as Amedeo pointed out in another thread, it appears that Tiffen is offering an upgrade path

NEW! Pilot Sled Kit Now Available!
New! Pilot Sled Price Sheet


Pilot SYSTEM price list
http://www.steadicam.com/images/content/Pilot_listPL_42009.pdf

Pilot SLED price list
http://www.steadicam.com/images/content/pilot_sled_PL42009.pdf

unless I'm reading this wrong we can now buy the sled to go with our existing arm & vest

Hi Paul. If you mean Amedeo, here I am! I suggest you to order the Pilot sled kit. You will never have doubts about how you are invested your money! Awesome rig!
Amedeo

Pilot SLED price list
http://www.steadicam.com/images/content/pilot_sled_PL42009.pdf

Excellent news!

This really is a big deal, since I think it's the first time they've offered a "sled only" price list. From a marketing standpoint, it's very responsive to consumer need.

Of course, you pay a $495 premium for following the upgrade path instead of buying the Pilot outright. ($1,895 for the Merlin arm/vest and $2,695 for the Pilot sled kit versus $4,095 for the Pilot. All prices MSRP, taken from latest price lists on steadicam.com.) With typical street prices about $500 lower for the Pilot, Tiffen may be trying to fight price pressure from the continued down market.