2008Steadi-Newbies forum
Comparison of Pilot and Flyer stabilizer vests for different body frames and equipment support
18 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Pilot and Flyer vests both use a scaled-down socket block with a 1/2 inch pin, which differs from the standard Steadicam 5/8 inch pin.
- The Pilot vest is lightweight, compact, and flexible but has some plastic components where the Flyer has metal, limiting its weight capacity.
- The Pilot vest performs adequately when fully loaded with a Pilot rig but cannot support the same weight as the Flyer vest.
- The Pilot vest can pack down very small, making it portable for travel alongside other gear.
- For operators with smaller frames, a Compact Flyer vest exists as an option between the standard Flyer and Pilot vests.
- Choosing between Pilot and Flyer vests should consider which rig system is being purchased, as the vest specifications relate to the equipment load.
Depends on
- The Compact Flyer vest is mentioned but not described in detail.
- Weight capacity specifications are not quantified with exact numbers.
- The discussion assumes familiarity with Steadicam equipment categories.