I want a Sled like a Steadicam Pilot but...

[Keith Moreau]

I have a Merlin, Merlin Arm/Vest, as well as a GlideCam 4000 Pro I've modified to work with the Merlin arm/vest. However, when I use the GlideCam, I miss the 'on the fly' left/right fore/aft adjustments that you can make on the fly with the Merlin. I'm intrigued by the Pilot, which I'm sure would work wonderfully with my Arm and Vest, as it was made for it, but I don't need the monitor, nor the battery pack, I just want the quick trim controls as well as the movable gimbal mounting point. Are there other less expensive alternatives that will give me these features? Thanks for any advice.

 

-Keith

[chris fawcett]

Hi Keith,

 

I doubt it! The Pilot sled is remarkably good for its price, and since you already have the arm and vest, it's—what is that quaint American expression?—a no-brainer, I believe.

 

All the best,

 

Chris

[Keith Moreau]

Hi Keith,

 

I doubt it! The Pilot sled is remarkably good for its price, and since you already have the arm and vest, it's—what is that quaint American expression?—a no-brainer, I believe.

 

All the best,

 

Chris

 

 

Thanks Chris, but to me the Pilot is a bit of an overkill, I already have a good monitor, I don't need a battery pack, I just really need the movable gimbal and micro adjustments, surely there is a less expensive alternative to the Pilot, thought I'm sure if I got it I would be satisfied, just, poorer...:)

[Mark Schlicher]

There is nothing between the GC 4000 and the Pilot. So if you feel the Pilot is overkill then you've answered your question. But if you want to up your game then the Pilot is the ticket.

 

The Pilot's advantages over the GC 4000 are more than just the gimabal and micro adjustements, and after operating with it for awhile you'll see that. Ability to lengthen the post, inertial weights and dynamic balance adjustments on the lower spar, etc.

 

To save money, look for used, and/or go with the AA battery model which is cheaper than the AB or IDX version.

[chris fawcett]

Thanks Chris, but to me the Pilot is a bit of an overkill, I already have a good monitor, I don't need a battery pack, I just really need the movable gimbal and micro adjustments, surely there is a less expensive alternative to the Pilot, thought I'm sure if I got it I would be satisfied, just, poorer...:)

 

Hi Keith,

 

You won't be poorer when you get a Pilot. You'll be richer. That's the point ;)

 

Chris

[Keith Moreau]

Thanks Chris, but to me the Pilot is a bit of an overkill, I already have a good monitor, I don't need a battery pack, I just really need the movable gimbal and micro adjustments, surely there is a less expensive alternative to the Pilot, thought I'm sure if I got it I would be satisfied, just, poorer...:)

 

Hi Keith,

 

You won't be poorer when you get a Pilot. You'll be richer. That's the point ;)

 

Chris

 

Thanks Chris and Mark, does anybody know if I need anything to adapt the Pilot to the Merlin Arm post? Right now with the Merlin I just slide the handle over a slightly angled post. Does the Pilot connection work the same, a tube that slides over the angled post?

 

Thanks again.

 

-Keith

[Janice Arthur]

Keith;

 

I'm sure of that you thought of it but I'd call Tiffen.

 

They are good with that kind of detail and would know for sure.

 

Also often they have demo gear for sale that might fit your budget.

 

JA

[Peter Abraham]

Indeed.

 

When you own a Merlin Arm/Vest kit already, you need only buy the Pilot Sled kit. It comes with the straight arm post. You take the yellow handled allen wrench that comes in the kit, loosen the lock on the bottom of the angled Merlin arm post and replace that post with the new straight one from your new Pilot Sled kit. Easy !!

 

The Pilot does indeed offer a bunch of highly useful features listed above. The pan bearing assembly is as good as the Ultra 2's, it is just a smaller diameter. Tools free stage adjust, tools free arm adjust, easily adjusted vest- plenty to like.

 

Best,

Peter Abraham