Losmandy Counterweight Shaft for G11, GM8 and G9

Product Overview

This is Losmandy's counterweight shaft for the G-11, GM 8 and G-9 mounts. It threads 1"-16 into the declination axis, takes a 3/8"-16 counterweight safety screw at the far end, and is approximately 14 inches long at approximately 5 lb.

Who It's For

Every Losmandy equatorial needs one, and there are three reasons to buy a spare: replacing a damaged or seized shaft, keeping a second one with a second head so nothing has to be swapped between them, and having a spare in the case — a shaft left at home is the one missing part that ends an evening before it starts.

Key Features & Design

• Fits the G-11, GM 8 and G-9 mounts.
• 1"-16 thread into the declination axis.
• 3/8"-16 thread at the far end for the counterweight safety screw.
• Approximately 14 inches long.
• Approximately 5 lb, which itself contributes to the counterbalance.
• Removable, so the mount packs down without it.

Recommended Uses

Replacing a damaged, bent or seized counterweight shaft. A second shaft for a second head or a travel case. Rebuilding a head from parts. Any setup where the shaft stays permanently with one mount rather than moving between them.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Mounts: Losmandy G-11, GM 8 and G-9.
• Safety screw: the counterweight safety screw and washer threads 3/8"-16 into the end — it is what stops a weight sliding off the shaft.
• Counterweights: we stock the 7 lb, 11 lb and 21 lb weights, with matching thumb screws for the 7 lb, 11 lb and 21 lb sizes.
• Other shaft options: we also stock the CWS-S and CWS-EX shafts — tell us your mount and load and we will say which suits.

Good to Know Before You Order

• The safety screw is a separate part. It is the thing that prevents a counterweight leaving the shaft, so it is worth having one on every shaft you own.
• The shaft's own 5 lb counts toward balance. Fitting a longer or shorter shaft changes the counterweight you need.
• Threads are 1"-16 at the axis and 3/8"-16 at the end. If you are matching a shaft to an older mount, those are the figures to check against.
• Specifications are Losmandy's published figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up?

No. It threads into the opening on the DEC axis, opposite the telescope mounting platform, until tight. The weight then slides on and the safety screw goes in the end.

Which mounts does it fit?

The G-11, GM 8 and G-9.

Does it include the safety screw?

No — that is a separate part, and one worth ordering alongside.

How long is it?

Approximately 14 inches, at approximately 5 lb.

Do I need more than one?

Only if you run more than one head, or want a spare in the case. It comes off the mount for transport.

Bottom Line

In short: Losmandy's removable counterweight shaft for the G-11, GM 8 and G-9 — 1"-16 into the axis, 3/8"-16 for the safety screw, about 14 inches and 5 lb.