With a little imagination and DIY you can create your own camera accessories. They are all available on line. This particular 360 swivel pole retails for around 100+USD or you can head to your local hardware store and buy the parts for under 10USD and make it yourself.
A screenshot below.
The most important part of the set up was the swivel caster wheel. Removing the wheel allowed a slot for the pole to sit. The bearings inside remained intact and allowed for the 360 swivel.
The GoPro mount (seen in the photo above) was dissembled and the flat base was then drilled out to allow the caster wheel to be bolted on. A rubber stopper (from old IKEA furniture) was added on the top. This stopped the pole from tipping too low.
The pivot point of the pole was tight but still allowed for up-and-down movement. Metal washers were used as a weight to counter balance my GoPro Hero4. Getting this balance just right to keep me and the bike in frame took some playing around with- washers were either added or removed to achieve this.
To keep it light, yet strong, the pole was an aluminium pole. GoPro clips/joints were used to attach the camera through a drilled out hole.
Test runs on the flat and gentle jumps were done with absolute caution- I was VERY aware that I had a metal pole clipped to my head but I couldn't feel a thing. It was as if it wasn't even there and as light as a feather.
No matter what direction I turned my head, the pole and camera found its balance without pulling or tugging on my helmet.
Jumps got bigger and it was working. The speed at which I traveled affected the angle or swivel of the pole but this could be controlled with a short spin or brake using my hand. Mid air this wasn't possible so I had to hope the shot came out good.
Down below are 2 of the best clips filmed that day.
Even using the regular 3M sticky pad that comes with the GoPro mounts there was no wobble (mounts attached to helmet surface). I think because the pole was able to swivel 360, there really wasn't any force given to the mount or sticky pad.
Yes I did look kind of silly riding around wearing it, but a couple of unique shots were caught and it was good fun. It always satisfying when something you build, works- even better when its super cheap and works as well as the real ones for much more.
These kinds of shots are usually filmed with drones, but getting this close and ensuring you stay locked on to the object would be impossible with a drone.
Some of you guys out there might be riding motocross or other bikes too- give it a go.
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