Vest fit question - should bottom pads rest on hips or waist / abs?

[Donovan Henneberg-Verity]

Hey guys,

 

So I have been operating on a new-to-me Glidecam V-16 with the accompanying arm and vest. As I have been practicing at home I have been trying out different vest configurations to find the one that best suits me. My biggest remaining question is should the bottom pads be resting lower on the body around hip or just above hip level (and distributing weight there) or should they be a little higher, resting around the waist or on the abs?

 

I have been sort of looking at pictures of different operators but still can't a consensus from them. I know it's largely up to personal preference I guess, but I am just wondering if there some sort of official guide to this.

 

It seems to me that when I rest the pads lower on my body it seems to increase fatigue in my lower / mid back, but maybe I am imagining things.

 

Thanks!

[brett.mayfield]

Hey Donovan

 

I think different operators will have different methods especially with different body types. Im pretty slim and I dont really have much hip for holding the vest, so I have the bottom of the hip pads on my vest (different brand) just barely passing my hip bones and the shoulder pags already flush against my shoulders and blades. This way, once I add the weight of the arm and sled, the vest may shift downwards into a position that seems better fit for operating. I used to keep my tiffen LX vest as short as possible.

So basically, I start with it a little high, then the added weight pulls it into place which for me never feels low, I tend to keep it up a bit. This keeps me from feeling it in my back too much.

The other thing to make sure of is that your posture is correct. improper posture will definitely lead to back fatigue.

If youre inclined, you can get a copy of the steadicam operators guide which has some information on this. chris fawcett is a good resource for kinesthetic inquiries.

 

Have a good one

 

brett.

[Donovan Henneberg-Verity]

Thanks, Brett!

 

I have been reading the guide and trying to follow it's instructions as much possible. My shoulder pads not being flush with my shoulders was really why I started playing around with different fits to begin. I think I have solved that issue so I guess just I'll keep experimenting while making sure my form and posture are correct,

 

Thanks again

Edited January 24, 2014 by Donovan Henneberg-Verity