STX Pro 656 tripod - "no-name brand"

[Erik_L]

Hello.

I took a risk today and bought a tripod. I did some preliminary googling while in the store and came up with only meager results, and no reviews. I had store credit, so the $119.99 tripod cost me just over $66. I am pleased.

Box:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h22_2.jpg
Included is the tripod, a carrying bag and an allen wrench to tighten the legs (not pictured)
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h21.jpg

Here it is:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h22.jpg

Legs adjust to three different angles:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h22_1.jpg

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h23_2.jpg

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h23.jpg

At full height:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h24_1.jpg

Unscrew bottom stop/hook and turn upside down:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h25.jpg

[Erik_L]

Head pivots 90* each way, the handle can be removed and used on the other side:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h26.jpg
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h26_1.jpg

Cast aluminum bulkhead includes level and compass:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h26_2.jpg

Cork-top head has sliding screw mount and three levels:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h27_1.jpg

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h28.jpg

Indicator marks for pivot and tilt:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h27.jpg

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/smrndmguy/review/20091106_21h27_2.jpg

After purchasing, I hit up the local camera shop and did a head to head with a similarly priced Manfrotto. They were running a special on a particular kit (Manfrotto 055XDB + some ball head) and it was $129.99. My STX feels much sturdier than the Manfrotto, weights less, has a head with better controls, and has quick releases instead of screws to adjust the leg length. The Manfrotto was somewhat smaller when fully compacted and had four angle adjustments instead of only three. The STX utilizes a collett and friction mechanism to lock the height of the vertical shaft, while the Manfrotto uses a screw that jabs into the side of the shaft. Overall, I am very satisfied with my "budget-pod" and feel that I got a good deal. I foresee the largest point of failure bing the somewhat chinsy plastic snaps that lock the leg length, but I have 30 days to return it.

I am very satisfied, also, with the details on the STX. The three legs have a foam covering over them and make it nice to carry. I added the large, strange looking foam to the tilt knob :). The large shaft that runs through the center of the bulkhead uses O-rings to keep the aluminum posts from slamming against the other parts when being lowered and raised, and a plastic cover on the bottom keep the end cap from scratching the bottom of the post. The post also unscrews in the center - I assume lengthened posts can be purchased. Very, very satisfied.

Thanks for reading.