FLM New GX47 Ball Head First Impressions

[hiepphotog]

The FLM GX ball head series intrigued me due to its lightweight design for its class. FLM already has a great reputation with the previous CB series and with the promises of a ground-up and improved design of the GX series, I decided to get one to try. I actually got the G47 without the 15o stop pan control. In this first impression, I delve into the some details of this new series, exploring its strengths and areas of improvement.

**Precision in Motion: Ball Movement and Locking Drift**

One of the standout features of the G47 is its smooth and even ball movement. Gliding seamlessly and maintaining uniformity throughout, it is slightly less smooth than my well broken-in Markins Q20i yet more even throughout the ball movement range. The locking drift is minimized, much better than the Markins Q20i and slightly better than the much bigger Gitzo GH4383.

**Efficient Controls: Short-Travel Panning and Lock Controls**

The panning action, though not dampening, offers a consistent feel throughout. The short-travel panning knob and lock lever, designed for swift and efficient operation, add a layer of convenience. Good sizes of both the knob and lever render them well-suited for operation even while wearing gloves.

**Surprising Versatility: Weight and Invertible Design**

The G47 surprises with its lightweight design, 230 grams for a 47mm ball size without the clamp (adding another 60 grams for a simple Arca QR clamp), making it remarkably light for its substantial ball size.

The inclusion of an invertible design is another highlight (though seems like an afterthought) with a 3/8" hole on the stem. Adding a light clamp to have an inverted top panning clamp adds an unexpected dimension to its versatility.

**Possible Improvements**

As we navigate through the positives, there are potential areas for improvement:

- Friction Setting/Pre-clamp Knob: Introducing a friction setting or pre-clamp knob would be a valuable addition, particularly considering the presence of the short-travel lock lever.

- Shorter (and possibly thicker) Neck: A minor adjustment to shave off 1-2mm from the neck length could further enhance stiffness, taking inspiration from the exemplary Markins design.

- Full-Fledged 2-in-1 Ball Head: Consideration of a versatile 2-in-1 configuration, akin to Acratech GXP and Novoflex Classicball, would elevate the GX47's appeal. This could include normal and inverted setups, accompanied by appropriate markings and a non-removable disc for the inverted configuration.

**Conclusions**

In summary, while it may resemble many other Chinese ball heads, FLM's design is a cut above, well-thought-out with superior material quality, the FLM GX47 impresses with its smooth ball movement, minimal locking drift, and thoughtful design elements.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeissaholic/

 

[Fazal Majid]

In summary, while it may resemble many other Chinese ball heads

FLM used to be made in Germany. Has that changed?

 

[hiepphotog]

In summary, while it may resemble many other Chinese ball heads

FLM used to be made in Germany. Has that changed?

 

[ZodiacPhoto]

they decided to start a new ball head design in China. This G47 is actually among first batch to ship.

So, it is not even "designed in Germany, made in China" anymore?

What is an advantage, then, of buying FLM vs. Leofoto, Sirui, Benro or other established Chinese brands?

Also, at $312 at B&H, it is priced like Arca-Swiss P0, which is still made in Europe, not like a Chinese product. Compare to Leofoto LH-47, which has tension control knob FLM head lacks, priced at $210.

The whole Heipi tripod is $399, including an excellent ball head with 50mm ball.

Nothing against designed and made in China products - my most used tripods are Benro and Leofoto - when they are priced accordingly.

 

[hiepphotog]

they decided to start a new ball head design in China. This G47 is actually among first batch to ship.

So, it is not even "designed in Germany, made in China" anymore?

What is an advantage, then, of buying FLM vs. Leofoto, Sirui, Benro or other established Chinese brands?

Also, at $312 at B&H, it is priced like Arca-Swiss P0, which is still made in Europe, not like a Chinese product. Compare to Leofoto LH-47, which has tension control knob FLM head lacks, priced at $210.

The whole Heipi tripod is $399, including an excellent ball head with 50mm ball.

Nothing against designed and made in China products - my most used tripods are Benro and Leofoto - when they are priced accordingly.

It’s in that last bit of performance. I had the Leofoto LH-47 that came with my LQ-365 and I still have my Heipi tripod and head. Under tension, the FLM ball is smoother and more even than both the Leofoto and Heipi. Especially the Heipi, under tension, mine exhibits strong stick slip behavior. Locking drift (or droop) is almost non-existent on the FLM while both the Heipi and Leofoto shift the frame significantly during locking. Panning action is much smoother and even on the FLM as well. Bigger lever and knob are also nicer to use with gloves than the Heipi, while short-travel action on the FLM is very nice to me. Heipi has no top panning clamp while Leofoto weight would increase noticeably with the panning clamp (probably close to 600 grams). The FLM weighs almost half of the Leofoto but it is without the friction setting. That is a huge omission for me. Price wise, you can get it slightly cheaper directly from flmusa (or email Ari).

So if you just look at it based on the specs, there is nothing special about these ball heads. I was skeptical at first but Ari guaranteed a full refund upon return if I’m not happy with the quality of the ball head. So I took a leap of faith and I say I like what they did. Too bad no friction setting, or it would be the perfect lightweight head for me.

Just for reference, Markins ball heads are arguably the smoothest under tension out there. Gitzo heads would have top tier smoothness as well, though not quite even due to their equator line. Both are decidedly smoother than the RRS BH-55, Acratech GP and Arca Swiss P0 hybrid I used in the past.

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeissaholic/

 

[ZodiacPhoto]

they decided to start a new ball head design in China. This G47 is actually among first batch to ship.

So, it is not even "designed in Germany, made in China" anymore?

What is an advantage, then, of buying FLM vs. Leofoto, Sirui, Benro or other established Chinese brands?

Also, at $312 at B&H, it is priced like Arca-Swiss P0, which is still made in Europe, not like a Chinese product. Compare to Leofoto LH-47, which has tension control knob FLM head lacks, priced at $210.

The whole Heipi tripod is $399, including an excellent ball head with 50mm ball.

Nothing against designed and made in China products - my most used tripods are Benro and Leofoto - when they are priced accordingly.

It’s in that last bit of performance. I had the Leofoto LH-47 that came with my LQ-365 and I still have my Heipi tripod and head. Under tension, the FLM ball is smoother and more even than both the Leofoto and Heipi. Especially the Heipi, under tension, mine exhibits strong stick slip behavior. Locking drift (or droop) is almost non-existent on the FLM while both the Heipi and Leofoto shift the frame significantly during locking. Panning action is much smoother and even on the FLM as well. Bigger lever and knob are also nicer to use with gloves than the Heipi, while short-travel action on the FLM is very nice to me. Heipi has no top panning clamp while Leofoto weight would increase noticeably with the panning clamp (probably close to 600 grams). The FLM weighs almost half of the Leofoto but it is without the friction setting. That is a huge omission for me. Price wise, you can get it slightly cheaper directly from flmusa (or email Ari).

So if you just look at it based on the specs, there is nothing special about these ball heads. I was skeptical at first but Ari guaranteed a full refund upon return if I’m not happy with the quality of the ball head. So I took a leap of faith and I say I like what they did. Too bad no friction setting, or it would be the perfect lightweight head for me.

Just for reference, Markins ball heads are arguably the smoothest under tension out there. Gitzo heads would have top tier smoothness as well, though not quite even due to their equator line. Both are decidedly smoother than the RRS BH-55, Acratech GP and Arca Swiss P0 hybrid I used in the past.

Interesting... the version without a clamp for $262, with a pano clamp added, may be worth trying: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1775397-REG/flm_69_10_001_47gx_ball_head.html

I know I can reverse the head and use it upside down, like in your photo. Thanks for the review!

 

[smw6230]

they decided to start a new ball head design in China. This G47 is actually among first batch to ship.

So, it is not even "designed in Germany, made in China" anymore?

What is an advantage, then, of buying FLM vs. Leofoto, Sirui, Benro or other established Chinese brands?

Nothing against designed and made in China products - my most used tripods are Benro and Leofoto - when they are priced accordingly.

FWIW, from FLM's German website (https://english.flm-gmbh.de/tripods/cp-38-serie/cp-38-l4-ii.php )

CP-38 L4 II, like the CP-34 and CP-30 series, is currently being completely assembled at our Chinese partner. We have decided to do so to get a new tripod series to our tripod heads faster. We pay meticulous attention that our quality specifications are met. Each tripod is individually checked before delivery and only after a thorough inspection does it receive a serial number lasered on by us.

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From this (bolded) I impart that FLM designs their tripods and outsources the production.

FWIW II, I had a Leofoto tripod. Good tripod, I had few complaints with it. But IMO the FLM I have now is a serious jump up in quality, stability and usability. By useability I mean its a joy to use. Effortless, smooth, and fluid in all its movements. Again, the Leofoto I had was a really good tripod but it wasn't a piece of gear that made me want to use it. The FLM pod makes you want to use it even when you're not feeling like lugging around a rig.