Modified the Steadicam Pilot vest from velcro straps to buckles

Frank Simpson · November 10th, 2008, 03:37 PM

Thanks, Peter!

Yes, I did sew it myself. Originally I was going to use one of our ultra-super computerized industrial sewing machines at work that we use for, of all things, manufacturing camera straps! But I could never get onto one since they're kept very busy in production.

So I just figured I'd give it a try on my little home sewing machine. It proved to work much better than I would have imagined!

I'll try to take some pictures and post them in the next few days.

Frank Simpson · January 8th, 2009, 10:18 PM

I just realized that I never followed up with a slight alteration to my configuration.

I discovered that wearing it as shown in my illustrations that the shoulder connections would slowly begin to work their way out, slightly loosening the fit. It was never in danger of coming loose completely, but still a bit of an inconvenience.

So all I had to do was to move the side release buckle that is applied to the shoulder pads on the vest to above the plastic common loop on the pad, rather than below it as shown in the original diagram. Initially I had avoided this as I thought it would not be as comfortable. It turns out I was completely wrong about this point. Now the vest remains absolutely secure, doesn't work itself loose, and still fits as comfortably as ever!

Sean Seah · January 12th, 2009, 09:49 AM

thaz nice. Till today I have not really figured out how those straps work exactly!

Nick Tsamandanis · March 7th, 2009, 06:04 AM

Great info, just ordered several buckles to make the change as well, a bit later on I will invest in a nice Flyer vest for the Pilot. The Pilot's vest is a bit of a let down for me.

Bill Pryor · March 7th, 2009, 12:22 PM

The Pilot and Merlin use the same vest and arms. I have the Merlin and am happy with the vest; I like the smaller size and ligter weight of the arms compared to the bigger units. I used to have a Varizoom big system for a 2/3" chip camera, and everything was pretty heavy even before I got to the camera. In recent years I've become a small chip/light weight aficionado. The velcro was a bit of a pain at first, but I'm accustomed to it now, although I do like the buckles and am considering doing that if I can find the right buckles.

Peter Chung · March 7th, 2009, 12:30 PM

Just another update that I "upgraded" from using quick release buckles to using ratchets for quick adjustments, tightening, and release :) It's pretty awesome! I haven't had time to take photos but I can get a pretty good custom fit every time.

Warren Kawamoto · March 7th, 2009, 01:19 PM

I have the Flyer, which has stock buckles, but I've noticed that sometimes these buckles squeak and groan when I'm moving. This can be very annoying. Have you noticed this?

Danny O'Neill · March 7th, 2009, 01:37 PM

peter, would love to see some pics of that when you get the time.

looking to get a pilot soon, currently have a smooth shooter which has buckles and its an alright vest. then when i saw the infinatly more expensive pilot i was a bit dissapointed by the vest being this velcro mish mash.

David C. Williams · March 7th, 2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warren Kawamoto

I have the Flyer, which has stock buckles, but I've noticed that sometimes these buckles squeak and groan when I'm moving. This can be very annoying. Have you noticed this?

Dry Silicon spray gets rid of the squeaks.

Frank Simpson · March 7th, 2009, 11:51 PM

Danny, remember that the reason for the "velcro mish mash" is to make a vest that is far more versatile than any other. As Tiffen states, the vest can be fitted to a 7-year old child and on up to a 300 lb. linebacker. This is not hyperbole. It is an ingenious design, and it works very, very well. I do happen to like my buckle modified version, but I also know others who prefer the velcro version.

Charles King · March 10th, 2009, 01:17 PM

Just goes to show...to each his own. ;)

Scott Shama · March 22nd, 2009, 04:38 PM

Peter,

Would love some pics of the new ratchet buckles as well as a link or information where you got them...

Thanks,
Scott

David Samelman · March 22nd, 2009, 05:59 PM

Peter,

I agree with Scott and would really appreciate seeing a few pics and / or info.

Thanks.

David
DMS

Peter Chung · April 5th, 2009, 08:23 PM

I will get the info up eventually but have been swamped with a lot of different projects.

David Samelman · April 12th, 2009, 01:33 AM

I look forward to the info as soon as you have a chance.

March 7th, 2009, 06:04 AM	#34
Nick Tsamandanis Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 318	Great info, just ordered several buckles to make the change as well, a bit later on I will invest in a nice Flyer vest for the Pilot. The Pilot's vest is a bit of a let down for me. __________________ Nick

March 7th, 2009, 01:37 PM	#38
Danny O'Neill Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northampton, UK Posts: 915	peter, would love to see some pics of that when you get the time. looking to get a pilot soon, currently have a smooth shooter which has buckles and its an alright vest. then when i saw the infinatly more expensive pilot i was a bit dissapointed by the vest being this velcro mish mash. __________________ mintyslippers.com

March 10th, 2009, 01:17 PM	#41
Charles King Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: sweden Posts: 795	Just goes to show...to each his own. ;) __________________ Charles 'What we perceive to be may not be what we believe to be.'

November 10th, 2008, 03:37 PM	#31
Frank Simpson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 217	Thanks, Peter! Yes, I did sew it myself. Originally I was going to use one of our ultra-super computerized industrial sewing machines at work that we use for, of all things, manufacturing camera straps! But I could never get onto one since they're kept very busy in production. So I just figured I'd give it a try on my little home sewing machine. It proved to work much better than I would have imagined! I'll try to take some pictures and post them in the next few days.

January 8th, 2009, 10:18 PM	#32
Frank Simpson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 217	I just realized that I never followed up with a slight alteration to my configuration. I discovered that wearing it as shown in my illustrations that the shoulder connections would slowly begin to work their way out, slightly loosening the fit. It was never in danger of coming loose completely, but still a bit of an inconvenience. So all I had to do was to move the side release buckle that is applied to the shoulder pads on the vest to above the plastic common loop on the pad, rather than below it as shown in the original diagram. Initially I had avoided this as I thought it would not be as comfortable. It turns out I was completely wrong about this point. Now the vest remains absolutely secure, doesn't work itself loose, and still fits as comfortably as ever!

January 12th, 2009, 09:49 AM	#33
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	thaz nice. Till today I have not really figured out how those straps work exactly!

March 7th, 2009, 12:22 PM	#35
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	The Pilot and Merlin use the same vest and arms. I have the Merlin and am happy with the vest; I like the smaller size and ligter weight of the arms compared to the bigger units. I used to have a Varizoom big system for a 2/3" chip camera, and everything was pretty heavy even before I got to the camera. In recent years I've become a small chip/light weight aficionado. The velcro was a bit of a pain at first, but I'm accustomed to it now, although I do like the buckles and am considering doing that if I can find the right buckles.

March 7th, 2009, 12:30 PM	#36
Peter Chung Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kansas City, MO USA Posts: 220	Just another update that I "upgraded" from using quick release buckles to using ratchets for quick adjustments, tightening, and release :) It's pretty awesome! I haven't had time to take photos but I can get a pretty good custom fit every time.

March 7th, 2009, 01:19 PM	#37
Warren Kawamoto Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,435	I have the Flyer, which has stock buckles, but I've noticed that sometimes these buckles squeak and groan when I'm moving. This can be very annoying. Have you noticed this?

March 7th, 2009, 11:51 PM	#40
Frank Simpson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 217	Danny, remember that the reason for the "velcro mish mash" is to make a vest that is far more versatile than any other. As Tiffen states, the vest can be fitted to a 7-year old child and on up to a 300 lb. linebacker. This is not hyperbole. It is an ingenious design, and it works very, very well. I do happen to like my buckle modified version, but I also know others who prefer the velcro version.

March 22nd, 2009, 04:38 PM	#42
Scott Shama Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Beaverton, Oregon Posts: 399	Peter, Would love some pics of the new ratchet buckles as well as a link or information where you got them... Thanks, Scott

March 22nd, 2009, 05:59 PM	#43
David Samelman New Boot Join Date: May 2008 Location: New York Posts: 17	Peter, I agree with Scott and would really appreciate seeing a few pics and / or info. Thanks. David DMS

April 5th, 2009, 08:23 PM	#44
Peter Chung Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kansas City, MO USA Posts: 220	I will get the info up eventually but have been swamped with a lot of different projects.

April 12th, 2009, 01:33 AM	#45
David Samelman New Boot Join Date: May 2008 Location: New York Posts: 17	I look forward to the info as soon as you have a chance.