Hey @elmullet, this is an interesting topic for me since I just bought a new tripod.
I ended up going for a Manfrotto MT190CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber Tripod, but that was only after I bumped my budget up from $100 or so, to $300.
The reason that I was looking for a new tripod was because my cheap ZOMEi Q111 Aluminum Tripod literally broke into a few pieces the other day.
One of the biggest things that I wanted in a new tripod was adjustable angle legs so that I could be more creative with my compositions.
Anyhow, if you are a pro Lenspiration member, you can check out this great article from the Foundations of Photography course. Scenario: Buying Accessories and Other Equipment, or this one that anyone can access about how James found the right tripod for himself. Tracking Down the Right Tripod.
