Thanks, I really liked the review, and learned a lot about the product. Thanks for taking the time to really explain things.<br><br>Timm

<b>[COLOR="Navy"]As always, an excellent review Ed, Thanks![/COLOR]</b> <br>[SIZE="Small"](What happened to the Vixen 140 NA?)[/SIZE] <br>Having once experienced a similar issue with a counter weight (. . “the bottom weight slipped off...”) I recently purchased a Quick Release Toe Saver from ScopeRoller, an AstroMart sponsor: http://www.scoperoller.com/ <br>I've tested this simple pin device with an A-P 1200, 18 lbs counter weight and had no problems at all. With the mount in minimum altitude position and the shaft siliconed, I drop tested the 18 lbs weight from the top of the shaft with the locking screw removed. The pin stopped it from falling off with no apparent damage to the Toe Saver. I tried it 3 times with the same results – not that I recommend this because eventually you’ll bend the pin. <br>IMHO, anyone that uses counter weights on an EQ mount should invest in one of these simple devices. <br>Even at $50.00 for the A-P version it's cheaper than the eventual alternative that seems to happen to everyone at least once. <br>