As usual, this Novoflex Ballhead has a unique design and is conceived, designed and manufactured with the needs of the user foremost in mind.
The ClassicBall is the world's first ballhead three vertical 90° openings for the ball neck, instead of the usual one or two. This increases the flexibility of the photographer. The head also features a panning base with an independent lock, and this version of the ClassicBall sports the Novoflex Q-Base Arca-type quick release mechanism. Both locking mechanism controls (for the panning base and for the main ball) are captive, and cannot fall off accidentally.
Novoflex's AFC (advanced friction control) system provides precise repeatable, defined friction presets suitable for all your various camera setups. The blue, horizontally-aligned friction control ring has five preset friction settings to allow rock-steady positioning. The stepped increases in friction are sensibly progressive, so that nearly any combination of gear will be ideally suited to be moved easily when you move it but unable to move upon its own when your hand is away. Additionally, the friction control was deliberately designed so that the setting cannot be changed unless the ball is locked-this precludes sudden movement of the camera from setting too little friction, since you'll have to consciously unlock the ball every time after making a friction adjustment.
The ClassicBall is amongst the select few ballheads which are so finely produced as to not require lubrication. A 'dry ball' attracts no dirt, dust or debris and generally requires no maintenance. It is also much more difficult to manufacture, since its machining tolerances are so much finer than a conventional ballhead with lubricant upon the ball.