Sirui K-30X and K-40X Crunchy Panning

I bought a Sirui K-30X and K-40X a few days ago.
Generally what I expected.

What I have found with both seems a little strange though.
I have read that some think the panning is a little firm, so no surprise there.

When I loosen the Panning Base Locking Knob, maybe half a turn, the head pans. Depending on starting position, somewhere it will grab, and I hear a sound and feel some "crunch". It feels like a screw / bolt grinding on a composite material, ie what I'd expect a bolt grinding on fibreglass or carbon fibre. If I continue to loosen the Panning Base Locking Knob it will pan freely a full 360°. There does not seem to be any friction adjustment regarding panning, it's either loose or tight.

After noticing on the K-30X, I immediately tried the K-40X and it's the same.
Anyone else experienced this?

Had the same issue with my K-30X when I first bought it a year ago. After using it a few times, the "crunching" went away. I was concerned at first and contacted Sirui. They told me to return it if I experienced it again. After a year of hard use, the crunching has stayed away.
Sirui stands behind their products and was willing to do what ever it took to make everything good.

I only have the K40X and the panning is pretty smooth - certainly no snag/grab points.

I suspect yours may be sub standard - return?

IanD wrote in post #18505417
Had the same issue with my K-30X when I first bought it a year ago. After using it a few times, the "crunching" went away. I was concerned at first and contacted Sirui. They told me to return it if I experienced it again. After a year of hard use, the crunching has stayed away.
Sirui stands behind their products and was willing to do what ever it took to make everything good.

Interesting. Thanks for info.

johnf3f wrote in post #18505449
I only have the K40X and the panning is pretty smooth - certainly no snag/grab points.

I suspect yours may be sub standard - return?

Both of mine are smooth, after turning the Panning Base Locking Knob a full turn or so.

No problems whatsoever on my K30.

They are pretty easy to take apart and clean up, relube. I have a k40 and it was not crunchy. I did however install some low temp grease in mine.

Let me ask a question. How much drooping if any do you see on this ball head compared to other ball heads on the market?
Thanks.

None whatsoever on my K30, even with the 7D2 and 70-200 on it.

Nick5 wrote in post #18533841
Let me ask a question. How much drooping if any do you see on this ball head compared to other ball heads on the market?
Thanks.

With my K40X there can be a little "Drooping" at extreme angles but that is with extremely heavy long lenses (600mm F4 +) and I think that this is more down to tripod flex - even my 4 series Gitzo will flex a little under these conditions!

With my 300 F2.8 L IS or smaller then "Droop" just doesn't happen with the K40X - so long as the tripod is sturdy. For the vast majority of users the Sirui K20X/K30X will be more than up to the job with sensible lenses.

Thanks Ted and John.

My K-40X is nice and quiet.
Make sure the panning securing knob is backed out enough for rotation.
You do not want the screw tip to be rubbing and possibly scraping or gouging the metal parts inside.
How much does your 600mm weigh? My Tamron 150-600mm is approximately 4.43 lbs