2022From a Facebook group: Steadicam operators group
Exovest plastic shoulder buckle breaking repeatedly: plastic vs. aluminum vs. stainless steel replacement.
What the thread found
- The plastic shoulder buckles on an Exovest broke twice within six months, once during a shot, always on the side without the quick-release mechanism.
- One operator replaced the buckle with a custom-fabricated aluminum piece cut and formed from scrap material, which has lasted over 20 years.
- Another operator uses an aircraft-grade harness buckle as a replacement with comparable longevity.
- Stainless steel replacement parts are heavier than necessary; aluminum provides sufficient durability.
- Replacement shoulder buckles and other vest components are available from third-party accessory suppliers.
Depends on
- Longevity data based on individual operator experience rather than controlled testing.