[29.5" (75 cm)] For my trusty time tested on 35 year old heavy duty Gitzo Tripod.

The cranking mechanism finally broke after extremely heavy use, as a still life photographer, my camera lives on that tripod.

I did not expect to find an EXACT DUPLICATE PART MADE IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY all these years later. But I did, and I am grateful.

This has not been modified or cheapened in the manufacturing process in all this time, and it fit perfectly to the millimeter.

Pricey to be sure, but a new rock - I mean tripod - of this caliber and weight cost over a grand, less the head. 

Gitzo actually made a tripod to last a lifetime. 

So if you have a Gitzo, and you want to keep it going, this replacement part is a blessing from God.

[4.3 lb (1.9 kg)] Adds versatility to the tripod without compromising stability. Pricy, but worth the cost.

[29.5" (75 cm)] I bought the center column to use with a Gitzo Series 5 tripod. I mainly use it as a lateral arm for macrophotography. The gearing is preferable for coarse focusing adjustment. I use a micrometer-based focusing rail for ultra fine adjustment. When used with Canon's 5X MP-E lens, it allows precise focusing adjustment with little viewfinder vibration. It is impossible for my other tripods. Only then did I realize why a Manfrotto 055 with builtin center column/lateral arm is so much inferior. I found it also a perfect center column. When used with a long series 5 tripod, I only need to extend one leg section, and the height can be adjusted for most shooting needs. Even when it is at the max height, it is more stable than my other Gitzo tripods with column down. The advice that you should not use the center column does not apply to this one, thanks to its one-piece machined aluminum construction. The gearbox uses a transmission gear, which prevents the column to go down by gravity. It actually won't budge when I apply my body weight. The head platforms are perfect for an Arca-Swiss D4 because of the recess. Might not be good for very large heads. The only downside is the weight of the package.

[29.5" (75 cm)] I added this center column to my Gitzo series 5 tripod for added vertical camera adjustment, my only regret is not buying it with the tripod. I cheeped out and didn't buy it originally but ended up purchasing it later anyway. This geared column is as finely crafted as is the tripod, checks all boxes for fit, finish, and function. Solid, stable, smooth operation, precise. Well done, Gitzo!

[4.3 lb (1.9 kg)] I bought this in a scramble before a job and had buyer's remorse immediately after. It's a bit heavy with the legs I got and I wished I had gotten a carbon fiber non-geared column.
But when put into use, I realized it was absolutely the right move. Using the lever to move and up and down with a heavy payload was really excellent and I'm glad I kept it. The only negative is that when rigged with a lateral side arm, the weight made moving down a bit jumpy. But supporting the weight with my other hand while lowering solves that.

[36.2" (92 cm)] this is the best tripod i have ever had or used in 45 years 25 of which i worked as a paid pro photographer

[Aluminum] I purchased this to go with my GT5543LS tripod and GH4383LR ball head. The build quality is exceptional. It is incredibly light. The Gitzo ball head mounts perfectly on it and there is a set screw to keep it in place. Truly a must have for Series 5 tripods.

[29.5" (75 cm)] Im really cranked up over this!!

[5.8 lb] I absolutely love this tripod. As heavy as it is though, call me crazy, I find myself wanting a hook on the bottom of the center column in the same manner as the rapid column. Searching and searching I've yet to find one. However for $12 I believe I've found a better solution. I found everything between the hardware and lock aisles at my local Lowe's home improvement store.

The thread on the bottom is the usual 3/8 inch so you need a 3/8-16 coupling nut, 3/8 etc Specialty Bolts drawer. Then I can attached a 3/8 inch Eye Bolt (load capacity of 160 lbs). Over in the lock aisle they have heavy duty carabiners. I got the 5/8 x 4+3/4 Interlocking Spring Snap, which wide enough to accommodate the handle of about any bag. Its load capacity is 738 lbs.

Hope this helps

[36.2" (92 cm)] Typically Gitzo, this is a sturdy add-on. I bought this to work with the right angle bracket to easily get accurate horizontal camera movement. It is a bit awkward to attach to the Series 5 tripod.