Hi Stu, just noticed your post about Feisol. I ordered a CT-3402 direct from them about 6 months ago. Took a bit of a gamble with it as I'd read some favourable reviews on the internet before buying. What I would say is that I would probably go for the CT-3401(4 section but slightly longer sections, therefore taller) or CT-3301(3 section) if you want it for most of your general birding, or even go for one of their bigger models.
I think carbon is worth the extra, but it depends on how much you want to lug it around. I bought my Feisol for occasional use with a travel scope, and wanted to be able to pack it in a rucksack, but unless this is vital to you, a 3 section pod would make more sense because of the extra stiffness.
My main pod is a Manfrotto 055 MFV which is definitely more sturdy, but isn't that much lighter than equivalent aluminium models. This seems to be the main drawback of Manfrotto carbon tripods. Other makes such as Gitzo, Velbon & Feisol produce pods with similar specs that are considerably lighter.
The small Feisol is generally well built, the legs are nice and stiff and don't flop about (as my Manfrotto does-causes pinched fingers!), but the main difference is that they flex more because they are thinner per section than the 055-as you would expect. It works best if you can sit down to use it, and is even better with the head screwed directly onto the (supplied) top plate, instead of the centre column. Obviously this dramatically affects its height. If you place both hands near the top of the legs when fully extended, it will 'rotate' just a little in both directions, again because of the extra flex in the legs compared with my 055.
I suppose the ultimate question is how do different makes compare in the long term? Mine is still new so I can't answer this. What I do know is that if something drops off my Manfrotto, or it breaks, I will be able able to get replacement parts for it quite easily. I have read several reports from customers who've bought Feisol, that have had spares sent out free of charge from the factory, no questions asked. Seems they are a newish company who are keen to make a reputation for themselves, and are going the right way about it.
Their main problem is that they only seem to be available from Taiwan, so it's difficult to test before you buy.
If you are thinking of ordering, beware that, at least in the UK, there is a hefty import charge of about £30 to pay on top of the actual price of the tripod. Cost me about £170 in total, whereas a Velbon 630 carbon would have been cheaper and sturdier for less money. Don't Know if they are available at similar discount prices in your part of the world, but the Velbons seem to be constantly available over here for around half to two-thirds the cost of my 055.