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2020Vests forum

Comparison of back-mounted versus front-mounted exoskeleton vests for camera operation

DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.

What the thread found

  • Back-mounted configurations shift the center of gravity farther back compared to front-mounted vests, which some operators report as a noticeable difference in leg fatigue.
  • Front-mounted exovests that contact only the pelvic bones and shoulders may allow easier diaphragmatic breathing and better stamina compared to vests that press on organs or spine.
  • Some operators have experimented with relocating the socket block from front to back on standard exovests as a cost-saving alternative to purchasing dedicated back-mounted systems.
  • Back-mounted setups may reduce interference with monitors and provide more central weight distribution than front-mounted configurations.
  • Back-mounted arm positions may offer advantages for lock-off shots compared to front-mounted configurations.
  • Attempting to adjust socket blocks while wearing a back-mounted arm setup can be difficult due to lack of comfortable positioning options.
  • Back-mounted arm positions may limit the range of motion beyond the standard rig position compared to front-mounted setups.
  • Operators report different physical experiences with back-mounted setups, with some finding improved comfort and others experiencing asymmetrical weight distribution that affects posture and footprint size.

Depends on

  • Experiences compared front-mounted exovests to back-mounted configurations without having personally tested both on the same model.
  • One operator's experimentation with back-mounting a standard exovest socket block was limited to arms under 45 pounds and not representative of heavier camera setups.
  • The comparison between Klassen back-mounted and exovest configurations remains untested in this discussion.
  • Individual operator experiences with the same configuration differed significantly, suggesting body type, posture, and personal technique play important roles.
  • The discussion includes anecdotal reports rather than systematic comparative testing.

Gear in this thread

xARMcatalog

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