What the thread found

• A needle bearing with flat washers can be used to create a frictionless IIIA arm post clamp by installing it between split collars on the post
• The needle bearing should have a 5/8 inch inner diameter and at least 1 inch outer diameter
• Two split collars with 5/8 inch inner diameter are needed - one positioned where the post enters the arm and one on the bottom to prevent the post from sliding out the top
• This DIY solution costs approximately ten dollars
• Commercial post clamps from manufacturers typically include a nylon washer between the clamp and arm to eliminate friction
• Needle bearings and similar components can be sourced from industrial suppliers like McMaster-Carr for around eight dollars
• The lateral stresses on the top connection point may be a concern with this setup, and some users prefer to use the frictionless setup only when necessary while keeping it clamped otherwise

Depends on

• Long-term durability with heavy lateral stresses on the thin connection piece at the top of the post has not been conclusively established
• The availability of commercial pre-made post clamps with bearings from manufacturers was uncertain at the time of discussion
• This solution was tested mainly in occasional use scenarios such as navigating tight spaces, not in continuous heavy-use applications

Parts

Arm Post

Same gear or parts

1. 2026Rocket Arm (elastic band arm) versus traditional spring arms like the G70x: performance, weight, build, and design dispute.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
2. 2026Recommended upgrade priorities for a GPI Pro steadicam rigSteadi-Newbies
3. 2026Vest drops: what lowering the arm socket actually buys, and what it costs at the topOperator practice
4. 2025Removing the post tensioner from an NB-Arm to replicate PRO-Arm feel for operators switching models.FacebookThe Steadicam Group