Top critical review
2.0 out of 5 starsMAD49A Monopod Initial Reactions
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2017
First impression is that the monopod I received wasn’t ready to use. It hadn’t been set up properly in the factory. A small thing, maybe, but it would have been nice to not have to tweak it so it could support the rated weight. When it arrived, it probably would have only supported 5#, not the just shy of 40# it should have been ready for.
Not thrilled with the foot. It’s fine if you don’t plan to hike with it or put it in a bag with tripods, light stands, etc., but, if you do, the foot will probably fall off. It should have come with a standard foot in addition to the ball and socket one for when, not if, the rubber of the foot does fall off.
I’m a bit disappointed that I’m going to have to carry the tools with it, at least until I’m sure I’m satisfied enough.
All that being said, for the money, it seems OK. I needed a tall monopod that could support a fair amount of weight, and this one seems capable, once it’s set up. I also have a Benro tripod that I bought in 2008, so I’m familiar with some of the things I don’t like, such as requiring a wrench to change the mount from 1/4 to 3/8”. For the money, I don’t know if there’s any better. I’d have stuck with Manfrotto, but they aren’t bringing their best game these days either, for a lot more money.
The tools they include are garbage. The plastic wrench for adjusting the tension so it will support the rates weight slips some. The wrench for removing the foot bent rather than breaking the foot free. So, now, that’s useless.
It’s the little things, the corners they cut, the lack of quality control, that makes me a bit unhappy with this monopod. I’m planning to keep it, but I don’t love it.
