Taking a slider on a plane

D

DDirector

Veteran
I'm looking at buying a slider.
I would like to store it in my suitcase while traveling by plane (which I do often now), however the slider that I may end up going may be a few inches too long for my suitcase. (approx 31" long)

I'm not sure if I should go for that slider or not anymore.
But if I am, what alternatives would I have for transporting it? Doesn't seem like carry-on is an option, is it?
 
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Have you thought about getting a bigger suitcase? I have one that fits my 36" tripod, though at an angle, without having to take anything apart. Just make sure that the bag you get doesn't dip into oversize bag territory!
 
Andrius Simutis said:
Have you thought about getting a bigger suitcase? I have one that fits my 36" tripod, though at an angle, without having to take anything apart. Just make sure that the bag you get doesn't dip into oversize bag territory!
Click to expand...
My bag is one of the largest bags I could get without being over-sized.
I also have my tripod in there too, on an angle. And this slider may not really work even on an angle.
I'm not exactly sure the size of the slider/bag off the top of my head, but I remember measuring a few days ago and it being a bit too big for my suitcase, even on an angle.
 
I wouldn't worry about trying to cram 1,000 things in your suitcase. Get a case(like a Pelican) designed to safely ship and transport equipment. If you're flying for work for a client, then they should be paying expenses, like shipping, anyway. Mine do. On a series I used to work on, they had a courier, that they paid for directly, that would pick-up gear at our houses and deliver it to our hotel wherever we were going and then back.
 
Sorry to be blunt, but really your complaining about transporting a slider? Obviously a carry on is out of the question since it wouldn't fit in the overhead.
The only solution is checking it in, and i've seen hundreds of surf boards, snow boards, skis, and even golf clubs being checked in... so its only a question of finding a large enough bag.
There are a thousand different suitcases/cases you can choose from to transport a 1 meter long slider effectively.
Buy a proper case if your worried about the slider (i.e. Pelican)...or look at buying a "roller dolly" instead, or just a shorter slider for traveling.
I like the Fotodiox cuz its cheap but performs well, even with a heavy rig on it. (You'll need to adjust the rollers in order to fine tune the slider)
Amazon.com: Fotodiox Pro SlideCam 600 - 24" Video Slider Stabilizer, DSLR Camera Track Slider, Linear Stabilization Rail System With Ball-Bearing Slide Mechanism, Adjustable Legs and Carrying Case: Camera & Photo

Or just buy a roller, it'll support a heavy setup and give you a smooth roll on almost any surface. Even if your traveling outdoors, a simple board will suffice for a smooth roll.
Amazon.com: ePhotoInc Flex Skater Dolly DSLR Camera Floor Table Dolly Video Slider Track & Case by W150: Camera & Photo

What I mean to say, is there are a hundred different solutions. A 31" slider isn't actually that large, so id just find a larger suitcase and pack it in with your cloths.... check that sucker in, forget about trying to carry it on.
 
Where are you traveling? The first thing I usually do is check out rental houses in the area I'm flying to. 90% of the time renting a tripod and stands when I get there is a lot cheaper than paying the overage fee on my bags. If I need a slider I use a DIY dana dolly type (similar cinemover design) and just buy some EMT track at home depot when I get there and then just toss it before I have to fly out. If turnaround is to tight for that level of prep I just rent a slider when I get there.

To answer your question I would look at the Cinevate Duzi. Its supposed to be very smooth and I think it can be disassembled & broken down but don't quote me. Its light weight with carbon rods and many users seem to really like it.
 
I'll second the golf case. Airlines see them everyday and know that they are heavy but seem to let them get away with it. I've had mine packed with tripods, jib, c stands, slider and a bunch of grip and not paid extra because I was standing with a bunch of doctors heading on a golf trip.
 
I'd definitely look into a rolling-sled & hardware solution that lets you grab 1" conduit when you arrive (or have the client supply it).

So many sliders out there get so jittery when you have a fully kitted camera on 'em, a DIY sled is often what you end up with at some point anyway.
 
I put my Cinevate Duzi into one of those hard samsonite bags and send them to the belly of the plane. 31" will be long, reason why I sold my Kessler sliders.
 
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