I normally shoot with a Series 3 Gitzo Mountaineer, 3 section, centre column replaced with a Markins leveling plate. I like Gitzo because it reliable, tough, light and easy to use and maintain.
It's very sturdy but too big and heavy for serious climbing i.e. multi-pitch routes at high altitude which living in the alps is about 4000M. For that I'm using a Gitzo Series 1 'Traveller'. It's a 4 section model, about 40cm folded and weighs less than 1 Kg. I replaced the long centre column with the short one from Gitzo and use a lightweight Markins Q3 ball head. With a D2x or D200 and the 12-24mm f4, it's pretty good, with the 17-55 2.8 and mirror lock-up I can get away with it as long as I hang my pack on the tripod hook. I try not to use the 4th set of legs.
Although an excellent product by virtue of it's weight and size you have to be realistic.
You'll need to check the specific model numbers as Gitzo changed them for 2007. The series and model names stayed the same.
p.s. never believe manufacturer load claims. As Lisa said try it first. I do that for all support equipment. It doesn't matter if you are spending USD 100 or USD 1500, try it first.