Review on Gitzo GT1545TUS Lightweight Traveler Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod - Silver & Black: A Versatile Travel Companion by Katie Jackson

I bought this tripod in December 2019. During a February 2020 trip to Africa, two leg sections were split in two after being slipped around the trunk of a car. I sent it in for repair under warranty and had the legs repaired a few months later (possibly delayed due to COVID). Less than a month after this repair, an easy play developed where the carbon fiber center column meets the black collar where the metal screw (i.e. the interface to the head) is located. The game got to the point where the tripod became unusable, so I called support. They wanted me to send it back for repairs, but I told them I needed a quicker fix than waiting months without a stand, so they sent me a new center speaker for free. I'll start using the new speaker tomorrow - fingers crossed this one will hold up. Meanwhile, the three rubber buttons tightening/loosening the leg sections loosen, exposing the metal connections underneath. I can still tighten/loosen my legs but it's much more difficult without the rubber pads. I can't believe how fragile this thing is. I would return it but I'm well outside the return window so I'm sticking with it. Another problem and it will be repaired and resold at a great price. In any case, this will be my first and last purchase of a Gitzo tripod and I'll probably shell out a Really Right Stuff pod.