Posted by Dottie Short on February 10, 2012 at 2:50 PM
I'm looking for a photo gear cart that will roll easily over many different terrains and carry heavy photographic equipment. I am specifically looking at the Eckla Multi Rolly and the Eckla Beach Rolly Gear Carts. Can anyone share their experiences with either of these carts. Or if anyone has comments on any other cart, I would like to hear that also. Thanks in advance.
Signed 'can't carry the big stuff too far'!
Posted by Richard Lee on February 10, 2012 at 4:21 PM
Dottie,
I don't have any experience with the carts you mention, but you might find this article of interest http://naturephotography.fredhurteau.com/EquipmentCart.htm. I bought the larger cart mentioned from our local Bass Po and modified it along the lines given in Fred's nice article. I didn't install the upper rail, but am happy with the cart.
I have been using a Beach Rolly for at least 5 years. It is terrific!!!! I don't use it as a chair as it is way too low for my knees and back and wouldn't be able to get out of it if I did get down that far. Artie Morris has pictures on his current Notes of Denise Ippolito using one. She uses a collapsible milk crate to hold all the gear on the base.
It is great over field, snow, sand and not bad over rocks.
I use mine for many things including hauling groceries from car to house, firewood, prints going to and from shows. I like the larger base and sides of the Beach Rolly. I would like the seat of the new design better way of holding all your gear on the gear base. The new one has no sides and the the base seems too small.
I like the idea of the gear bar but find a bungy cord holds tripods quite well. I turn my tripods upside down so it is more stable. I am thinking of ordering the sunshade because I would like to be able to stand inside it and then push the cart with the gear behind me as well as being able to pull the cart.
Outdoor Photo Gear doesn't have them but you can buy the big hooks from Eckla, for $9.95, and then strap your tripod across instead of upright.
Now I want a box so that I can check the cart when flying for photography. I might be able to get one the right size from a moving or packing company.
I have to add that the Beach Rolly folds up quickly, easily and is lightweight. I have enough room in my SUV that I don't have to remove the wheels for transport but easily enough done.
Check out www.feisol.net...they have several carts specifically designed for photographers.
OOPS! sorry about the spelling...my Parkinson's gets in the way sometimes.
Posted by Chris Klapheke on February 11, 2012 at 6:53 PM
Hi Dottie
For heavy loads I prefer the Beach Rolly, as the payload area's center of gravity is lower over the axles, which puts less stress on your arms while pushing and pulling the cart.
The Multi Rolly does have a nice fold down seat though. To accommodate the seat, the payload area is a little higher, and therefore puts more weight on your arms when you tilt it to roll.
So, I'd compare the value and use of a seat against a more comfortable rolling setup. Let me know if you need any more info!
Eleanor, thanks for the heads up on the hooks. We'll bring them in on our next import.
Discussion
5 repliesSigned 'can't carry the big stuff too far'!
I don't have any experience with the carts you mention, but you might find this article of interest http://naturephotography.fredhurteau.com/EquipmentCart.htm. I bought the larger cart mentioned from our local Bass Po and modified it along the lines given in Fred's nice article. I didn't install the upper rail, but am happy with the cart.
It is great over field, snow, sand and not bad over rocks.
I use mine for many things including hauling groceries from car to house, firewood, prints going to and from shows. I like the larger base and sides of the Beach Rolly. I would like the seat of the new design better way of holding all your gear on the gear base. The new one has no sides and the the base seems too small.
I like the idea of the gear bar but find a bungy cord holds tripods quite well. I turn my tripods upside down so it is more stable. I am thinking of ordering the sunshade because I would like to be able to stand inside it and then push the cart with the gear behind me as well as being able to pull the cart.
Outdoor Photo Gear doesn't have them but you can buy the big hooks from Eckla, for $9.95, and then strap your tripod across instead of upright.
Now I want a box so that I can check the cart when flying for photography. I might be able to get one the right size from a moving or packing company.
I now have two and worth every penny to me
OOPS! sorry about the spelling...my Parkinson's gets in the way sometimes.
For heavy loads I prefer the Beach Rolly, as the payload area's center of gravity is lower over the axles, which puts less stress on your arms while pushing and pulling the cart.
The Multi Rolly does have a nice fold down seat though. To accommodate the seat, the payload area is a little higher, and therefore puts more weight on your arms when you tilt it to roll.
So, I'd compare the value and use of a seat against a more comfortable rolling setup. Let me know if you need any more info!
Eleanor, thanks for the heads up on the hooks. We'll bring them in on our next import.
Chris