Ravelli AVTP Professional BIG Surprise

You cannot go wrong with this tripod. As an owner of both the AVT and AVTP (Professional) models, I can say that the Pro model (AVTP) I received has a much, much better Fluid Head. I'm not sure why. Physically, both Heads look the same and seem to be of the same construction quality. The only visible differences are cosmetic: the handles on the Pro model are longer w/ different grips which are longer as well; the level bubble color on the Pro model is white, while the non-Pro model is yellow. The obvious difference is the way the Heads are attached to the tripod. The Pro model has a bowl attachment and the non-Pro has a traditional screw-mount attachment point connecting to the top of the center shaft.

Although the differences seem obvious and minor, the quality of the pan movements are significantly different. For some reason, the AVT (non-Pro) model exhibits random "sticky" points during the pan. I've tried everything to get it to smooth out, but because of the inconsistency, it is an exercise in frustration to get a nice smooth pan for every shot - it's a gamble! The Pro model (AVTP) is a completely different story.

First impression of the AVTP was, in a word, "Stiff"... both the pan & tilt were really, really stiff. In particular, the Pan was actually difficult to move without grabbing hold of the tripod legs first. Even with the tension knob completely loose, the Head would not pan with out putting some serious force into it. I've since fixed it by loosening the large retaining bolt that runs through the pan mechanism. (Looking at the underside of the Head, you'll see hole which shows the top of a large slotted bold. I loosened this by a 1/4 turn - which was really tight and required lots of force to budge it...) This act made a significant difference. The pan action is now glass smooth! It now matches the tilt action and I'm able to pull off really consistent & smooth pan & tilt combinations with very little or no backlash at full zoom!!! (Practice, Practice... I'm not a pro at all, but I really impressed with how easy it is to pull off professional looking pan & tilt moves now with the AVTP... Wow!!!)

The non-Pro model (AVT) is probably going to be returned. I've been emailing CheetaMounts and they are trying to help resolve the "sticky" problem with the AVT Head... but I don't think it can be fixed.

Here's what's in the AVTP box:
* 1 set of Sticks/Legs (the tripod)
* 1 2-way Fluid Head
* 2 Handles/Arms (attach to the head)
* 1 Canvas Bag

Summary:
After making an adjust to the pan mechanism, the Head on this model is really, really good. I was surprised with the difference between this model (AVTP) and the non-Pro (AVT) model. Personally, I'd skip the lower-end model and avoid the spotty performance - just get this model instead.

Great features at a great price! I recommend you to buy Ravelli AVTP from this site.