Tripod recommendations/info?: Benro, basalt ...?

photobug

I'm considering a tripod upgrade ... and a recent article in Shutterbug started me considering (a) a basalt tripod because it's "deader" to vibrations than aluminum or carbon-fiber, and (b) a tripod from Benro, a Chinese manufacturer which reportedly is coming across with very good quality at about half the price of the "big boys".

So my questions:

• Can anyone recommend (or dis-recommend) a basalt tripod, based on actual experience with one?
  Comments on the pros and cons of basalt? Apparently carbon-fiber is slightly lighter ... but I'm not backpacking tripods so a bit more weight doesn't bother me. Carbon-fiber is said to perhaps be more durable ... but is there any practical difference in the real world?
• Can anyone recommend (or dis-recommend) Benro brand tripods, based on actual experience with Benro products?
  
  
• Any comments on Benro ball heads?
  
  
• Lastly, what about the quick-release plates -- how compatible are they really with heads from others -- Kirk, RRS, Arca, etc?

thanks much!
= Dave

ziggy53

Dave,

I found a couple of discussions:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=17205471

http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=84429&forum_id=73

wxwax

Issues with Benro head.

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00EjzA&tag=