In reply to tmawer:
Feels far, far more stable than the original beta sticks (can't comment on the new one). The poles are much more solid (without it being noticeably heavier) so there's no more fighting against gravity or the wind at full extension. This might be because it's an extension shorter than the original beta stick (I think), but the length hasn't been an issue for me at all, either in the UK or abroad. Plus I've got a lot of mileage out of it over the winter season as a brush stick (you get a brush you can screw into the head).
Can't recommend it enough, although it is ~double the price of a beta stick so depends what your price threshold is. It feels it'll last much longer than my old beta stick will though, so probs a good investment.
Post edited at 15:48