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Hello every one, some time ago, I went crazy about what to buy for my first rig and after I started digging, I found there are hundreds of options and possible combinations to build from the cheapest rig to the most professional that can be found. I don't wanna bore you so i'll cut to the point. I made a chart with all the information about brands and prices I could find for different sleds, arms, vests, wireless focus systems, wireless video systems, monitors and batteries. This chart is not complete, as there are always new gadgets out there, but I believe it will help you get an idea, of what you could buy, or at least give you a glimpse of what are the options. I originally did this only for my self, but I thought it would be nice to share it with such a good community. I also made this document editable, so please feel free to add anything or correct it if needed. Have fun! :) https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxwiMldAo7EhZUZfMmtTMkdHRDA/view?usp=sharing

I had the Merlin2 arm and vest. Turns out my rig is too heavy. It weighs in at (cut down) around 24 lbs. Full rig weight can be anywhere between 24-30 depending. Scale accuracy aside im looking to get one that will work with my rig. I primarily do live events so on the go. I use my two DSLRs as secondary cameras so I just want something I can use to quickly take my rig off a tripod and transfer to the steadicam for quick movement shots, or simply place on the sled and support the entire time. I've done some research. Looking at the pricing it seems there isnt anything for less than $5,000 or so that will work with my primary camera. Not sure if anyone knows, however is there a way to buy just a heavy duty sled and not all the extra bells and whistles. I already have a Marshall broadcast monitor and hookups so thats not an issue I dont need all that extra stuff I really just need a quality steadicam that is smooth for heavier weights. Option one aside, there is also the option of using a smaller stabilizer with one of the DSLRs. Thats fine, however that brings to mind the question of using a sled or using a curve. Going again, barebones with the Merlin or a different route perhaps the new Steadicam Solo (although im concerned about durability with that one. Not sure of the pros and cons of either. The curve ones I believe may have more sway in the wind so a sled might be better. Alot of my work is outdoors. That being said, looking for advice thanks in advance.

Hello everyone, I have an Flyer LE which is the 12/24 model with a 19lbs weight range. That I have been using for a year and half now. It's has been great and more recently since I have found some steady work to use it with it. The thing I wanted to ask was about rewiring the sled to HD. I have the original monitor that came with the flyer and I've wanted to swap it out for a newer monitor maybe one I can add a yolk to it. Though I know that steadicam has a proitiary 9-pin connector which doesn't allow me to use anything esle.. A few things I'm unsure of is if I rewire the sled would I loss value in the rig or gain it? Also is there way to rewire it so that I can use original flyer monitor incase of a backup? I know many monitors have either a 4 pin xlr like the marshalls and I know the small HD's have a different plug in which to power them. So I figure I could get a cable to power either of them through a p-tap connector. Please correct me if I am wrong. I've been operating for a year and half now and I'm still learning. I was curious if there are anyone else that does rewiring I'm located in NY. I have contact some people though are busy at the moment though it would be great if anyone knew anyone else. Thank you all! Hope everyone has a great 4th of July.