2004Center Post forum
Comparison of center post options for Steadicam rigs: PRO II 1.5-inch post versus XCS 2-inch carbon fiber post
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The XCS 2-inch carbon fiber post offers superior rigidity with minimal vibration even when fully extended and used with long lenses
- PRO gimbal mechanisms feel notably smooth and slick compared to XCS gimbals which have a more dampened feel
- XCS posts feature bayonet-style locking mounts similar to PL camera mounts rather than tapered pin locks, allowing faster post changes and easier breakdown
- Carbon fiber posts maintain consistent diameter and cross-section shape throughout their length, whereas aluminum posts can develop warping or egg-shaped deformation after heavy use
- Compatibility between gimbal and post systems is an important consideration when building a rig, as mismatched components can create configuration challenges
- PRO posts from different manufacturing years may have slight tolerance variations in locking threads that can cause fit issues and stripped threads
- Purchasing posts simultaneously from the same manufacturer allows quality control checks on thread fit and tolerances before shipment
Depends on
- Discussion is from 2004 and equipment specifications may have changed significantly since then
- User experiences are specific to individual configurations and working conditions
- The PRO MK-2 post mentioned was only in prototype stage at time of discussion
- No direct side-by-side technical specifications were provided comparing the exact posts in question
- Some users had not personally tested all comparison options they discussed