Ball head, 3-way pan tilt? for a new tripod.

[wapiti hunter2]

I didn't want to jack the ongoing "new tripod" thread but I noticed when searching through old posts that this hasn't been discussed.  I own two tripods.  Both Manfrotto.  Couldn't afford Gitzo.  On both, I put a small Manfrotto ball head.  An older version of the Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate.  I then bought a couple extra plates for my bigger lenses so I'm not always spending time switching plates.  After shooting off a tripod for the last 15 years, I wouldn't be caught without one.  What do you think?  Ball head, 3-way pan tilt, other?

[tlbradford]

Ball head as long as it locks up tight.  You need to get a nice one.  If you have to go cheaper, I think you are better off getting a nicer pan/tilt that locks up tightly.

[CanvasGear]

I prefer a good ball head but added a panoramic head under the ball head. Makes stitching alot easier.

CG