Anyone have any experience with it? It looks pretty good.

Can it be used for traditional photo shoots without the board and without the supports? (Can I use it like a traditional super-x and use my leg to cover the bar?)

Any guidance on whether to buy it or not? (Given I'm a 1-man show so the 3-in-1 won't work for me.)

I looked at one of them several years ago and wasn't overly impressed. It's built by Jim Sommers. I called Doug Tilford and he gave me the name and number of someone who owned one. The owner graciously let me check it out.

Here were the problems: The uprights are made of corrugated plastic so they're very flimsy. The roller platform sagged when weight was put on the board. The casters were really cheap ones. I didn't really check out how much it could really support.

I ended up purchasing a Harbin Walk-Away Suspension (Super-X Plus) built by Gandolf Enterprises. It cost a lot more but was much better made. (Similar in style to the Blaney 3001 Suspension, although the gimmick is different.) Unfortunately, the builder died a short time after I purchased it, so I don't know anyone building the Harbin version. (The plans are in The Harbin Book.)

I wouldn't recommend buying the 21st Century Suspension without checking it out in person first.

Michael Messing

A friend of mine had 21st CS for a very short period of time and his advice was never to get one. Look into Blaney Suspensions.

You guys are right. I know what you mean because I purchased one about 7 years ago. I only used it once. Since you reminded of it, I might put touch-ups on it for improvement.

Dave, I hate to be critical in these forums however sometimes the truth must be told. This is a waste of money. I bought one many years ago, from Tilford, and it was basically garbage. Did I get what I paid for? Yeah, pretty much. NOT misrepresentation on Tilford's part, it was just fabricated and designed at MINUMUM standards. Save some money and find a recommended higher quality version.
Chance

Would you believe I purchased one used on Ebay? (I thought, I was buying an Abbott's Super-X) and you guys are exactly right. Now I'm stuck with this horrible piece of junk. -Dave