"Impact" brand light stands. Cheap, but how well do they work?

I have noticed on B&H's catalog that the Impact brand of light

stands comes at a price much cheaper that Giotto and Manfrotto

stands. They share same features like air-cushioning and weight

capacity, but the price throws me. If the price is so much cheaper,

then something must be cheaper about the Impact. Does anybody have

any experiences or have heard things about Impact light stands?

Charles,

 

I don't have any experience with the Impact stands, but I have learned over the years that bargain lightstands are rarely a bargain. The extra money you pay for premium brands is worth it. I've had good luck with Manfrotto, PIC, Avenger, Matthews, and Photogenic stands. I would steer clear of the cheapo stands of SP Systems, Smith Victor and the like. I'm very disappointed with the Giottos stand (13' air-cushion) I purchased many years ago. The section locking mechanisms don't hold. They may be better made today, but I'd be cautious with this brand.

Photoflex stands and booms look to be good and not priced too cheap to beleive. Any thoughts on this brand?

With stands you pretty much get what you pay for.

 

Consider what its going to be holding, how large, how heavy. If you're putting a large mono on it with a 3x4 box, get a decent stand.

 

Check out the Matthews light-heavy or beefy-baby stands, in the triple riser configuration. Very decent entry level pro stands.

I have an Impact low stand. Max heigh is 2 feet or so. I use it with a 1 1/2 pound hair light. No problems. I would not set anything heavier on it......Warren