On Thu, 10 May 2001 23:30:45 GMT, service@digitalwinona.com wrote:

>I sure appreciate the input from the more experienced. The camps are
>clearly divided between the more generic Bogen assemblies and the more
>professional and expensive sticks and heads. I would certainly be
>satisfied with a heavier set of legs if I could get a used pro head
>for a reasonable price. Or a used combo. Now I have to learn about
>the three brands of better quality heads mentioned. Thanks again.

There are others...
A Miller head and wooden "sticks" just appeared
on r.v.marketplace at a good price - and Miller
is certainly "pro-grade". It is possible, though,
to buy a damaged or worn head that will not
perform as it should. A good head feels "gooey",
but easily-moved, without "hitches-'n'-glitches"
in its movements - it should "glide" with a fairly
light touch, yet resist quick changes in speed.
It should feel "GOOD!".;-)
More: a great head on poor legs will disappoint,
since movement of the head may cause "wind-up"
of the legs and backlash at the end of the movement.
The legs (and joints) should be quite rigid, and
as a result, the whole thing can be unpleasantly
heavy... (Guess why expensive carbon-fiber
"sticks" are popular, though they are often the
price of a good used car... ;-).