Caitlin Kleiboer Posted August 3, 2020 Report Share Posted August 3, 2020 Hi all! Wondering if anyone has a line on a compact vest. I'm open to a compact Zephyr or a compact Ultra. Sadly, Steadicam is no longer making the compact Zephyr, and B&H has them as part of a full Zephyr kit that they won't unbundle & just sell me the vest. No word yet from a couple of other retailers. I love the Ultra vest but it's a bit out of my price range new right now. We're on a Aero 30 now so the Zephyr vest is the 'right' size for what we're working with now, but the Ultra would certainly last me longer & on more rigs. Alternatively, any other smaller operators have advice on getting the standard vests to fit better? I'm certainly on the smaller side of operators (5'1 & a size 2) and just can't seem to get the standard vest to feel right on me. Thanks all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members chris fawcett Posted August 4, 2020 Premium Members Report Share Posted August 4, 2020 Hi Caitlin, Zephyr vests can be adjusted to be really small, and you can also alter them yourself by shortening the front spar and the waist strap. All the best, Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitlin Kleiboer Posted August 4, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2020 Thank you Chris, I suppose I should try again with the Zephyr. Part of the issue is likely that I'm comparing it to the compact Ultra which felt so, so good on. Maybe standard or not, the 'it doesn't feel right' feeling is just that it feels different from the ultra that I trained in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members chris fawcett Posted August 5, 2020 Premium Members Report Share Posted August 5, 2020 Hi Caitlin, I understand your dilemma. Vests are such a personal choice. I do suggest you try the Zephyr again. It’s got more built-in adjustability than many vests because of the shoulder Velcro, yet it’s rigid enough for up to G50 loads (IMO). I’ve noticed that it’s Garrett Brown’s go-to vest for workshop demos, yet it is usually the best fit for smaller ops. If you get one, I’ll be happy to help advise you how to alter it—should that prove necessary. Meanwhile, it’s worth holding out a little longer for your perfect Ultra vest, if you can. Try the Facebook groups that deal in buying and selling Steadicam gear. Wishing you the best of luck, Chris 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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