I could not go past a Manfrotto 222...thats just me but man is it sweet to use. Just pull the lever & move it where you want...let it go & it locks fast.
Im not scared of anything but cold weather. I use my tripod as a mono all the time if its crouded or no ground space etc....just dont unfold the legs & go for it...no flopping as you imagine.The 222 head works great with it. Dont knock it till youve tried it.