I used to use a Manfrotto ballhead for years and it was mediocre at best.
About 10-12 years ago, I simply said the heck with it and went with an Arca-Swiss B1 ball head. Never regretted it and with a Really Right Stuff plate, it makes using the head easy. I now have a couple of them.
I've tried others including the Giottos. None were as durable, solid or locked-down as well as the Arca.
I mainly used this system on a 500EL/M and up to the 350mm. It always has worked well.
Alternatives to the Arca head would be the Really Right Stuff, Kirk, and Markins heads.
In any case, I still use the heads today and use the Manfrotto sticks, both metal and carbon. The Arca heads will outlast most tripods, in my opinion.