Kimberly, so the rumor that you have a screw loose is true after all!
I've owned a gitzo for many years. It's a real warhorse but also very heavy, not to mention expensive but it's quite cumbersome if I'm on the run. I bought it after having many manfrotto tripods fall apart. That was a long time ago but I did have trouble with the heads loosening up and developing some play. I prefer the heads that have two adjustments and my gitzo has a gitzo head.
I also have a travel tripod, a Velbon Ultra LUXiF 5-Section Trunnion Shaft Tripod with PH-145Q 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release)
It folds down to about 15 inches and weighs 2 1/2 lbs. I literally don't leave home without it. The legs lock and unlock with a half turn twist. It's hard to describe but is very cool and fast to set up. It's a gadgeteer's delight. See link below to B&H Photo.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...#goto_itemInfo
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