Walter Klassen SLINGSHOT RIG 2.0
Key Features
- Back-mounted design efficiently transfers heavy camera rig weight to the operator’s core.
- Optimized for supporting electronic gimbals and large handheld camera packages, reducing fatigue.
- Utilizes an elastic suspension system with telescopic carbon fiber tubes for vertical dampening.
- Enables tool-free, rapid adjustment of upper arm angles and elastic tension for versatile use.
- Achieves wide boom range, allowing seamless dynamic shots from high to ground level.
- Boasts a compact, maneuverable design, ideal for navigating tight spaces on set.
Description
Walter Klassen SLINGSHOT RIG 2.0
The Walter Klassen SLINGSHOT RIG 2.0 is an advanced and highly versatile camera support system designed to alleviate operator fatigue and enable dynamic, fluid camera movements with heavy handheld setups, particularly electronic gimbals (like Freefly MōVI, DJI Ronin, ARRI Maxima M30). It is the evolution of the original SlingShot Rig, incorporating refinements for improved performance and user experience.
Unlike a traditional Steadicam arm that provides full stabilization, the SlingShot Rig 2.0 acts as a vertical load-bearing support system. It works in conjunction with a Walter Klassen harness (such as the FLEX Harness or the SlingShot Harness itself) by utilizing a back-mount system to efficiently disperse the camera’s weight to the operator’s core and hips. This allows operators to achieve a “handheld” feel with heavy cameras for extended periods, reducing arm and shoulder strain significantly.
Key Components & How it Works:
At the heart of the SlingShot Rig 2.0 are two independently controlled telescopic carbon fiber tubes (or arms) that extend from a back-mounted adapter on the harness. Suspended from these tubes are sets of elastics (available in various strengths to match different camera payloads). These elastics provide vertical dampening and lift, making the camera rig feel almost weightless in the operator’s hands.
The rig connects to the camera setup via specialized adapters (like a Gimbal Adapter for electronic gimbals or a Top Bar for increased pan range), allowing the operator to support the camera from above. Tool-free adjustments on the telescopic tubes allow for rapid changes to upper arm angles and elastic tension, optimizing support for various camera packages and shot requirements. The system can also be operated with a single arm for more compact setups or increased clearance.
Key Features of the Walter Klassen SLINGSHOT RIG 2.0:
- Back-Mounted Load Dispersion: Effectively transfers the majority of the camera rig’s weight to the operator’s stronger core and back muscles, drastically reducing arm fatigue.
- Versatile Gimbal & Handheld Support: Optimized for use with heavy electronic gimbals (e.g., Ronin 2, MōVI Pro, Maxima M30) and large handheld camera packages, providing enhanced stability.
- Elastic Suspension System: Utilizes independently controlled telescopic tubes and interchangeable elastics (light, medium, heavy, extra heavy) to perfectly counter camera payload and provide vertical dampening.
- Tool-Free Adjustability: Allows for quick and easy, on-the-fly adjustment of upper arm angles and elastic tension without requiring any tools, speeding up setup time.
- Wide Boom Range & Dynamic Shots: Enables fluid movement from extremely high angles (over 12 feet with extension handles) to ground level in a single, continuous take.
- Compact & Maneuverable Design: Its compact footprint allows operators to easily navigate through doorways, tight spaces, and challenging terrains without hindering movement.
- Modular & Adaptable: Can be deployed with one arm for lighter or more restrictive setups, and offers various accessories (like extension handles, top bars, gimbal adapters) for customization.
- Enhanced Longevity & Performance: Built with Walter Klassen’s renowned precision engineering and high-quality materials for extreme durability and consistent performance on demanding sets.