Best dolly track

[dino g]

pm me for cadillac track

 

[Onno Perdijk]

Hello Stephen,

First of all, I am a manufacturer of tracks, so I am very biased on this!

When manufacturing tracks all manufacturers take care of the perfect fit of the joint, with their respective methods. Most of the tracks are manufactured within a tolerance of 0,1 mm some even close to 0,05 mm, both in joints and gauge.

Steeltracks are very solid and heavy compared to aluminum-tracks. On most of the steel there has been done some welding which changes the structure of the steel, which will influence the rolling-factor or the straightness of the tracks. Most of the steeltracks available are tubes with sleepers, most of the aluminum tracks are either tubes with an u-profile to get the strain or are I-beam-kind-of shape with a bowed topping. They all have their pro's and cons.

Aluminum tracks are always anodized which will make the surface of the track more rigid for scratches etc. Though they will always be vulnerable. For privately owned tracks I immediately suggest aluminum precision tracks. For rough-inadequate-and-abuse-rental I would suggest steel tracks with a poor quality from start but the quality remains steady over the years.

When making your decision in purchase I would also take in consideration the availability to extend your tracks in length or curves from a rental or colleague. Bear in mind that adaption tracks for mixing brands does not seem to work well.

Another thing to think about is the way of transport: High profiles takes lot of space, scissor/foldable track are easy to carry around and decrease the amount of air-transport in your van. The big advantage of the higher profiles is that the can carry a higher payload or the do not need this much of support. (A 2m30 (8ft) piece of BarTrack needs support at each end and in the middle with a load of 200 kg, An 8ft section of Matthews needs 5 supports.)

Most of all: where you are looking for is a piece of equipment which suits your needs of a high standard; so Quality is an issue. Ask vendors for sample pieces, ask private-owners on their true and honest opinion (don't believe them when they just say that their brand X is the best since they are using it, the brand they are using is always the best since it fits Their needs and they have very less to compare with). High availability does not necessarily mean 'the best tracks'.

The best track is yet to be made. It will never be made (?) since it will always be made out of concessions...

Good Luck,


Onno Perdijk
KeyGrip / Manufacturer
www.solidgripsystems.eu
Amsterdam, Holland

 

[constantine Tirintzis]

Well said.

 

[Alexis Vanier]

Some very instructive input. Thanks! Can anyone further comment on Filmair track except that it's way lighter (aluminum). Ours is stashed away from the shop at the studio, so I can't poke it in my free time and compare (otherwise we have Matthews).

Oh and Fischer rocks. I'm not a dolly pusher and don't haul the thing all day, but unless you need a light dolly, it's a marvelous piece of gear, and I'm saying this while we have all sorts of PeeWees, an Elemack, and a Movietech.

 

[Rich Schaefer]

Good track is important, but as track gets used it gets banged up going in and out of the trucks....

I think a great set of wheels is the way to go. I shoot a lot of long lens stuff beauty, slow dollys at 290mm on a face, it has to be perfect! I have now moved up to the "Porta-Sled" wheels, they and the Chapman-Leonard ones are the best! They are so good you dont have to waiste time making the track perfect!

Also the "Porta-Sled wheels are all slightly different sizes so they don't get flat spots!

Here they are:
http://www.porta-jib.com/porta-glide.htm

Prost,
Rich

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

Need to agree with Rich - the Losmandy PortaGlide wheels make a big difference. Have been using them for years - a very valued tool.

About the type of dolly track, I'll just throw these thoughts into the conversation:
I have several pieces of the aluminum precision I-Beam track (was TM'd "Shotmaker") - Advantages: very tight tolerances on fitup, requires very little support with a standard load. That means a fast set up. I-Beam type track is very adaptable - you can use a single piece to span an airspace where standard track would require support. Using a CamTram with that setup, you can pull off some interesting shots. (Think of aiming the camera sideways through an open window on track passing through from outdoors to inside)
I-Beam track is much more expensive, but if you are planning on owning for a long time, it may be worth the investment.

I also own a lot of Matthews Star Track (over 100' of straight, plus both 10 and 20 foot circles) This track was a thicker wall, precision version of their standard track. It's made of steel instead of aluminum so it is more durable. Unfortunately, they do not make this version any more - was too expensive. It was all machined, not welded - removing any heat distortion to the tubes.

Forgive me for stating a basic: with any tubular track, it is well worth every minute you spend bracing and leveling it -bring along plenty of wedges and blocks. Even the thick wall track needs plenty of support - especially if you have a horizon or other horizontal reference in your shot - those dips are problematic.

When you make your final decision, consider the type of shooting you do and how much of a load you might place on the track. If you are not anticipating placing a fully loaded Panther, Pee-Wee, jib or crane on the track, you can get a lighter weight track - saving not only money, but a lot of physical labor moving it around.

 

[Onno Perdijk]

Need to agree with Rich - the Losmandy PortaGlide wheels make a big difference. Have been using them for years - a very valued tool.

.... If you are not anticipating placing a fully loaded Panther, Pee-Wee, jib or crane on the track, you can get a lighter weight track - saving not only money, but a lot of physical labor moving it around.....

Hello All,

In addition/contradiction to above: Tracks who are suitable for carrying heavier payloads do not necessarily be heavy from itself. Meaning that my Bartracks weights about 12 kg for an 8ft section and still can carry a payload of 300 kg and yet only need a support on the ends and the middle...

Good Luck,

Onno

Onno Perdijk
KeyGrip / Manufacturer
www.solidgripsystems.eu
Amsterdam, Holland

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

Hello All,

In addition/contradiction to above: Tracks who are suitable for carrying heavier payloads do not necessarily be heavy from itself. Meaning that my Bartracks weights about 12 kg for an 8ft section and still can carry a payload of 300 kg and yet only need a support on the ends and the middle...

Good Luck,

Onno

Onno Perdijk
KeyGrip / Manufacturer
www.solidgripsystems.eu
Amsterdam, Holland

Onno,

That is very good information to get in to the community. That's part of the reason these threads exist, yes? Although I am not in the market to buy more right now, I immediately want to know more about your track.

In a perfect world, I would propose the following:
Every manufacturer of track will publish the results from an engineering test that accurately states the amount of deflection in the center of a straight piece of (x) length track at the center when supported at two points (x)" away from each end with different load configurations.
I'm not proposing a standard, but that approach almost makes sense. Those charts wuld become a valued reference throughout the industry.

Then, add to the report all of the other specs (the basics): the weight of each piece of track, folded dimensions, etc..
Why not?

The end user can then make a determination about cost versus performance in a rental or purchase decision. Hmmm, now that I think of it, I want this info with me on any shoot that will require track. Easy enough to do in spare time with track I own, but what about everything else? That's why the onus should be placed on manufacturers - it's information we need to do our jobs in the most efficient manner.

There is nothing I appreciate more than being an informed user / customer.

 

[Tim Duran]

Sanjin is right on the KGS DEVELOPMENT tracks. Not just tracks, but entire systems. I saw them at NAB this year. They looked like a class act, but very small booth for what they were trying to sell. They were at Cinegear last week-end. Great display, lots of room. System seems well thought out, flexible stringer lengths allow for different types of dollies. And they have a dolly system with bazooka and other gadgets that show me that they understand that they just can't make track and be successful. They will be opening a factory in the U. S. by the end of the year.

 

[constantine Tirintzis]

Hello. The dolly system pictured that includes:

Complete Dolly system with telescopic column.

4 sets of double track wheels assemblies + one extra set of double track wheels spare

complete set of pneumatic wheels

complete set of hard wheels

2 seats

center 100mm or 150mm high hat

extended side attachment with 100mm or 150mm bowl mount for cam side displacement

Jib with brakes for boom pan and tilt

10 meters of straight omega tracks in 2 meter or 1 meter configuration

2 X CURVED track for 90 degree

will handle any camera load and 2 people like a toy.

PRICE OF ALL THE ABOVE INCLUDED IN ONE PACKAGE -- 12.000 EURO
Shipping and cases are not included.
4-6 week delivery time from advance payment of 70%
Thank you

 

[Mr. Paul White]

Interesting thread.

 

[Rob Ruffo]

We use Indie Dolly. We have placed a Red on a Kessler Crane 8`jib on teh track with no issues. Super great wheels, super smooth track. Yeah, it`s inexpensive - but so what it works amazing well and is easy to transport and set up, and it looks pro but efficient to clients.

 

[Onno Perdijk]

Onno,

In a perfect world, I would propose the following:
Every manufacturer of track will publish the results from an engineering test that accurately states the amount of deflection in the center of a straight piece of (x) length track at the center when supported at two points (x)" away from each end with different load configurations.

Then, add to the report all of the other specs (the basics): the weight of each piece of track, folded dimensions, etc..
Why not?

The end user can then make a determination about cost versus performance in a rental or purchase decision. Hmmm, now that I think of it, I want this info with me on any shoot that will require track. Easy enough to do in spare time with track I own, but what about everything else? That's why the onus should be placed on manufacturers - it's information we need to do our jobs in the most efficient manner.

There is nothing I appreciate more than being an informed user / customer.

Hello Brian,

well said! The consumer needs to be informed! And I am ready to perform the requested test on deflection etc. But.. there are so many things which will influence the final decision:
-durability (only stated by the manufacturer so biased...)
-availability of additional lengths and curves.

I totally agree with you that such a test needs to be done, but not by the manufacturers themselves.. So now I encourage anybody to do a test and collect 3 pieces of 8ft from all manufacturers to perform the test. I am willing to send out and pay for shipping! (I am ready for any honest comparitive test).

awaiting guys/dollygrips on their reply,

All the best,

Onno Perdijk
KeyGrip / Manufacturer
www.solidgripsystems.eu
Amsterdam, Holland

 

[constantine Tirintzis]

if the market is so suspicious getting ripped off its bad news.
I believe a test and video and photos from the manufacturer is all a customer needs to go ahead . I mean why any manufacturer say lies and risk future sales just to trick one customer? I think its over the top to just start sending tracks here and there for tests.
That can start happening with other equipment as well and it can be endless.
If you want to do a test do it on video or in exhibitions.
Best
Constantine

 

[constantine Tirintzis]

Additionally how many customers can measure accurately deflection of a track?
I had customers having trouble using a micrometer to do a simple measure on a tube, and werent very confident about the results. Do you think that any potential customer can measure deflection accurately in any way?
I just think all this is not necessary.
There are choices, and there is info.Thats all a customer needs to know.
give the data and one can decide which track suits best to his needs.
Thats all there is to it.

 

[Michael Panfeld]

Has anybody used G I Track? Thoughts?