SteadiCam Fawcett Exovest with Small Socket Block for Zephyr Camera Stabilizer

If you're seeking a camera stabilization solution that combines ergonomic design with professional-grade performance, the Steadicam Fawcett Exovest with Small Socket Block for Zephyr Camera Stabilizer is your ideal choice. This semi-rigid exoskeletal vest is expertly crafted to distribute the weight and torque of a Steadicam system across anatomically correct areas, ensuring comfort without compromising on natural body movements.

The Fawcett Exovest's innovative design features four strategically placed pads around the waistband, which effectively transfer the primary weight to the pelvis. This is complemented by a sophisticated pad system at the upper back for optimal torque transfer. The thoughtful placement of lower pads avoids compression on sensitive areas such as the abdomen and the base of the spine, while the upper pads are designed to prevent pressure on the neck, shoulder joints, shoulder blades, and spine.

A standout feature of this vest is the absence of chest straps, which allows for unrestricted breathing and full range of arm movement, crucial for camera operators who need to remain agile and responsive. The pad systems are connected by rigid sliding components, which, along with double and triple-purchase straps, enable a precise fit under load. This allows for on-the-fly fine-tuning of weight-bearing characteristics, ensuring that the vest adapts to your individual needs during operation.

The vest's outer structure boasts exceptional rigidity, extending the torque-resisting lever-arm to high-shoulder level, effectively reducing the force needed to counterbalance a Steadicam rig. Symmetrical twin-rod spars, rising from the waistband, enhance the vertical range of the socket block and uniquely allow for both front and rear arm mounting.

Four integral pivots within the vest's design ensure it conforms to the body's natural movements. The lower pivot system accommodates the rise and fall of the hips as weight shifts from leg to leg, keeping the socket block level and maintaining consistent height. This results in less muscular strain and improved stability and balance. The upper system facilitates free shoulder movement, contributing to a sensation of increased lightness and control.

For moments between takes, the vest can be easily relaxed with a single over-center lever, as the upper pad system only beds in under load. This feature, along with its lighter and less constrictive build, makes the Fawcett Exovest a more comfortable option for extended use, particularly for female operators.

Designed by Chris Fawcett, a seasoned Steadicam operator and instructor with a deep understanding of the physiology of human weight-bearing appliances, the Fawcett Exovest is a testament to his expertise. His insights, as the author of "Steadicam Posture," have been instrumental in the development of this high-quality, durable, sturdy, comfortable, and versatile stabilization vest, tailored specifically to enhance the performance of the Zephyr Camera Stabilizer.