The stock CG-5 Go-To mount comes with a single 11lb counter weight and a paltry 9" long shaft...



Ok for your light loads, (Small Refractors and SCTs up to 8")....but what if you are like me, and want to throw on a C11 - loaded with all the accessories that make me smile and fans of the Chicago Astronomer love? The single 11 lb weight certainly will not do the job and will have to load more counter weight for proper balance and ease strain on the motors.

I could load an extra 22 lb weight like this dude did to balance his C11 on the CG-5...



From what I read, he's quite happy and content with the set-up and satisfied with the performance.

But carrying all this weight out on the field is a chore really. Ways to shave off pounds is in order....if I can.

To get close to a proper and acceptable weight balance functionality...I could lengthen the counter weight shaft. Some astro retailers sell such a rod...



Pushing out the weight farther from the fulcrum point of the mount does have an advantage of less weight for the same effect. But $100.00+ for a hunk of metal is steep...

I like this option....



6" of extra shaft length to slide ones weight plate along - bringing the total length of the shaft to 15 inches. And at only$34.00....pocket change - with the option of being able to remove it when loading on smaller scopes to the CG-5....(reducing the radius turn and the chance of others bumping into it during a session.)

SCT Rod also has had good results with the Counter Weight shaft extension - balancing the C11 and accessories...



It seems to work fine.

Extending the counter weight shaft has it's pros and cons....

Pushing out the weight plate farther out from the mount may invite flex and or vibration Better to keep the weight closer in. But, that also means much heavier weights for the C11 to keep some semblance of easy balance.

I'm going the extension way.

We'll see, test it out and maybe I can shave 20lb+ off the field set-ups.