GPI Pro Upgrades

[Andrew Ross]

Hey all!

Just getting into steadicam after coming from doing gimbal and specialty operations for years. I picked up a GPI Pro rig and Walter Klassen vest locally here in Vancouver and I've started getting some practice in.

When it comes times to start looking into upgrades, what are some things people usually go for first? Is it the electronics in the top and bottom stage? Getting a Volt?

I currently have the Pro II top and bottom stage and I believe the Gen II battery rack with an original gimbal (super low serial number). Arm is the Titan with 4 blue and 4 black canisters. 

There are a few things I'm already looking into getting, like a different monitor mount, Hill mounting bracket (with the ring for the Pro centrepost), and a low mode monitor mount.

If anyone has any insight into what I should concentrate my money on I'd appreciate the help!

[Kevin Kisling]

Hi Andrew! Honestly you sound pretty well set and now are looking for the "quality of life" upgrades, nicer docks, low mode monitor, etc. The volt is nice, but I'd hold off as long as you can before buying one. Upgrading your electronics would be nice, but unless they can't do something you need them to do, then they'll probably be fine for a long time, they made it this far. Things that I think are important for my kit are, SOS plate, long plate, many identical batteries (I have 10), Hill EVF bracket, rain covers, power cables for the common cameras (I bought a battery eliminator plate, which I can power any 12v gold mount camera, so handy!!), long arm post, J bracket, wind killer. 

Hope this helps!

[Andrew Ross]

Thanks for the valuable insight, Kevin!

I definitely can appreciate that this kit is already pretty comprehensive, and that it is me getting nit-picky with quality of life upgrades, but was definitely wanting to feel out what others upgraded, and their path in doing so!

I'll look deeper into that gear you mentioned - some of it is included, and some are things already on my radar to purchase! I'm also planning on upgrading some of the electronics in the HD top and bottom stage to accomodate 2-pin Lemo monitor power, an HD SDI output on the top stage front, and getting all that done at Cramped Attic.

The Volt purchase was going to be something I just invest in (buy once, cry once), and then learn with the Pro II gimbal that came with it. One of the things I'm already working on getting is a newer gimbal with the VZ, because I've already noticed that I do not love having to adjust the placement of the Pro II gimbal with tools, instead of the tool less way of the VZ. Would also be nice to have a second gimbal as a backup, and the one I'm working on buying comes with a long handle, which is great for me!

Where do you suggest I get the best raincovers from? Mine came with a Fikenca monitor cover and a bottom stage cover, but would like to get a nice one for my arm.

[Kevin Kisling]

Happy to help!

HD lines are a must to have now,  it's nice if you can have at least 2 HD lines on your sled. Yes the VZ grip is very nice. I really like mine. It's very handy on the volt. With the volt, you are right, you only have to buy it once. But with newer ops, I just try to steer them away from getting too focused on getting the volt ASAP. I think the longer you can go without it and learning the fundamentals, they better you'll be in the long term! 

Tiffen and GPI both sell covers and I think Robbi covers makes them as well.  I bought my sled and monitor covers from Robbi and they are quite nice.