Some people want to stick with big brand names - nothing with wrong with that. So if you're looking for my suggestion in this area, one of my favorite Stabilizer + Vests combinations still to this day is the hybrid Steadicam Merlin Vest + Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer.
Obviously the Glidecam Stabilizer can be used without a Vest, when you just need to fly hand held. If you need the extra support for long hours of Steadicam work, you can mount the Glidecam to the Steadicam Merlin Vest (with an adapter).
Glidecam HD4000 Video Camera Stabilizer
The ISO ARM on the Merlin Vest can be dialed to fly both lightweight cameras as well as medium weight camera systems. This is a true 'Steadicam' branded vest, and build quality on the ISO Arm is top notch. Typically this vest runs $1600 dollars (some retailers still list this price), but recently it's been discounted for just $995 $849 (found here).
Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin $995
Now i'm not a fan of the Velcro straps on the actual vest part. So the only other thing I highly suggest getting is the Buckle Upgrade Kit (found here). This little kit will get rid of those nasty velcro straps that are both noisy and will eventually wear out. You can find that kit below (click here).
Steadicam Merlin Vest Buckle Upgrade Kit
So if you're working with the Glidecam HD4000 (or similar post) Stabilizer, to mate the two you can either DIY an adapter (as seen here), or you can pick up a ready made post from Berkey designed specifically for this Hybrid setup. Here's a link to the adapter required to allow the Glidecam Stabilizers to work with this Steadicam Merlin Vest.
Berkey Glidecam Post Adapter to Steadicam Merlin Vest
Alex
Is there an adaptor to use a Steadicam on the Glidecam x-10 vest? I own the Glidecam x-10, but I was thinking about buying a Steadicam solo.
Thomas
Thank you Emm!
Emm
Post author@Thomas - Slimmer, lighter, cheaper. You want to be able to maneuver through doorways with these vests.
Thomas
Thanks for the great post!
Wondering what the advantage of choosing the Steadicam vest over the Glidecam vest is when using the Glidecam 4000? Is it just build quality?
Thanks!
Emm
Post author@VisX - The Steadicam Vest should fit into the post, but the Skyler is such a small stabilizer, the bottom weights might bump into the arm.
VisX
Hi Emm,
Will the vest arm fit the Skyler MiniCam? If not, do you know a DIY or ready-made solution? Thanks!
Emm
Post author@Smorg - It's more affordable to get into instead of the Pilot, and also you can fly the Glidecam HD4000 without the vest.
Smorg
Hey there great post. Love the link to the adapter as well - it took me a while before I found out you can change that little bugger!
Just curious - why do you suggest the Glidecam HD4000 (or similar post) and not the original Steadicam Pilot to match the vest&arm?
(seeing as weight capabilities are limited by ISO arm)
The Glidecam weighting system looks to be a little more annoying than the Pilot's. Also Glidecam's Aluminum vs Steadicam's Carbon Fiber.