Stability is the issue, it's what a tripod is all about. The fifth leg section is just one too many in terms of joints, and the bottom section has a very small diameter which doesn't help stability either. Perhaps the most stable, rigid tripod you can get is a 3-section leg with no center column. They are relatively heavy and long and there are many factors in choice with portability uppermost when you're talking about a travel tripod. My Benro is about 1" longer than the Gitzo and the leg sections have larger diameters and it's slightly heavier. If you're carrying a tripod all day weight is really important, the number of lock joints not so important, at least to me. Benro actually does a very nice job with it's twist locks; they're very smooth and easy to use.