Many purists choose Systematic tripods precisely because they don"t have center columns, but sometimes it"s useful to have the extra height (or to be able to hang the camera underneath the tripod shoulder on an inverted column). This aluminum rapid center column is compatible with Series 2, 3 and 4 Systematic tripods. The wide-diameter tubing of the column maintains the strength of Systematic whatever height it"s set to. The "rapid" column slides freely and quickly in the tripod shoulder and is locked and unlocked via a simple twist mechanism similar to Gitzo tripod legs, offering the same strength and solid locking under heavy loads. Compared to older Systematic center columns, the new design is longer and features new components, including Gitzo"s much-improved Power Disc (with head locking screws) and a convenient retractable hook to allow stabilizing counterweights to be hung from the column. The column is fully compatible with the safety catch feature of Gitzo"s updated Systematic range, offering secure, accident-proof support, even during changeovers of center components.