anthonyplanes

Hi Mark From what I read about the Zephyr, I thought it was a great addition to the steadicam line and met the need for its weight class. I had a few questions: >How much better is its vest than the flyer? >Besides weight, how does it compare to the Archer? >I was glad to hear that you have used it on multi-camera tv projects. What cameras have you flown in that venue? Thanx Tony

It's been a while since your post but I was wondering if you found what you wanted? I have an excellent condition PRO vest with a modified waist band which is taller and beefier (also have the original one it came with). It was made for a strapping lad 5'9" 200lbs.

Hello Gentlemen I know this thread passed away due to natural causes months ago but I did want to get feedback about the trade off between eliminating the leg numbness and sacrificing the comfort of having your hips carry the load. If you raise the harness to eliminate the leg tingles, don't you also take away the benefit/comfort of hips supporting the bulk of the weight. Doesn't this also cause discomfort to the abdomen? Is there a magical sweet spot where you get the best of both worlds? On a side note, what are the pros/cons of carbon fiber arm placement on the back of the vest. Is lower and closer always better? Thanx Anthony Planes

Hello Sir I do have a gently used PRO vest (a little old lady only wore it on Sundays) that I might get rid of if I decide to keep the BM vest I am trying out. The weight is the same but I am more vertically challenged than you (5'9"). I did modify the waist strip with a taller and beefier pad. Just a thought Tony

Hello Bryan Once again Walter does beautiful work. He's a craftsman. I was just looking for a place to put a carabiner and a trigger snap but he's made a custom application. I was willing to eat a burger but Walter prefers to serve filet mignon. Thanx for the pictures. Tony

Hello Gentlemen Using a FM vest (PRO), it's easy to place a carabiner and/or snap trigger on the vest for fiber/triax attachment. I was interested to know how and where operators attach these connections to their Walter Klassen BM vest. Pictures would be useful. Thank you Anthony Planes

Alec I appreciate your time and experienced input. You're right, in the end I have to try it and see if I like it. Now that the homework and research phase is over, that's what I will do. Thanx Tony

Hello Alec Could you tell me the specific differences in body feel and stress between FM and BM vest? Tony

Alec I appreciate the offer to help. My waist is 36. Would all the pads have to be removed for me to fit? It would be easier to try your vest under load than have a demo sent from Walter. When did you buy your bm vest?

Hello Alec I'm 5'9" and 200lbs. I tried to demo Keith Greenwood's wk vest but I couldn't squeeze into it. You don't find a need for your wk vest and prefer the PRO?

I appreciate the quick response. So you would say that having the front mount capibility is better than keeping a seperate front mount vest? How would you describe the differences in body feel and response between back and front mount on the same vest?

Hello Gentlemen Of those operators who use a Walter Klassen/GB dual mount vest, I was wondering which mount is used more and in which circumstances. Example: 80% back carbon arm vs. 20% front mount and front mount only for tight squeezes. Is having the front mount option better than keeping a seperate front mount vest like a PRO? I read an old post about this but wanted more current feedback. Thank you Anthony Planes

I'm sorry for coming to this thread late as I cling fervently to the belief that there are "no stupid questions." If you raise the BM vest to eliminate the nerve impairment, does this partially decrease the load bearing ability of the hips which is a key factor of the BM vest? A follow up question if I may. I did a search for comments but wanted to find more current feedback regarding the issue of whether the BM dual mount vest is the best of both worlds. The benefits of a BM with better clearance. What are the drawbacks? Thank you Anthony Planes

I appreciate the response. I was not considering the Red option. Thanx Tony

Hello Gentlemen I'm exploring the option of buying a used Flyer LE with batteries/charger, weight plate, zoom/focus controller, etc. What's available at what price? Thanx Tony

Hello Mike When needed outdoors, I have a jacket that I had a seamstress install a side zipper that is used to accomodate the arm. Were you connected to the truck via fiber or triax? Tony

That is a good question about the weight limit of the ACT 2 vest. Would Sachtler make a vest that could handle a greater weight than their top arm could lift? The issue I had with the PRO vest waist pad was that it tapered. I wanted a uniform width or tallness that would cover a greater portion of my lower back. I had no problem with the length of the pad although the modification did provide a better fit according to your description. The folks at GPI told me who their foam vendor was but when I inquired, they didn't seem to know about GPI. Maybe I can find the happy medium between the shoulder piece digging into my skin and too much padding that causes the sloppy feel you mentioned. I appreciate the insights and suggestions... Tony

Hello Jess After wearing an Ultra and PRO vest, I thought the PRO was better designed and more supportive. When I received the vest, I was dissapointed that it didn't fit as well as the one I tried before buying. I learned from the owner that he had to modify his to get a better fit around the waist. I was underwhelmed that I would have to customize my custom made vest. The padding vendor informed me that there was a $500 minimum order requirement which motivated me to find my own solution. After contacting a foam and fabric merchant online, I ordered a strip of minicell closed foam which increased the width to 6" and enough cordura nylon to cover the piece. A seamstress put the components together plus added 2 loops and I spend under $100. The difference was amazing and well worth the effort. My modified PRO vest is great but the ACT 2 looks interesting. I would like to see if the new padding material and overall structure provides a better fit and adds more support. If it doesn't, I still have my PRO. Like I said, I can't justify owning 2 vests, especially since I'm months away from reaching a solid mediocre status in my skill level. Tony

I appreciate the informative replies. I bought the PRO vest in May '08 and modified the waist pad/band to make it more supportive (increased width to 6" along entire circumference). IF I like the ACT 2 when I demo it this month, I may be in the market to sell the PRO as I can't justify having 2 vests at this time in my early steadicam work. Thanx Tony

Hello Gentlemen I would like to know the personal experiences and feedback from operators who own or have used the ACT 2 vest. Does the material used in the padding really aid in dispersing moisture and can the vest components be adjusted to give a more custom feel? It seems to have features of the PRO and Ultra 2. Thank you Anthony Planes

Hello Adam I did reach him and the next workshop in Atlanta should be in August. I just wanted to know if there was one sooner and closer. Thank you Tony

Hello Gentlemen Would anyone know of any upcoming Steadicam Workshops in Florida? What are the requirements and cost to have private certified training? Thank you Tony