How do I choose the right KIT stand for my needs?
Choosing the correct kit stand can be answered in a few questions. Does it need to be portable, will it be transported in a backpack, a car or need to fit in a case for air travel? If so it need to be compact. If it will work mostly in a studio you can explore larger stands with a height weight capacity, higher reach and larger footprint.
The other Question one should consider is what will you be supporting? For supporting smaller units such as speedlights and strobe heads, you will be able to use a smaller kit stand, if you will be mounting larger units you will need a larger kit stand with a higher weight capacity.
Another important consideration is if you will be supporting lighting units with large modifiers or if you will be supporting backings? If so , you will need a kit stand with a large footprint due to the offset load that will lean the weigh off center. All stands should be weighted down with sand bags for safety.
The smallest options such as the Backlight Stand(339763), the Reverse Stand(387486) and the Mini Extendable Reverse Stand(B387489) would be ideal traveling kit stands. These options support smaller lighting fixtures such as speedlights, lightweight strobes and smaller constant lights.
Stands that will work in studio as well as travel for location work and support medium sized lighting units include the Light Medium(B389787) kit stand supporting units up to 17lbs with a height of maximum height of 82”. The Medium Duty(B389788) reaches a height of 93” and will support a load of 20lbs. The tallest option in this category is the Light Heavy Kit Stand reaching a height of 101” and supporting a load of 25lbs.
Stands that will predominantly work in a studio, or travel to location when a larger footprint and heavier load capacity is needed are the following three. The Medium Duty Maxi will support 25lbs at a height of 113”. The revenger stand will support 22lbs at a height of 128”. The Light Heavy Triple Riser will support 25lbs at a height of 149”
What are the benefits of using a KIT stand over other types of stands? When to use a KIT stand over a different stand.
Kit stands are the ideal choice when weight and portability are a factor. Originally kit stands were designed to travel in cases with the lighting units they support. Generally they are constructed from light weight aluminum and designed to store compactly. Due to their light weight, they are not meant to support heavy weights, offset loads or offer a towering reach.
Can KIT stands support heavy backdrops or equipment?
The largest Kit Stands available can support up to 25lbs, enabling them to support medium sized lighting units. This weight capacity enables a user to ‘goal post’ backings using two Kit Stands, such as the Matthews Light/Heavy Triple Riser, and a cross bar.
Are KIT stands portable and easy to transport?
Kit Stands are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them the ideal support for easy transport.
How do I maintain and care for my KIT stand?
Many kit stands are damaged during transport. When packing them away, it is suggested to cushion between the stands with material such as pool noodles or pipe insulation. A sturdy, impact resistant transport case is also recommended.
When cleaning kit stands., a non corrosive cleaning product such as Simple Green is recommended. Avoid lubricants such as WD40, as they will attract dust particles turning into muck, instead use silicone spray.
What accessories are compatible with KIT stands?
Great kit stands accessories include sand bags or Matthews Boa Bags, which are designed specifically to safely weigh down kit stands. Matthews Mini Grip Heads are a great kit stand accessory, as they are light weight, portable and designed to support scrims featuring a 3/8” mounting pins, such as Road Rags as well as Micro Grip Rods.
