Smooth Shooter, Anyone Sellling?/ Best place to buy?

B

Big Country

Member
Hey everyone! First time poster and I need some help.

I purchased my DVX100a last October and am loving it. Used it for a short we filmed in Italy and got some great footage. Had a glidecam 4000 with us and as many of the posts here have indicated, its heavy and takes lots of practice. Didn't have the arm brace and a few months later and I still feel some pinches in my right shoulder blade from time to time. I'm guessing many of you know what that's like. Ha, Ha!!! Instead of buying the arm brace I think I'm gonna bite the bullet and go the Smooth Shooter route. My next project begins mid April and I'd like to get one asap so I can practice up before the shoot officially starts.

Anyone Selling? Or does anyone know who has the best rates? I'd also be open to other vest/stabilization systems that work with the glidecam 4000 if anyone has some insight they'd like to share.

Thanks in advance for your input!!
 
I went through this same dilema with my glidecam before I sold it and went with a full on steadicam type system.

There were five options I considered when I was going through what you did and I did a ton of research regarding them all.

Option 1: Varizoom Sportster www.varizoom.com - price $795. Barry S spoke highly about it, but it is a smaller single arm system that can interface with the glidecam as well as the other varizoom stabilizers and steadicam brand products. It is smaller than most systems, but very affordable. Blaine speaks highly about this unit and has used it.

Option 2: Varizoom Navigator www.varizoom.com - price $1500 (a demo available on the varizoom website for $1200). This is the larger version of the sportster, or the smaller version of the vest of the hollywood lite. I spoke with... damn, can't remember his name, from Varizoom and he believes in his product very strongly. He said that they offer a variety of springs for the unit and the arm will support at least 12 lbs (more than your glidecam can hold). More ideal for a unit like the Glidecam 4000 because of the larger arm, more built vest, and more professional look.

Option #3: Smooth Shooter - $1495 www.glidecam.com (I bought my glidecam from www.glidecamdealer.com they have the smooth shooter for $1450). A more stable unit and users prefer it to almost all alternatives. It is the most expensive, but is supposed to be the best of the single arm unit vest stabilizers. Most people keep it once they buy it. Jack Stanley owns one, PM him for a review on the use, ease, and flexibility of the unit (unless he wants to chime in here). I've been impressed with this unit and was my original planned purchase.

Option #4: Indiecam system - www.indicam.com A real dual arm system for $1500 or a real vest system with dual articulated arms for $1000. I spoke at length with Terry and was completely sold on his system. I am very interested in this unit, and the only drawback is the backpack, in my opinion. I don't think it looks as professional, but still, this system is supposed to be the real big deal and I believe in it and hope to own one shortly. I wish I was going to NAB to test it out in person.

Option #5: Do what I did... get rid of the glidecam all together and go for a true steadicam system. Mikko and I spoke through, I don't know, dozens of PMs and I ignored his advice regarding the Merlin and the Flyer. I bought a glidecam and it just wasn't for me. Personally, I wish that all the time, energy, money, and thought I invested into my glidecam and subsequent vest research I had rather put into the quest for a better alternative.

So those are your options as I see them. Hopefully you have enough resources availble to make a nice thorough search and find what will work best for you, best of luck and happy shooting.

Jeremy
 
I own the glidecam4000 with the smoothshooter. It gives you what you need, a smooth stable shot. Only drawback is getting the glidecam balanced. You will spend at least 1/2 hour if not more to balance it. But with a quick mount attached, once its balance, you're done. I am happy with my purchase, it gives me exactly what I need. I just need to gain about 20-30 pounds of muscles and get a prescription for some vicotin, cuz your lower back KILLS after about 10-15 minutes, although I have a bad back to begin with.
 
Yankee, Thanks a bunch for all the great info. I've been doing some homework since I read your post. Kinda wish I would of gone the steadicam route from the start. I'll let you know how it all pans out.

EP2005, So even with the Smooth Shooter you still get some discomfort? Its gotta be better than going the hand held route though.

Again, thanks for the insight. Look forward to becoming a contributing member of this forum

BIG COUNTRY
 
Has anyone here tried to put a lens/focus controler on the Glidecam 4000 handle and used it with the Smooth Shooter?

Let me know what you all have found that works for you.

I am currently thinking about the Varizoom STEALTH PZFI for my HVX200.
 
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