Brant,
I'm facing the same question (see my thread here http://community.the-digital-picture...ead.php?t=7054)
Sirui seems to be an interesting brand and gets good reviews. I'll probably go with the aluminum version M-3004 to save some money, I don't do too much hiking. The CF version is the M-3204
You can check their distributor's website for local dealers if you want to check them out in a local store: http://www.sirui-photo.us/Sirui/Siru...A-(Sirui).html

Here is a video were the tripods are tested (in German, but at least you can see how it handles): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETUTJvNAWrw
Ballheads seem to test well, too. Even the smallest holds a 1D body with 300 f/2.8 in the vertical position.

I might drive up to the city next week to see them in a store