Here's our prototype on a
TechDAS Air Force III in all its messy glory. How does our new arm compare to earlier flexure-based prototypes, and to the ball bearings ones?
It clearly isn't bad at all. I would say it's superior to a
Prototype 5 with conventional bearings. The addictive smoothness that appears once you get rid of rolling bearings is there. However, it loses in dynamics to
Flexure Prototype 2. Is the Riverhawk pivot to blame?
I don't think so. Remember, we've also changed the way armtube is held in the central part — from clamping to fixing it with a stopper screw. As the measurements above showed, it's a much less rigid connection. While it might be acceptable with softer armtubes, a thick-walled stainless steel one has exposed its limitations. I would try not to use such connections in the future.
Result: ★★★★☆