Ready Rig gyro-stabilized camera support system distributing gimbal weight across shoulders and hips with 15 cm spring travel, reducing vertical vibration by 90%.
Technical Details
The Ready Rig utilizes a spring-loaded parallelogram arm with a vertical travel amplitude of 15 cm and 360° horizontal pan. The support vest distributes weight across the shoulders and hips, allowing the operator to carry cameras like the RED Komodo or Sony FX6 for extended periods. The system itself weighs 4.1 kg and reduces vertical movement by up to 90%. Three spring settings (Soft, Medium, Hard) adapt to different camera weights. Gimbal attachment is via standardized 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 threads.
History & Development
Ready Rig was founded in 2014 by Chris Fawcett in Los Angeles, after he sought alternatives to Steadicam as a gimbal operator. The first Ready Rig was launched in 2015 and quickly established itself in Netflix and HBO series production. In 2018, the Ready Rig GS (Gimbal Support) followed with improved suspension. In 2021, the Ready Rig Pro expanded payload capacity to 9 kg and integrated quick-release mechanisms for faster camera changes.
Practical Use in Film
Stranger Things Season 3 used Ready Rigs for iconic chase scenes through narrow mall corridors. The Mandalorian employed the system for 70% of its handheld shots, as the LED walls required continuous camera movement without fatigue. The Ready Rig eliminates the typical "bobbing" of handheld filmed sequences and creates fluid motion without the bulk of a Steadicam. Operators can move through 60 cm wide doorways and work inside vehicles. Gimbal battery life is extended by 40% as fewer corrective movements are needed.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to Steadicams, the Ready Rig offers greater mobility with less stabilization. While a Steadicam weighs 18-25 kg and requires professional training, the Ready Rig can be operated after brief instruction. The Easyrig, its main competitor since 2008, only supports vertical weight relief without stabilization. Modern alternatives like the Flowcine Serene combine similar suspension arms with active vibration damping but cost three times as much. For productions with budgets under €50,000, the Ready Rig remains the standard for gimbal-assisted handheld shots.