I was quoted around $140 for the full set. Since my velcro straps need some TLC anyways, I figure it's a pretty wise investment. Plus, not having loads of sweater fuzz, cat fur, and carpet from the back of my car stuck to the vest should make a nicer impression on directors.

I feel just the opposite. If you come in with stuff that looks all shiny and new, you see that worried look on the director and crew.

True, that's where the wireless rig gaff taped to the back of my monitor, the tons of home-soldered cables, the scratched up paint on the arm, and the 90's vintage camera case that I use to haul some of the parts around in.

How's work been going since the workshop, Dave?

140USD is fine. I've paid a lot more for a lot less in this industry.

Time to give my supplier another email and remind them again of my interest.

Hi Tom and the rest of the crew on here,

I just wanted to make a correction to the above post. My extension is 7917.
If you want to avoid the automated menu, you can also reach me at my direct line: 818-567-7917

If you have any questions about the buckle upgrade kit, or anything else for that matter, please feel free to call or email me.

Happy flying!

-Michael Craigs
818-567-7917
Mcraigs@tiffen.com

It's always good to hear stuff straight from the horses mouth on the forum.
We wouldn't mind seeing some pics of the buckle mod.
Is there any chance you could post some pics or a link ?

Thanks, Paul.

so when do we get pics of the new buckles... it's been quite awhile since they were requested?

either from someone that purchased them, or Michael Craigs?

Thanks

Im still waiting to hear back from Steadicam about them & also a few other questions..

I sent Mike an email on the 20th and haven't heard anything back since. Away at a trade show maybe?

I ordered one, got some pics...don't know how to attach them here, though...

Just snapped pics. Will have them up tomorrow. Just got back from the mainland shooting so haven't had time. Apologies again my fellow pilot owners!

Thanks Christian!

looks great. im sold. now if only we could get in contact with tiffen!

Have you tried giving him a call? Michael was easily reachable by phone when I contacted him.

Im purchasing through my dealer here in NZ. It is them trying to contact tiffen.

I support my dealer, they've got the contract with steadicam. I shouldn't have to order though other sources.

Apologies, I figured you were trying to contact Tiffen USA yourself, as you had said in an earlier post that you sent Michael an email.

Does this still leave some of the hook side of the velcro exposed as this was the main reason I made my own set?

Don't understand your question, please reword it?

Some more info.

The price of $140USD is not the final price. The kit should hopefully come in well under $100.

Tiffen have them and they are ready to ship, however no press release has been made as of yet due to the fact the installation instructions are still in the process of being written.

All this info came through my dealer. I told them to place an order, instructions are overrated.

As far as the price...yeah, seemed kinda steep, and I have no info about the final price, but I do know that this is so totally worth it.

I've invested none of my own time (aside from "installing" the new buckles) and it takes me less than 60 seconds to unzip the bag, pull out my vest and have it fully adjusted. Took a couple of minutes with the velcro setup before.

And the way it's rigged now, there's no exposed hook velcro (only loop side) so there is ZERO snagging of clothing, curtains, etc.

And...there's no loud ripping sound taking it off. Very nice.

So if you're like me and want these now, it's worth paying the current price. If I had to guess, I'd say they'll be available for general sale in about 1-2 months from now.

Received my buckle upgrade.

Very nice with lots of room for adjustment.

Still trying to figure out exactly how to put the whole thing together but slowly getting there.

Doesn't make it as nice as a flyer vest but it definitely makes things a lot nicer.

I had issues figuring out how to assemble the straps, I e-mailed Michael and he sent me a set of instructions and pictures to assist me.

I was confused by some spare parts that didn't seem to go anywhere. Turned out there's a spare strip of velcro for more husky operators (I'm a bit on the slender side, so I didn't need it).

Strange there still isn't any kind of announcment or general availability of these kits. Guess there's no rush.

I already bought the buckle kit upgrade to my Pilot vest, it's be OK better than the old one. Here some picture I took it from Steadicam boot at NAB2010. Hope the pictures can help you guy.

thanks Guys, I was at the stand for most of NAB but for some reason forgot to look at the setup.

It looks a lot like mine has ended up, I have however managed to use all the straps supplied.. and it amazingly works.

Im very tempted to get the scissors out and cut some of the straps down to size..

I emailed Michael.. no response like my last email.. i think there might be a spam filter somewhere playing its part. Going to try from a different address.

If you send me your e-mail address, I'll forward you the e-mail Michael sent to me about setup for the buckle kit.

Please send to me too. My email info@cuongdinhvideo.com

Thanks.

Same here; my e-mail is WG25@aol.com.

Thanks!

P.S. how and where do I order this buckle upgrade; it's rather elusive finding it.

Thanks for sending through that email Christian,

Have the vest working nicely now.. although i've found the shoulder buckle isnt strong enough to keep the vest on from time to time.. maybe its just how i wear my vest.

I've gone back to the old shoulder straps for the time being and they work sweet.

Buckles on waist and chest, velcro on shoulders.

Haven't gotten the e-mail reply!!???

Contact Mike,

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/stabiliz...ml#post1473970

Thanks.

:D

I just got my buckles in (finally, had to wait until I had enough time to order them, enough money, and a job coming up to justify them!), and they are sweet. Took me a little while to get them set, but the vest feels much better now - being able to snap something tight means that it can be under a little tension. That bit of tension can snug up the vest even better than the Velcro could, making it much stiffer, and much easier on your body. At least that's my initial impression. Plus, not having to deal with Velcro coming loose, or making weird sounds during a take is a huge plus.

I found the same issue with the shoulder buckle though - it wouldn't stay on with just the Velcro holding it in place. I think Steadicam needs to fix that, but in my case, a few feet of 1" gaff tape made it tight as I'd ever need it to be.

Also, for anyone who has the old Velcro, buy the upgrade now! It was incredibly easy, and as of now, the upgrade only costs $50 plus shipping. It's a great deal, for a big upgrade to your vest.