I have a 681B and a 484RC2 miniball head. I also take the ball head off for long lenses like the K 300 since the whole platform feels more stable. There are times, though, like a a recent balloon rally, when the head was important because it allowed my to point the lens upwards without too much lean.
I like the 681B monopod very much but really can't compare it to anything else. I use it quite a bit since it's so easy to take it on a walk asa walking stick with the camera perched on top.
