Gitzo GM3550 6X Carbon Fiber 5 Section G-Lock Monopod

by Gitzo

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000MMNCR4
• Item model number: GM3550
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 24, 2003

Product Description

The GM3550 Mountaineer monopod combines 6X Carbon fiber and Gitzo s Anti Leg Rotation system to create a sturdy and lightweight support. The 6X Carbon fiber maximizes the monopod s rigidity and vibration absorption while keeping it surprisingly light. The G-Lock system allows fast operation and stronger, safer locking. Replaces the G1578L.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Do You Need This Monopod?, January 23, 2008

By 

S. So "SYS" (Lost in America) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gitzo GM3550 6X Carbon Fiber 5 Section G-Lock Monopod (Electronics)

A quick look at the specification:

Maximum Height: 75.6" (192 cm)
Folded Length: 21.3" (54 cm)
Weight: 1.4 lbs (600 g)
Load Capacity: 36.9 lbs (18 kg)
Leg Sections: 5
Leg Lock Type: Twist
Male Thread Size: ¼"-20 & 3/8"-16 (reversible stud)

When my Manfrotto 3245 monopod broke down on me recently, I decided to give Gitzo GM-3550 a try. Obviously when deciding on a monopod, one has to base the decision on what camera/lenses will be used on it, maximum load capacity, its weight/height, as well as one's budget. In my case, I was looking for one that could easily handle my 70-200, 100-400, and the future 500 with the 2xTC, while light and compact enough for convenient handling and durable enough to last me a long time of heavy use. I did consider the GM-5540, but I quickly realized that the 5540 wasn't for me for the following reasons. While it's undoubtedly an excellent monopod: 1) it's overkill for my current and future needs; 2) I don't care to hold a "tree trunk;" 3) it's shorter than the 3550; and 4) 3550 is cheaper.

One thing that both Gitzo models have in common, however, is the intriguing and innovative technology and designs that caught my fancy:

6X Carbon Fiber: Not all carbon fibers are equal in quality. The 6X carbon fiber by Gitzo is made of unique 6 crossed layers for greater rigidity, lightness, and tolerance for vibration and shock.

G-Lock and Anti-Rotation Leg System: By making the locking ring longer, the two tubes allow greater rigidity and prevent the monopod from bending. Along with this, the cone-shaped ring is designed to provide a stronger grip as vertical force is applied - the greater the gravity, the stronger its grip and the overall rigidity of the leg - hence it's impressive 36.9 lbs load tolerance. The innovative thread concept (ARL), on the other hand, allows a mere 25% of the time that takes the traditional twist mechanism to lock/unlock the rings. In its folded position, I can simultaneously lock/unlock all four rings with a simple quarter of an inch twist.

So, are such features worth paying close to $300? For some, yes, and for some, no, I guess. As far as I'm concerned, I did spend thousands of $$$'s on my camera and lenses (and I'm not done by any means!), and I figure these expensive gear deserves a good monopod to rest on. As far as budget goes, it's your call. Since I just received the monopod, I cannot attest to its durability, i.e., how long it will last. Only time and extended use will tell. I can, however, attest to its light but solid built, wonderful way the foam feels in my small hand, and its quick locking rings. Even my small hand could lock and unlock all four rings at the same time from the folded position.

The fully extended height is definitely more than I'd normally need, but it's comforting to know that it IS there when in case I do need the extra height. In the meantime I simply don't use the bottom fifth leg section until I'm vertically challenged.

Since I do lots of hiking, this light but sturdy monopod could also serve as a hiking stick. If not, its compact 21.3" of folded length could be nicely tucked inside a provided bag and stored away.

In order to use my Manfrotto 3229 Tilt Head QR for this monopod, all I had to do was to reverse the stud and I was all set. I haven't yet looked into where I can get the interchangeable spike for the foot (for hiking or using in slippery surfaces), but it's nice knowing that I have this useful option.

This monopod comes with a lifetime warranty, but unfortunately Gitzo doesn't seem to be an easy company (for USA customers, anyway) to deal with when it comes to service, so I'm hoping that I don't ever have to deal with either the service or the parts.

Apart from this bit of caveat, and based on my initial use, I'd highly recommend the product for anyone interested in this particular monopod by Gitzo. The only reason why I gave it four-stars rather than five is the cost of the monopod. I think it's more reasonable for the cost to be about $100 less.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Design and Function, June 16, 2008

By 

Mary N. Bucklew "HeartSleeve" (Delaware Seashore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gitzo GM3550 6X Carbon Fiber 5 Section G-Lock Monopod (Electronics)

This was a natural addition to my GT3530 tripod and I was not disappointed. The CF is light and strong as steel, my Markins M20 fits fine atop the pod, and everything locks in place for a stable monopod solution. Does what it is supposed to do and does it beautifully.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed in the quality, April 16, 2008

By 

Randym - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gitzo GM3550 6X Carbon Fiber 5 Section G-Lock Monopod (Electronics)

This is a lightweight and sturdy monopod. I use it a lot.

However, the first time I used it, the plastic collar that keeps the first section from sliding all the way out broke. Now I have to be careful extending that section, or it slides off completely. The monopod is still perfectly usable, but it's disappointing, given the price of the thing.