View Full Version : X-22 vs Flyer LE, now I am really torn


Simon Wyndham
December 21st, 2009, 12:12 PM
I had a go with the Glidecam X-22 today. I have to say that I wasn't expecting much given my previous experience of body mounted Glidecam rigs. But I have to say that I was really impressed with it. For the first time ever I found a non Steadicam vest that actually worked and was comfortable, as well as being easy to fit.

It had socket block angle adjustment too. The sled was very solid, and looked really well made. The only thing that it could have done with was a power feed through the post. Instead you have to wire it on the outside, while the video feed is on the inside. Maybe it was just the way it was set up and this can be changed?

The big thing for me was that finally the stage could be adjusted without tools. There was a lot of fore and aft adjustment available on the bottom of the sled, and it could take two batteries. One at the rear, and one mounted on the back of the monitor. The monitor resolution was something like 1920x240 and it took an HD-SDI signal from the EX3 I tested it with.

With a bit of playing around in the short time that I had I did manage to achieve some semblance of dynamic balance. With a bit more time and playing to get used to the rig I am sure it could be made to work really well in this regard.

The arm seemed to be very smooth. Though the arm was a bit of a let down in one respect because not only did it need an allen key for the tension adjustment, but tension needed to be adjusted on the top of the arm and at the bottom. I am not sure what the Flyer LE is like in this regard? I liked the way the other Steadicams such as the Archer have an easy to use knob and can therefore be adjusted in situ. The X-22 needs to be docked and the arm taken off for these adjustments to be made.

Now, I don't know which one to go for. I could probably live with the tools tension adjust on the X-22. The load capacity of the arm was much higher, 6lbs to be precise, than the Flyer LE. In fact I'm amazed it can't take more. I had to take the tension right down to the bottom to make an EX3 with battery float at a 'normal' height.

Now, I like the Steadicam name. Previously all non Steadicam rigs that I have tried have been rubbish. But the X-22 actually felt like a Steadicam. If I closed my eyes I wouldn't have known the difference.

I have been given a killer price on the X-22. But although it is good, I know that the Steadicam will hold its value longer. It also has the name behind it, which in some cases does count for some finicky people. I also know that with a Steadicam it is the small things that make all the difference (such as the ease of setup and adjustment on the fly)

A few things I'd like to know though from those who have used both;

1. Does the Flyer LE come with a carry case?
2. Does the Flyer arm have a no tools adjustment? Does it have no tools adjustments and iso-elastic adjustments like the full size arms?
3. What is the boom range of the Flyer compared to the X-22?
4. How do the gimbals compare?

Trevor Meeks
December 21st, 2009, 03:46 PM
Simon - I'm just running out to do a bunch of christmas shopping, but I have some info re: running power cable up the post - I'll try and get back to you here ASAP.

I'm glad you like your X-22! You can find a few photos of mine on my flickr feed at Flickr: meeksdig's Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/meeksdigital)

Happy Holidays, and I'll talk to you soon!

Simon Wyndham
December 21st, 2009, 04:25 PM
Thanks Trevor. I haven't bought the X-22 yet. Still trying to decide between it and the Flyer LE. My bean counter mind is telling me to go for the Glidecam. It does have a lot of things going for it that I didn't expect. But the Flyer just keeps calling me over!

Dave Gish
December 21st, 2009, 09:45 PM
A few things I'd like to know though from those who have used both;

1. Does the Flyer LE come with a carry case?
2. Does the Flyer arm have a no tools adjustment? Does it have no tools adjustments and iso-elastic adjustments like the full size arms?
3. What is the boom range of the Flyer compared to the X-22?
4. How do the gimbals compare?

1) Yes, the Flyer includes a hard case and a balancing stand.
What's in the Box
Steadicam Flyer-LE Camera Stabilizer System Camera Mounting Chassis (Sled)
Dovetail Camera Plate
Center Post
Iso-Elastic Camera Arm
Standard Vest
Color LCD Monitor
NP Type Battery Mount
Docking Bracket
Tiffen SteadiSTAND (fits inside case)
12 VDC Power Cable
3' Lightweight BNC Video Cable
BNC to RCA Adapter
RCA to BNC Adapter
5/32" T-Handle Allen Wrench
Hard Transport Case
Instructional Video
Owner's Manual
1 Year Parts and 6 Months Labor Warranty
Steadicam | Flyer-LE Camera Stabilizer System | F24LENPNN | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/553856-REG/Steadicam_F24LENPNN_Flyer_LE_Camera_Stabilizer_System.html#specifications)

2) All Steadicam arms are no-tools adjustment. All Steadicam arms are iso-elastic. Only the high-end Steadicam arms (G-50 and G-70) have a "ride" adjustment.

3) Flyer arm is 30" boom range.

4) Glidecam gimbal is good, but the Steadicam gimbal is super-precise. If you can balance the rig without touching it, when you walk around the sled, the Steadicam just sits there. It's basically friction-less.

By the way, if money is an issue, you might consider the Steadicam Pilot. I've use the Pilot with the Sony EX3, plus a shotgun, wireless lav receiver, and a wireless video transmitter. As long as you remove the LCD EVF hood and use the Pilot's battery to power the EX3, it works fine. The 3 links below show pictures of this setup.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/attachments/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/14772d1256907749-steadicam-pilot-too-light-can-helped-ex3_1s.jpg
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/attachments/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/14773d1256907749-steadicam-pilot-too-light-can-helped-ex3_2s.jpg
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/attachments/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/14774d1256907749-steadicam-pilot-too-light-can-helped-ex3_3s.jpg

Simon Wyndham
December 22nd, 2009, 03:35 AM
Thanks Dave.

While I could not go as far as an Archer, I could certainly go for the Flyer LE. It is currently a weigh up as to whether I would be able to live with some of the minor niggles of the Glidecam X-22 over the Flyer. I need the extra payload capacity of the Flyer or the Glidecam as I will also need to be able to fly larger cameras such as the DSR-450, 2/3" XDCAM etc.

The no tools adjustment of the arm is a big thing for me. I know I can set and forget in some circumstances, but if accessories are being out on the camera and taken off I would prefer to avoid the four allen key adjustments needed for the X-22 arm. In addition the arm adjustments on the X-22 won't be as precise because there is no way to exactly match the tension on either side for sure.

On the other hand the X-22 can officially carry more payload than the 1st gen Archer. So there is quite a lot of flexibility there. Although the X-22 doesn't have 24v capability. Not a huge thing for me as I am not involved with film cameras. Yet. I never say never.

I read elsewhere that although the Flyer LE is officially a 19lb max payload that some have said that in fact it could do a fair bit more without adversely risking gimbal failure. Is this true?

Does the Flyer vest use basic plastic clip buckles, or does it have the ratchet and spring clip securing of the larger rigs? I am of thin build. With the Archer etc the vests have enough adjustment in them for me to get them to fit well. But many of the smaller rigs don't seem to cater as well for my build. The X-22 was okay. The shoulders did really need more adjustment though, but I was on the limits when I tried it.

Lastly, the Flyer LE has been around since 2008. Unlike the larger rigs this model appears to receive regular updates. Is there a chance that they might perform an upgrade by NAB next year? For example adding in the 'ride' adjustment on the arm? Or even increasing payload capability?

Dave Gish
December 22nd, 2009, 02:26 PM
The no tools adjustment of the arm is a big thing for me. I know I can set and forget in some circumstances, but if accessories are being out on the camera and taken off I would prefer to avoid the four allen key adjustments needed for the X-22 arm. In addition the arm adjustments on the X-22 won't be as precise because there is no way to exactly match the tension on either side for sure.
This more than just an inconvenience when setting up the rig. Certain shots require a higher or lower lens heights. The whole idea of flying technique is to use minimum force with your hands. So if I have a shot that requires a consistently high or low lens height, i'll pre-trim the arm for that height on that shot. Takes about 30 seconds.

The absence of this feature plus the absence of internal sled wiring makes the X-22 a crude solution. In particular, when you're working with other people, they need to see the shot. If you don't have a wireless video system, they will crowd you trying to see your monitor, and this can affect the shot. It's so much better to give them a cheap wireless handheld LCD TV. It doesn't have to look perfect, just good enough for them to see the framing and the performance of the actors.

On the other hand the X-22 can officially carry more payload than the 1st gen Archer. So there is quite a lot of flexibility there. Although the X-22 doesn't have 24v capability. Not a huge thing for me as I am not involved with film cameras. Yet. I never say never.

I read elsewhere that although the Flyer LE is officially a 19lb max payload that some have said that in fact it could do a fair bit more without adversely risking gimbal failure. Is this true?

For most people, the main issue for weight is the RED One. Since this is a modular camera, it's easy for people to have configurations that weigh over 40 pounds, so even the Clipper may not be enough. For this reason, many people looking to fly a RED have bought used full sized rig (50-70 pound range).

When you go over the rated weight, you always risk damaging your gimbal, but people do it.


Does the Flyer vest use basic plastic clip buckles, or does it have the ratchet and spring clip securing of the larger rigs?
Flyer uses buckles, which I'm not crazy about. Something that's easier to adjust as you're wearing it would be much better.

Lastly, the Flyer LE has been around since 2008. Unlike the larger rigs this model appears to receive regular updates. Is there a chance that they might perform an upgrade by NAB next year?
All Steadicam models have regular updates. The Archer and Clipper were just updated. Who knows when they will update the Flyer. Any body's guess.

If you really want to know, take the 2-day Steadicam workshop for $500.
Twp Day Steadicam Flyer Workshop Programs authorized by Tiffen instructed by Peter Abraham (http://www.thesteadicamworkshops.com/programs2Day.shtml)
Worth every penny. And the instructor, Peter Abraham, will know if there's a new model about to come out. By the way, not all people that take this workshop own Steadicam rigs.

For example adding in the 'ride' adjustment on the arm? Or even increasing payload capability?
From what I've heard over at steadicamforum.com, the ride adjustment is not really that useful. Most operators seem to set it once when they buy it, and then never touch it again.

By the way, when you get up to the higher weight range, there are other companies that make as good if not better rigs than Steadicam. PRO-GPI and MK-V are two examples.

And again at the low weight range, for handheld rigs, the CMR Blackbird is giving Steadicam real competition.

But from 5-19 pounds, I believe Steadicam has no real competition. Sure, there are cheaper rigs out there, but noting comes close in quality.

Paul Kellett
December 22nd, 2009, 02:36 PM
I don't want to hijack this thread, but Dave, you mentioned above about a cheap wireless videos system, could you point me in the right direction please.

Also regarding the courses, i'm going on a steadicam pilot/flyer course in March, £275 link below.

http://www.flysteadicam.com/

Paul.

Simon Wyndham
December 22nd, 2009, 03:26 PM
If you really want to know, take the 2-day Steadicam workshop for $500.
Twp Day Steadicam Flyer Workshop Programs authorized by Tiffen instructed by Peter Abraham
Worth every penny. And the instructor, Peter Abraham, will know if there's a new model about to come out. By the way, not all people that take this workshop own Steadicam rigs.

I went on a 2 day workshop about two years ago. Unfortunately the Flyer was the only rig they didn't have. Though the impression I'm getting is that the Flyer is the one to go for. It was interesting looking at CP's alternative rig with a Flyer arm modified to take what looked like an MK-V sled.

Flyer uses buckles, which I'm not crazy about. Something that's easier to adjust as you're wearing it would be much better.

Yes, it is a shame if that is the case. Buckles can work loose over a period and they never seem to put enough adjustment on them for slightly built people such as myself.

Dave Gish
December 22nd, 2009, 08:33 PM
Buckles can work loose over a period and they never seem to put enough adjustment on them for slightly built people such as myself.
When I wore the Flyer vest in class, the buckles didn't work loose at all, even when I tried to loosen them. That was the problem. I like to wear the belt strap really tight when I'm flying, and then loosen it up when we're working out the next shot or something. With the Pilot velcro, or with the ski-boot latch on the higher-end vests, you can do this in seconds. With the Flyer vest, it's not really possible to adjust as you're wearing it.

As for Flyer vest fitting your build, this is something they advertise as a strong point of their design. We had 9 people with very different builds in class, and everyone got it to fit.

The only problem was the amount of time it took to get it to fit right - taking the sled and arm off, unsnapping the buckles, making the adjustment, putting everything back together, only to find that it's still not right, and having to take everything apart and adjust the buckles again. If you've used a vest you can adjust as you're wearing it, buckles can seem very tedious.

Dave Gish
December 22nd, 2009, 08:36 PM
I don't want to hijack this thread, but Dave, you mentioned above about a cheap wireless videos system, could you point me in the right direction please.
Paul.
RangeVideo!, Wireless video solutions. (http://www.rangevideo.com/)

Mark Schlicher
December 22nd, 2009, 11:36 PM
The Flyer LE can be purchased with a "compact vest" that is a better fit for slightly-built folks (like me).

I just took the weeklong Steadicam Workshop and asked about Flyer updates. Tiffen is always tight-lipped until actual product announcements, but I did glean that there is awareness that the Flyer's weakness (the bottom spar, which is an older design that makes trimming Dynamic Balance a challenge) ought to be updated. The Flyer is overdue for a sled redesign, at least with respect to the bottom spar.

Charles King
December 23rd, 2009, 01:46 AM
Both the base and the post needs an upgrade. From day one when i did the review of the first generation Flyer, that was my biggest compliant.

Paul Kellett
December 23rd, 2009, 04:44 AM
When I wore the Flyer vest in class, the buckles didn't work loose at all, even when I tried to loosen them. That was the problem. I like to wear the belt strap really tight when I'm flying, and then loosen it up when we're working out the next shot or something. With the Pilot velcro, or with the ski-boot latch on the higher-end vests, you can do this in seconds. With the Flyer vest, it's not really possible to adjust as you're wearing it.

As for Flyer vest fitting your build, this is something they advertise as a strong point of their design. We had 9 people with very different builds in class, and everyone got it to fit.

The only problem was the amount of time it took to get it to fit right - taking the sled and arm off, unsnapping the buckles, making the adjustment, putting everything back together, only to find that it's still not right, and having to take everything apart and adjust the buckles again. If you've used a vest you can adjust as you're wearing it, buckles can seem very tedious.

I've converted my Pilot vest to buckles, i stays nice and tight fitting, however if i want to loosen it a bit then i can lift and angle the buckles and the strap will slide through and loosen.

Paul.

Dave Gish
December 23rd, 2009, 10:03 AM
Both the base and the post needs an upgrade. From day one when i did the review of the first generation Flyer, that was my biggest compliant.

I agree that the base could be much better, but what's wrong with the Flyer LE post?

Dave Gish
December 23rd, 2009, 10:11 AM
I've converted my Pilot vest to buckles, i stays nice and tight fitting, however if i want to loosen it a bit then i can lift and angle the buckles and the strap will slide through and loosen.
What about tightening the belt as you're wearing the rig?

That takes about 5 seconds with velcro or the ski-boot type latches seen on high-end vests. When I used the Flyer vest in class, I had to take everything off to tighten a buckle strap.

Paul Kellett
December 23rd, 2009, 12:28 PM
Not the way i've designed it.
Let's say i put it on loose, all buckles loose, put left are through (or right depending on how i unbuckled last time i used it), clip right shoulder buckle and right chest buckle, pull down shoulder straps, pull chest strap, then reach round and plug in waist buckle behind me then pull that strap.
When i remove the vest it's just unclip waist behind back, unclip chest, unclip shoulder, the buckles stay set in position.
Next time just clip shoulder, clip chest, clip waist behind and pull waist.

Paul.

Paul Kellett
December 23rd, 2009, 12:35 PM
I just some pics of my buckle conversion on the other thread, this thread's getting a bit hijacked, sorry Simon.

Paul.

Mark Schlicher
December 23rd, 2009, 02:44 PM
Agreed, the first-gen Flyer post was a problem, but I think they've addressed the post pretty well in the LE (carbon fiber, extendable, larger gimbal grip).

What remains, imo, is the bottom spar (need to make it more Archer2-like for DB, but also offer inertial augmentation with weights, similar to the Pilot), and the top stage (more/better power options, perhaps...?)

Oh, yes, and a tilt stage!

The challenge, as I understand it, is that they don't want to make the rig any more expensive, and it's a challenge to engineer in the desired functionality without increasing the cost or weight significantly. There will have to be some compromises, and I get the impression that they are still sorting those issues out.

Having said all that, the Flyer (LE or even the aluminum-post first generation) is a great little rig. The dynamic balance issues are more a matter of inconvenience than impossibility. The weight range covers a good number of cameras, and the precision and adjustments possible are unmatched.

A used first-gen is a great value. A new LE offers great improvement even with its shortcomings.

Regarding the buckles, I don't find them to be a big problem for me personally...but ratchet buckles would be an improvement.

Both the base and the post needs an upgrade. From day one when i did the review of the first generation Flyer, that was my biggest compliant.

Mark Schlicher
December 23rd, 2009, 02:50 PM
I concur....

RangeVideo!, Wireless video solutions. (http://www.rangevideo.com/)

Simon Wyndham
December 23rd, 2009, 04:50 PM
With regard to dynamic balance is it possible to achieve total DB with the Flyer, or are some cameras simply impossible to adjust for?

Charles King
December 24th, 2009, 02:53 AM
Dave. I think one can say it is a matter of taste but there is unstable feeling of the handling of the rig when operating. There are many that agreed but there are also some that do not find the post an issue. Still a nice little rig but a little beefier post i think will feel better.

Mark Schlicher
December 24th, 2009, 03:58 PM
With a light camera and the HD (heavier) monitor, you might have to use a weight plate to get the top heavy enough to put a second battery on for weight behind the post, in order to achieve DB.

However, a weight plate is recommended anyway, in order to slow down the pan inertia and "settle down" the rig.

With regard to dynamic balance is it possible to achieve total DB with the Flyer, or are some cameras simply impossible to adjust for?

Mark Schlicher
December 24th, 2009, 04:05 PM
True, a matter of taste.

The question of a thicker post comes down to whether the thicker grip will make the rig harder to control because of the increased leverage your gimbal hand automatically exerts against a light payload.

Garrett and Jerry Holway feel that the lighter the rig, the smaller should be the grip (and therefore the post), so the rig doesn't become too "fidgety". Some operators prefer a thicker grip regardless of a lighter sled.

However, with a way to increase pan inertia without adding too much weight (using light weights fore and aft light the Pilot), I think that a thicker post is possible and probably desirable.

Dave. I think one can say it is a matter of taste but there is unstable feeling of the handling of the rig when operating. There are many that agreed but there are also some that do not find the post an issue. Still a nice little rig but a little beefier post i think will feel better.

Simon Wyndham
December 25th, 2009, 05:29 AM
To get the thread back OT a bit, I'm still rather torn between the two devices. The Flyer comes with a case, and I'd imagine that like other Steadicam models it is easy to pack away and move to another location. The Glidecam will need dismantling and then reassembling from scratch.

Since from the most part I will be using the stabiliser on productions that I am in control of, being able to move from location to location easily would be a bonus. When I used an Archer once, the thing I loved was that it folded up so easily and I could pretty much keep its settings.

But the thing that keeps nagging at me is that weight limit. The X-22 can handle a similar load to the Archer (slightly less than the Archer 2, but still fairly close). Apparently the sled for the X-22 can handle 25lbs, while the X-22 arm can handle 36lbs. That's a pretty impressive figure. And given that I know the rig seems to handle fairly nicely it might seem to be a no-brainer.

In fact looking at the Glidecam lineup it would seem that the X-22 is really the GC equivalent of the Archer rather than the Flyer.

So now I'm left with deciding whether the convenience of the Steadicam is worth getting over the X-22 which I might have to modify in various ways.

Plusses and minuses:

X-22 Plus

1. Inexpensive.
2. 25lbs weight capacity.
3. Feels good in use.
4. Well made.
5. Looks pretty good too.
6. Lots of adjustment for DB.

X-22 Minus

1. Finnicky arm tension adjustment.
2. No power feed through the post (optional J-box but can't find any mention of it on the GC website).
3. Doesn't pack away easily.
4. Doesn't come supplied with case or stand.
5. Name doesn't hold as much resonance with producers and hirers.
6. No 24v option.

Flyer LE Plus:

1. Well made.
2. Totally frictionless gimbal.
3. Tools free adjustment of the arm.
4. Comes supplied with case and docking stand.
5. Customer support is second to none.
6. Name carries a lot of weight.
7. Packs away more easily than the X-22.

Flyer LE minus:

1. Not as high a weight capacity as the X-22.
2. Not as much freedom for adjustment of DB.

I could mount a broadcast camera on the X-22 and still have capacity to spare for matte boxes, follow focus, wireless systems etc. The Flyer LE would struggle with this. Decisions, decisions. Need to get it sorted pretty soon though.

The really big question is whether I would really struggle with the capacity of the Flyer. It would mainly be flying an EX3, but I could just as often be using the 510 or DSR-450's etc. Yet quite often the shoots would involve different locations so the ease of dismantling and reassembling would factor in a lot.

Is there a weight over the official specs of the Flyer that anyone here would say is safe? Or would *any* weight over the official specs be classed as a no no on a regular basis?

Dave Gish
December 25th, 2009, 07:58 AM
It would mainly be flying an EX3, but I could just as often be using the 510 or DSR-450's etc.
How much do these camera's weigh?

Simon Wyndham
December 25th, 2009, 09:08 AM
The heaviest, the 510, weights 7.8kg with lens, viewfinder and AB Dionic 90 battery. If I pile on another two Dionics it comes to 9.4kg (about 20lbs)

Dave Gish
December 25th, 2009, 10:20 AM
The heaviest, the 510, weights 7.8kg with lens, viewfinder and AB Dionic 90 battery. If I pile on another two Dionics it comes to 9.4kg (about 20lbs)
First, that's close enough the that Flyer should work fine.

Second, do you really need to fly that configuration? For example, can you power the camera from the sled? Do you need the camera viewfinder when flying?

Third, is there any chance that you would ever need to fly a RED One? If so, the two rigs you're comparing (Flyer and X-22) may both be inadequate. RED One configurations vary from 20-45 pounds. Actioncam rigs fly up to 50 pounds:
ActionProdroducts Online Shop (http://actionproducts.ch/index.php?cPath=47_1)
A used full size rig is another option for this.

Simon Wyndham
December 25th, 2009, 02:20 PM
I doubt I'd be running that config, but thought I'd see what the weight would be with a bit of load over and above the camera itself.

It is unlikely I'll be running a Red at any time soon. Maybe it will be more likely I will end up running Scarlet on its release which is perhaps a lot lighter. But for now Red is unlikely. As long as I can run a broadcast camera with a few accessories when needed it should be fine.

Enzo Giobbé
December 26th, 2009, 03:18 PM
Simon,

I've flown just about every rig out there at one time or another (some so bad that if the designers would have shown up on the set, I would have used the rig to do them some serous damage). That's the problem with producers calling every cam stabilizer a "Steadicam". So I have learned to ALWAYS bring my own equipment.

The one constant in all these rigs, is that if it was a Garrett Brown designed rig, it always worked great. Take that for what it's worth.

I don't fly an actual Tiffen Steadicam most of the time (I fly a GPI Pro II rig), but I do own a ProVid 2, a Flyer, and I just purchased a Flyer LE and a Flyer LE RED.

I can tell you that the arm on the Flyer is the closest performing arm to the Pro arm that I have ever used, and the Flyer LE arm is even better than the original Flyer arm in that regard.

Unless you're planning on spending $30K to $50K+ on a rig, the Flyer LE is the best thing going in a sub $20K rig. I can't see Tiffen making a huge profit on the LE. You get an awful lot for very few bucks.

The LE is not just an upgrade to the original Flyer (which I also own), it's basically an entirely new design. From the vest to the sled, it's all different on the LE. And BTW, the new CF post is simply wonderful! The larger grip gives you more precise panning control, and along with the expandable post and "fat" gimbal makes it feel just like the "big boy rigs". They've also successfully addressed the battery paddle slippage problem that would sometimes plague the original Flyer -- by adding a Kipp lock on it (and to the stage as well).

A lot has been said about getting the LE rig in static balance, most of it said because the principal of statically balancing a rig is not entirely understood, and definitely not understood when it comes to the Flyer. The Flyer is easier to get in static balance than the Pilot (except under very unusual circumstances).

With the LE, you only have one adjustment (the battery paddle) to worry about to get the rig in static balance (and that's how it was designed, thanks Garrett!). This eliminate fiddling with moving the monitor/battery mounts fore and aft, adding weights here and there, etc. All time consuming when you have a 1st AD tapping their foot. With the LE you can be out of the case and ready to fly in under 20 minutes (and back in the case in 10).

The most common mistakes I see with balancing the Flyer is that the monitor spar arm is not fully horizontal (it only has a pivot to make it foldable so it fits in the case). The monitor arm only has two _correct_ positions, folded (for storage) and fully extended (horizontal). Once you set the monitor viewing angle (not the monitor spar arm angle, which should _always_ be fully extended/horizontal), lock it down and do not change it. To do so will require you to static balance the rig again. DO NOT adjust the monitor spar arm to get the monitor higher!

Next is the cam plate. On the Flyer, the correct cam GC point on the plate is almost fully to the rear (most Ops mistakingly set this in the middle of the plate), and finally, the drop time on the Flyer LE is shorter than most. 2 sec is a good average, 3 sec for beginners, and I use a 1 sec drop most of the time with both my LEs.

As for the load capacity, I believe that Tiffen rates their rigs very much on the conservative side, and by contrast, most other stabilizer manufacturers rate their rigs at the very top of the rigs weight carrying capacity.

I just recently worked with a guy using a Flyer (not an LE) flying an almost fully configured RED One, and he said he has been doing that for some time now without any probs, and that he has regularly flown 30+ lbs on that Flyer.

I tested my LE RED with the SDI monitor up, two Dionic 90HC batteries and my fully configured RED One which weighed in at 32 lbs on my electronic scale (minus VF, but with FF added), and it flew just fine after tweaking the arm lift on both bones a bit (but it's not something I plan on doing, or something I would recommend doing).

The thing is, even with the arm overloaded, I could let the arm free and it would just stay in any position I set it in. WONDERFUL!

So, if I had to choose between the Flyer LE, and most everything else in the sub $20K range, there would be no choice, Flyer LE all the way!

Leo N. Rowe
January 16th, 2010, 05:03 AM
Hey Simon,

I am in the exact same position as you, debating between the X-22 and Flyer LE. The general consensus seems to be that the Flyer LE is the one to go for, both on here and on Steadicamforum.com.

I was just wondering how much progress you've made with the decision and where you are in the buying process, because I too am based in the UK and am in the market of buying one of there rigs.

Cheers