I can't tell you what the quality is like for these high end tripods but I can comment on the time to ship.
I placed my order 10 days ago. I was informed by email three different dates that is was shipped. Each time it had not shipped. I wanted it for a road trip up North but that will not happen.
Keep in mind two things, one its NOT a custom order. two, nowhere on the website does it say shipping out will take this long. Not to mention that being perhaps the most expensive tripod on the market they still charge a shipping fee.
I've asked more then once to just cancel my order and each time I'm told its shipping.
Considering its still in the factory and will take 6-8 days more to arrive you would think Ries would offer a discount on expedited shipping but that is not the case.
There website should have been a warning to me that perhaps something is wrong. Site was unusable to place an order. Not sure if this is a company or a side job.
Obviously, being the only wood tripod manufactory in America there is a lack of competitors and they treat the customer accordingly. read more