I have a Manfrotto 479B that I bought almost 15 years ago, it's still going strong. No carbon fibre of course, but still only 675g.
If you get one with lever leg locks make sure their tension is adjustable, otherwise you can't do anything about it when they start slipping after a couple of years. Twist locks don't have that problem, of course.
As for the head – like Troy said, it's not terribly important. The most critical aspect is the quick-release system (if you're using one), you want it to be compatible with the quick-release plates you have on your cameras and lenses. I'm ogling
this one at the moment, I just have to summon the callousness to spend that sort of money
Cheers
Steffen