Steadicam Flyer LE versus Flyer

[Diggy Breiling]

I have a line on a Flyer that is in my budget. I like the idea of the LE version as it supports more weight. What are the other differences.

 

I will be flying HDSLR and a XL-H1A. I am concerned about the H1A weight with accessories.

 

Can the Flyer be upgraded to the an LE or otherwise upgraded to carry more weight?

 

Are there other differences between the Flyer and Flyer LE?

 

 

Kind Regards,

Diggy

 

 

(If this discussion is elsewhere please point me to it, my search did not return the result I was looking for)

[Stefano Ben]

Right, the LE Version (with its telescopic center post) was made for carry more weight.

 

If I remember well, Also The Vest was upgraded!

 

Steve

[Robert Wall]

Diggy

 

I remember reading somewhere by a Tiffen rep that the LE sled was "completely different". That said I think the gimbal is supposed to be better, and as said, it's designed with a bit more weight in mind.

[Mark Schlicher]

Major differences: (Flyer LE/Flyer)

 

1. Carbon fiber telescoping post vs. aluminum fixed length post

2. Larger diameter post and grip

3. Larger, heavier-duty gimbal

4. 19 lb arm vs. 15 lb arm (some other design modifications, too)

5. slightly improved vest (metal shoulder buckle attachments)

6. Hitch pins in the arm sections to make the arm easier to switch to goofy (earlier arms can be upgraded cheaply

7. Earlier Flyers had a black Steadistand. The later FLyers and all LE's (I believe) come with a Steadistand that is a short C-stand.

 

Some things that were NOT changed:

1. top and bottom stages basically unchanged

2. vest basically unchanged (except as I noted above)

3. standard def monitor unchanged

 

 

Some other changes were slip-streamed into the Flyer line, such as the earliest Flyer vests had a slightly different attachment between the vest spar and waistband. Some of the later Flyers had an improved pivot for the battery paddle, similar to the one that all LE's had. The very earliest Flyers had gray-painted arms and red anodizing on some knobs and bits (a partial carryover from the Mini, which the FLyer basically replaced). The most recent version of the compact vest (shipping since early 2010) is re-designed to be even more "compact" than the earlier version.

 

Keep in mind that you may encounter (on the used market), several variations of both the LE and original Flyer. 24 volt and HD models were produced. The original Flyer had an "SE" (Special Edition) model that included a leather vest and some other goodies. Standard-issue soft case or rigid Thermodyne shipping case were offered.

[Mark Schlicher]

As for your weight questions, the Flyer can often handle a bit more than spec'd, but the gimbal can fail if you abuse it in this way. It can't be upgraded to a Flyer LE. The LE gimbal is said to be more robust.

 

Buy a postal scale. You can find them dirt cheap from ebay sellers. Weigh your configuration. The Flyer/Flyer LE spec's are for the "camera payload". You don't need to weigh your batteries. Weigh everything that will live above the gimbal.

 

I have a line on a Flyer that is in my budget. I like the idea of the LE version as it supports more weight. What are the other differences.

 

I will be flying HDSLR and a XL-H1A. I am concerned about the H1A weight with accessories.

 

Can the Flyer be upgraded to the an LE or otherwise upgraded to carry more weight?

 

Are there other differences between the Flyer and Flyer LE?

 

 

Kind Regards,

Diggy

 

 

(If this discussion is elsewhere please point me to it, my search did not return the result I was looking for)

[Diggy Breiling]

Mark and All,

 

Thank You for the detailed response, very much appreciated. Enough to convince me for now to wait until I can get a Flyer LE. I'll just keep my eye out, if anyone hears of one that available please let me know.