I'm not a big time user of the Gimbal, but I have the GM101 and have not had an issue with it. As with many things YMMV, so it would be interesting to hear what's not working for @stevegixer
Not sure what you mean by "playing up". Does this mean that your longitudinal balance is not spot on? On Gimbals, static balance is just as important as on electronic gimbals like the DJI RS2. The precise balance of the camera rig being used is essential to removing variables when panning and tilting. Since longitudinal balance is the only axis available on a Mechanical gimbal like the Neewer, make it as good as you can. The second issue is bearing freedom and play. When you loosen the Pan and tilt the axis of each there should be little to no friction or play when balancing. JMHO Bearing drag and inability to balance the axis can be a limitation of the gimbal design. Inexpensive Gimbals run the gamut of superior design and quality in these areas so it may be a bit hit or miss based on price.
I agree that they are both good choices. What I was trying to say was that if you can find a lighter gimbal head made from Carbon fiber (or titanium - much more expensive) that provides the same performance it will be a factor in the design decisions made by the manufacturer. Carbon fiber can be both lighter and stiffer in structure if designed with those principles in mind. You will achieve lightness without sacrificing performance. I will say that in the current market size, this design will probably be on the more expensive side of things. Life is balancing tradeoffs
I wasn't disagreeing with you in the least. I just think I worded it poorly. I wanted to emphasize that the Wimberly is a beast, it's heavy, and it's bulky but, partly because of that, it moves smoothly and easily. I would like a new one that can be broken down and transported more easily, I have to give up luggage space and weight to fly with it. You are definitely right about the weight and the materials. and yes. Everything in life is a trade off (or in the case of a Gimbal head a balancing act )I agree that they are both good choices. What I was trying to say was that if you can find a lighter gimbal head made from Carbon fiber (or titanium - much more expensive) that provides the same performance it will be a factor in the design decisions made by the manufacturer. Carbon fiber can be both lighter and stiffer in structure if designed with those principles in mind. You will achieve lightness without sacrificing performance. I will say that in the current market size, this design will probably be on the more expensive side of things. Life is balancing tradeoffs
Another thought for transportability is the design for disassembly. Some of the newer gimbal heads are not tube-based but pieces that form right angles and can be disassembled for compactness when transporting. For me this is equally important to weight as the volume needed to transport is also a big issue.
I have the Benro and it's quite good. My friend has the Wimberly. No diff to me.
If you want the best don't look anywhere else Promediagear.com Katana JR is the best out there and buy for the best customer service. PM me and i can give you a 10% discount code. I had TSA drop my gimbal on a two week trip to yellowstone for elk rut and break off a knob not saying a thing go figure! I called PMG and talked to Tom that turned out to be one of the owners. I told him my problem he ask if i had any tools which i didn't. He said give me a address and i'll personally drop the parts and the tools you need to fix your gimbal and over night them to you. Next day the parts and the tools showed up saving my trip being i was shooting a Canon 600iSll 1DXMKll HEAVY combo
