2010Arms forum
Comparison of G-70 and PRO steadicam arms based on user experience
16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- The G-70 arm experienced bouncing or friction issues during slow camera movements, though the severity and frequency varied among users.
- Adjusting the ride and lift controls on the G-70 to match operator body style and shooting technique could mitigate bouncing problems.
- Minor design improvements were made to the G-70 over time, with newer versions reportedly addressing the bounce issue better than earlier production models.
- The PRO arm uses sealed compression springs in individual canisters, allowing quick field replacement without returning the entire arm to the factory, whereas the G-70 uses exposed expansion springs integrated into the chassis.
- The PRO arm features bones milled from single pieces of aluminum, while the G-70 uses cost-effective construction methods that some operators felt did not justify its price.
- The G-70 post clamping mechanism could lose grip when frequently swapping between differently machined posts, potentially requiring aftermarket clamp rings as a workaround.
- PRO arm customer support reportedly provides responses within minutes to an hour when available, while issues with G-70 support could take weeks or months to resolve due to internal organizational structure.
- Both arms delivered smooth operational performance during camera movement when functioning correctly.
- The PRO arm includes a lifetime guarantee on the chassis, reflecting manufacturer confidence in build quality.
Depends on
- The thread dates from 2010 and reflects equipment specifications and customer service practices from that era.
- Some reports were based on brief equipment trials rather than extended use periods.
- Bouncing issues appeared to be highly dependent on individual setup, operator technique, and body weight.
- Some claims about customer service and support responsiveness were based on personal experience rather than systematic comparison.
- The discussion does not establish whether G-70 design issues were fully resolved in all later production runs or only in specific batches.
Gear in this thread
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