In my opinion, this one is a classic case where the name on the product will cost 10 times smooth. The Phottix Varos or Phottix Varos II costs pretty much by the same amount less, is made entirely of metal, has all the features that has the product offered here also and, furthermore, the possibility of the top bolt that already has a mount Flashes screwed (again 5, - saved!) use cross in the upper part of the joint, which increases the possibilities of variation significantly. Especially when a dedicated flash is used, for example, with a translucent umbrella or reflector screen, it makes sense to flash "lying" to assemble in order to increase the output by the screen light output - this option does not exist here.
I'm not saying that the Manfrotto shoe mount is bad, but there are just better at a lower price!
