I have recently bought a Takara monopod off e-bay for the vast cost of £3.98 (more available), intending to hack off the head to use with my antique steel tripod, 750gr but only 390 long.

However the mono at 350gr and 450 long is so easy to carry and has not only swift horizontal and vertical swivels but also quick release top, so I am rather struck on its potential. I have found one quite handy instruction site:

http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3

But am confident that you WPF guys will be able to supply many more hints