The oft-mentioned metal leg locks/grips situation with FLM tripods has been addressed.
The Rubber Leg Grips/Locks have landed. They can now be ordered through FLM Canada website (parts & Accessories) section.
While making the infrequent site rounds I spotted 'Ruibber Grips' on the FLM Canada website about two weeks and was immediately interested in grabbing a pair for my pods (CP30 S4 II & CP34- L4 II). FTR, I was never one that had much of a problem with the original metal twist locks. They were cold and smooth but they worked and that was the big thing. They weren't my preference but all things considered I could live with it.
So I ordered two sets of the Grips/Locks and they arrived today along with a CP30 L4 II that I also ordered to replace my CP30 S 4 II.
Below is a Imgur link to a set of images that I took of the new tripod with both the original metal locks & the new Rubber Grips/Locks.
Obviously I can't tell you how these will hold up in the field, but I can tell you they feel absolutely divine. IMO, they kinda "sink" like Acratech Ball Heads main rubber knob. A grip and subsequent soft tightening. They're not as on/off as the metal leg locks.
As I originally mentioned, I didn't have an issue with the metal locks. But after installing these new ones I'm very very happy that I purchased them. Honestly the whole tripod kinda feels different with the rubber grips. I won't be putting the metal locks back on and they'll probably end up in the parts bins "just in case".
The price for these are listed on the FLM site and they currently list sets for the CP30 S4/L4, CP34 & CP38 L4s.
Just wanted to put the word out for those who might be interested.
This is THE reason I returned my FLM tripod, those slippery metal locks are just awful. Unfortunately (for FLM) I have since purchased a tripod from another brand.
Todd Warnke wrote:
Same here. Especially here in Colorado, in winter those @#$ metal locks are both cold and sharp. That's the only reason I sold my FLM.
I can imagine. While I live in Southern California, I do venture locally up to Cleveland National Forest (6k+ ft) in the winter for the snow. I've had the CP34L out in sub 32 degree weather and those leg locks were ice cold to the touch and were uncomfortable to operate.
So yeah, I can imagine dealing with that on a constant basis.