From 1972 - we start working with Sachtler, Miller, Cartoni, O'Connor , Manfrotto, Vinten and Rollei - service them and build different systems. Since that time I never changed any DA aluminium tubes in any tripods - what I cannot say about CF carbon fiber tubes. Right now I have on my shelf 12 tubes 16 mm, 20 mm and 22 mm all with cracks and broken even after few years of works. Every year around 20 - 25 broken CF tripods in our store! And it is true! CF - just temporarily fusion and extra 500$. If you buying DA aluminium - you investing for LIFE