MOZA Slypod + Gimbal Combo - What It Can Do & What It Can’t

[@al201103]

It speaks volumes about you as a person and as a reviewer that you were so non-judgemental and even-handed in the way you presented your quest. Really nice to see considering how quick people can be to flame a company when a product doesn't perform. Nicely done!

[@krectus]

Gerald Unleashed! The fervor and anger of a polite Canadian unleashing on Moza.

[@LukeFlegg]

Gerald Undone has Outdone himself. MOZA really should pay you for this epic review and feedback

[@manchumuq]

Dude, as one of the most influential KZbinr in the profession, you are really showing more than enough patience with their testing stage product (despite their shitty customer service response). I believe the idea slypod would drastically matured and fine toned in a few years, especially when every big player like DJI and Zhiyun enter the competition.

[@courteoussammy112]

+1000. Thank you for the great answers. Men like you are needed in this world where marketing has become overwhelming. I like it that you not only criticize but also show what should be done in order for things to work as expected. Great positive attitude !

[@tomdchi12]

The slypod concept is interesting. But we really need someone like DJI to come out with a conventional slider with motion control that you can mount one of their gimbals on and use the app for multi-axis coordinated motion control.

[@itsmebernie]

Gerald- you are one of the very best on KZbin. It is SO important to call out misleading claims like Moza’s (in this case). Moza would have done so much better to make a competition or a contest out of solving some of the problems you shared here, and offering free kits to those who assist.

[@Decodingfashion_]

I was exactly thinking of all the possibilities and there comes this video. Great job. Cheers

[@shagral_]

Here is Gerald completely losing his temper after being sprayed with puddle water from head to toe: "Well, this was sub-optimal and probably could have been avoided. I hope we can keep this embracing incident behind us, learn from it and do better in the future".

[@davidsovereign4958]

Григорий Шаханов - LOL!! Exactly! So funny.:)

[@HoustonBrownPhotography]

Never was very impressed with this product and thought it a bit expensive for what it did. This video confirms my suspicions about it operations as well. Thank you Gerald for all your hard work. Love the channel.

[@jaydivina533]

I love the Aircross 1 and 2 and have tinkered using a Slypod. I went the multiple device route and it was much like flying using a HOTAS. I needed a second person for focus pull and a third for any jib style movements. We concluded it would be impractical for most projects as far as manpower and ease of use. The Slypod has become a resale item. We can check that one off as fun with experimentation. Also Moza replies usually are open ended and vague at best which usually prompts me to hit a forum instead :D Great vid thanks Gerald!

[@GudsenMOZA]

Hello, Gerald Undone，we are appreciated for your honest review of the MOZA Slypod and MOZA AirCross 2, and your review of how to use the MOZA Air 2 to make stunning macro videos is amazing. We are sorry about the issues you mentioned in the review. Our R&D department is testing the Linkage Control, and it will come out soon，we will inform you once it is released.

[@GudsenMOZA]

Hello, Gerald Undone, the Linkage Control of MOZA AirCross 2 and MOZA Slypod/MOZA Slypod E has been released，you could have a try.

[@HarshadBari]

@@GudsenMOZA I am glad the MOZA team is actively looking at reviews and participating in the conversation. Communication is necessary more than quick results. I don't have the Slypod yet but I am interested to get it in the near future. To work with Moza Aircross 2 that I like using.

[@robertfeliciano5723]

Great review. Good job keeping Moza honest. I really like my Moza Air 2, but it has some bugs, they really need to beef up their software team. Now we understand why Syrp and Rhino charge what they do, software. I've been saying for years that I'd love something like a Moza Air 1st gen where the battery handle pops off and you put that on a slider with motor and they all communicate.

[@ErisN]

I just bought Sony A7iii and suddenly discovered my favorite KZbinr. He is Gerald Undone and he deserves to have at least 5 million subscribers.

[@DACProVid]

It would be nice if you could revisit this with the slypod 2 and the aircross 3 the app now has a synchronize button that I believe is supposed to allow you to start both movements at the same time (slypod and the gimbal)

[@colin_rootz]

Thanks for this balanced review Gerald. I had heard of the Slypod and searched for reviews, but there were really only a few product demos. I found it interesting enough that I considered buying one, but you came along in time for me to find out that I should wait for Moza to address the problems/limitations you've found. Many Thanks!

[@reginaldworthington7558]

If Gerald can’t do it, NO ONE can! I can see you had a rough ride on this one Gerald - best to steer clear of it until Moza pulls their heads out of their collective butts and realizes they shouldn’t rush to market with a product that is only about ‘half’ ready for action! Thanks for going through all the pain to illustrate just how pre-launch this combo still is.

[@RobbieMcKane]

Glad someone made a video on this! I've been doing the analysis in my head as to whether or not this combo would be fruitful.

[@radekprusa3405]

I had a bunch of questions about this combo. You've answered all of them. You've just confirmed my doubts, that this combo can substitute a proper 3D slider/head set for serious work. It can't. Glad to save some bucks and nerves... Great idea but probably still long way to polish it, if even possible.

[@DavidWood2]

Yet again, I compliment you on your attitude, Gerald. Instead of ranting when you come up against defective or incomplete products, or frustrating issues, you go into detail about where the issues are and encourage the vendors to work to resolve the issues. Moza have the possibility of something really unique here - but clearly right now it has issues. New firmware and software that fully integrates the Slypod, AirCross 2 and focus motors could finally realise the promise of the combination - but I think it can hardly be called a system at present. The lack of smoothness of the AirCross 2 and the balancing issues also need attention. I totally agree with your conclusions. The ball is in Moza's court - can they deliver what they have promised with firmware and software, or do they need to go a further generation on the hardware to get this working properly? I will keep my money in my pocket and wait for developments.

[@ShawnKoh]

I was filming a review for the Moza as well and experienced that shake and alot of other mechanical issues. Glad I wasnt the only one experiencing this. Made this feel very gimicky.

[@BeyondSlowMotion]

This explains so much! I've been approached multiple times about them wanting me to review phone gimbals, but the moment I bring up the Slypod they quit replying entirely. I have a feeling it's because I was interested in doing a comparison to my Kessler 2nd Shooter Plus kit, but they don't have it all integrated yet. Done right this concept could be a huge upset to the motion control world, but as is this isn't worth the cost. Hopefully we see some meaningful updates!

[@jrsoldano1444]

Very much appreciate this, as both of these devices are actually in my cart at this very moment. Thanks for the research!

[@keatonditchfield8437]

You should be a product development consultant... You know what you talking about and know how to fix issues

[@brettthemonster]

The Gudsen team is completely clueless. I've had the Moza Air 2 for almost a year now and even that has very hit or miss performance, plus it does not manage nearly as much weight as it claims. The issues with the Moza Slypod are not at all isolated. Everyone complains about how the Slypod is basically not usable for professional applications. Look at the rating on B&H right now. The reviews are not good. Was thinking about picking one up before units actually started shipping out, but I am so glad that I waited. Seems like they're just flat out lying to customers by saying that the Slypod can be combined with their gimbals in any repeatable/controllable way.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

I think the whole problem with the weight isn't actually to do with weight, it's to do with the physically set up people are using; shape, mass and centre of gravity are the main factors in my opinion. With the AirCross 2, it balances fine, however if you want to use a cage or your own plate it's slightly too high on its centre of gravity... yet significantly under the weight threshold.

[@brettthemonster]

@@chrisbrockhurst I've typically just use something small like an A7iii and a smallish lens. Even that constantly presents balance issues for me on the Moza Air 2. I always take the time to properly balance everything as well. I also have definitely run into weight distribution issues similar to what you're describing attempting to balance my BMPCC 4K, which has proven to be a fools errand.

[@24Steevy]

@@brettthemonster I never had a balance issue with heavier setups with Air2, it has very powerful motors handle very well unbalanced setups also. Just see Brandon's video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2HTi2uCrL92mrs

[@dygonproductions7062]

@@brettthemonster i use a canon R with the canon 24-70 f2.8 on my Air 2 an it balances just fine. since the firmware update it has become more reliable too. i do however have issues balancing if i add the battery grip to the camera.which then makes the camera quite tall.

[@reginalb124]

@@dygonproductions7062 Which 24-70? I've been curious if it would balance my z6 and 24-70 f/2.8 s, the 2.8 s does weigh less than the RF 24-70 f/2.8, but the z6 weights quite a bit less than the EOS-R. I think the issue with my current gimbal is the relative weight, the s lens is very front heavy on the Z6

[@brock_calliou]

I ordered the Slypod back in May; I had not received it since. Early October, I contacted the store I purchased from and they mentioned they have been trying to get in contact with Moza. Needless to say, I opted to back out of the order and received a refund. After watching this review, dare I say I dodged a bullet? On the flip side, I was very excited to have a unique slider/monopod. Oh well, can't have everything. As of right now, I am still on the lookout for a decent slider.

[@Proj.3nouns]

Glad you posted this video review on the combo because I was about to purchase it but now im on the fence about it.

[@retrothing]

Terrific video! Thank you for this. I followed the exact same harrowing adventure as you. I have the beefcake Blackmagic Pocket 4K, and so picked up the Air 2 plus a focus motor with the promise of integrating with the Slypod. Then I had to get an Aircoss 2 and two focus motors to get that Slypod motion control... and like you im waiting. If they can make this moco concept work, I won’t object to having bought two gimbals and lots of extras. The advertising clearly shows motion control shots that aren’t actually possible yet. Here’s hoping we don’t have much longer to wait. Again... brilliant video!

[@geraldundone]

Thanks for the kind words. Sorry you've had to go through that!

[@retrothing]

And you! I’ve worked with overseas manufacturers before, and some of them thought it was totally okay to make paying customers their beta testers. I’m not saying that’s what this is, but they’re Cleary advertising a thing that’s not ready, and it doesn’t make me feel great about a company when they need so many reminders to follow through on a clear promise. I forgot to add that I appreciate that you found ways to still attempt to create those looks that MOZA promised. Sometimes when that’s the gig, you have to improvise. Nice work!

[@riparianstudios]

Wooo shots fired. Incidentally Gerald, the experienced DP I worked with on a lot of my productions told me that he finds that post-type sliders traditionally have a lot of trouble being used in the elements--dust and the like tend to gum up the works and disrupt performance. I'm guessing considering the problems some of the Slypods had out of the box, this device wouldn't be likely to overcome those drawbacks?

[@FrankTaeger2021]

I had the battery problem with the Moza Air 2, they were unsuable quite fast. Moza reacted within a week and I had new ones. So that worked definitely.

[@pennyfan13]

I like your honest opinion, I wonder if you would review Moza's Slypod Pro with Aircross 3, they have improved the functionalities for these 2 to work together as you wish it to be.

[@24Steevy]

I have the Air2, i love this gimbal but find it little bit heavy. I was thinking to change it to aircross2. Thank god to see your and Brandon's video what you recommend. I often use heavy lenses, and looks like the aircross2 doesn't handle heavy setups well. And today i tried out the new firmware to the air2, it's a very good update with new functions and nice control updates. So the Air2 is stay with me :) So thanks for the video, nice work as always, keep it up ;)

[@JamieFenn]

Well those were some GREAT responses from MOZA. XD

[@subbbass]

great video. I wonder if it's useful to take 2 devices (an additional old phone or iPad) both with the MOZA app. I think every divice can only have 1 bluetooth connection to the slypod or the gimbal.

[@BlackBearForge]

I purchased the AirCross2 and the Slypod with this integration in mind. Not only do they not work in this manner. But the AirCtross2 was missing a piece which MOZA customer service refused to acknowledge for over a month, but kept telling me to look in the box again. By the time they finally admitted it might not be there the weather had turned a bit cooler, 40s, and the front trigger on the gimbal quit performing properly outside. Still worked fine when indoors. Between incomplete shipments, failure to integrate as advertised, poor customer service and a defective product. I finally asked for return shipping and a refund. Two weeks later, still nothing from MOZA. Really very disappointing for a couple of products that showed such promise.

[@mlegrand]

I'm curious if you've heard much of an update on this. They just announced a slypod pro which is also advertised to work with the Air Cross 2. Current pricing on that AC2 is $269 but even at that price, I'd prefer not to buy junk. Hope all is well Gerald!

[@_________1863]

"Today I'm gonna tell you a story about my heroin quest..."

[@reginaldworthington7558]

lalo f hah! Yep, that’s what I heard as well. Thought it was just my ears. ;)

[@toddpeterson5904]

"Hair"-oing quest

[@TommyCallaway]

Very interesting - I was wondering why they were so hesitant to send out the slypod!

[@TheUnMarketingGroup]

Wow, you really kept your cool. I’ve been thinking about the same idea using a Ronin S / object tracking and a motorized slider. Didn’t think about the smart phone balance issues. Thanks for leading the charge!

[@artnovikovdotru]

Moza, that's insane you demonstrate something on website that's not even yet available! And so many flaws. Thanks Gerald.

[@johnnysparkleface3096]

Thanks for thinking of all the stuff I'd never have thought of.

[@Hdfromabove]

Thanks man... would love to see this integrated properly.

[@jennymelisa2528]

Thank you very much for your honest review on the products

[@gatlinproduction]

That’s why I put that thing back and pick up the Jibone.

[@FrankNeulichedl]

Great video - and also great that you openly say that the functionality my never come. We should buy gear based on what it can do now ... not on hopes that through firmware updates it will be what we want. I got bitten twice and will fall for it again. The advertised functionality did come (sometimes years later) but not in the hoped quality. I hope that more reviewers would stop giving extra points for future features that may come.

[@iComplainer]

That beat *_SLAPS._* 🔥🔥🔥

[@bradaskew6704]

A still expensive but significantly cheaper than full motion control option: motion control slider, put a gimbal on it, so you can get low, use something like the DJI Ronin-S and the DJI Ronin S universal mount with external power. Still wouldn't be in the same app but I think you could time it okay with some practice. Maybe some tablet allows dual screen dual touch and they could be started in sync.

[@zvjezdanalastre]

Hi Gerald , found this review only now after 3 years! Really nicely done by you, It speaks volumes and it has given me a clear insight of the item and the company! Are the things different now after 3 years? what has changed, if anything and what other brands are there producing this kind of Item? Im Searching for automatized sliders easy to mount and transport on remote control that can be combined with Ronin, any advice would be of great help. Thank you!

[@DruceMacFarlane]

Has there been any change in the last four months? Their website and app seems to suggest it is now supported, but they probably suggested this four months ago also. I would be interested in an update video if there is any change.

[@junkyardpoets]

Hey! Have any of your thoughts evolved since the new firmware updates? Has this combo worked better together?

[@gillesmatheronpro]

Very helpful for sure ! Thank you.

[@unithom]

Checking back. I have the Air 2 and was hoping a Slypod would help me avoid or put off a Rhino purchase. Any development since this video?

[@unithom]

Answering myself: found this video. The UI looks horrible. Still, progress. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHnEiKqfar9-ptU

[@mr.omninpotent6358]

Hey gerald! Is the pair working well now or still not?

[@lazlo342]

Thank you so much for your review. Did they ever resolve these issues?

[@lazlo342]

Hi Gerald. I am very interested in purchasing this combo and I am curious if the issues that you mention in your review were ever resolved. Thanks.

[@memop94]

Awesome video! (I have only watch 10 seconds but your videos are awesome in general)

[@js_filming7701]

I´m about to order the Slypod. But will I ever be able to use it together with my Moza Air 2 and iFocus?

[@RikkiRockettsLegendTripping]

I sort of bought the Slypod blindly, thinking it has to be amazing. It's not. It's ok. I have been trying to get great shots of a parked motorcycle and it's just ok. Anyway, thanks for a great video!

[@skymakai]

Great topic! I’ve had my eye on these products for a while!

[@bellacephotography6086]

Thanks for an awesome review. You saved me from wasting money!

[@Work_Data_PV]

is this the same MOZA that makes the racing sim steering wheel rigs?

[@StephenKazumi]

they did combine them for unified motion control!

[@redone7104]

Nice contant please show us your setup tour or worshop/workstation Whatever you call its just the space where are working ,

[@tomamarius]

Thanks G. Great video. You saved my money!

[@DSLRVIDEOTIPPS]

Hey MOZA! What about your promisses early in 2021 to make the MOZA Master APP usefull for customers of the Slypod AND AirCross 2. Today we have december 2021. The Master ;-/ APP ist still not usable!

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Was intrigued when this product announced, but looks like it doesn't quite deliver what's been promised (yet) or a case of you get what you pay for compared to Edelkrone or other sliders. Having said that, those systems are much more cumbersome. Great video as always!

[@dodmedia]

Gerald, I've been running into exactly the same problems as you mention with the review units I got sent. It's infuriating that they don't cooperate with eachother! 😅 I also feel very reluctant to put that much strain on the bottom mounting ports of the gimbal after my AIR2 unit was missing the 4 screws to hold that mounting plate in place! I found this out the hard way when I was underslinging the gimbal and holding by the minitripod to get a shot right by the floor, and the whole gimbal just flopped to the floor and batteries sprang out as the weight pulled the glue apart and the mounting plate came off. Luckily the camera was only a couple of centimeters from the floor, but damn did that scare the shit out of me.

[@sjonmx]

Take the risk of Aircross 3 and Slypod Pro. Your video is excellent, details and errors of this product. Thanks

[@AlexanderWare3]

It’s sad because there have been so many major improvements to this system in the last year. Slypod Pro just announced, hopefully these things will all be worked out for that new version so we can get a decent review from GU going over the linkage of the two devices. Just ordered my air cross 2, very excited.

[@jeffapplefield3341]

Great review Gerald! When MOZA first announced the slypod I thought the only truly useful way to get your money’s worth is to combine it with a gimbal. Then their site confirmed it was designed for a MoCo solution. This video was incredibly helpful in debunking my wishful optimism. I have an air 2 and I love it but it looks like the slypod isn’t for me(at least until/if they update the app integration) I love the (pricey) edelkrone solution but was wondering if you’ve tried the Kessler gear? In particular using the second shooter system for both axis and FIZ control. I would love a review of those units on the shuttle pod mini since it’s tracks are “infinitely” expandable but this puts the whole system back into pretty pricey territory.

[@plattinummedia]

So at this point, would it be more efficient and less frustrating to invest in something like Edelkrone that has (that I am aware of) the missing functionality? Or is this a question that should wait to be answered until Moza fixes all of the issues?

[@koalamusik]

Did they fixed the issues?

[@raghuashrithseeram5896]

Would a phone for each device do any good?

[@stephenvu5155]

How about using 2 phones to control 2 devices? Have you thought about it?

[@keanyong3382]

You might need 2 phones to operate both separately, kind of troublesome but would it work?

[@masefieldandyjohnson3421]

Great video, as always.

[@artistjoh]

Now it is 2021. Did Moza solve the problems described by Gerald over a year ago? Or do the products still not work together?

[@AlexanderWare3]

There are tutorials demonstrating how to use these products together

[@SergeyPalander]

Hello, Gerald ! Thank you! The construction is heavy... Please recommend a tripod.

[@markusr3259]

Interesstinggg... I can't help but feel that this part of the industry is crying out for some standardisation. It wouldn't take a feat of incredible skill to come up with a unified protocol for different devices to be able to send their data back to a single application and receive instructions from it. Imagine the potential for combining things if the software was opened up. Imagine how crazy things could get if a pair of cheap motorised sliders could be put parallel a few feet apart, and then another slider be mounted on top of them, connected to a lightweight gimbal. Full movement in a 2D plane plus pan, tilt and roll. The only thing that would be missing would be to mount it upside down and find a way to add vertical movement, and voila, mini Kira robot for under $2000. This video did just give me an idea though. I recently bought a 31" slider from GVM, and after some fiddling, and after getting the idea from here, I just managed to combine the slider, my Ronin SC, and my phone mounted on top running the Active Track app, to be able to track my own face, while slowly walking past the slider, while it panned to keep me in shot.

[@river718]

Hey Gerald any chance of you showing us how to setup a Moza Gimbal rig in the style of ‘The Creator’?

[@vedder7373]

I guess you could have to separate apps on 2 phones. Inconvenient, but it might work?

[@paulfujita6344]

I swore you started by saying "Today I'm gonna tell you a story about my HAIR..." 😂

[@gmolina]

I escaped the Canadian winter to come watch your videos from the beach in Mexico lol that millenial life 😂

[@BernardVideo]

Very informative video, thanks

[@pckmusic]

Did you try using 2 phones? Basically 1 controller app for each device and hitting play at the same time🤯🤔

[@RockstarCinema]

What are the major differences between the Moza aircross 2 and the Moza 2 ?

[@AspectStudio]

My jib comes pre balenced.

[@SebasSant87]

so, what if you have a secondary device, lets say iphone/ipad, and you control them separetly?

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

I have hope that they will address these issues as the cost of entry into motion control is so crazy high these days.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Great film as always G! I was just about to throw my money at either the Slypod or the Edelkrone, I think I'm leaning more towards the Edelkrone with a head, I like the quality of their products and the lifetime accident insurance. I feel I compare all gimbals to DJI, and all lights to Aputure, they just seem to make solid, well thought out, constantly updated products that I can put my trust in. I feel Edelkrone is a similar company. The slypod Aircross combo looked like an awesome idea that is so useful, let's hope they figure it out in the future.

[@BlackBearForge]

I have been thrilled with my Edelkrone products. They just work and work together just as promised.

[@PhillipSkraba]

@@BlackBearForge Yes, they seem to really be serious about what they create, I think my mind is made up.

[@chriss.3335]

Hey Gerald. First: Love your videos. Yesterday I got my Slypod E. I also have Aircross 2. it seems there is still no way to control both at the same time. I thought this is what was meant with linkage feature in on of the last updates. Did you experience the same or is it working now?

[@mehrdadhaghighi5140]

Here is an idea. Combine the Syrp Genie 2 with the Ronin RS2. Works really well for me :)

[@aebonstudio7193]

GERALD UNDONE!!!!!!!!

[@ericguqin]

can you compare the noise of slypod with edelkrone sliderone v2?

[@timkuhlman1977]

Can you use mimic mode on the air cross 2 to access tilting and manually start the slypod?

[@JeremySchoen]

Hey Gerald, great video. Just an idea, how about using 2 phones with 2 apps?

[@DevonBlueWhitaker]

Any suggestions on the “play” around the head area? I just purchased one and am considering returning it because at high speeds there’s a considerable amount of wobble.

[@hSATAC]

Tks for saving my money. I hope that worked.

[@FrankTaeger2021]

That is when you think that there is one company that should make a Gimbal: Edelkrone. Their app just works SO BRILLANTLY, that they should do it.

[@davidsovereign4958]

Epic. SUBSCRIBED.👍🏽✨

[@geraldundone]

Awesome! Always happy to have a new subscriber. Cheers!

[@grovercostello1668]

The Slypod looks like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

[@Danimarcano]

that's right

[@reginaldworthington7558]

I was thinking exactly the same thing!

[@AlexTimelapse]

you found the most polite way to say this item is totally useless XD