Raptor Z arm, every thing you should know!

It has been over five years since we first released the Raptor Z shock-absorbing arm. We have shared a lot of information on social media and on our product page. This article will summarize everything you need to know about shooting with the Raptor Z arm.

Standard Raptor Z Arm

The Raptor Z arm is a powerful and precise shock absorber that provides ultra-smooth stabilization for car chase scenes at any speed, whether on/off-road or on water.

To configure the dampers and springs, you need to adjust them from soft to hard depending on your payload. Please learn more from the tutorial here: Raptor Z Arm Tutorial.

The Raptor Z arm has a solid frame, allowing you to combine it with other devices based on the specific anti-vibration needs of each shoot. From the Raptor Z arm, we have developed three additional shock-absorbing solutions for filmmakers.

Basic Setup with the Raptor Z Arm

To set up your Raptor Z arm, you should consider the following questions:

Use underslung or overslung?
How heavy is the payload you use?
Which device do you want to attach the shock-absorbing arm to?
Is a quick transition from underslung to overslung necessary?
How can you protect your arms?
How do I adjust my arm?
Other accessories

We will address each question to help you find the answers quickly and effectively.

1. Use Underslung or Overslung?

Using the shock-absorbing arm, either underslung or overslung, can eliminate vibrations. If you prioritize overslung, the Raptor Z – XY arm is the most effective choice. Conversely, if you prefer underslung, you should choose the Raptor Z Pro or Raptor Z – ISO3 arm.

If you are left with only the Raptor Z Pro and Raptor Z – ISO Arm, choose the Raptor Z – ISO Arm if you answer YES to any of the following:

Are you planning to use ISO Vibration with a telescopic camera crane, jib, boom, or even a remote arm?
Do you want to use it with Movi XL?

If not, the Raptor Z Pro is the best choice for shock-absorbing arm function only. It is the lightest and optimized for Ronin 2 or Movi Pro camera stabilizers.

2. How Heavy is the Payload You Use?

This question helps you choose the appropriate vibration option. We offer 15kg Vibration, 25kg Vibration, and XYZ Vibration options.

Please learn more Vibration at HERE

3. Which Device Do You Want to Attach the Shock-Absorbing Arm To?

This question pertains to the Raptor Z arm back mount, where you attach the Raptor Z to your device. Currently, Custom Easy offers four options depending on your intended use:

Mounting to single speed rail (48-51mm diameter) – default option
Mounting to DUAL SPEED RAIL (48-51mm diameter)
Mounting to Mitchell mount by ARM TO MALE MITCHELL
Mounting on car rooftop using ULTRA MOUNT

4. Is a Quick Transition from Underslung to Overslung Necessary?

If yes, the solution depends on the arm option you have chosen:

Raptor Z – XY or Raptor Z – ISO Arm: Just change from Arm to Female to Arm to Dual Mitchell.
Raptor Z Pro: Add an extra Quick Release, Arm to Female Mitchell, and extra vibration.

5. How Can You Protect Your Arms?

When the arm moves long-range or mounts low, you need a Bump Stop to protect your arm. The Raptor Ultra Mount already includes the Bump Stop.

6. How Do I Adjust My Arm?

Please refer to our manual mentioned here: Raptor Z Arm FAQ. For the Raptor Z Pro, you can also refer to the tutorials we created for the Raptor Z – Z Head Arm: Raptor Z Arm Tutorial.

7. Other accessories

HEAVY SPRINGS are the key powerful of Raptor Z to handle payload up to 20 – 30kgs.
EXTENSION should be installed between the back mount (clamps) and the Raptor Z arm without impacting the arm’s capacity.

We hope this article helps answer any questions you have about the Raptor Z arm, whether you have used this product before or not. If you need any further information, please email us at contact@customeasy.org.