Preston Puryear

We currently own a steadicam zephyr, which I operate and maintain for the company. The rig I typically fly is a Sony HDC-3500 with a Wide angle lens, 2 batteries at the bottom of the sled, steadicam monitor, and G-Zoom/focus controls. The complete weight of this set up (including sled, camera, etc.) is 32 lbs. The last time I weighed the camera with lens I believe it was around 14 lbs. Each battery weighs 2 lbs. My boss wanted to throw on wireless video and paint control for the camera which added on an extra 5 lbs. It ended up bending the screw that attaches the gimbal to the arm. We replaced the screw and have not put the additional weight on it since. I know that technically right now it is over weight. My question would be is the gimbal overweight? Is there a way to upgrade the gimbal or purchase a new sled that is compatible with the arm to ensure it doesn't cause any issues and allows for smoother operation/better shots and balancing? Currently it feels like I can never dynamic balance the rig perfectly because of the limited movement of the monitor and battery, but it could also be I'm not good at it yet, but I feel like a good part of it is the rig being over weight.

Looking for any leads regarding a complete rig (vest, arm, sled, and monitor). Prefer GPI or Tiffen. Needing a rig by next week!

I'm wanting to buy my own rig. Prefer it to be a complete package and in the US. Archer 2 with arm, vest, monitor, stand, and other accessories needed to fly an ENG Camera.

I agree with the head room, but it looks like a key factor in that is that the camera needs to be higher instead of tilting up, keeping the lense more at eye level

I'm looking into buying a rig in the next couple months and can't really figure out what rig is gonna be best for me. I work in the live broadcast industry doing concerts and corporate stuff. For wireless camera setups, we use sony pmw-320, with teradek and wireless paint. That comes to 14-16 lbs of camera weight depending on the lens. I would also be operating solo which means i would need an operator focus and zoom system. Also on the side, I do some filming with a dlsr which is only a 5 lb rig for that camera. I would love to have a rig that can do both but I know with the big difference in weight, that may not be possible. So what rig is best to start with? Zephyr, aero, or something different?