Even if modern cameras stabilise excellently and blurred images are no longer an issue even with less rigid mounts, you still don't want to have the camera hanging from the boom like a wobbly dachshund and a certain amount of trust in the materials used can't hurt either. After all, there are often over 500 euros hanging in the rough wind. However, the tested mounts all fit securely and generally withstand falls and washes without any problems. Nevertheless, we recommend attaching a thin safety line from the rig directly to the camera. From the top of the mast, for example, or from the end of the boom. Especially with the GoPro Jaws, which only clamps with spring force, you would otherwise have a queasy feeling. We did not test these in extreme conditions either. With the tested mounts, it is almost impossible to damage the mast or boom without using very rough force; only the boom coating may leave permanent impressions.
The perspective and therefore a suitable mount are just as important as a good camera. Stephan Gölnitz, surf editor
Flymount Original Action Cam Mount
Flymount was perhaps the first company to offer a wobble-free, secure and super robust mast mount in series production. The original mount grips the mast as if with an iron hand. In the latest 4th version, the GoPro mount with the three lugs and threaded bolts is provided for mounting the camera and is included in the scope of delivery (photo: previous model with thread). Although the mount holds on tubes with a diameter of 20 to 50 mm, the maximum opening width for mounting is 44 millimetres.
surf conclusion:
Extremely solid bracket made of fibre-reinforced nylon and stainless steel with an iron grip on the mast or boom.
- Weight: 163 grams (surf measurement)
- Price: 68 Euro
- Info: flymount.com
Flymount Duo Flex 300 (full bundle)
The Duo Flex Mount from Flymount is a new option among camera mounts and provides an attractive perspective where the camera can be mounted well away from the mast or boom. Simple brackets inevitably "bend" downwards after a while, no matter how hard you pull the clamp. With the Duo Flex, on the other hand, the 30 centimetre long boom is supported downwards by a second carbon tube and is therefore dimensionally stable and not just fixed by force. The boom weighs just 79 grams. The associated, very light Aero 40 mounts are recommended for spar diameters of 25 to 40 millimetres and therefore grip securely either on the mast or on the boom. One conceivable and practical option is to mount the camera in the recess of the mast sleeve with one clamp above and the other below the boom on the mast. The camera then looks at the surfer from the front - for exceptional 360-degree shots when freeriding or racing, for example. The Aero 40 mounts can of course also be used individually without rods and are also available separately (£65). The clamps can be securely and firmly screwed on with one hand. At the end of the boom there is either a thread or the classic mount with two lugs as for GoPro and others.
surf conclusion:
A rigid but very light and clever construction that actually enables a much better shooting angle and cannot tilt downwards. For 360-degree shots, please note that depending on the viewing direction, the boom may come into the picture.
- Weight: 291 grams (complete set, surf measurement)
- Price: Duo Flex complete set; £150 from Flymount and various online shops
- Info: www.flymount.com
GoPro Jaws
The Jaws' powerful jaws bite into almost anything that fits. The camera can be clamped to railings, table edges, but also masts or booms in a flash. The flexible arm can be bent approximately 90 degrees all round, allowing almost any viewing angle. However, it will gradually follow the force of gravity with heavy impacts. The Jaws should therefore be mounted "hanging" on the mast from the outset.
surf conclusion:
Very flexible mount for agile content creators and occasional use in windsurfing. Only suitable to a limited extent for very dynamic action sports.
- Weight: 230 grams (surf measurement)
- Price: 56,99 Euro
- Info: gopro.com
iShoxs Shark MK2
This clamp weighs 347 grams of the finest anodised aluminium! Extremely stiff and solid clamp that is quickly attached, grips securely and, in addition to the very articulated adjustability, also creates a nice distance of 13 centimetres from the attachment point. The clamp can be tightened brutally with little finger force and the adjustable joint mechanism also grips absolutely wobble-free thanks to the structured ball heads. Online reviews have also reported broken joints with some alternative plastic versions of this design - this should be impossible with the iShoxs Shark MK2. The solid claw is equipped with a non-slip silicone inlay on the inside and holds very securely on tubes between 28 and 65 millimetres.
surf conclusion:
Very elegant, robust and yet "articulated" mount that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of viewing angle. The design is particularly rigid and robust.
- Weight: 347 grams (surf measurement)
- Price: 109,90 Euro
- Info: ishoxs.com
