Pilot Sled Upgrade

gco

gco

Veteran
Looks like Steadicam finally came out with a Pilot sled upgrade for users of the Merliin Arm/Vest kit.
http://www.steadicam.com/pilot.html
I have been really looking forward to upgrading for quite some time--- I am convinced the straight post between bottom weights and the stage make for a more stable platform in comparison the the Merlin. I was expecting that the cost of the sled alone would be around the cost of the arm/vest combo or at least somewhere near that. Seems a reasonable expectation right?--- not even close. At $2700 for just the sled they are really making it hard if not impossible for guys like me. To be honest, it feels abusive. I have already invested about $2400 in the Merlin and arm/vest. Now they want $2700 more. I am really disappointed with this company. :thumbdown
 
well, they are definitely pushing the envelope.
For the time being, I'll have to say I'm taking my money elsewhere.
 
Two thoughts:

1. These are list prices, and the price probably will drop. When I bought my Arm and Vest kit, it was $1900, now it's $300 cheaper at B&H.

2. When you look at the prices, assuming that the Arm and Vest is $1600, and the Sled kit is $2700, the total price is $4300. The Pilot kit's list price is a little under $4100. The Merlin Arm and Vest kit used to include a $160 Metal Gimbal upgrade too (apparently it no longer does in the $1600 package though). Also, assuming that the sled sells for below list price, as all of the kits and all do at B&H, you should be able to get it for roughly the same price as the list price on a Pilot. Sure, it's not cheaper than a Pilot, but why would they risk people assembling their own kits and losing money? The kit should be cheaper if you buy it all at once!

Personally, it's really, really tempting to go for this kit. If I weren't thinking that I'll need a Flyer in the next several years, I'd be saving my pennies right now.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top