses.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Definately a "knock off" of the Manfrotto original "grip" head.

Those heads are a matter of personal preference.. either you love them or you hate them!

I am one of the "oddballs" who do like them :)

At this price the whole setup is less than just the Manfrotto head... probably a peice of "poo" (technical term I am fond of using) but.. who knows.

15 Ponds? Not a chance! A grip head like that is fine for relatively light rigs.. but no way 15 pounds! Especially on a monopod!

Frankly.. I'd never put such a head on a monopod.. but that is beside the point.