I have no complaint on either count Max. I tend to use mine with 2 lenses in particular but mainly with the Tammy 200-500. I do tend to find that used 'cradle style' seems to be a more stable way but there is little in it. The adjustment wheels on either side can be tightened for dampening.
Panning is pre-set at the factory but is adjustable if you wish with an alen key and screw inset into the centre swivel point. Jaybee on the 'Durham' forum uses his with the Sigmonster and like myself has found no reason to make any adjustment to the factory setting. However, the rubber grip on the centre swivel may require some additional adhesive but it is easy to do if necc and just needs a hole in the rubber to allow alen key access. A minor point but worth mentioning I think.
Either way it is very smooth in use.
A couple of other points. On my giottos tripod at full extention, the 393 used in 'hangar' style and the lens horizontal the camera viewfinder (or scope eyepiece) is over 6'. Ideal for the tall folks. Secondly in 'cradle style the camera baseplate is very close to the tripod mounting plate. This makes it slightly lower than a ball and socket head. I find the main advantage with this when shooting macro with the 180/200 lenses. In fact, with these lenses I find it ideal for macro work as there is no shift that you often get when locking an 'economical' (read: mine!) b&s head. If using a complex multi-flash system the whole set-up can be counter-balanced. This applies to all gimble type heads of course.
Regarding the Wimberley Sidekick mentioned elsewhere. On the face of it, it's a lot cheaper than the full-house version but for those wishing to step up to this from a b&s head, be very carefull. The sidekick mounts to your existing qr plate in horizontal format. This means that all the weight of the sidekick, camera, lens, battery pack, flashgun etc is only supported on the neck piece of the b&s. Not ideal if you are stepping up and have a cheapo version. The Sidekick and ideal b&s is almost more expensive than a full Wimberley.
Hope this helps.
Denis.