Well I guess we could discuss this as both a "use" and "abuse" thread. My carbon Feisol
supports my 8x10 fine, but I certainly wouldn't abuse the thing. My Ries on the other
hand ... I whack weeds out of the way, clear the scene of sprigs of blackberry, even
slap poison oak off the path with it. Nothing rusts. The legs don't freeze up when
wet like cheap wood or otherwise tripods do. I routinely put both my Ries tripods thru
pure undeserved hell. One leg eventually developed a twist crack. I told them about my
abuse and offered to buy a new leg, but they insisted on sending me a free one. No
copay a wait in line. ... beats health insurance!