Nicholaus James

Hey all,

I saw on newshooter.com post about this sled being released by SmartSystem about 7 months ago.

First, I don't know the quality of their products, so how are their sleds?  I know they are more a "budget" sled compared to some of the bigger brands such as GPI Pro, Tiffen, MKV, and Arri, but are they at least decent?  I have the Glidecam X45 sled, and I feel it's pretty good for it's price point.

I have a Ronin 2 already, so seeing this as my next step sled to get into a "poor man's Trinity" would be great.  Plus, I like the option it can be converted into a standard sled for normal Steadi use, as well.

If any one can chime in on this, that would be wonderful. 

Thank you!

Why selling?

Awesome!  I'll get in touch with you via email!

Tom, I own an X45 sled from you guys.  Love it!  I see in this pic that the yoke and handle on the gimbal has been updated.  Can I get mine updated??

SOLD.

Bump.

Selling my Zephyr system with everything you see here in the pics. (C-stand NOT included)

Has cosmetic blemishes, and there is a VERY LIGHT scratch on the monitor, as you can see in the pics.

Everything is in full working order.

Selling this trusty system as I have upgraded to a larger rig.

I'll pay for standard UPS ground shipping (domestic US) in this transaction.

Please ask any questions you may have. I'm here to help!

$6500 obo

Just got in my Cam-Jam Quattro II monitor bracket!

Got the version 2 that has just been released. I have a SmallHD 702 monitor, so purchased that monitor kit, but didn't install the battery plate on the bracket, as I will just continue using my Canon LP-E6 batteries.

Had to order a custom ring to keep the clamp snug to the center post as it isn't a standard size.

If any one is looking into this set up, I had it measured with a digital caliper with a measurement of 40.8mm that I sent them.

The bracket fits nice and snug on the post!

The Quattro II is built very well and the customer service at Cam-Jam was top tier. This bracket was not cheap by no means, but was worth the money. Highly recommend!

With the sled, the Quattro, and the SmallHD monitor, I spent well under $8000 for this sled set up.

With the specs that this sled is capable of holding, I think this was a steal of a deal.

No, it's not modular, and there's not much else I can do to it, but I still see great value in this set up.

Next step will be adding a Ronin 2 system to it to provide me with a "Poor Man's Trinity" system.

The center post doesn't extend too far out, compared to some other sleds out there, but I have a clever idea to help counter the top heaviness of a camera/Ronin 2 set up at the top of the sled.

Stay tuned for that!

I decided to pull the trigger on the X-45 sled. Tom at Glidecam was running an incredible deal on it with $1000 off. as a year-end sale. He also worked with me by taking the monitor, monitor arm, and case off the package, as I am looking into the CamJam Quattro Monitor mount/yoke to use on the system because of your guys' advice on the Glidecam monitor bracket.

You guys are correct. The battery hanger isn't great, but it isn't terrible.

I'm quite impressed with the build quality of it, and think it was a steal for getting it for $4500 brand new.

Once the CamJam Quattro comes in, plan on mounting a SmallHD 702 to it. With those 2 components, the sled will have run me about $6500. A sled that will support 45lbs at this price bracket, I feel like it was a great buy. And I should get a decent amount of life out of it considering steadicam-oping isn't my sole line of work, but an addition to the services I provide.

Got the Steadicam Fawcett Exovest and the G-50x arm on the way to complete the system. And then I'm looking into putting the Ronin 2 on it by summer time to give me a "poor man's" Arri Trinity system.

I'll let you all know how it works out!

I really appreciate the detailed and open feedback. It really helped me in the purchase! This community is great!

Wow wow wow! Thank you soooo much for the advice! So much to chew on, but so informative!!

Thank you Beau for taking time out of your schedule to answer my question in-depth.

Lots to think about for sure! Much appreciated!!

Nick

Hey guys, I've been looking all over, and can't get any info on this.

I know this sled has been out for a while, and yes, I know there are more prominent brands such as Steadicam, GPI PRO, and XCS, but how does this sled fair for the price they are offering it at? The gimbal quality? The electronics?

This sled seems to be in the budget I'm in at this point in time. Building a system is a journey, not a destination, right?

Any in put on this would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Okay. Just got off the phone with Michael, at Steadicam. I wanted to get it "from the horse's mouth." He did confirm, indeed, that the Zephyr model is a 24lb. camera capacity rig. He had stated that around NAB they had not developed the arm yet and that they were flying the Zephyr sled on a Flyer arm. The arrm and vest are NOT Flyer products. The entire Zephyr system is a redesign. So, to end all the confusion, now you know! This rig is going to be so HOT for the new RED cams coming to market!

Just a heads up, Michael said that they are out 60 days in filling orders. He said by March they should be caught up.

You guys are awesome. Thank you!

I'm thinking I better just go with a complete set with someone. Either keep saving, or go used. Right?

I HATE buying something twice. I'd rather do it once, correct.

Kansas City

Thanks Eric. Appreciate the advice.

Is the Glidecam gimbal any good, for it's price point?

I own a Flyer LE now. Want to step up into a larger rig, but wanting to stretch my buck.

I think the vests and sleds from Glidecam are in my price range in correlation to the weight limit capacities. But I hate their arms.

Nothing beats Steadicam arms, IMO.

So, I'm just checking to see if the arm will mate to both the vest and sled appropriately.

I see your point, Eric, on the post diameter. I'm okay with being "stuck" with just the sled from Glidecam, for right now.

I was wondering if I could use the Glidecam Gold Vest, with the Steadicam G-50 arm, with the new Glidecam X-45 sled?

They advertise that all the components are "industry standard." But I just want to know from you users if mixing brands will work?