The mount's chief problem which was a lack of proper tension was addressed by Orion which is why I purchased a second one. The first one was returned for a refund.
The only two problems I've encountered are:
1) Adding the 16" extension tended to add a slight amount of vibration. I tend not to use the spreader bar so some of it might disappear if I did.
2) If the azimuth tension knob is cranked down and then I slew the scope, it tends to unscrew a bolt that's inside the mount causing the mount to wobble slightly. That bolt is held in place by a single tiny hex screw. Orion needs to add a second one. But if I don't crank up the az tension, no problem occurs. Since the last time I took apart the mount and tightened the hex screw, the bolt has remained tight.
As to how it performs, well, it does require that the scope be perfectly balanced. Once it is balanced, I can slew just about anywhere and when my hand leaves the scope, it stays put. Biggest problem is when switching from a lightweight eyepiece to an extremely heavy one such as the 41mm Panoptic. That requires a major rebalance. I've gotten to where I know where the scope should be within the tube ring for most eyepieces so balancing is pretty fast. When two scopes are used, balancing becomes more critical as well as time-consuming. I could just crank up the altitude tension, but that would make slewing a herky-jerky affair.
Overall I'm very happy with the mount. It's extremely well built as well as attractive. But with the 12 lbs. extension added, it's hardly grab and go.
-------------------- Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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