Using the experience gained working with other advanced composite materials has made Gitzo the first and only manufacturer of a new generation of tripods that use Basalt fiber tubes. The fiber is made from basalt rock which is crushed and melted (at 1500°C or 2735°F). The extracted fibers are transformed into a tube via the same technology used for Gitzo Carbon 6X tube. Basalt tube has most of the features of carbon fiber, like high thermal and dimensional stability and reduced weight (20% lighter than aluminum). Like 6X, it is engineered to match Gitzo’s performance standards. Our Basalt tubes have a 1.2mm thick wall, a 3 crossed layer structure with built in Anti Leg Rotation (ALR). The performance and price of Basalt tripods puts them between aluminum and high performance Carbon 6X. Features inherited from the Mountaineer tripods include G- Lock - our leg locking system that increases system rigidity by 20% and allows quicker and stronger leg locking - and the new Ground Level Set feature that allows the upper disc to be fitted directly to the top casting, removing the center column for ground level photography or to save weight. The new 2008 basalt range features for series 1 and 2 a new third leg spread angle for an ultra low position that allows you to take full advantage of the Ground Level Set. Furthermore all series 2 tripods now feature a newly designed magnesium upper cast- ing for a further weight reduction and the new aluminum “Power Disc” for a more secure locking of the head thanks to the additional locking screw. Removable rubber feet and column hook assembly are now provided with a self- locking system to avoid accidental loss. Basalt tripods come with a convenient anti dust bag for storage and packing. The textile anti dust bag is also an answer to the environmental protection, aiming to reduce the amount of plastic bags that world industry introduces into the market each year.

	weight comparison Basalt tube is 20% lighter than aluminum and offers intermediate performance between aluminum and Carbon 6X tubing.
		The new 2008 series 1 and 2 basalt tripods feature a new third leg spread angle for an ultra low position that allows you to take full advantage of the Ground Level Set. All series 2 tripods now feature a newly designed magnesium upper casting for a further weight reduction.