What the thread found

• The Flyer arm is rated for 19 pounds but may actually weigh 21 pounds, and its spring strength can be inadequate for heavy camera packages with multiple accessories.
• Springs in the Flyer arm can be unequally matched, with one section significantly weaker than the other, causing uneven sag under load.
• The arm sections can be disassembled by removing a single axle pin on the non-adjusting end of the spring, making spring replacement possible without factory equipment.
• Spring removal requires clamping the arm flat, removing a circlip and fabric washer, then using leverage to release tension on the axle pin before gently driving it out with a punch.
• Custom springs can be manufactured by commercial spring makers to identical specifications but with 10-15 percent greater strength at reasonable cost.
• Stronger springs from a heavier-duty model arm may have different properties, and modifying spring strength may require changes to the adjuster mechanism as well.
• The Zephyr arm model uses springs and structural designs that support heavier loads and reduce twist compared to the Flyer arm.
• Reassembling arm springs without a factory jig is possible but requires careful technique to avoid damaging the arm finish or the installer.

Depends on

• The modification was undertaken by an individual user and final results were not documented in the thread.
• The specific materials and exact strength ratings of original springs were not confirmed by the manufacturer.
• The adequacy of 10-15 percent stronger springs for the user's particular load was not verified through testing.
• Tiffen, the manufacturer, stated that uneven spring behavior was normal, but this claim was not independently validated.
• The Zephyr arm springs are not sold separately, so direct comparison testing was not performed.

Gear in this thread

Zephyrcatalog, MDR

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