very heavy and big, but good function

The 502er has on both axes reasonable adjustable fluid damping (which looks like a multi-plate clutch with Klebfett, the different stages engage with each other), but is against the 501HDV again significantly larger and heavier (1.6kg). Well, here, too, no ball bearings, plain bearings but found on the axis, but this is only minimally more expensive processes currently and costly

In principle, however Manfrotto quick release plate is unspeakably because quite labile to insert only from behind, and the plate has a "front and back", and must therefore can not be the other way around inserted. The tripod mounting screw (3/8 "and 1/4" supplied) is a six with class entry. Rough galvanized steel, provided with only slot and tightened only with a tool or to solve. A "tool-10-cent piece" I did not necessarily always in your pocket. Other manufacturers (eg Sirui) can much better. That the quick-change system is not compatible Arca course, is almost logical.

I can not complain about a smacking when swiveling in videos. It smacks but even if you screw the fluid damping from stop to stop, because the Klebfett in the damper clutch is practically "ripped out" when you open something.
The head is recommended if one disregards the weight times.