How to Balance The Easy BoomUpdated 14 days ago

The Westcott Easy Boom is designed to safely support overhead lighting with modifiers up to 15 lbs when properly balanced. This guide explains how to balance it correctly and which counterweights to use for stable, professional results.

Setup & Positioning

The Easy Boom must be locked horizontally first, then counterbalanced so it remains level without support.

Before attaching any light or weight, lay the Easy Boom horizontally and insert the locking pin through the center column and support plate to prevent injury or equipment damage.

To properly balance the Easy Boom for overhead lighting:

1. Be sure the locking pin is properly inserted.
2. Mount the boom securely to a heavy-duty C-Stand with the extension arm positioned over the largest leg. (See What Stand Should Be Used With The Easy Boom for more stand information.)
3. Attach your light (up to 15 lbs) to the 5/8" baby pin.
4. Tether the light using the included safety wire.
5. Add your counterweight, weight bag or weight plates. (See How Much Weight Can the EAsy Boom Handle? For More information about weight limitations)
6. Remove the locking pin while supporting the tail end.
7. Slide the counterweight back or forward until the boom stays level on its own.
8. Tighten the counterweight assembly into place before adjusting the boom up or down.

If balanced properly, the boom should maintain a position without additional support.

What counterweights work with the Easy Boom?

The Easy Boom works with either the included weight bag (recommended to use lead shot) or standard gym weight plates.

The Easy Boom supports two counterbalance systems:

• Weight Bag System – Fill the included empty bag with lead shot (sold separately). Attach it using the three counterbalance thumbscrews.
• Weight Plate System – Use gym-style weight plates (sold separately) up to 18.5 lbs with center openings between 1" and 2" in diameter. Secure them with the included weight plate bracket and clamp.

For most professional lighting setups using strobes, monolights, or LED fixtures, weight plates provide quicker fine-tuning and a cleaner setup. The weight bag is ideal for location work when portability matters.

Troubleshooting

Why is my Easy Boom leaning or not staying level?

The Easy Boom will not stay level if the counterweight is insufficient, positioned incorrectly, or if the C-Stand orientation is incorrect.

Common causes of imbalance include:

• Not adding the recommended extra 3.2–3.5 lbs.
• Counterweight positioned too close to the center column.
• Light mounted off-center or improperly secured.
• C-Stand leg not aligned under the extension arm.
• Locking pin not removed after balancing.

For maximum stability:

• Always position the extension arm over the C-Stand’s longest leg.
• Confirm the light is fully tightened to the flat side of the 5/8" baby pin.
• Add sandbags or additional weight to the legs of the C-Stand for improved stability and safety. 

Note: You may notice a slight lean or tilt where the extension arm meets the Easy Boom frame. This is because the joint that holds the two together is the same joint that controls the twisting/tilting friction. If the knob is loosened to allow the extension arm to twist or tilt, then you may notice the extension arm tilting down. Tighten the tension knob fully to eliminate this tilt. 

If the boom still drifts after adjustment, remove the weight and restart the balancing process from the horizontal locked position.