Telepod Head vs. Manfrotto 410 Gear Head

I have a Manfrotto Gear Head sitting on a Bogen 3021 tripod. I'm using this setup with a Pronto. It's nice to have the slow-motion ability of the gear head. However, it's also very slow moving far across the sky, and it also has locked up on me in the past requiring repair.

So, would I be happy with the Telepod Head, a Pronto Balancing Aid, and an Eyepiece Caddy? Is the Bogen 3021 hefty enough for this setup?

Thanks. macnmotion

The rule of thumb I use for tripods is to use half the mfr's specified weight capacity for astronomical use. The Bogen 3021 is rated at 13 lbs, so the combined weight of the OTA, Telepod, balance aid, EP caddy, and EP's should not exceed 6.5 lbs. You do the math -- it appears a tripod may be a little light. Still useable, but probably will be a bit shakey. Perhaps leave off the EP caddy and the weight of the EP's. You may be able to get by without the balance aid by judicious adjustment of the altitude bearings on the Telepod.

As for the mount itself, I think the Telepod would be a great improvement over the geared head, although I suggest you look at the Unistar Light as another alternative. I heve both a Telepod and Unistar Light, and prefer the Unistar Light because of better balance in the altitude axis.

Jim