I did NOT get this thing to balance smoothly during the initial setup. I followed the tutorial video on YouTube; But it did not work. My video with video stabilizer was even worse than just handheld! There were a few questions from people in the YouTube video asking how tight the grip should be. An answer was given; not at all. I can only assume they were referring to a turnbuckle with a small "C" shaped plastic handle. Something is wrong I think; it must be tight, why is it there? When I tightened it, it snapped the ball joint! I disassembled the entire handle assembly. He was weak. The pin is screwed into the hub of the ball joint, and then the handle is screwed in. I screwed in the bolt and tightened it into the hub, then reattached the handle. Then tighten screw "c" firmly. PRESTO! The ball/pan was still dangling freely. Balanced the camera and now the thing is smooth as silk! A little play in the grip arrangement changed everything. TIP: There is a slot in the ball/seat. have it in front of you; (The ball socket rotates freely.) Then you can achieve great low-transition recordings. While you should hold the handle vertically; I've found that holding the handle like a garden hose also works great. (The slot must be facing you for this to work.)