Merlin stabilizer loses balance after being set down and requires frequent rebalancing

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2010General Discussion forum

16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

A Merlin stabilizer that achieves balance may become unbalanced when placed down and picked up again, or after walking for a period of time.
The manufacturer recommends ensuring the lower spar is fully extended each time the unit is picked up, as slack in this component can cause balance shifts even when calliper lock screws are tight.
The issue persisted for one user despite following the manufacturer's recommended procedure of fully opening the lower spar before each use.

This report comes from a single user with one unit and may reflect a specific problem with that equipment rather than a general design issue.
The user did not report whether the unit was inspected by the manufacturer to identify potential technical faults.
The underlying cause remains unclear—it could stem from camera shift, mechanical slack, or user setup technique.