tripod head canon 40d and sigma 120-300 (1 Viewer)

I am currently using a canon 40d plus battery pack with sigma 120-300 occasionally with tele converters, on a manfrotto 055xprob with a 486rc2 ball head. I want to upgrade the head to something a bit more substantial and would like other readers veiws on what to buy. Looking at some of the video type heads it looks to me as if the handles might impede with the battery pack. I want to move away from the ballhead design as the outfit is quite heavy and unless everything is locked tight you get the lens slamming against the tripod legs. Your veiws and recomendations will be very much appreciated.

Many thanks for your replies in advance

DB100

I should have mentioned above that I have a budget of £200-250-00 max.

Have a look at the Manfrotto 501 video head, it's rock solid and very smooth. It does have a huge handle, but this can be moved around or shortened. At ~£140 it's an extremely good value head.

Have a read at the "who needs a gimbal " thread. I use an acratech GV2 and its great but if you want to get away from the ball head the new head from them may be of interest.