Hey, guys. I'm trying to determine which stabilizer to purchase. There's definitely upsides and downsides to each stabilizer. I'm kind of learning toward to blackbird... I'd like to hear your guy's experience with them. It'd be awesome if someone has had experience with both... If I could get some feedback, that'd be so awesome. Thanks, everyone. Take it easy.

search on user Charles Papert as he is an expert
I believe there's an article about this in "Articles"

There's a Merlin vs Blackbird discussion over in Stabilizers, though there isn't anything SLR-form-factor specific:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/234281-merlin-vs-blackbird-who-wins.html

As well as this thread on stabilizers for the 7D:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/412096-what-stabilization-recommended-7d.html

HWM CMR Blackbird Review Firewerkz Films by Sean Seah (http://seanseah.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/cmr-blackbird-review/)

Have a look at what I did with the Blackbird. I have also flew it successfully with the merlin. But personally, the merlin is harder to fly BUT it is more flexible as it can handle a bigger boom range.

it is easier to fly on blackbird, but merlin is lighter and easier to re-adjust,
I'd say try both, it's very individual.

I used an T1i for a while and a merlin. Was ok
I would say Merlin.

Sweetness. Thanks so much for your responses. I'm still trying to figure out which one to roll with. I'll probably post something saying when I do. Woot.

I found it to be level pegging, Blackbird verses Steadicam Merlin. Merlin has an advantage with optional arm and vest for extended use.

Merlin's arm and vest is compatible for Blackbird, so it's not a problem.
That's the reason I go for Blackbird, just placed my order, can't wait to get it.