Dual Mount

[anthonyplanes]

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

[Iain Baird]

I own a Dual Mount, I've been using it for four years now. When I first started using it I would only switch to the front mount for tight spaces but now I find I switch much more often. I personally find that for longer shots with plenty of lockoffs or those that I know will require multiple takes or sizes I'm better off using the back mount as it gives me better endurance. But that being said, I also recently found that I'm better at executing delicate moves or shots that require a softer touch using the front mount. It may be all in my head but it has me switching back and forth much more often now, more like 60-40 vs. the 90-10 it used to be.

[anthonyplanes]

I own a Dual Mount, I've been using it for four years now. When I first started using it I would only switch to the front mount for tight spaces but now I find I switch much more often. I personally find that for longer shots with plenty of lockoffs or those that I know will require multiple takes or sizes I'm better off using the back mount as it gives me better endurance. But that being said, I also recently found that I'm better at executing delicate moves or shots that require a softer touch using the front mount. It may be all in my head but it has me switching back and forth much more often now, more like 60-40 vs. the 90-10 it used to be.

 

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?

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Anthony,

 

What size are you?

 

I'm in NYC as well. I have a WK Universal vest with a low profile arm and the reinforced shell to accommodate the front socket-block (this requires a thicker/more expensive harness and the door must be hinged on one side versus rachett straps on both sides). I never had the holes drilled for the actual socket block as I've always owned a front mounted vest as well, but at the time I had it built, I wasn't sure what I was going to do and didn't want to lock myself in.

 

Funny thing is that I never use this vest at all as I use my PRO vest all of the time. You should come look at it if you'd like.

 

Cheers.

[RonBaldwin]

I have had a dual mount for many years. Tried the front mount once and it was at too much of an angle, I couldn't correct it on my arm so I just stuck with the back mount. I too have both a pro vest and a wk and have been switching back and forth (boredom on a bad show). I feel my work is better with the wk, but the pro is so much more comfy. The pro certainly works more muscles...more fatigue on longer shots!

 

sorry I veered a bit away from the original question -- I've always wanted to try it out but it just didn't work on mine and was really never needed in my case.

 

 

rb

[anthonyplanes]

Anthony,

 

What size are you?

 

I'm in NYC as well. I have a WK Universal vest with a low profile arm and the reinforced shell to accommodate the front socket-block (this requires a thicker/more expensive harness and the door must be hinged on one side versus rachett straps on both sides). I never had the holes drilled for the actual socket block as I've always owned a front mounted vest as well, but at the time I had it built, I wasn't sure what I was going to do and didn't want to lock myself in.

 

Funny thing is that I never use this vest at all as I use my PRO vest all of the time. You should come look at it if you'd like.

 

Cheers.

 

 

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?

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Anthony,

 

I grew up on a front mount. I used an old model 1 vest for years and when the upper spar cracked, I rebuilt it with one from a Master Series. Never thought it was as rigid so I ordered a WK based on countless endorsements (I should add that Walter and his staff are amazing). Used it for awhile, but I never cared for the angle a BM vest places the arm at or the increased burden it places on your lower abdomen. Tried a friend's PRO vest one day and loved it. Ordered one thinking I was going to go back and forth but now I leave the BM at home.

 

I'm 5'9 as well but a mere 160 pounds. You can take a look at it if you are interested as I have a bunch of different pads for it (my waist is 32).

[anthonyplanes]

Anthony,

 

I grew up on a front mount. I used an old model 1 vest for years and when the upper spar cracked, I rebuilt it with one from a Master Series. Never thought it was as rigid so I ordered a WK based on countless endorsements (I should add that Walter and his staff are amazing). Used it for awhile, but I never cared for the angle a BM vest places the arm at or the increased burden it places on your lower abdomen. Tried a friend's PRO vest one day and loved it. Ordered one thinking I was going to go back and forth but now I leave the BM at home.

 

I'm 5'9 as well but a mere 160 pounds. You can take a look at it if you are interested as I have a bunch of different pads for it (my waist is 32).

 

 

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?

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Anthony,

 

Sounds like it may be a bit small for you, but I suppose driving from Queens to Brooklyn is easier than shipping one out. Worst case scenario, you've wasted a couple of hours. I'm working tomorrow, but should be around Wed or Thurs?????

 

I'll message you my contact info now.

[anthonyplanes]

Hello Alec

 

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

 

Tony

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

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

 

First, I'll say that all BM vests are not created equal. I think some manufactures jumped on the band wagon with Walter's success, but for the most part they have created torture devices. Walter Klassen's BM harness is in a league of its own so that is the only one I will discuss (and the only one I've owned and used extensively). As for specifics? You should try it and see for yourself. I think Walter's harness does relieve some stress on your back but it places more stress on your lower abdomen. A good FM vest (they are by no means all created equal either) such as the Ultra 2 or PRO goes a long way to distributing the weight on your hips as well. In short, ANY good vest distributes the weight to the hips. Weight on the shoulders is not a good thing as it compresses the spine (some operators like having some weight up there but I am not one of them - the shoulder straps should prevent the vest form slipping around too much and not much more).

 

Chris Fawcett is the real expert on this stuff and if you have not read his excellent paper on Steadicam posture, please do so. It can be found here:

http://steadivision.com/steadipos.html

 

Like with all things Steadi, there is a lot of different views and opinions. Try multiple products for as long as you can and then decide what is best for you.

[anthonyplanes]

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