Pros: For the price point, I do not believe you can get a better tripod! The 3 section carbon fiber legs are sturdy (not Gitzo sturdy, but good enough for mounting my 100-400L zoom on it) - they're also silky smooth (and that's a plus). The rapid rise center column works great and does not have any play. All metal construction makes the whole assembly feel solid. The tripod has a bubble level and a separate compass, which I guess can come in handy. The "gitzo styled" ball head works great! The main pressure/lock knob is big so you don't have to work hard to lock the ball in place. The silver tension pin in the center of the lock knob is basically a pin to control how far you can loosen the lock knob, allowing for varying pressure on the ball when loosened. QR plate is beveled on the outside so you can simply slide it in without having to depress the generously sized quick release button. Padded nylon case has a zippered compartment and has enough space for the ball head!

Cons: Max load (from included manual) states 14lb, website says 17, newegg 13... try not to put over 10 on there! Silver tension pin could be bigger or have its own knob to make it easier to use. The thinnest leg sections are quite thin at 1/2", so some rigidity is compromised when they are fully extended. The foam grips are nice and keep your hands warm, but since they're new, some black bits tend to rub off on your hands like fine dust. The rubber feet are glue sealed to the legs so there are no spike alternatives possible (but sure keeps the dirt out!). The leg angle locks use some kind of grease to keep them operating smoothly, but over time will likely attract dirt. The padding in the nylon case is on the thinner side, but they are sufficient. The tripod base thread is 3/8" only, so no 1/4" adapter option (usually not a problem).

Overall Review: I have been using an old Sipratone aluminum tripod for years and know its time will be up soon, so I have been searching for a good quality carbon fiber tripod to replace it. I was a bit wary when I saw this tripod due to is extreme low price. However, I decided to try it out over Adorama's Flashpoint, Smith Victor, etc. I am glad I did! I have a Flashpoint monopod and I have to say that the Dolica legs are better built. This tripod/head combo more than fits the bill and comes in at just under $100, which I would have to say is a steal!

Pros: No fan spin when not gaming, great cooling, quiet and sips power! Good for summer when you don't want your room to turn into an oven due to your computer. When fans do spin up, noise quality is very smooth, wooosh sounding, not whining like a jet taking off. The included metal back plate is nice for keeping the heatsink from bending the card. Packaging presentation was clean and very nice with custom formed foam surrounding the card and double boxed for safety!

Cons: Bigger than you think! Even though it is a 2 fan set up, the heatsink does protrude from the board both in length and width. I have a tool-less mounting mechanism and had to shave off some of the plastic cage that keep the expansion card slot covers in place in order to fit the card width-wise. If you have conventional screw-in slot covers, then no problem. It also almost touched the drive cage of my full ATX case, so measure your case!

Overall Review: Would I get another one for SLI set up if I need it? You bet! Great card overall!