Well, I definitely don't have the capital to drop on a full-size-vest-with-arm at the moment, but I was looking at the cheaper vest that doesn't really provide stabilization. I think that would work for those times when I need a break from holding the unit and just need a steady, static shot (like filming a toast or whatever).

Since you don't seem to mind me taking over your thread (lol) I'll ask you another question. How is it going from handheld (no GC) to using the Glidecam in the middle of a wedding day? In other words, is it practical to shoot some shots with the GC and then take the camera off to get some other shots and then put it back on, all in the span of say 30 minutes? Or do you basically need to recalibrate the balance every time to put the camera back on the GC?

You can rebalance in a few minutes, but during a wedding day, depending on where you're at, 5 minutes could be a major setback, which I've found.

And it takes a while to get to that point, usually a beginner can easily take 2-3 times that.

Best way is to get a matching baseplate of your tripod/monopod, and attach it to the glidecam - not the whole head, but just the baseplate, that way you can detach the camera while keeping the weights in tact.

So if you keep the same plate attached to the camera (already planned on doing that anyways) do you still have to rebalance the rig?

Nope - so long as none of the weights get moved while you store you glidecam you should be fine - just make sure to tighten them so they stay still.

Only thing is I heard people who use the slide/lock baseplates have a few issues because it slides. Usually people like the hex plates for the GC.

Care to share what plate you're using?

Actually never got around to using one - I just keep the glidecam the whole wedding usually. At most, if the church is small enough, I'll put it on a tripod and just have my 2nd cameraman cover me for 5-10 minutes while I reattach it after the recessional line.

Or just rent/bum a vest from someone and wear that throughout.

Never settled on a plate - my tripod has the hex plate, and I've actually had my tripod's plate come loose on me and bust two cameras, so I'm scared to death to put that on a Glidecam...

Also note - the baseplate needs to be drilled on.