The top 8 cheap shoulder stabilizers. Which one is best?

Just got off the phone with Tracy from Indisystem.
Just in case anyone had the same thought I did, the indirailspro XV CAN NOT be used as a slider. It is only to adjust the camera back and forth, not to for creative shots sliding.

I spoke with a guy about his experience with it, he says it's a well put together piece of equipment. A little bit of the heavy side but he likes it.
total cost with shipping is a few bucks shy of $300. I might end up getting the one from India or put out an extra $75 and get the one from express35.
 
Just got off the phone with Tracy from Indisystem.
Just in case anyone had the same thought I did, the indirailspro XV CAN NOT be used as a slider. It is only to adjust the camera back and forth, not to for creative shots sliding.


Possible edit for the first post so no one is misled?
 
Got my IndiRailsPro XV yesterday and shot for 3 hours with it last night. Well built and I'm very happy with it. I'd like to add a counter weight to the back. It has holes drilled on a mount so it should be a simple process.
 
Does anyone know where to buy a good cheap counterweight for indiRailspro XV, those hole are perfect for adding some weights but where to buy them? (no..I do not want to make em by myself, no handy man)
 
is it time to update this thread? I started looking today at this http://www.photographyandcinema.com/products/prime-video-rig-kit since it's on sale for Cyber Monday ($209 total). Looks pretty nice though maybe a bit complicated. I'm sure at this point (2+ years since start of thread) there are a lot more options out there. Yesterday I was at B&H and got to play with a SHAPE shoulder rig. While it's too pricy ($850ish), I loved the support system of the spring-loaded telescoping arm that goes against your waist. (here's the arm: http://www.shapewlb.com/en/product/...lobalitemindex=2&aidcategorie=15&sort=UnitASC)
So, do any of you have the PR1 right I mention in the beginning? How about somethign similar? ~$200 seems like a pretty good price for a rig that offers all sorts of adjustability, all-metal construction and a bunch of rods.
 
is it time to update this thread? I started looking today at this http://www.photographyandcinema.com/products/prime-video-rig-kit since it's on sale for Cyber Monday ($209 total). Looks pretty nice though maybe a bit complicated. I'm sure at this point (2+ years since start of thread) there are a lot more options out there. Yesterday I was at B&H and got to play with a SHAPE shoulder rig. While it's too pricy ($850ish), I loved the support system of the spring-loaded telescoping arm that goes against your waist. (here's the arm: http://www.shapewlb.com/en/product/products/accessories/telescopic-arm/telescopic-support-arm-rod-bloc_38.aspx?id_page_parent=116&prevnext=typemodule%3d1017%26globalitemindex%3d2%26aidcategorie%3d15%26sort%3dUnitASC)
So, do any of you have the PR1 right I mention in the beginning? How about somethign similar? ~$200 seems like a pretty good price for a rig that offers all sorts of adjustability, all-metal construction and a bunch of rods.

Live owned a couple Shoulder Rigs already and yes..I am about to shop for another. Thanks for bumping this ancient post..haha.
Now I like their rigs too but regardless, I would shop around to what you would be comfortable with and if you can afford it, build your own, That's my next project because I want to make sure that I will be using Carbon Fiber rods this time, Big Differrence. Make sure your counterweight also helps out. Check out ebay, they have a huge variety. Shoulder Rigs are just way better than they were a year ago, seriously, design and everything
 
An ultra cheap version that kind of works: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008BBVKHW/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=similaar-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B008BBVKHW&adid=1B1X8J3D2K2D9HWMTMMH&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.similaar.com%2Ffoto%2Fequipment%2Fus_video.html (sold under many other names, including opteka and polaroid, search for the best price) (the clamps are so-so, but it's a lot better than no rig; ultra-ultra-ultra-compact too, which is the reason I haven't upgraded)
That one seems like it would get uncomfortable fast .. especially if you have a battery grip or light or something else on the camera making it a bit top heavy. The cowboy studio clamp thingy seems like it would be better. I'm most likely gonna get that one regardless. it's the "full" right i'm curious about. One with 2 handles, a proper shoulder brace, offset so you can stick your eye right on the screen etc
 
I've got both this and the cowboy (yes, I'm a cheap bastard), I haven't used the cowboy since I got the striker-clone. It could be a lot better. But it's nearly-good-enough, and IT IS JUST SO SMALL! If you ever thought you'd rather leave your shoulder rig at home for some not-so-important shoot, this is a perfect solution.
 
The Jag35 stuff seems like the right balance of price vs. quality. I know a guy who uses their shoulder rig and no complaints. I use their D-Focus rack focus kit with the zip gears and it works good for the price. Tried the D-Gears and didn't like them much.
 
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