Shared wisdom on this subject is to get the sturdiest tripod that is light & compact enough so it will be used and not left home. The properties to pay attention to are:
a) tripod weight
b) folded length
c) max height without center column extended
d) load capacity
Depending on intended usage, obviously the max acceptable values for each of these differ from one photog to another.
About 12 years ago I bought a Gitzo Basalt G1298 ( a=3.5lbs, b=19.3", c=47.2", d=12.1lbs ) - and it has served me well.
Two years ago I also purchased a Gitzo 5562 LTS ( a=6.5lbs, b=19.6", c=58.8", d=88lbs) - to work with a Horseman 617.
These are almost two extreme ends of the Gitzo tripod spectrum I have always been willing to bring the 1298 and leave the 5562 home.
One pleasant surprize after switching to a tech camera has been the fact that it does not need a super heavy tripod - so I have sold the 5562.
If I ever buy another tripod in the future, I would look for:
a = less than 2.5lbs => easy to carry
b = less than 20" => fits carry-on bags and easy to carry
c = more than 55" => more the better
d = more than 20lbs => 20lbs capacity is more than enough for me
I have never used a RRS tripod (have thought about their model 23) - but Gitzos are solid and the way G1298 has held up, I think it will last a lifetime.
Some would argue that a lighter tripod is just not good enough but that has not been my experience with Nikon D50, D200, D700, D800 and now Cambo 1200. Although I understand that for much larger systems the lightest tripod would be a level or two higher.
So all I am saying is - don't overlook the convenience factor