IndiSystem Air Jib

D

DevonH

Well-known member
Hey All,
I have a small 4' ProAm Jib that has been gathering dust for a while now simply because it's a hassle to take on the smaller shoots I do, and I've gotten into looking at portable jib options. The Aviator is a solid looking piece at around 500, and the Kessler Traveler Jib looks even more impressive, but my attempts to find one of these used have fallen short. I honestly don't mind dolling out the cash for quality, but at the moment I have a few other items I'd like to pick up, and due to the affordability of these, I'm not afraid to pay twice.

One item that caught my eye was the indisystem AIRjibXL , which comes in at $249. i see a few issues, first and foremost being the screw mechanisms on the arms appearing like they'd most likely break within a few months of use, and that the central support platform doesn't look heavy duty at all, and I'm included to think bending will be an issue.

Can anyone provide insight?

Thanks,
Devon
 
I've got one. Bought it with a Blackmagic Camera in mind... then ended up with an F3.

Needless to say, it will fly the F3 (bare bones) but it doesn't like it, and can get wobbly with that much weight (about 4kg with the camera stripped down to a minimum).

For a DSLR or lightweight camera, I'm sure it'll be fine though. Built quality is nice and solid. It doesn't pack down very neatly - but there's only so much you can expect from a $250 jib.

The Coke Bottle counter balance system is a nice little piece of genius though.

For lightweight camera lifts, I feel confident to recommend it.
 
ive not used it. but on a basic physics standpint (get it? "pint") i think the liquid counterbalance is just straight up RETARDED. liquid MOVES. especially if the vessel is not filled to absolute capacity.
i would think it would be hard to get solid stops without some wiggle from the movement of the liquid.

not sure why they thought this was a good alternative to readily available sandbags, fitness weights, etc... i guess that the kit being able to be transported weight free and adding the weight on site, MIGHT make sense. but what if you dont have access to a faucet on location?

bad idea IMO.
 
Last edited:
wgzn said:
ive not used it. but on a basic physics standpint (get it? "pint") i think the liquid counterbalance is just straight up RETARDED. liquid MOVES. especially if the vessel is not filled to absolute capacity.
i would think it would be hard to get solid stops without some wiggle from the movement of the liquid.

not sure why they thought this was a good alternative to readily available sandbags, fitness weights, etc... i guess that the kit being able to be transported weight free and adding the weight on site, MIGHT make sense. but what if you dont have access to a faucet on location?

bad idea IMO.
Click to expand...

It's an option in ADDITION to regular free weights. It's worked well for me, and I've never noticed any issues from moving liquid upsetting moves with the jib.
 
Craig,
That looks like an interesting jib, not bad for the price. My only point of concern is the mounting point. Flying smaller cameras I wouldn't see an issue, but I'd be hesitant to put much weight on it beyond 5 pounds.
 
Regarding water sloshing around: just totally fill the bottles. I bought some plastic covered lead diving weights and drilled a 1/4 in hole in them. That's my preferred counterweight.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top