I was disappointed when I ordered the item and then realised it was coming from abroad and would take a month for delivery. The tripod was shipped out the day after I placed my order and arrived 12 days later which is fantastic service. The item was well packaged, plastic outer wrap over a layer of bubble wrap which meant the box was in perfect condition when I unwrapped it. Inside the box was a heavy duty nylon carrier bag with handle and detachable shoulder strap. The tripod inside was in a plastic bag and silicon packs were included to keep the damp off the tripod. The head was covered with a velvet bag for extra protection which was a nice touch. I was immediately impressed with the weight and quality of the tripod and appreciated the foam sleeve on one leg as tripods are always cold to handle. The legs extend with simple clip release action and they are in four sections so plenty of height without having to extend the neck, The clips are stiff but not so much that you have to fight with them and they ensure the legs are able to support the camera. The clips at the tops of the legs are easy to use and allows you to move the leg position for more stability or simply to lower the tripod height. The centre pole can be removed and inverted so the camera can be placed lower to the ground. The ball head is smooth and once secured very stable. It can be turned smoothly through 360 degrees and the ball once locked in place is very secure. The plate to attach the camera to the head is metal and the attachment is very secure I would have no worries about hanging my camera upside down on this head. There is a wrist strap to ensure you have complete control of your tripod if holding it in a precarious position such as the edge of a cliff or waterfall or balanced on the side of a boat, where ever you balance it the strap will ensure you don't lose both tripod and camera. Aesthetically the tripod looks expensive, the black and gold makes it look classy and although not an important feature of a tripod is still worth noting. I would happily recommend this tripod to others, for the cost of under fifty pounds including ball head and postage you can't go wrong with this fabulous item. I am sure it will give me many years of use.