Sirui P-362 6 section monopod?

I have a Gitzo 5521 monopod which I wanted because it folds to 16". It works just fine, but it's heavy to carry in the field. I've read good B&H reviews of the Sirui P-326 which collapses even shorter by an inch, and weighs almost a pound less.

It's thinner but has 8x carbon fiber tubes. I'm not sure that makes it as stable as the Gitzo 6x at a greater diameter, but it caught my eye.

All the B&H reviews were from new buyers, even one that said the head came loose and had to be glued back on. That was a 4 star; the other 87 were 5 stars.

I'm wondering what's the long term status on this monopod from those who have used it for a while. Stability and build quality to use a 500mm or 600mm prime lens? Any others where the head has come loose?

About 3 years ago I faced a similar decision - but in reverse! I have a Gitzo GM2541 and, whilst it would support my (then) 600 F4 L IS it was just too thin to give me confidence and proper control over the lens. I then bought a Sirui P424 mono pod. This is equivalent in thickness/diameter to a 4 series in Gitzo terms but it performs more like a 3 series. The carbon tubing on my Sirui is very high quality, robust and stiff. It is just not quite as good as Gitzo - but it is a fraction of the price! Also I particularly like the big, chunky, leg locks on the Sirui - great in cold weather! The only issue I have had with my Sirui is that the foam cover (on the top leg section) wasn't very well glued on. This was easily cured with some Bostik.
I can't help feeling that a Sirui 3 series with 6 leg sections may feel a bit bendy for your requirements, the P424 model is more than up to the job but doesn't collapse as short as you need - perhaps you already have the best solution already?

johnf3f wrote in post #17300670
About 3 years ago I faced a similar decision - but in reverse! I have a Gitzo GM2541 and, whilst it would support my (then) 600 F4 L IS it was just too thin to give me confidence and proper control over the lens. I then bought a Sirui P424 mono pod. This is equivalent in thickness/diameter to a 4 series in Gitzo terms but it performs more like a 3 series. The carbon tubing on my Sirui is very high quality, robust and stiff. It is just not quite as good as Gitzo - but it is a fraction of the price! Also I particularly like the big, chunky, leg locks on the Sirui - great in cold weather! The only issue I have had with my Sirui is that the foam cover (on the top leg section) wasn't very well glued on. This was easily cured with some Bostik.
I can't help feeling that a Sirui 3 series with 6 leg sections may feel a bit bendy for your requirements, the P424 model is more than up to the job but doesn't collapse as short as you need - perhaps you already have the best solution already?

I just got the P 326 from B&H and you're correct, it's like a noodle. With two fingers, I can make it bow out at all the joints. My GM5561T is like a bar of steel by comparison. I guess I just deal with the extra weight of the Gitzo. Am returning the Sirui.

The 4 section (P324) would be better but the 4 series (P424) does the job nicely. Unfortunately the P424 is about 22 inches when collapsed - probably not a lot of use to you!