I have had a Manfrotto 055B for some 15 -20 years and it is certainly very solid but quite heavy for hiking etc. I have a Manfrotto 488 ball head on it which works very smoothly etc.
Wife and I (both long retired) get full value watching MotoGP, SBK, F1, Cricket, Rugby etc. Forgetting about the air fares getting around the world, just the entry fees to all the venues would be many times the DStv subs so I pay what is asked and enjoy minimal adverts during the above events...