http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutorials/monopods/ - quite old but that's due to the paucity of information sourced via Google.
I bought a Giotto monopod:
http://www.firstcall-photographic.co...20Monopod.html
Beautifully engineered, strong and contains three graphic arms that attached to either the base or head for alleged additional stability. However, whilst theoretically these arms should ensure additional support, they are rather a pain to set up. As a straightforward base, it's adequate so long as it's not windy or a decent zoom is used.
I used mine recently in Switzerland and it was used more as a walking stick with the camera being supported by alternative means, e.g. fences, walls etc.
Hope it helps.