Flex-Connect Ball Arm Kit: Underwater Rig Setup

By SeaLife Cameras | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to assemble the Flex-Connect Ball Arm Kit for a stable underwater rig. Step-by-step setup with common mistakes to avoid for SeaLife cameras.

Quick answer

To set up a reliable underwater rig with the Flex-Connect Ball Arm Kit, attach the ball joint adapters to your camera and tray first, then connect the ball arm and clamps in the correct order, and finally tighten all knobs evenly to prevent slippage.

Why the order of assembly matters

The Flex-Connect Ball Arm Kit includes several components that must be connected in a specific sequence to ensure a secure fit. If you attach the arm to the clamp before the adapter is properly seated, you may end up with a loose joint that can shift during a dive.

Understanding the role of each part—the ball arm, ball clamps, and adapters—helps you avoid cross-threading and ensures that your SeaLife camera rig stays stable even in strong currents.

Common mistake: over-tightening

It's tempting to crank every knob as hard as possible, but over-tightening can strip threads or crack plastic components. The Flex-Connect system is designed to hold firmly with moderate pressure—just enough to keep the arm from moving when you nudge it.

If you feel resistance while tightening, stop and check that the parts are aligned correctly. Forcing a joint that isn't seated properly is the most common cause of damaged gear.

Step-by-step assembly

Attach the adapters: Screw the SL995 Flex-Connect Ball Joint Adapter onto your camera's mounting point and the SL999 adapter onto your tray or accessory. Ensure they are hand-tight but not forced. Check that the adapters are straight before tightening to avoid cross-threading.
Position the ball clamps: Place one SL9907 Ball Clamp onto each end of the SL9909 Ball Arm. Leave the clamps slightly loose so they can rotate freely. Do not fully tighten the clamps yet—you'll need the flexibility to align everything.
Connect the arm to the adapters: Slide the ball ends of the arm into the adapters on your camera and tray. Adjust the arm to the desired angle and position. Make sure the ball ends are fully seated in the clamps before tightening.
Tighten all knobs evenly: Finger-tighten each clamp knob in turn, alternating between the two clamps to distribute pressure evenly. Stop when the arm holds its position without slipping. If the arm still moves, tighten a little more; if it feels stiff, loosen and re-align.

What's in the kit

Flex-Connect Ball Arm Kit: The SLKIT11 Ball Arm Kit includes one SL9909 Ball Arm, two SL9907 Ball Clamps, one SL995 Flex-Connect Ball Joint Adapter, and one SL999 Ball Joint Adapter for Flex-Connect. This complete package gives you everything needed to mount a light or accessory to your SeaLife camera without buying extra parts.
Flex-Connect Ball Arm Kit