For a ball head I can recommend the Sirui K-40x.
It does the job of the prestige brand models at a more expendable price.
review: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/819...heads-tested/7
35kg rating and 6 yr warranty.

I payed $179 for mine from an Australian store.
Silky smooth ball motion, with simple tried and true design.
I have not had it long enough to have needed to look into ease of stripping it down.
Worst comes to worst its 2-3 times less expensive than some heads of suitable build and size for your tripod.