2022General Discussion forum
Baer-Bel steadicam rigs as starter equipment and component compatibility
What the thread found
- Baer-Bel is a German brand that no longer actively produces steadicam equipment, though a successor company called Catgriller continues to make accessories.
- Baer-Bel rigs are reported to be solid equipment suitable for learning.
- A Baer-Bel rig with a 2-inch post and XCS lower electronics may use either a titanium post or an XCS carbon fiber post with XCS bayonet mounts.
- XCS posts can be upgraded with other XCS-compatible components or modified connectors to accept components like GPI Pro top and bottom stages.
- A 2-inch Baer-Bel post is compatible with XCS, Baer-Bel, and MK-V gimbals.
- Upgrading the arm on a Baer-Bel rig is possible but requires ensuring the arm posts fit properly inside the gimbal handle.
- Oxidation and heavy weight were noted on an older Baer-Bel arm, which detracted from smooth operation compared to newer rigs.
Depends on
- The discussion concerns older used Baer-Bel equipment rather than current production models.
- Compatibility details depend on specific post connector types which can vary between individual rigs.
- The participant ultimately chose a different brand rather than purchase the Baer-Bel rig, so direct long-term experience with it is absent.
- Technical capabilities of the XCS base mentioned are not fully detailed in the thread.