Solid construction is a recurring them with Takahashi. The clam-shell design with a single knurled tightening nut makes it simple to balance as you add/remove accessories & cameras. A felt liner protects the OTA from scratches and allows the OTA to slide smoothly while balancing. The knurled tightening nut has slightly chipped the paint on the tube holder itself from my own carelessness in letting it rest on the holder when not in use. The clam-shell looks like it could accomodate scopes of slightly varying diameters easily.