Reducing pendulum motion when operating a Glidecam handheld without a vest system

2013Steadi-Newbies forum

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

DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.

Pendulum motion occurs when the heavier end of the rig tries to maintain its position while the gimbal accelerates, and can be reduced by keeping the rig closer to neutral balance with minimal weight difference between top and bottom.
Shorter drop times reduce pendulum effect more effectively than longer drop times.
Controlling pendular motion requires active technique with fingers and thumb to anticipate and counter forces, rather than relying solely on equipment settings.
Proper grip placement on the post is crucial for control; holding at the very top of the post where fingers wrap around the gimbal base provides significantly better control than gripping in the middle.
The Glidecam's small diameter post limits control capability compared to larger diameter grips found on professional Steadicam rigs.
Drop time selection should be based on rig length rather than payload weight, with standard length rigs using similar drop times regardless of camera weight.
Operator technique in keeping the post upright is a fundamental skill for preventing pendular motion and requires practice rather than equipment modifications alone.

The Glidecam's design limitations with a small slippery post make it harder to control than professional Steadicam equipment.
Adding grip tape or modifying the post is a workaround but cannot fully compensate for the equipment's design constraints.
Drop time preferences vary among operators; some prefer more neutral balance while others accept more pendulum effect in exchange for better vertical feedback.
No consensus was reached on whether longer or shorter drop times are preferable, with different operators reporting success with different settings.