2018General Discussion forum
Comparison of M1VOLT and WAVE 1 stabilization systems for camera sleds
What the thread found
- The WAVE 1 provides strong stabilization with easy installation via click mechanism to the top stage but adds considerable height and weight to the rig, requiring counterbalancing through additional batteries or weights lower on the sled.
- The M1VOLT offers adjustable assistance levels for both roll and tilt corrections with a sticky mode for holding specific angles, maintains a more compact profile, and allows intentional dutch shots beyond its correction range.
- The WAVE 1 can introduce minor back-and-forth movement during lockoffs and prevents dutch shots without disengaging the system or exceeding its correction limits.
- The M1VOLT requires retraining for docking procedures as leaving it powered on causes the gimbal handle to spin seeking level, and forgetting to power it on results in neutral sled balance without stabilization assistance.
- The M1VOLT is physically larger and more cumbersome around the gimbal area compared to the WAVE 1.
- Solid camera operating skills remain necessary when using the M1VOLT despite its assistance features, whereas the WAVE 1 is described as more foolproof.
Depends on
- Only brief experience with M1VOLT mentioned, possibly with a pre-release version at a trade show.
- WAVE 1 feedback based on early production batches.
- No conclusive preference established between the two systems in the discussion.
- No detailed footage or video demonstrations of M1VOLT performance were available at the time of discussion.
Parts
Same gear or parts
- 2026Choosing between upgrading an older ProVid-2 kit or investing in a professional rig: workshop-first versus equipment-first approach for beginners.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2026Reducing voltage drop in standard Steadicam® Zephyr cabling for high-power broadcast cameras.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2026Tiffen Steadicam® Elite sled (2026): build quality, power distribution, and load capacity versus Steadicam® Axis.FacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2026Swapping the camera between tripod and rig: the cheapest upgrade most operators never makeOperator practice