Topic: Posi-Lok - higher quality alternatives?

[carlbeck]

For a similar price, I think I'm liking this Rycote better than the AT swivel.  Only one ball joint to fiddle with, and 3/8" on both ends which means I wouldn't need any adapters.  I'd like to know the weight rating, even though my rig is pretty light.  No reviews anywhere an not any more info on manufacturer's page.

I like that Rycote version but I'm also wondering about the weight it can handle. I got one of these & it slips from 90 degrees with my mic's on a 12" Following Bob mic bar, too bad because it is small & light weight.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UOMGU8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02

[voltronic]

Good to know, because I frequently use the 24" version of that bar with 4 mics.  I'm no longer considering ball heads.

[carlbeck]

I run four mics & shock mounts on my bar.

The specs on my ball mount say that it holds 7lbs fwiw. I took mine apart, the set screw doesn't contact the ball, it rides in a groove forcing a cup up to hold the ball tight. I wouldn't expect it to hold anything in the desired position but a set of actives or small SDC's.

[voltronic]

I run four mics & shock mounts on my bar.

The specs on my ball mount say that it holds 7lbs fwiw. I took mine apart, the set screw doesn't contact the ball, it rides in a groove forcing a cup up to hold the ball tight. I wouldn't expect it to hold anything in the desired position but a set of actives or small SDC's.

Same for me.  Even though my mics are really light, I sometimes have my friends Schoeps MK4/MK8 and/or C214s on there as well.  Now that I think about all of that, I really wouldn't trust the ballhead, Rycote quality or otherwise.

It's too bad about the Posi-Lok.  It really is a good solution, but I won't risk buying another one.

[2manyrocks]

For the price, at least the posi lock doesn't slip. 

[voltronic]

Here's a good thread on the Manfrotto Dado:
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/835462-clever-new-bit-manfrotto-goodness.html

[2manyrocks]

Try searching "magic ball" in eBay camera listings.

[voltronic]

Try searching "magic ball" in eBay camera listings.

If you're talking about this, then that's the one I was referring to both here and when I posted about it on GS.  Go back and look at Reply #13.  AliExpress is $5 cheaper than eBay with coupon.  Same price here, no coupon required.

They also sell a version with only 3 tubes, but I think the 6 tube version is much more useful.

[Brian Skalinder]

I'd be wary of any option that [1] isn't from a reputable company and [2] doesn't have a load rating.  (And [1] mainly because without it, who knows whether it's sensible to believe [2]...if it's even provided.)  I simply wouldn't want to risk my mic investment crashing to the ground from my stand or a balcony or wherever.

[voltronic]

I'd be wary of any option that [1] isn't from a reputable company and [2] doesn't have a load rating.  (And [1] mainly because without it, who knows whether it's sensible to believe [2]...if it's even provided.)  I simply wouldn't want to risk my mic investment crashing to the ground from my stand or a balcony or wherever.

Good points, which is why I'm out on ball heads.  But if you're talking about the Dado / Magic Ball, you're never going to see a weight rating on that because it's just machined pieces that fit together.  Mind you, I would not be using this for balcony clamping with an arm - the Posi-Lok will still work fine for that, even with the bend.  I'm talking about putting the ball itself on top of my stand and attaching my mic bar directly to it so I can have the mics angled down in front of an orchestra or choir, positioned above and behind the conductor.  If the 3/8" holes were inserts, I'd be concerned but it's one machined piece of aluminum.

[aaronji]

I simply wouldn't want to risk my mic investment crashing to the ground from my stand or a balcony or wherever.

Not to mention the people standing under said investment...

[if_then_else]

I'd be wary of any option that [1] isn't from a reputable company and [2] doesn't have a load rating.  (And [1] mainly because without it, who knows whether it's sensible to believe [2]...if it's even provided.)  I simply wouldn't want to risk my mic investment crashing to the ground from my stand or a balcony or wherever.

Good points, which is why I'm out on ball heads.  But if you're talking about the Dado / Magic Ball, you're never going to see a weight rating on that because it's just machined pieces that fit together.  Mind you, I would not be using this for balcony clamping with an arm - the Posi-Lok will still work fine for that, even with the bend.  I'm talking about putting the ball itself on top of my stand and attaching my mic bar directly to it so I can have the mics angled down in front of an orchestra or choir, positioned above and behind the conductor.  If the 3/8" holes were inserts, I'd be concerned but it's one machined piece of aluminum.

Just to confirm. I bought two of these Manfrotto Dado knock-offs  ("ishoot", "e-image") and they're **very** sturdy. However, you might want to use washers between the Dado / Magic Ball and the studs because, otherwise, it will be close to impossible to unscrew them again (without damaging the powder coating of the Dado).