My conclusion of the small comparison: The Sirui weighs packed almost a kilo less, is considerably smaller and cost less - and is the Manfrotto in terms of stability in my view, absolutely not to. The only good thing for the Manfrotto: one can quite a bit further off, which I achievable from Sirui 148cm plus ball head and camera feel is sufficient for me.
And the ball head ... well, to be the friend will now also bring :-)
The three other reviews I can only agree with me otherwise.