Which Tripod Wins?

[Shawn7656]

Tonight was a beautifully foggy night and my drive home consisted of me staring at every streetlight with a dropped jaw and a twitchy shutter finger. I got home, grabbed the tripod, switched to my widest angled lens, and head out the door. I find a great shot, set up my tripod for the preferred framing, clip my camera onto the tripod, and start to fine tune the aiming when SNAP!... There goes the whole head of my tripod... Thus ending my shooting a little prematurely.

Given, this a was a piece of crap that my dad gave me (he got it in one of those "all-in-one" kits with a camera awhile back. It was super flimsy but it did the job better than my hands), I still have no tripod now, so it feels like a necessity to replace it. I'm looking not to spend more than $60 as right now I'm saving for many more things (fixing the muffler and windshield of my car, Christmas gifts, and a D7000 for myself ). I found these two and I figured I'd ask your opinions on them before making the purchase.

This one looks like the better deal, even though it's cheaper, as it's got a ball head.
Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head VOYAGERLTB B&H

Though this one is definitely better built, and the only "cons" are that it's heavy (which isn't really a con at 5 lbs)
Vista by Davis & Sanford Attaras Grounder Tripod ATTARAS3H B&H

Let me know what you guys think. I'm open to suggestions from any other site, brand, etc as long as it's within or just slightly above my price range.

[Elmo]

I know nothing about either tripod you mention but I do have a comment. Unlike everything else in photography tripods last a like time with a little care. I still use one that I have used for 60 years. It is big and heavy but it is a rock. I say that to say that you will be better off getting a great tripod as a life time investment rather than getting ones that break when you need them most.

Remember buying tripods is like buying oats. To get good oats you will pay a good price. If you can settle for oats that have already been through the horse those come a little cheaper.

[Shawn7656]

Haha nice comparison! That'll definitely stick with me