2009Gimbal forum
Modifying the Steadicam Pilot gimbal handle and post diameter for improved comfort and stability
17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- Adding a foam rubber grip to the gimbal handle eliminates cold metal contact during outdoor shoots and prevents hand slipping.
- A thicker gimbal handle can be created by wrapping materials like PVC pipe or using foam components from companies that manufacture tripod accessories.
- Increasing the post diameter adds leverage on the gimbal, which can make the rig more responsive to operator input rather than more stable.
- Adding inertial weights fore and aft of the center post creates the effect of a heavier rig without significantly increasing actual mass, allowing a smaller rig to fly similarly to a larger one.
- The post diameter influences which grip technique operators naturally use, with smaller diameters encouraging fingertip control and larger diameters accommodating fuller hand wrapping.
- Wind sensitivity is a greater practical limitation of the Pilot than gimbal handle diameter, particularly when operating in outdoor or exposed environments.
- The Pilot arm is the limiting factor for weight capacity rather than the gimbal post itself.
Depends on
- Modification ideas were not implemented as permanent solutions during the discussion period.
- Experience with post diameter modifications comes from informal experiments rather than controlled testing.
- Operator preferences for grip technique vary between individuals and may not follow the same learning curve for everyone.
- One report of using the Pilot with Sony wide-angle adapter and EX-3 camera suggested reaching maximum load for the arm, but specific weight specifications were not provided.
- The comparison between small-post and large-post operation relies on individual operator experience rather than systematic study.