Industry-Leading Wheel Sets Designed for Film and Video Production Professionals
Matthews Studio Equipment (MSE Grip) has developed the Rock n' Roller Wheel Sets to address the critical mobility needs of DITs, Steadicam operators, video assistants, grips, and gaffers working on professional film and video productions. These innovative wheel sets transform standard grip stands into highly mobile equipment platforms capable of navigating challenging production environments.
Product Overview
The Rock n' Roller Wheel Sets feature three 3" x 8" foam, semi-pneumatic tires engineered to provide exceptional stability across diverse terrain types commonly encountered on set. The wheel sets integrate seamlessly with Matthews grip equipment, offering production professionals a reliable solution for equipment transport and positioning.
Key Features
All-Terrain Mobility
The Rock n' Roller Wheel Sets excel at rolling smoothly over obstacles that typically impede standard casters, including rocks, power cables, cable crossovers, gravel, asphalt, uneven concrete, and soft grass. This capability significantly reduces setup time and improves efficiency during location shoots.
360-Degree Maneuverability
While offering complete rotational freedom for navigating tight spaces and crowded sets, the wheels maintain straight-line tracking when rolling equipment across the production area. This combination of flexibility and stability gives operators precise control during equipment positioning.
Advanced Braking System
The face-locking pedal brake incorporates an adjustable pad that maintains consistent performance throughout the wheel's lifespan. The dual-lock mechanism secures both wheel rotation and caster swivel simultaneously, ensuring equipment remains stationary even on slopes or uneven surfaces.
Operator-Friendly Design
The round top plate design eliminates sharp corners that can cause foot injuries when engaging or disengaging the brake pedal. This thoughtful ergonomic feature reflects MSE's commitment to operator safety and comfort during long production days.
Secure Stand Attachment
Matthews' proprietary Spring Steel Sleeve provides a secure connection to stand legs without damaging the sidewall. This design preserves the integrity of expensive grip equipment while ensuring the wheels remain firmly attached during transport and use.
Available Configurations
Rock n' Roller Wheel Sets are manufactured in three distinct versions to accommodate different stand types:
Monitor Wheel Set: Specifically designed to pair with Monitor Stand II and Slider Stands, providing stable mobility for camera monitoring and slider setups.
Combo Wheel Set: Compatible with Matthews Combo Stands and any stand featuring a 1" square tube leg, offering versatile mobility solutions for standard grip equipment.
Mombo Combo Set: Engineered for stands with 1½" square tube legs, delivering heavy-duty mobility for larger grip equipment configurations.
Technical Specifications
- Wheel Size: 3" x 8"
- Tire Type: Foam-filled, semi-pneumatic
- Rotation: 360-degree swivel
- Brake Type: Face-locking pedal with dual-lock mechanism
- Attachment System: Proprietary Spring Steel Sleeve
- Compatibility: Monitor Stand II, Slider Stands, Combo Stands (1" and 1½" square tube legs)
Applications in Production
Rock n' Roller Wheel Sets serve multiple critical functions across various production roles:
- Digital Imaging Technicians (DITs): Enables easy repositioning of DIT carts equipped with monitors, computers, and calibration equipment between setups.
- Steadicam Operators: Facilitates quick movement of monitor stands and support equipment to follow camera positions throughout the shooting day.
- Video Assistants: Provides stable, mobile platforms for video village monitors and playback equipment that can be easily relocated as scenes change.
- Grips and Gaffers: Transforms standard grip stands into mobile equipment carts for lights, flags, and rigging accessories, reducing crew fatigue and improving efficiency.
Design and Development
The Rock n' Roller Wheel Sets were developed through collaborative input from experienced production professionals. MSE Grip gathered feedback from DITs, Steadicam operators, video assistants, grips, and gaffers to identify specific mobility challenges encountered on professional sets. This user-centered design approach ensures the wheel sets address real-world production needs.
Installation and Use
The Rock n' Roller Wheel Sets feature a straightforward slip-on installation process that requires no tools or complicated assembly. The Spring Steel Sleeve design allows for quick attachment and removal, enabling crews to configure stands as needed for different shooting scenarios.
Original Press Release:
This product was featured in American Cinematographer magazine.
Read the original announcement here:
https://theasc.com/articles/mse-introduces-rock-n-039-roller-wheel-sets
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of terrain can the Rock n' Roller Wheel Sets handle?
A: The wheel sets are designed to smoothly roll over rocks, power cables, cable crossovers, gravel, asphalt, uneven concrete, and soft grass—all common obstacles on production locations.
Q: Do the wheels require inflation or maintenance?
A: No. The semi-pneumatic foam tires are foam-filled, eliminating the need for inflation while maintaining the cushioning properties of air-filled tires.
Q: How do I know which wheel set version I need?
A: The correct version depends on your stand type. Measure the square tube leg of your stand: 1" requires the Combo Wheel Set, 1½" requires the Mombo Combo Set. Monitor Stand II and Slider Stands use the Monitor Wheel Set.
Q: Will the wheels damage my stand legs?
A: No. The proprietary Spring Steel Sleeve is specifically engineered to secure the wheels without damaging the stand's sidewall.
Q: Can the wheels be locked in position?
A: Yes. The dual-lock pedal brake system locks both wheel rotation and caster swivel simultaneously, keeping equipment stationary on slopes and uneven surfaces.
Q: How much weight can the wheel sets support?
A: Weight capacity varies by stand type and configuration. Contact MSE Grip directly for specific load ratings for your application.
Q: Are the wheel sets compatible with non-Matthews stands?
A: The Combo Wheel Set and Mombo Combo Set are compatible with any stands featuring 1" or 1½" square tube legs respectively, regardless of manufacturer.
Q: Can I use these wheels outdoors?
A: Yes. The all-terrain design makes them ideal for outdoor locations with uneven surfaces, grass, gravel, and other challenging conditions.
Q: How do I clean and maintain the wheels?
A: Wipe wheels clean with a damp cloth after use. Periodically check the brake mechanism and apply a small amount of lubricant if needed.
Q: Where can I purchase Rock n' Roller Wheel Sets?
A: Contact MSE Grip directly or authorized dealers. [Visit msegrip.com for dealer information and ordering options].
Related Products
- Matthews Monitor Stand II
- Matthews Slider Stands
- Matthews Combo Stands
