Strobe Arm recommendations for ds-125 / CP 995

Hello all!

Just returned from a trip to the Jordanian Red Sea and seem to have lost my 1.25 inch ikelite strobe arm (the long 12 inch tube). While I love the ds-125 I was never really thrilled with the arm that came with the package so now I am due for a replacement anyway.

I really don't know what to replace it with. I have a CP995 in an Ike housing. I am considering

the ultra light system,

the sea & sea flexible system which looks so versatile,

and I just noticed that Ike has a new 1 inch system made for this setup.

Any thoughts /pros/ cons regarding these or other arms that I should consider would be greatly appreciated.

I apologize if this question has been asked and answered, as I could not find any previous discussion

Thanks in advance for your input!!

The help I consisistently get from this site continues to astonish me!!!

I've got both ULCS and Ikelite versions (the 1" ball), and both work well. One thing about the ULCS clamps that I prefer is that it's possible to disassemble to arm segments without a screwdriver like you need with the Ikelite version. I also like the o-rings on the ULCS balls, they seem to require slightly less clamping force to hold the strobe UW, although you do get some salt buildup in the o-ring groove if you're not careful.

Hope this helps.

The little cap requiring screwdriver to remove is not required. It is there so wing nut can not unscrew completely and get lost. The "O" ring remains an interesting argument. We contend it actually reduces holding power. See if you can compare after you tighten both systems with the same torque............

I don't know if you have Ike's quick release handle but I really like it. It is really nice to seperate your strobes and arms from the housing. I believe they have a ball adapter to go from their ball mount to most other arm systems. I use TLC arms because I already had them from my Nikonos days.

I use dual DS-125 stobes with the 1.25" double segment 4" arms for macro and 12" arms for wide angle and I love the setup with the QD on the handles, If the 12" arms were too bulky for you, then I believe Ike also has an intermediate size (8"?) that might be more your style. I made 7mm neoprene covers for the strobes and arm segments so that the end buoyancy was closer to neutral.

Doug

Jedboy, is the arm you lost the long bar type (those without the ball head)? I have some extras lying around and can mail it to you if you want. You just pay the postage. Some wetpixelian sold me strobes and housing and gave me a huge chuck of their spares as well, so I can "spare u an arm" if you want. Better than it lying around in my cupboard.

Only problem is I have to find a way to mail something that is over 10 inches long. it's light so it shouldn't cost much postage wise.

And welcome to wetpixel

Kthan,

Yes, I am missing the long (approx 10-12 inch) bar. The top of the bar has a circular connector that screws onto the strobe (ds 125) and the other end is totally smooth. It is definately not the ball joint type. I wish I had a picture of it to email you but like I said I lost mine...

If you think were talking about the same piece I would glady pay shipping for one of your extras! Let me know. thanks

Jed

amjady@aol.com