I am trying to get a good tripod on E-Bay ... I was wondering if there is any chance of getting some sticks at significant discount that still have any semblance of their former teeth and jumblies. I've always tried to avoid big purchases on e-bay, but I seem to classify this differntly in my head because it's not electronic. I'm thinking I may want to wait and go with a student discount, but that price will keep me pending until christmas!