Gitzo fishpoles are things of beauty. But, as a creative person who values aesthetics, the overall appearance of this unit does not measure up to their other products. It should be constructed of brushed black-anodized aluminum, but looks to be more out of the 1950's. I want ALL of my equipment (as well as my projects, of course) to announce, "This guy's a pro." Despite its appearance, it does its job well, hence the four stars.