Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1152338
One advantage of this design over the Shoulder X vest, which has a much trimmer back profile, is that this system of articulating link assemblies behind the back does not interfere with your arms and shoulders when you find yourself raising your arms straight up. There is nothing above your shoulders, like the Shoulder X, which has a frame that hinges a few inches above the shoulder. This is how they get around the problem of maintaining a tight profile. When I tried that vest on at our union meeting, it felt great until I raised my arms straight up, and basically contacted the metal frame, and it felt like now I was fighting it. Other than THAT, it seems really well designed. As boom operators, we have some pretty specific and unique requirements, and exoskeleton manufacturers are going to have their hands full designing something that works with our range of motion and in the tight quarters that we find ourselves. I'm sure it will be possible. The EksoVest feels good and very high quality. The new stronger spring will be a welcome addition. The stronger the better, but not so strong that we can't bring our arm back down! Corey Woods: I concur with everything that Ken wrote. I would only add that the level of adjustment is quick and the ease of putting the suit on when needed can be as quick as thirty seconds. We don't always need the vest, but when we do, it might be at the last minute. A consideration Bryan Cahill EksoVest Demo for boom operators who find it hard to leave the set for fear of missing a rehearsal, lighting change, etc. Mike Anderson: Recently, I had the opportunity to try one of the exoskeletons being tested for use by microphone boom operators. The EksoVest exoskeleton system was loaned to me by for a ten-day stretch during production of the third season of Goliath, the Amazon series. Once Bryan Cahill gave me a quick run-through of how the vest works and we got it fitted, I put it to the test. I found it had a surprisingly comfortable fit coupled with a very good range of motion. The vest has interchangeable springs that add and/or reduce the vest's lifting power. I started with the heaviest load lift thinking, "Hey, why not?" Once I really started to get used to it, I found myself almost fighting it. When I switched the springs to a lower lift tension, I found the lower tension made all the difference and the system was extremely helpful. I suggest everyone booming give it a try. It can't hurt, literally! I want to thank Bryan for all of the work he has done trying to find ways for us fishpole boom operators to minimize the abuse we do to our bodies on a daily basis. If you think I'm wrong, you are kidding yourself. Maybe we can make these devises a standard on set. After all, when was the last set you were on where the camera operators didn't have an Easy Rig on standby?