Gitzo GM-3550 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Monopod: an Initial Review

First, a couple of images of the product:

A quick look at the specification (from B&H):

Maximum Height: 75.6” (192 cm)
Folded Length: 21.3” (54 cm)
Weight: 1.4 lbs (600 g)
Load Capacity: 36.9 lbs (18 kg)
Leg Sections: 5
Leg Lock Type: Twist
Male Thread Size: ¼”-20 & 3/8”-16 (reversible stud)

When my Manfrotto 3245 monopod broke down on me recently, I decided to give Gitzo GM-3550 a try. Obviously when deciding on a monopod, one has to base the decision on what camera/lenses will be used on it, maximum load capacity, its weight/height, as well as one’s budget. In my case, I was looking for one that could easily handle my 70-200, 100-400, and the future 500 with the 2xTC, while light and compact enough for convenient handling and durable enough to last me a long time of heavy use. I did consider the GM-5540, but I quickly realized that the 5540 wasn’t for me for the following reasons. While it’s undoubtedly an excellent monopod: 1) it’s overkill for my current and future needs; 2) I don’t care to hold a “tree trunk;” 3) it’s shorter than the 3550; and 4) 3550 is cheaper.

One thing that both Gitzo models have in common, however, is the intriguing and innovative technology and designs that caught my fancy:

6X Carbon Fiber: Not all carbon fibers are equal in quality. The 6X carbon fiber by Gitzo is made of unique 6 crossed layers for greater rigidity, lightness, and tolerance for vibration and shock.

G-Lock and Anti-Rotation Leg System: By making the locking ring longer, the two tubes allow greater rigidity and prevent the monopod from bending. Along with this, the cone-shaped ring is designed to provide a stronger grip as vertical force is applied – the greater the gravity, the stronger its grip and the overall rigidity of the leg – hence it’s impressive 36.9 lbs load tolerance. The innovative thread concept (ARL), on the other hand, allows a mere 25% of the time that takes the traditional twist mechanism to lock/unlock the rings. In its folded position, I can simultaneously lock/unlock all four rings with a simple quarter of an inch twist.

So, are such features worth paying close to $300? For some, yes, and for some, no, I guess. As far as I’m concerned, I did spend thousands of $$$’s on my camera and lenses (and I’m not done by any means!), and I figure these expensive gear deserves a good monopod to rest on. As far as budget goes, it’s your call. Since I just received the monopod, I cannot attest to its durability, i.e., how long it will last. Only time and extended use will tell. I can, however, attest to its light but solid built, wonderful way the foam feels in my small hand, and its quick locking rings. Even my small hand could lock and unlock all four rings at the same time from the folded position.

The fully extended height is definitely more than I’d normally need, but it’s comforting to know that it IS there when in case I do need the extra height. In the meantime I simply don’t use the bottom fifth leg section until I’m vertically challenged.

Since I do lots of hiking, this light but sturdy monopod could also serve as a hiking stick. If not, its compact 21.3” of folded length could be nicely tucked inside the provided bag and stored away.

In order to use my Manfrotto 3229 Tilt Head QR for this monopod, all I had to do was to reverse the stud and I was all set. I haven’t yet looked into where I can get the interchangeable spike for the foot (for hiking or using on slippery surfaces), but it’s nice knowing that I have this useful option.

This monopod comes with a lifetime warranty, but unfortunately Gitzo doesn’t seem to be an easy company (for USA customers, anyway) to deal with when it comes to service, so I’m hoping that I don’t ever have to deal with either the service or the parts.

Apart from this bit of caveat, and based on my initial use, I’d highly recommend the product for anyone interested in this particular monopod by Gitzo.