Steadicam Pilot - new buckles available

scapsinger

scapsinger

Well-known member
Ordered the new buckles from Steadicam

These are all the parts and pieces
Parts.jpg

This is the front assembly
08.jpg

Here's the left side and rear (note the back pad, similar to Flyer I believe)
10.jpg

Main thing to note is that the buckles are left side, so the right side of the vest is still standard velcro. You could, of course, reverse this if you wanted to.

So pretty much you get your settings, lock them in and then buckle/unbuckle one side to slip out of the vest. No more ruining the velcro, and no more making a ton of noise putting it on and adjusting it. :)

Cost was $140 and change, plus shipping. There will be a press release sometime soon, and then they will be listed on the site as well.

Until then, if you're completely un-handy like me (couldn't even find 2" buckles anywhere) and want the buckles on your Pilot, call Tiffen and ask for part 801-7816.
 
that looks a lot better than it was. i wish it had two buckles on the top though. even the Smooth Shooter vest has two. im not sure why they are only using one.

the current Pilot vest has been a very messy thing to have to deal with IMO.

thanks for the heads up on this.

david
www.davidprobst.com
 
I'm pretty sure they're using only one because you shouldn't ever need to remove both top buckles unless you're taking apart the vest for cleaning. I don't think I've ever really removed the left patch of Velcro, except when I needed to take my vest on a train once in my suitcase. While I'm sure double buckles might be a nice feature for being able to put on the vest either way, this way should be fine.
 
I would tend to agree that the Pilot vest has been a bit of a hassle for me. Velcro is so...sticky, just gets to be a little annoying I guess.

Also agreed, the X-10/Smooth Shooter vest is a very sturdy vest by comparison. It does weigh a bit more, and isn't perhaps as versatile in terms of fitting so many body styles (nor is it as compact), but it just buckles right on and is ready to go out of the box.
 
I ordered this using part number 801-7816 and received a single velcro strapped buckle. Anyone else had this problem? I've contacted Tiffen on the 23rd of April but am still waiting for a response.
 
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When you ordered the part, did you confirm what you were ordering? I'm not sure if part numbers changed (this product is, of course, not fully "released" yet so I don't know what could or would change in regard to part numbers).

If you got a confirmation that it was the Pilot buckle kit, then I would be sure to mention that.
 
Updating an old thread....

It appears that the Pilot vest now ships with the buckle kit. Not sure if it still ships with the older velcro kit as well (there were plenty of folks who preferred that, for whatever reason). As far as I can tell, Steadicam/Tiffen isn't selling the buckle upgrade kit outright, but I'm sure if you call them they can work that out with you a little easier now that it is a standard feature.
 
Hi - I've just received this upgrade kit, I've worked out how it all goes together, I just have no idea what this strap with the metal clasp is for? Any help/thoughts appreciated!!!
Parts.jpg
 
That metal strip is a belt guide that goes on the bottom section to keep the belt from slipping off the waist.
 
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