Is this a good deal on a tripod?

[SJHester]

I have found a used tripod for sale. It is a Slik insta lock 970 GQL. The seller is asking $25.

I did some reseach and found the Slik site, but no reference to the 970.

$25 is not much money and I suspect that once I touch and feel it I will know if it's a good deal, but it is quite a drive to get there. Investment in fulel and time will far exceed the cost of the tripod.

Thought? Anyone know about this tripod or Slik in general?

Thanks

[Mask]

Ansel Adams said "the best tripod is 2 tons of granite with a screw in it".
In other words mass weight and stable.
If its stable when extended and got smooth moves - it is good !
I use a Silk u8000 and its good for a travel and hike tripod.

Note - you can spend $1000 + but ... a $50 tripod will get you 98% there.
Adams would have laffed how silly people spend $$$$ on tripods and IS.

[brewercm]

I have an older Slik tripod that I used for a while. It was definitely designed more for video but the action is still smooth, I just don't use it any more since I bought a new tripod.

[GypsyHighSide]

If you figure it will cost you $10 in gas and $20 in time, only to come to the conclusion that the tripod won't work for you why would you even think about going that route? If it was somewhere close, ok then take a chance. Instead, I would look for a tripod/head combo at Adorama or B&H. Figure out what your budget is and then look at tripods in your price range. You may have to go with a lesser known manufacturer. Read the review, look at the specs. Be sure the tripod handle the weight of your camera and lens.

[venchka]

The head is 90% of the battle in a good tripod system. Legs can be stiff and the head can be junk and you get a junk system.