This is my second PMG tripod (or third, if counting my TR01) and yet again, I'm thoroughly impressed. My TR343L was my first and perhaps primary tripod, used with a PMG BH1 ball head. I usually prefer fewer leg locks to fiddle around with. However, there are situations where the TR343L is just a tad too long when collapsed. The TR344 is the same max height as the TR343L, but approx. 4.25" shorter when collapsed. This may not seem like much, but it's significant to me. Both tripods came with the modular apex, which is wonderfully versatile (not to mention, beautiful). I use the modular apex on my TR343L, along with PMG's 75mm leveling head and bowl. The "penalty" with the modular apex is that it adds a fair bit to the overall diameter of the tripod when folded. I purchased and swapped in the TRS01 compact apex onto the TR344 which significantly reduces the diameter, making it still more compact. Exactly what I was looking for. The modularity of PMG tripods is truly my favorite feature.
Just a few more details of the TR344 that I love: 1) Leg locks that easy to grab with gloves, require very little rotation to loosen/tighten and they stay SOLIDLY locked. 2) The leg angle position locks are simple and intuitive to use. 3) Included/integrated spiked feet.
This tripod is very light yet rock solid, of course. There seem to be a few nice updates on my TR344 vs. TR343L: 1) The PMG logo is proudly on each aluminum leg "pivot", as it should be. 2) The carbon fiber has a striking large triangular pattern. My TR343L has a smaller "chevron" shaped pattern, which looks great, but the new TR344 legs are stunning. I'm no expert on carbon fiber patterns, but wow PMG... keep it up! Function should follow form, but PMG nails both.