Freestanding Aerial Rigs (Addendum)
If you remember, I began the article on Freestanding Aerial Rigs - Issue #19 - by stating “There is no such thing as a perfect solution” and explaining that every solution (freestanding aerial rig) has its pros and cons; and that the best solution for someone else might not be the best solution for you. After that issue was published, I received a call from Hugo Noel asking me to review his ACHILLE rig, an aluminum tripod rig. Since I feel that the Achille rig fills a different niche than the two rigs I discussed in Issue #19, I am publishing this issue as an addendum to Issue #19. Enjoy.
The Achille Rig by Circus Concepts
If you want a REALLY tall freestanding aerial rig, this may be the one for you. At full height (six leg sections) this monster rig stands 23'- 9" tall. Other configurations are 20'-0" (five leg sections) and 16'-3" (four leg sections). This tripod (teepee) rig is made of aluminum tubing, similar to Trevor Boswell's quad rig, and has a certified breaking strength of 5,500 pounds and a WLL of 1,120 pounds. Like all tripod rigs, it is not intended for swinging stunts and uses cables, running between the legs to stabilize the rig's base. Its ground diameter is 26'-6". The User Manual (which is very good) says, "Ideally, 2 persons are needed to set-up the tripod (three or 4 is even better)." Based on commend from users, expect it to take around 20 minutes for three people to setup this rig.
This rig has a number of unique and well thought-out features that are worth noting:
1. There is an optional spreader bar on the top of the rig's head. This allows a trapeze to be hung from this rig, without loosing any height.
2. Spring-loaded clips built into each leg secure the leg sections together, as well as securing the legs to the head and the feet.
3. Two of the three leg attachments points on the head are fixed and one pivots. This arrangement, along with retracting wheels on the foot of the leg that pivots, makes a unique system for erecting this rig. A 4:1 pulley system (not included in the base price, but needed if you are erecting it to its full height) makes it much easier for users to set up this rig. Note: There is a "blocking plate" that will lock the pivoting leg in position to allow one person to setup the rig. While possible, this can be dangerous, especially at the taller heights, and is not recommended.
4.There are holes in the feet so that they can be staked to the ground to increase the stability of the rig.
5. There are two quick-connect pins on each foot for connecting the cables that run between the three legs.
Note: The feet do not have rubber bottoms like the ones on Trevor's rig.
*After seeing the boxes in the photo above, used to prevent dirt from getting into the leg section, I stole this idea and used it with my rig. Worked great.
In this photo, you can see the wheels (on the
right), the hole for a stake (on the left) and a
quick connectpin for the cables
(to the side of the leg).
This rig is made in Canada and sells for $2,495 (CAD), which is approximately $2,130 (USD), if you purchase the 24' foot height rig with leg cables for all possible heights. Shipping is not included in the price. This places it (price-wise) between Trevor's and Ludwig's rigs.
In my conversations with Hugo, he touted the stability of this rig as a major feature. While I have not actually seen this rig setup, from the photos, it appears to be well designed and constructed (the welds look very professionally done). I like the many unique features of this rig and if you are looking for an aluminum tripod rig, this could be an excellent choice.
To see more photos of this rig, get more information and read some reviews, CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE to download the User Manual (V 1.5). If you are considering purchasing this rig, I strongly suggest that you download and read this manual first. This 20-page document provides a great deal of information about this rig and will answer many of your questions.
The freestanding aerial rigs that I have reviewed, in both Issue #19 and #21, are all well-designed and constructed. They have varying prices and features. So, if you want to purchase a freestanding aerial rig, do your homework, compare features and prices and choose the one that is best for your needs and budget.
Next month I will discuss finding and hiring an aerial rigger. In the meantime ...
Safe rigging.
-Delbert
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