Tripod leg locks?

[Sidebyte]

I'm buying a new pro quality tripod but am in a quandry.....the same model tripod comes with either "flip locks" or "twist locks" on the legs. I have an older flip lock smaller model that is convenient but would like to hear from users their opinions?

[cyclohexane]

I don't like flip locks; they get annoying on the thumbs, and most of the tripods I've seen/used with flip locks have worn out faster than the twist lock ones (though twist-locking so that you get gunk into the twist lock is just as bad). One of my friends has a Manfrotto with flip locks that barely lock the legs in place, but it's seen heavy, heavy use.

[Sidebyte]

That's the input I was looking for. My flip locks haven't given up yet on the older one but the twist locks look more substantial.

[Blinky]

Flip locks snag on things. I've got a Gitzo 320 that's over 15 years old and it still works like new... been in beach sand, the middle of streams, hauled up cliffs, thrown in the trunk a million times. Expensive to by but worth every penny. I simply never have to think about it, the thing just always works.

Chip

[Jose]

either "flip locks" or "twist locks" on the legs are a compromise...wonder who will come with a working alternative. Flip lock has the advantage of speed for extending/adjusting the legs and twist locks seem less prone to slipping but the get stuck with dirt. My tripod has twist locks and I just carry it extended while photograping and transporting in the back of the truck. Collpase only when traveling by car or plane.

[jfrancho]

I don't like twist locks. Flip locks are OK with me, but I don't understand why they all have to open perpendicular to the leg, and they do get hung up sometimes. Why not parallel to the leg? It seems like that may mitigate the snag issue.

[Jose]

I had tripods with the flip locks in both configurations and either way they will catch in something...I found that the perpendicular configuration are easier to close and release...

[cyclohexane]

Oh, don't get me started on parallel flip locks. We have an old Albinar pile of junk with parallel flip locks... the things drive me nuts. I'd rather have perpendicular ones.

[jfrancho]

This is from a piece of percussion hardware. Admittedly, it isn't quite the same, and was much heavier than most camera support, but this type of tube lock was very easy to operate.

[Sidebyte]

Well, I really had no choice as I ordered a carbon fiber tripod and ballhead and it only comes with twist locks. !2 pound capacity and only weighs 3 pounds.

[shmspac]

I prefer twist locks as they can be adjusted (tensioned) so there is a certain amount of friction, which makes leveling a breeze.