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Custom Zephyr Gimbal Wrap Grip


Frederic Sturm

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Just thought I'd share this with fellow Zephyr Ops:

 

I really love my Zephyr, one of its shortcomings however -I think- is the gimbal grip. It's small diameter has always bugged me a bit, because when I use bigger rigs it always fees like the larger grips allow better control and more precision. Since we got a really good 3D printer to develop and manufacture special parts and brackets a while ago, I thought I'd give it a try and make a wrap grip specially for the Zephyr.

 

It came out quite nice the first time, but it took some experimenting to make it really accurate (down to 0.1mm), get the surface nice to the touch, and so on...

 

Now it fits really snug, the screws & nuts are completely hidden inside the diameter so don't get in the way.

 

The added feeling of precision with the larger grip is very noticeable :)

 

 

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Thanks =)

 

Yes it does lock with the flat sides and tightens perfectly snug. (Its fully round inside above the flat sides though, to allow proper clearance for the metal rings above the plastic grip).

 

Yes Victor, I did consider making some to sell, actually I've already been asked and agreed. I'll need a few days to make some final adjustments and then I'll be ready to make some =)

I've sent you a pm

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Hi Libor,

 

with the measured exact dimensions of the original Grip and desired outer diameter, no problem at all!

You could send me a few photos with dimensions by PM or mail and I'll make a prototype.

Then I guess I'll pay a visit to Betz around the corner then and look at the real grip to make it fit =)

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Thanks for all your nice Feedback so far =)

 

Ok, here we go on pricing:

 

Features:

- new diameter of 2.4 inches gives much more control and a more precise feeling

- screws and nuts are well hidden inside the grip

- easy installation

- very rugged yet lightweight

- your name can be printed on it

 

Please consider:

- these parts are made from extremely stable ABS plastic (not any of the less stable but easier to handle filaments).

- it takes quite a while to design them to the tight fit with virtually no gap between the 2 halves.

- they take about 8 hours to print on an extremely expensive, professional 3D printer, so the quality of the parts is really nice (you can't compare it to parts from any of the cheap consumer printers)

 

 

I'm happy to announce you can have one of these for

 

USD 120 / EUR 90 plus shipping (plus VAT if you're in Germany).

 

USD 15 / EUR 10 gets your name printed on it (preview pics soon).

 

DHL traceable shipping to US: USD 25,-

Europe: EUR 15,-

Germany: EUR 5,-

 

Payment by Paypal or bank transfer.

 

I've tested the grips for a while now and they perform well, but of course, should any problems come up with your grip I'll be the last one to leave you alone with them!

 

The first ones should be ready to ship by the end of next week.

 

Looking forward to more feedback, questions, ideas... =)

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Thanks for all the additional feedback and orders in the PMs and email :)

 

The final prototype is done and the first ordered ones should be produced soon.

 

In the attached picture you can see how your name would be embossed if you choose you want it.

 

The side with the hex nuts is designed to be facing your palm (so to the left for regular, right for goofy), and thus to be
totally free of touch distraction. The nuts are inserted through a tiny cutout and held in place. Thus, the name will be
placed on the side with the screws, which would be facing your thumb. It will be, just like the screw cutouts, out of any
normal thumb reach, so that it cannot disturb your touch feeling. It is almost imperceptible to the touch anyway, yet I think
this is the best place to put it. It's your choice of course to have it on the other or even both sides (or whereever you want
it, really ^_^ )

 

It is very discrete of course (not something flashy as some were worried ;) ), still it will give your sled a very personal touch!

 

With the knurl surface around its a little hard to take a good photo, still you should easily see the "Sky Magic" name on this
one.

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After a lot of testing, and great feedback the first ones have finally shipped and should be with you guys soon :)

 

For now just a final update:

Testing and some research resulted in the final outer diameter being 2.2", as it seems the most
comfortable option between 2.1" and 2.4" with the Zephyr among most people who have tried it.

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  • 4 weeks later...
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I have to say I like the feel of mine a lot too - the grip surface in particular is excellent, and it does enhance precision and feel really natural in-hand.

 

It's a great fit, very solid yet lightweight material, and even Frederic's packaging and instructions are nicely done.

 

I'd recommend it!!

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