Vanguard tripod/pistol grip head
 

as title said, i'm currently in market for tripod. since Manfrotto offer $50 rebate(US resident only) i'm thinking to get a 190CX3 or 190XPRO 3(CF) with the 498 head. Another option for the head in mind is Vanguard pistol grip GH-100 cost $99 only. i have tried to find review on google but there is not much option.
anyone can give me some review or opinion. it's pretty good deal to me but i'm scare it could break easily as the head looks all plastic to me.

thx in advance

Most of the time you get what you pay for. I'd invest some more, and not have to worry about it later. I never knew how important a tripod was until i got a pretty good one, and now i'm happy that i did spend a few hundred bucks.

Couldn't be happier with my Vanguard SBH-250/Manfrotto 190Pro (Alum)

The 250 is cheaper than that pistol grip (made out of "magnesium" alloy), and built very sturdy. However the 498 always a good choice given you have the budget. However I was in the market for that as well and with the huge savings I was VERY happy with the Vanguard head.

Just in case you're wondering, the heaviest I've put on is a gripped 50D+70-300is. Not very much, but the 250 didn't flinch. It looks like it's able to handle a 70-200 without much trouble.

thx for your experience