Recently I bought my Manfrotto 055Prob with a ball head486RC2.  I love it. Tripod good I haven't find problem with it yet,( why would I?) I use it all sorts of position, what I realy like I can "strecth" a legs sideways horizontal, great help with macro stuff on a ground like lichen and so on. No carry bag but this is not effecting me to take it everywhere. Can set up for horizontal shot too. (Camera looking down on subject)

Ball head. Countless possibilities so practical what ever angle you want to shoot. One movement to release and lock a ball back on. So quick.
What I realy appreciate on a ball head, actually I can lock securly a camera to the plate. I could not do this on my old one. Holds a canon 400D with macro no worries at all.

this is my novice opinion hope it was helpful

seeya  Tunde