Features:

• Robust three-section black anodized aluminum monopod
• Sure rubber grip with wrist carrying strap
• Quick-action lever leg lock system with 45-degree flip
• Large 2.3-inch camera/head platform with plastic cover
• 26.4-pound maximum load, 63.4-inches maximum height

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
A monopod gives your camera support when and where a tripod is too cumbersome or can't fit. It is also lighter and easier to carry on nature sites. The Manfrotto 681B Professional Monopod features the Quick-Action lever lock system with 45 degrees flip allowing the sections to be quickly set-up and adjusted. Robust three-section black anodized aluminum monopod features sure rubber grip, wrist carrying strap, large 2.3 inch camera & head platform with plastic cover

Rating : - just learning it all....
I just got a canon 40D and am hoping to shoot some photos out on the soccer field. I bought this after hearing much about the Bogen-Manfrotto name. There are a bunch of similar looking monopods for sale, and I couldn't tell you how they all compare or differ from each other. Still, the price on this one was good, and I got it with the 3229 ballhead. The camera can mount to the monopod without the ballhead, but it just feels better with it, and also you can't tilt the camera sideways on the monopod without the ballhead on it, otherwise you are picking up the whole monopod. This may seem simple to some people, but I never had a monopod or nice camera before, so I didn't understand all these little things. I did take the monopod to some soccer games, and it made shooting nice and easy. I don't see how I could have done it without the monopod.
Overall, its a good quality item at a good price, so I am happy with it.