Feiyu Tech have produced many gimbals for the GoPro but the wearable WG2 gimbal is no doubt their most popular. Just over a year following its release, Feiyu have updated the WG2 and come out with the WG2X.
Differences Between The WG2 and WG2X
Unlike the WG2 which was IP67 waterproof, the WG2X takes a step backwards and is only splashproof. However, the WG2X is improved in other areas. It has an angled arm that makes it possible to use your GoPro’s touchscreen unobstructed and leaves the GoPro better placed when mounted on your chest. It is also lighter, features improved stabilization and adds a shutter and mode button.
Compatibility
The Feiyu WG2X supports the GoPro HERO7 (all models), HERO6, HERO5, HERO4 as well as the HERO Session via the included Session mount adaptor. It also supports most similar sized action cameras (with a max payload of 130g), including popular ones like the Yi 4K/4K+, Sony RXO and SJCam.
With its universal ¼ inch thread mounting hole, it is easily worn with chest harnesses, shoulder straps and helmet mounts. It can also be attached to desktop tripods, selfie sticks and handlebars.
Design
The WG2X’s design is similar to the WG2, with the exception of an angled arm. The angled arm is definitely a response to complaints about the arm obstructing the GoPro’s screen on the WG2.
Its three motors feature unrestricted 360° range of motion in the pan and tilt axes, beating much of its competition. For comparison, the EVO SS (Zhiyun Rider-M) only features a 320° pan and tilt angle.
While the WG2 had an aluminium body, the WG2X has an aluminium and ABS construction that sheds 27g from its predecessors weight.
The shutter button and mode button together make it much easier to perform the basic actions necessary to record video. It definitely beats having to reach for your smartphone or fiddle with the GoPro itself.
Shooting Modes
The Feiyu WG2X features three shooting modes, which can be changed by either pressing the mode button or remotely using the Feiyu ON app (available for iOS and Android).
Pan follow mode: In this mode, the gimbal will keep the horizon level, but follow pan (left and right) movements. This is probably the most useful mode for action sports, although an argument can be made for using the following mode.
Following mode: The gimbal will follow movements in the pan and tilt axes while keeping the footage stable.
Locked mode: The gimbal will lock the orientation of your action camera in all three axes. This means it stays focused on its target.
A bright LED on the WG2X makes it easy to quickly determine which shooting mode you are currently in.
Performance
The WG2X performed very well in stabilization testing. It is ahead of both the WG2 and EVO SS, with a higher responsiveness when all three were tested using their maximum follow speeds.
You can see a comparison video with the WG2 here:
As for battery performance, the WG2X’s 1500mAh battery was able to last for around 2.5 hours.
Verdict
Overall the WG2X is a straightforward upgrade to the WG2, which was already one of the best wearable gimbals on the market. It is a shame to see the IP67 waterproof body to be replaced by a splashproof one, but the waterproof body of the WG2 didn’t hold up well in watersports anyway.
The arm redesign doesn’t warrant replacing your old WG2 if you already own one. However, first time buyers will definitely want to get the WG2X over the WG2 unless the WG2 is heavily discounted.
With superior stabilization, a decent price point and almost no notable flaws, the WG2X is in my opinion the best wearable gimbal for GoPros right now.
Rating: 4/5
The Feiyu WG2X is currently our favorite wearable GoPro gimbal. See the full list of the best GoPro gimbals here.
