Gitzo 0541 vs. Manfrotto 190CXPRO3

With all the discussion about tripods I am thinking again about a carbon fiber tripod that would be lighter and easy to carry on short hikes. Since it is a 3-hour drive to the closest store that (might or might not) have both of these models I thought I would check here first.

Both of these tripods will hold the weight of what I currently use. The Gitzo weighs 1.7 pounds and the Manfrotto 2.8 pounds. A pound difference, but not significant. Gitzo has a twist lock on the legs and the Manfrotto has flip levers. Never used twist to know how good they are. There is a difference in price with the Gitzo selling for $479.90 and the Manfrotto being $299.90 with a possible rebate. So, any thoughts from anyone who has used or even handled these two tripods?

Thanks,

Jerry

Well, I have a Gitzo 1931, which is basalt, not CF. but has the turn knobs. I had a flip lock pod before the Gitzo, and loved the convenience. Problem was that I had to keep tightening the flip lock levers as they'd eventually loosen up. Problem was, I didn't always walk around with the key, so there were times that I couldn't use the pod, because one leg would start to move with my gear attached. The Gitzo turn knobs are less convenient, but they really lock the pod in place. I figure it takes me all of 20 seconds to set up my pod, so not like we're talking a huge amount of time

"I had a flip lock pod before the Gitzo, and loved the convenience. Problem was that I had to keep tightening the flip lock levers as they'd eventually loosen up. Problem was, I didn't always walk around with the key,"

I've had a manfrotto flip look tripod and never had the problem of the loosening of flip-lock levers. the key was always attached to the leg of the tripod. so Ymmv

I have a Manfrotto 3021 and a Gitzo 2531. The flip locks on the 3021 were slower to operate, needed tightening occasionally (wonder what happened to that key?), and were rather noisy. Noisy enough to startle wildlife if you were in a hurry. They were also just kind of uncomfortable to operate. So far the Gitzo has alleviated each of those problems and weighs less than half of what the Manfrotto does.

Plus it looks cool!

"I've had a manfrotto flip look tripod and never had the problem of the loosening of flip-lock levers".

Me neither.