They are just "normal". can tell the difference. Cast iron is rawer than Manfrotto, it's rough and not as clean. The parts that make it up are also not as "good" as the others I have. The worst thing about them is that THEY SMELL TERRIBLE! They have that really bad fuel smell that just doesn't seem to want to go away. The bag I keep them in with all the other stuff even has this smell and they've been in it all day! I will only use them for light work and Manfrotto. s for the really important stuff, and that's only when I leave her. If the smell doesn't go away after a month or two, you can buy them from me on Ebay! :