NEW Dual Arm Stabilizer Vest vs Steadicam Merlin Vest

• • 133 Comments

I have used and abused my Steadicam Merlin Vest over the years, and although the ISO Arm has lasted me this long, the actual worn vest has slowly been degrading. I love the Steadicam Merlin Vest, and highly recommend the performance it gives, but even at $1500 dollars for the vest only (seen here) this is considered the low end of Steadicam's Stabilizer Vests. There are other more professional Steadicam vests, but obviously much more expensive. While I continued patch-work on my Steadicam system, I took the time to test a few other vests on the market.

Steadicam Merlin Vest Plastic Chest PlateSteadicam Wieldy Stabilizer Vest Konova Budget-3
Plastic Chest Plate Cracked on my Steadicam Merlin Vest

Build quality on the few aftermarket Stabilizer Vests i've tried over the years were good, in fact many of the worn vests I thought to be more comfortable and better designed than the Steadicam Merlin Vest. The only problem was that each ISO arm on the vests seemed to require a decent amount of weight to work smoothly. The springs were basically 'too strong' to fly your basic Glidecam HD4000 and DSLR Camera. In order to work properly the stabilizer should float in the air and the ISO arm should be very flexible and responsive to movement.

Steadicam Wieldy Stabilizer Vest Konova Budget-8
Current Stabilizer Vest Collection

My most recent Video Camera Stabilizer Vest arrived, and i'm finally happy to find something that performs extremely smooth under a lightweight stabilizer such as the new Carbon Fiber Wieldy.

536560453_814536560798_510536560800_730
find-price-button Wieldy Arm & Vest with Carbon Fiber Stabilizer

For this new vest that i've purchased, the dual arms can be dialed down to fly an average DSLR lightweight setup, or dialed to support a heavier payload. The ISO arm is responsive, reduces movement that would normally transfer to the stabilizer, and allows the stabilizer to just float. I'm not a fan of a few aesthetic pieces such as the bright blue locking knobs and metal chest plate, but overall the build quality on the vest is good, lightweight, and comfortable.

The length can be quickly adjusted with a simple pull-pin, something the Steadicam Merlin vest does not offer. The Dual ISO arm can be repositioned on the left/right side, or removed completely very very easily. To attempt this with the Steadicam Vest requires more time and more effort. The buckles allow you to get in and out without having to lose your personal fitting.

Steadicam Wieldy Stabilizer Vest Konova Budget-6Steadicam Wieldy Stabilizer Vest Konova Budget-5
Metal Plate, Quick Adjustment, Quick Release Arm, Reverse Mount

I purchased this Dual ISO Arm Stabilizer Vest with the brand logo Wieldy, but has since undergone various name changes. The common one found (at time of writing) is under the brand 'CAME' (terrible name). If you're planning to use this vest under a Glidecam or Flycam, the post diameter is just a bit small. You would need to find a way to increase the diameter a bit for a snug fit with the Glidecam or Flycam handle.

Steadicam Wieldy Stabilizer Vest Konova Budget-9Steadicam Wieldy Stabilizer Vest Konova Budget-10
Wieldy Handle Diameter vs. Glidecam Handle Diameter


Sample flight with BlackMagic Cinema Camera

At about $600-$700 dollars this vest is still not considered 'cheap or affordable', but in terms of the performance versus a $1500 dollar Steadicam Merlin Vest (seen here), it's a highly recommended alternative that i'm very pleased with. This dual arm vest is also found bundled with a Wieldy DV Pro Carbon Fiber stabilizer, which is a great combination for DSLR Video. You can find this Dual Arm Vest + Stabilizer via eBay (click here)

Wieldy Vest Dual Arm Stabilizer Steadicam Vest
find-price-button Video Camera Steadycam Dual Arm Stabilizer Load Vest

The vest is very helpful for longer video shots, but is not required. You can always purchase the vest at a later time and just start with the Wieldy Carbon Fiber hand held stabilizer. I have additional information and sample video footage shot with a Wieldy (found here). So if you are just looking for the Hand Held stabilizer, that can be found via eBay (Click Here).

Wieldy Iron Triangle DV Pro StabilizerWieldy Stabilizer Cheesycam
find-price-button Wieldy DV Pro Iron Triangle Stabilizer

Wieldy Stabilizers Currently Available on eBay



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133 thoughts on “NEW Dual Arm Stabilizer Vest vs Steadicam Merlin Vest”

  1. brodie

    Can I use this wieldy arm and vest with a Laing p-04 or is the hole diameter in the handle too small. Sorry for such a boring question. I couldn't find it on my own.

  3. Emm

     Post author

    @Jonny - Someone else commented about the Glidecam here: httpss://cheesycam.com/wieldy-dual-iso-arm-vest-video-stabilizer/#comment-248977

    I think the base of both adapters may be the same, and they mentioned it works. I have not tried this to confirm.

  4.

    @Emm thanks very much for your posts i found everything really helpful and interesting...
    Just a quick one: I have a Glidecam HD 2000 and a Wieldy vest but as you mentioned in this post the handle of the Glidecam is a bit bigger than the Wieldy post...
    Do you think a Glidecam to Steadicam adapter will fix this? Im just wondering if the Steadicam post fits into the Wieldy :S

    https://sandbox.berkeysystem.com/store/specialty-items/glidecam-to-steadicam-adapter/

    It would be really helpful if you can let me know.
    Much appreciated

    Jonny

  6. Emm

     Post author

    @Mike - You can't go wrong with the Steadicam Merlin Vest. Previously it was comparing a 400 dollar vest to a 1600 dollar vest, so cost was a big concern for many. Now that the prices have been lowered it's easier to justify going for the Steadicam (especially if you can offload the Merlin Stabilizer).

  7.

    Thank you Emm! I've been using an HD4000 for a couple of years so that's helpful. And I should have said "vest & arm" rather than "stabilizer". My bad.

    So in your opinion, am I better off buying the Steadicam Merlin, vest arm & adaptor (money is not a concern) - OR the Wieldy vest & arm, since that one is all metal, and has the other features that sounded better quality than the Steadicam in your video review?

    Just asking because it sounded like most were pursuing the Wieldy because they were more concerned about cost. But I'm more concerned with overall quality and long-term durability, rather than cost.

    Much appreciated,
    Mike

  8. Emm

     Post author

    @Mike - httpss://cheesycam.com/steadicam-merlin-vest-with-glidecam-hd1000-hd2000-hd4000-stabilizers/

    I would look into at least the hd2000.

  9.

    Hi Emm,

    Thanks so much for doing the reviews. It was the best info I could find of anything on line, or even calling in to the staff at B&H.

    So if money wasn't a concern, and you just wanted the 'best' overall quality stabilizer system that was ready to go without needing custom modifications for a small, lightweight DSLR camera, like the Mark III, what would you recommend?

    Thanks very much for the help,
    Cheers,
    Mike

  10. Emm

     Post author

    @Tom - Well I took the upper half from another vest and made it work with the lower half of the Steadicam Merlin Vest. The trick is to get the top plate to connect with the rib plate on the Merlin Vest. I had to drill a few holes.

  11. Tom

    Emm, I just broke the Steadicam vest's chest plate just like you have. Actually this is the second time it broke but I was fortunate enough to receive a replacement under warranty... Not this time around. Can you elaborate on that Konova fix? Thanks.

  12. Emm

     Post author

    @Pablo Hill - Yes that is the part for the Merlin handle. Someone mentioned that the post will fit the Wieldy vest. Look at this comment: httpss://cheesycam.com/wieldy-dual-iso-arm-vest-video-stabilizer/#comment-248977

  14. Emm

     Post author

    @Chung Dha Lam - I don't know of any vests that will take the Merlin directly. You would have to end up replacing the post. I believe someone mentioned that the Steadicam Merlin post can be installed on the Wieldy vest.

  15.

    I would like to know if I could use the Steadicam Merlin with the other vest and if you could post like all the hand post sizes of all of them so we can compare the sizes with each other.

  16.

    Ok cool thanks Emm.
    You may jus be the greatest lol. I cant wait to get this. Im shooting an action film and this will be perfect for it. Will it be hard to maneuver? Im a quick learner

  17. Emm

     Post author

    @Tery Wilson - Unfortunately I have not tested the Wieldy II Vest to say if it works well. The first link does work for smaller lighter cameras.

  20. Simon

    just here to say how nice it is that a blog owner actually provides (informed) answers to the many questions.

    Thank You Emm!

  22.

    You mean a shotgun microphone? I'm using stereo xy-axis mic that'll pick up any audio in immediate vicinity... but I really have to get this equipment, thanks for your reply Emm

  24. Emm

     Post author

    @Jake MacManus - It does not make enough noise to be picked up if you are using a proper microphone (not the in camera mic).

  25.

    Hi Emm,
    can you please tell me if the Weidly arm/vest/stabiliser makes any operational noise while flying? I'm recording audio as well as video so I need the stabiliser to be absolutely silent when flying
    thanks
    Jake

  26. Apon Ahsan

    Can any body suggest me which matte box, follow focus and base plate with rail I should buy? I have checked Wondlan. Do you recommend this?

    Will appreciate your suggestion.

  27. Emm

     Post author

    @Morgan – the Merlin is designed to fly with by holding the handle slightly at an angle. As you walk the handle can then move up and down. It also moves the small stabilizer further from the arm so it has room to work

  28.

    @Emm

    That seems like a nice solution...

    But could you tell me something about why the merlin requires an angled post?

    And why would I need to change the back screw of the adapter for a longer one?

    Thanks A LOT!

    Morgan

  29. Emm

     Post author

    @Morgan - Someone mentioned that the post can be swapped out and they have theirs working with a Merlin. I have not tried this, but I guess it can be done. Here's the comment: httpss://cheesycam.com/wieldy-dual-iso-arm-vest-video-stabilizer/#comment-248977

  30.

    Thank you for the useful information!

    I know this question has been asked before:

    Does the Wieldy arm work with the Merlin 2 Steadicam?

    Your answer was that the post would not fit. What would have to be done to fit the post?

    I am going to work with a Canon C100 or a Sony Nexus FS100 and a small Schoeps MS mic (for a documentary). In combination with the Merlin Steadicam 2 this shouldn't way over 7 kg. What do you think?

    Thank you very much!

    Morgan

  31. Vladislav

    I would like to ask if you would use it (wieldy or came) with 4,5 kg camera JVC GY750E. I saw your test of wieldy with BMCC, which can be half weight of my jvc and it worked nicely, but would it be safe for the 4.5 kg camera ?
    Thanks for sharing ...

  32. Emm

     Post author

    @Jason - Check the photo in my article and compare to the listings. The cheaper vest you are talking about with the blue handle stabilizer has a spring that may be too strong for a basic DSLR. You would really have to load it up with some weights for the spring to react properly.

  33. Jason

    @Emm. I'm thinking of dropping the cash on one of these. It's confusing to me because your links to eBay seem to lead to whichever vest is available at the time and not necessarily the one you have pictured. Can you confirm the link is still valid for a vest/stabilizer that will work with my DSLR? Right now it lists the Came version with the blue handled stabilizer for $679. I'm fine with that one if I know it'll fly my 7D without any issues.

    Thanks for the great work on the site!

    https://www.ebay.com/sch/photolight/m.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_armrs=1&_nkw=1-7kg%20steadycam%20vest%20arm&_sop=16

  35.

    Adding a variant here... I just took possession of a Video Ice S-120 (Dual Arm/Vest/Carbon fiber sled), thru Amazon but sold by Video Gear Direct ($50.00 less on their site -grrrr). No instructions came with but they are sending the DVD.
    Anyway, I'm trying to set my rig up with a Canon XHA1, Focus DTE, and Haier monitor with extra external battery. I made a plate to hold the DTE and battery. So I'm finding it hard to tell if I have the arm/vest set up right. The outer section reacts to the weight of the loaded sled but the inner seems not to even when I dial the spring down (?).
    BTW No plastic chest plate good old aluminum.

  37. Emm

     Post author

    @Kyler - The Steadicam vest can hold quite a bit of weight, but I think 18 lbs may be a stretch on the vest itself (not the arm). The vest is mainly put together with a plastic chest piece and velcro.

  38. Kyler

    @Emm - I'm looking into buying a steadicam vest+arm system to support the MoVI rig for extended shoots. I'm wondering if this Wieldy vest is strong enough to bear that kind of weight. The MoVI M10 weighs 4.5 pounds + a max load of 10 pounds (plus the inevitable monitors & such that will go on the handles) makes the whole thing probably over the 7kg (~15lbs) limit of this arm.

    Is there any way you can test the actual weight limit of this arm? I'm wondering if it can actually hold more like 18lbs, which I think would be enough.

    Thanks in advance, Emm!

  39. Emm

     Post author

    @Jo.c - I am not familiar with customs fees to France, maybe someone else can answer that. It could be possible to make a Glidecam fit, but you would have to DIY some type of new post with a larger diameter.

  40. Jo.c

    Hello, I'm really interested to buy a Wieldy arm and vest, but I have some questions, and maybe you can help me:

    - Is it possible to adapt the arm and vest to a glidecam 1000 ?

    - What about the customs fee ? I'm in France, is what I'll have to pay a lot of money ?

    Thank's for your answers!

  41. Emm

     Post author

    @Max - That vest is a totally different model. It has heavier springs and a different stabilizer than the other Wieldy version. The vest springs will be too strong for a lightweight camera.

  42. Max

    Thanks for the great review again! I'm about to pull this trigger on this, but I'm noticing that the CAME system that is linked to has a different stabilizer (it looks a bit less substantial than the Wieldy branded auction which is about $100 more):

    https://r.ebay.com/SZgL7e

    Do you know if there are major differences between the Wieldy auction items that still exist, and the CAME ones?

  43. Emm

     Post author

    @Kevin Andrew Falk - I think it will, but the post on this arm is too small to fit a Glidecam. It would have to be modified.

  46. stephen

    I bought one of these off of ebay. Vest stated falling apart first day. Fly rig came bent..... pretty much the typical Chinese junk , but half the price of a real one that works.
    Wont be buying any of this amateur gear again. Just no comparison to the pro , but more expensive stuff. The old " get what you pay for" rings true again.

  47. Harri

    @emm Hey i purchased it and it arrived in 4 days!!!!!!!!!!! So fast, but when i let go the steadicam swings forward how do i fix this?

  48. Emm

     Post author

    @Harri - Yes the stabilizer is very good. Here's a video httpss://cheesycam.com/wieldy-hdv-pro-iron-triangle-carbon-fiber-video-camera-stabilizer/

  51. Harri

    @Emm - I contacted the seller, it doesn't come with a post that fits the glidecam, what should i do about this? Where did that person you were talking about get theres? is the stabilizer you can get the vest arm arm with any good compared to the glidecam? thanks

  53. Emm

     Post author

    @Harri - Mine was a very early version, but I hear they may be including an optional post that can be changed out to fit the Glidecam handles. I would try checking with the seller to make sure, but one person said they received an extra post to fit a different stabilizer.

  55. Emm

     Post author

    @Harri - Since I was not able to fly a lightweight camera, I did not follow through on the modification of this vest.

  57. Emm

     Post author

    @Harri - Is it any good? Yes it's very good! WIll it work with a DSLR camera setup? No it won't, the spring is too strong. This is better for very heavy camera setups like a RED or something.

  59. Cyrille

    Hi, i've just received my steadyCAME! 8 days delivery. The bag given is ok. The steady is very fonctional and impressed me... You really can jump and dance with it wile your image stay perfectly stable (i wont show you the video !)I noticed : the came logo is a sticker, and no brand in the back. Some screws that looks metal on most images i saw on internet are in cheap black plastic. The paint is not perfect. It has a lot of strange pencil corrections...looks like a refurbish 🙂 If you buy one don't forget that every knob has to be tightened : I broke a little plastic ring behind a knob between the two arms...It's not a drama but a little sad because it's new. The vest is comfortable. So my conclusion is that it does well what i payed for : a stable image. But it's strange to see some bad details that could be easily corrected for a better quality perception. For the moment i'am really happy with it. I just hope it will support work conditions and time as well as possible. If some of you have some good tips/settings to adjust the stead, it could be great to make a recap note with most of the lenses in order to win time for adjustments in work conditions. Thanks a lot Emm for your blog and your precious advises.

  61. Emm

     Post author

    @LJ - The cheaper one has stiff springs. The one that I have has less spring tension so it moves under a lightweight stabilizer better.

  63. NoCoErik

    So I bought this the same day I read this review. I made sure the photos of the unit I bought match the one here. Took only about 10 days to get here to Colo.

    Seems to work decently with a 5DIII and 34-105. Definitely have to play with it.

    HOWEVER -- if you buy one, and your is like mine... ALL THE BOLTS ON THE ARM ARE LOOSE. Really loose. Like they didn't give their factory people tools. I had several of the Allen bolts just fall out during the first flight. Spent about 30 min on the workbench with some tools and BLUE Permatex (Locktite) and hope that works.

    Oh, and the SINGLE pin that holds the upper part of the vest to the lower vest simply fell out. Yeah. So no way to connect the two parts of the vest till that's fixed. Some bonding agent, a hammer and some time will tell if that's fixed adequately.

    And it's worth noting that there are ZERO, none, nada instructions of ANY kind. If you've never set up a glider before, you have some homework to do. I've never used an arm before so I have lots of homework to do RE setting it up properly.

    I got the glider with the vest and arm. I also have a Glidecam HD4000. And is the $100 one as good as the $500 one? Nope. But it just may be good enough. The gimbal is not quite as smooth. Close, but not there. The finish on the paint is cheaper and the whole thing smells odd (but that will change with fresh air!). One thing I like about this one BETTER than the Glidecam is that you can reposition the gimbal up an down. This is another very useful par of balancing the rig.

    The bag will fit the glider, vest, and arm perfectly. No, it's not a Pelican or Samsonite, but for an included item, it's pretty decent.

    The vest itself is very comfortable so far.

    So, IMHO, it is worth the $800 + shipping? Dunno. If I get it dialed in right and the parts quit falling apart, yes. But if you're not at all a do-it-yourselfer and don't want to screw around with a rig that you have to kind of have to figure out on your own, you might consider another. Not dogging this system. Just saying it's not without its issues.

    It's once again true: you gets what you pays for.

  64. Emm

     Post author

    @wma - It is counter-clockwise to make it lighter, and clockwise to make it stronger. Make sure you do this after you have your entire stabilizer on the arm.

  65. wma

    Hey Emm,

    I know you're super busy, but would it be possible to make a tutorial on how to dial the vest down?

    I just purchased the unit now, and I just know I'm suppose to use the dial screws to lower the tension so when the unit rests on the vest the arms should be as horizontal as i can put them?

    Is it clock-wise or counter-clockwise on the dial?

    Thanks!

  68. Kim

    I received the CAME stabilizer for a week now, and it's exactly like the Wieldy, the CAME was excellent, the gamble was smooth and easy to set up, and I got for less the wieldy's price. I got good result smooth footage,
    The weight of the CAME stabilizer was light for long shoot, I really happy I purchase this stabilizer...

  69. Emm

     Post author

    @Sachin - You will not be able to change exposure or focus on the fly, so any larger monitor would do for you to frame while shooting. Check out the Lilliput stuff like this httpss://cheesycam.com/lilliput-7-5d-iiop-hdmi-monitor/

  73. Emm

     Post author

    @Jonathan - At this time they are the same, but there are different versions of vests and stabilizers. If you are looking for the same vest I have, make sure the images look like the ones in my article and video.

  75. Emm

     Post author

    @Daniel M - Most vests i've tried are able to support a good amount of weight, but not a decent minimum amount of weight. I don't know about that one, but I like to use a vest that can be dialed in for both types of setups. Otherwise you have to constantly travel with a certain amount of weight just to use the vest. You will be less fatigued with a lighter setup, not to mention traveling with less bulk when it's not needed.

  77. Emm

     Post author

    @andy - The arms will always come with the vest, but not always with the 'stabilizer'. The stabilizers can be purchased separately or sometimes bundled with the ARM/VEST gear. The lower prices you see are often 'starting bids' and will sell for whatever price at the end of auction. You can see other listings that have a set 'Buy It Now' price.

  78. andy

    hey thanks for the great heads up and review!

    i'd be getting my first steadicam, ever...
    and im looking at these listings
    1) https://www.ebay.com/itm/140900864872
    2) https://www.ebay.ca/itm/121043649837?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_11948wt_883

    im wondering, does this include the entire system? or just the vest?
    i looked at the listings you linked to and it looks like some say "vest" at $788 and then some say "arm" at $688...i just want to make sure i'd be getting a whole system for around $800...lol.

    love the site,
    thank you

  79. Brian

    I tried the angled post. It did not seem to make a difference. I also emailed Camera Motion Research and got back a rather long e-mail stating the same. The vest/arm does take the weight load off. Looking at some older videos, the arm looks just like the Konova arm.

  80. Emm

     Post author

    @Brian - Hmm, the straight post will not be able to take advantage of the tilt in the Gimbal. I'm sure you know what i'm talking about. Normally when flying the Merlin or BlackBird the handle should be held slightly at an angle so that if there is a sudden upward or downward motion, the Gimbal will absorb the movement.

    The Gimbal on the Merlin works in the exact same principle as the BlackBird. If the Steadicam Merlin has it at an angle, but the BlackBird has it straight up, one of them is right and one is wrong. I personally know that you need to have a slight angle to use the Gimbal effectively.

  82. Emm

     Post author

    @Brian - I'm guessing you don't have your handle set up properly. The Glidecam handle can sit vertically because of the way the Gimbal is designed. The BlackBird handle, similar to the Merlin needs to be set at an angle to absorb the up down motion.

    Do you have photos of how you are mounting the BlackBird? Look carefully on the Merlin Vest and you will see the angle the handle needs to mount

  85. Emm

     Post author

    @Brian - Have you already dialed down / up the arm? The arm needs to lay horizontally when the stabilizer is mounted.

  86. Brian

    I ordered one, which came in this week - also labeled wieldy. I found a video online of a guy wearing a Merlin vest/arm jumping up/down and the camera hardly moves at all. This wieldy unit does not duplicate that. It is actually kind of bouncy, which I bought it to try to eliminate the walk bounce. I did not want the pogo stick bounce I see on so many steadicam handheld shots.

    I am using it with a Sony NEX-FS100 and a blackbird stabilizer. I think I may need to buy the steadicam arm to get the bounce control I am looking for.

  88.

    Been following this since it was posted, ordered the CAME version and it gets here TODAY! In the same shoes as @Paul Will be using the glidecam 4000 and need to increase the diameter of the post (or replace it with a larger one) thinking that increasing the size will be easier. it's funny I initially had the same thought to use rubber bands but it looks like that isn't a good direction.
    Anyone have any suggestions? Washers, Rubber spacers, might putty like substance, anything?

    Thanks for all the info and all the reviews. Check Cheesycam.com everyday!

  89. horn

    I have problems with the screws, very bad quality, the one to put up or down the vest is taken off; the same as one of the plate. It uses a very weak sistem perhaps glue ...
    (excuse my english..) Otherwise is a very good vest, arm and stabilizer (its a pitty so poor quality in inexpensive elements)

  90. Paul

    Hi emm, i tried to use rubberbands to thicken the adapter piece for my glidecam hd4000, unfortunately it got lodged deep inside the glidecams landle, do you have any alternative solutions for thickening the stub?

  91. Emm

     Post author

    @horn - You turn the dials to increase the spring tension. Ideally you want both arms to be as much horizontal (level) as possible with your stabilizer on. It should not be sagging down, nor should it be pointing up. Both arms should be pretty flat across the horizon.

  93. horn

    8 days to arrive to Spain. Very satisfied with everything. The bag for instansce is very good. ONe question Emm: the dual arm has one screws each arm. I think it is to adjust the tension, but could you explain it a little more, wich one is for tension what...??

  94. Emm

     Post author

    @Dustin - I'm sure this arm can handle that type of weight. I'll test with the BMCC which is a fairly heavy camera.

  95. Dustin

    Would this work on something as large as an Epic or Scarlet as well? I imagine a barebones setup would be toward the upper-end of the weight limit, but I wasn't sure how the arm would handle it. Is the spring tension in the arm adjustable? I have an Epic, but frequently use DSLRs for smaller jobs. It would be nice to have a rig that can handle both.

  96. Emm

     Post author

    @YesYesMovies - Yeah I plan to do more tests, just overwhelmed with some new things coming through the door. It has also been raining and fairly cold out here in the Bay Area, so not real excited to go outdoors right now. I'll try to throw something up though.

  97.

    Also, wondering if there is a significant distance in the length of the arms sections and how much room the arms takes up beside you when operating. This can be influenced also by how far out to the side the socket-block connection or "effective pivot point" is. Often the cheaper arms have a more monstrous "operating footprint" are are bad news for any sort of confined shooting. Cheers, Chris

  98.

    Emm, regarding Merlin v Wieldy you are doing great work to help people sort the wheat from the chaff!! Can you comment on some critical performance aspects:

    - the range of payload weights you have been experimenting with and what feels like the "sweetest" load on each arm (Wieldy claims a range of 1-7kg, and Merlin is specified by Tiffen as 3.4kg max but I have heard of operators happily flying 7kg)

    - the effective boom range (no specs for Wieldy, but Merlin claim is 28in or 71 cm)

    - the critical "iso-elastic feel" of each arm (i.e. Merlin claims that only a small constant lifting force from your hand is required to boom the arm through its entire range, even at the extremeties of the spring range. Whereas a less than ideal spring will need heaps of grunt from your hand to lift at the ends of the boom range.) Does the Wieldy come close this magical "iso-elastic" feeling?

    Also, you mentioned you have shot some video tests? If these haven't been uploaded yet is there a chance of seeing you suited up in both rigs and showing us the boom range and spring performance?

    A great resource, thanks again! Hop[e others can chime in with any demo videos they have seen. Chris

  100.

    Hey Emm thanks soo much for the heads up on this I have always wanted one but never justified purchasing one till I saw your raving review on the quality and the good price and you are 100% right its made VERY VERY well. It's funny I ordered the "CAME" model on eBay but got the wieldy brand I wonder if there is some sort of legal reason they can't call it weidly.. who knows but the bag is super nice and the whole setup just feels really pro thanks again for spending all this money on testing stuff so we don't have to!! ( well we actually wind up spending MORE money because of the products you suggest BUT hey its all fun and games 🙂 Keep up the great blog [Long time lurker first time poster]

  106. Paul Abrahams

    @Sally I got the single arm it needs a bit more weight to work. I think the dual arm would be a better choice. The Dual Arm can't be converted to single.

  107. Emm

     Post author

    @Sally - I have not tried the single arm (of the same wieldy vest), but the dual is not very heavy. The vest was lighter than the other brands, and the arm comes off the vest very easily so it's easy to work with.

  108. Sally

    Em, I'm confused about whether to get the single or dual I like working compact and in small space but also like the idea of reach, can the dual arm be disassembled for single setup if needed?

  110. mad

    I have been communicating with a guy from ebay about a wieldy and he said he would get back with me on a wieldy branded dual arm and avest but im still waiting. I jus got my stabilizer today but havnt tested it.

    The guy said he wasnt sure if the weight of my dslr would work wit the dual arm but he tested it with a mark3 and a 70-200 and said it works fine to his surprise

    Any reason y the links that shouldshouldshould direct to a single product always takes you to a page of results? Seems to happen a lot on this site

  111. Paul Abrahams

    @Wesley I'm going to look into changing the spring on my single arm and/or adding more weight to the unit.

  112. Paul Abrahams

    Here's a different way to balance the Weildy. I've tried both short and long and feel the long balance suits me and my amateur ability. For me it tends to float better this way. I also learned how the Left to Right balance knob works (finally). The Video has English subtitles. Its interesting they recommend using a 2 to 1 weight ratio on the sled for longer heavier lenses. Just thought I'd share this as its another way to balancing the unit I didn't know.

  115. Emm

     Post author

    @Wesley - Anything is possible, but I'm looking for something that just works. I feel a majority of people just want something that works, and not something they have to shop around to have a fix for.

  117. horn

    See it has an orgasmic aception, as a happy end, but it seems to be the less important, at least in dictionaries.

  119. Wesley

    Just wondering why don't you take out the heavy duty spring, take it to a local shop and buy some custom springs for the other arms?
    I'm sure many people are interested in an DSLR spring upgrade 🙂

  120. Emm

     Post author

    @Paul Abrahams - There are a few different vests, just make sure it looks like the one I have. Yes the dual arm I have can fly the Wieldy Carbon Fiber Stabilizer with a Canon 5D Mark III + Sigma 20mm Lens.

  121. Paul Abrahams

    Feeling a bit duped by my seller. He said the dual arm was for heavier set ups so I bought the single arm. I have the exact same Vest as in your review. Going by your tests @Emm that dual arm can fly light weights. I could just pickup the dual arm? Dam, anyone want a single arm?

  122. Darius

    So many references could be made about my literal excitement towards getting one of these vests and the name of the actual vests, but I will refrain.

    You can bet however I will be gaff taping that brand name before anything else.

  125. Fabian

    I get my wieldy steadicam vest and arm this week. I'm very curious after I saw your comparison between the vest and arms. Can't wait to fly it

  126. Emm

     Post author

    @Brandon - Holding 'more' weight was never an issue on the many vests i've been trying. It's the 'minimum' weight that they all seemed to fail at. I can only suggest using the vest I recommended for flying with common DSLR video setups, and it can be adjusted to hold more if needed.

  128. Brandon

    Hey Emm the Came vest and arm is even cheaper than the wieldy from this seller and it says it will take the same amount of weight how do you think they compare? Also it seems the post on the arm is slightly longer than the the wieldy as well so kind of confused at which to consider..

    I am referring directly to this one: https://www.ebay.com/sch/photolight/m.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_armrs=1&_nkw=1-7kg%20steadycam%20vest%20arm&_sop=16

    being able to fly a lighter set-up is definately important to me

  131.

    This seems to propose alternatives to the Steadicam Merlin vest accessory, but when it comes to whether any competing vest's arm has a pole that actually fits the Merlin, I only heard about Glidecams.

  132.

    Buying the "CAME" vest from China and the "Rectopole" rig from India, would guarantee instant employment in the porn industry in Los Angeles, because after all you do have the proper tools for the job...

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