This is the second one of these tripods I have had. I must admit I broke the first one by overtightening a screw, it was completely my fault not the tripod. I think these are excellent little things and ideal for what they are meant, that is a traveller tripod. They are small when folded down and they are lightweight which if you are going away by plane is exactly what you need. They are reasonably secure once set up and I have no qualms about putting my camera, which weighs quite a bit, on it. If necessary I would certainly consider buying another one of these and I recommend them to anyone