Forbest's Official Buyers Guide: Which Forbest Inspection Camera Should I Buy?

Forbest Products Co. offers a wide range of products for inspection and diagnosis, featuring interchangeable parts to ensure your system fits your exact needs. Our Push Cable Pipe/Pipeline Inspection Cameras come with durable fiberglass push cables, available in lengths ranging from 30 ft. to 400 ft. and diameters from 4.8 mm to 9 mm. Designed for pipe sizes ranging from 1" to 36", our cameras are ideal for sewers, pipes, drains, and more.

With extensive applications and the flexibility to interchange parts, you can easily customize your system to suit your specific requirements. Whether you’re working in plumbing or trenchless technology, we are here to make your inspections as efficient as possible.

Forbest’s Core System Components

At Forbest, we build every system with three components that work together to ensure precision and reliability:

  • Camera Heads: Your eyes inside the pipeline, capturing clear visuals.
  • Cables & Reels: Maneuver the camera with flexibility and durability.
  • Control Stations: Analyze and record footage with ease and accuracy.

To dive deeper into how these tools work and understand their innovative features, check out our in-depth guide: Understanding Forbest’s Pipe Inspection Tools.

Let’s explore how these components come together to create the ultimate inspection system.

Step 1: Select the Right Camera for Your Pipe Size

Every inspection begins with choosing the right camera head. Forbest offers a variety of options to meet your specific needs, based on the pipe diameter and length of the inspection.

  • Mini Pipe and Sewer Inspection System: For 1”–2” pipelines with distances ranging from 30 ft. to 100 ft., ideal for P-traps, check out our Mini Inspection Camera systems. These cameras have a diameter of less than 1” and provide the flexibility needed to inspect tight spaces and sharp turns.

  • Portable Pipe and Sewer Inspection System: For pipelines ranging from 2”–4” and distances up to 130 feet, our Portable Inspection Cameras are built for versatility. Known for their signature orange cases, these systems are easy to transport and ideal for residential and light commercial jobs.

  • Mid-Range Pipe and Sewer Inspection System: Need something more robust? Our Mid-Range Systems handle pipelines from 3”–6” (up to 8”) with distances of 150–200 feet. Perfect for contractors tackling medium-sized inspections with precision.

  • Long-Range Pipe and Sewer Inspection System: For large pipelines ranging from 4”–8” and distances up to 400 feet, our Long-Range Systems are unmatched. Equipped with powerful LEDs and high-resolution imaging, these cameras are ideal for municipal sewer inspections.

  • Pan-Tilt Pipe and Sewer Inspection System: For the ultimate control, our Pan-Tilt Systems are designed for pipelines ranging from 4”–12”. With 180°–360° motorized movement, these cameras provide a complete view of the pipeline’s interior, including sidewalls and laterals, for in-depth diagnostics.

Step 2: Customize Your System with Key Features

The right features can make all the difference in your inspections. Forbest offers customizable options to ensure your system fits your exact needs:

  • Sonde Transmitter: Our Sonde Transmitters are built-in to our spring kit to help you locate the camera head during an inspection. Pair with our receiver locator, or any locator with 512 Hz Transmission. Our receiver locator will pinpoint the camera head location by giving off a signal noise, allowing you to inspect with additional accuracy.
  • Meter Counter: A meter counter provides information on how much push cable has been unreeled, providing you with useful information on how deep or far out your camera is during an inspection.
  • Self-Leveling Camera: Self-Leveling cameras provide an automatic upright image throughout inspection as the camera levels. This feature allows for a fluid inspection.

Step 3: Choose the Right Reel for the Job

Your reel is the backbone of your inspection system, maneuvering the camera through pipes with ease. At Forbest, we offer two main types:

  • Standalone Cable Reels
    These reels support long push cables, up to 400 feet, making them perfect for heavy-duty applications. Many models include wheels for portability and can be used in both horizontal and vertical orientations.
  • Handheld Cable Reels
    Lightweight and compact, our handheld reels are ideal for smaller jobs. Supporting cables up to 130 feet, they’re easy to transport and quick to deploy, making them perfect for on-the-go professionals.

Step 4: Choose Your Control Station

At Forbest, our control stations serve as the command center for every inspection. Here are your options:

  • Regular Control Station
    Simple and reliable, this option provides a clear monitor for viewing and recording footage. Perfect for standard inspections where ease of use is key.
  • Multi-function Control Station
    Ideal for advanced inspections, this station includes features like USB and SD recording, along with joysticks for controlling Pan-Tilt camera systems. Designed for projects that require more flexibility and customization.
  • Smart Multi-function Control Tablet
    For ultimate performance, the Smart Tablet combines an Android operating system, built-in WiFi, and AI-Voice Control. It lets you customize and analyze inspection data in real time, making it perfect for complex jobs that demand on-the-go functionality.

Why Forbest?

At Forbest, we’ve spent over a decade crafting inspection systems that empower professionals across residential, commercial, and municipal industries. With features like self-leveling cameras, interchangeable parts, and customizable control stations, our tools are designed to save you time and deliver superior results.

For questions about Forbest inspection cameras, contact a Forbest Representative by calling 1-877-369-1199 or message us by clicking here.

Buyers guideResources

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published