Steadicam Pilot Gimbal Grip design, installation, and performance feedback

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

2014Brackets/Widgets forum

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

A gimbal grip with 1.7 inch diameter was developed for the Steadicam Pilot to provide better handling compared to gripping the bare carbon post.
The grip features an integrated friction lock mechanism controlled by an excenter lever, allowing tool-free adjustment without interfering with finger placement.
Installation requires separating the post clamp at the lower end by removing two screws, routing the internal cables through a front opening slit in the grip, then reassembling the clamp and adjusting fit with hidden screws inside the grip diameter.
The grip is machined as a single piece for smooth feel and cable routing, with installation typically taking five to ten minutes depending on cable slack availability in the post.
Users reported the grip provides a significant performance improvement in handling, particularly during dynamic camera movements, despite initial installation difficulty.
Cable slack in the post varies between Pilot models, with some units requiring creative positioning or tools to route cables through the grip opening during installation.
The grip design includes a sizing adjustment bolt to compensate for variations in post diameter between different Pilot units and to prevent wiggle.
Tightening the excenter lever adjustment rather than the sizing bolt is the correct method to prevent grip slippage during vigorous camera movement.

Installation can be challenging depending on available cable slack in individual posts, with some units requiring improvisation or assistance.
The sizing adjustment bolt alone does not prevent slippage; grip security depends primarily on proper tightening of the excenter lever clamp.
Not all Pilot posts are identical in diameter, requiring individual grip fit adjustment.
Overtightening the excenter clamp should be avoided as it may damage the plastic grip component.