Feisol PB-70 Panning Base

Anyone have any experience they can share about Feisol's PB-70 panning base?

http://feisol.com/engl​ish/feisolen.htm

At U$39 this thing looks like the bargain of the century compared to RRS's U$235 PCL-1 panning base. Apart from max load capacity (which is more than likely limited by the tripod rather than the panning base given its low profile) and the built in arca swiss clamp anyone have any ideas as to why RRS's product is 6x more expensive?

Old question, I know, but in the interest of future researchers, as well as in answer to another comment in another forum, also from some time ago, that disparaged the unit because it "doesn't lock down very well," I will post my experience. I recently got a brand new PB-70. I am an ex-Gitzo owner (GT2331 and GT2541) and bought a Feisol CT-3401 RAL to use as a "cheap" backup and vacation unit so I wouldn't be as heartbroken if it was lost, stolen or broken. Well, I was so pleasantly surprised by how good it was that I sold the Gitzos, and I remain very happy with it to this day. So naturally, when it came time to buy a panning base, I again looked to Feisol.

The unit has indeed been updated, as least cosmetically. The knob is now black, with a carbon-fiber finished insert to match the tripod legs, and appears larger with deeper grooves than the silver knob shown in the pictures of the FB-70 still on the net as of now. The unit is absolutely smooth in operation. Very well damped and no grittiness or roughness. It also locks down tight with very little effort - so tight that I could use a rubber-strap can opener to torque it down onto my tripod and it wouldn't budge.

If I absolutely had to find a nit to pick, I could say that I would have preferred engraved over painted markings because eventually they're probably going to rub off. But otherwise, like you say, Feisol products for me have been the bargain of the century and this PB-70 is no different. I continue to be completely baffled at how they can make their products so good at such prices.

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