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Impact Air-Cushioned Heavy Duty Light Stand - Black, 9'6" (2.9m)
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Impact |
Material | Aluminum |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 43 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches |
Item Weight | 5.3 Pounds |
Mounting Type | Floor Mount |
About this item
- Three Sections
- 5/8" Stud with 1/4"-20 Threaded Top
- Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Additional Details
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 43 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 5.3 pounds |
ASIN | B004U5F3OE |
Item model number | LS96HABIM3 |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #343 in Photographic Lighting Booms & Stands |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | March 28, 2011 |
Manufacturer | Impact |
Warranty & Support
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Product Description
This Impact Light Stand is heavy duty, black aluminum, with sure-twist section locks and air cushioning.
Air cushioning gently lowers the light, preventing damage to light fixtures and fingers when section locks have not been properly tightened.
Three Section stand
Will easily support up to 22 lbs (10kg) of lights with accessories
Optional casters available
Maximum Height: 9.6' (2.9 m)
Minimum Height: 51.2" (1.3 m)
Closed Length: 42.5" (1.1 m)
Footprint Diameter: 42.5" (1.1 m)
Leg Tip: 25mm
Maximum Load: 22 lb (10 kg)
Weight: 4.2 lb (1.9 kg)
Accepts Wheels: Yes
Attachment Size: 5/8 in stud with 1/4"-20 threaded tip
Air Cushioned: Yes
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, weight, quality and air-cushioning of the light stand. For example, they mention that it works well, is easy to carry around and that the air cushioning is a nice feature. That said, opinions are mixed on the size.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the sturdiness of the mount bracket. They say it's substantial, heavy-duty, and capable of supporting loads of up to 10 pounds. They also appreciate the reinforced legs that provide added stability. Customers also say that the stand does not shake or bend when they try to make it not sturdy.
"...This stand just feels stable. It is heavy, the bars and larger in diameter, and it doesn't feel like it will break or bend...." Read more
"...And I love the wide stance for it as well. Helps it be very stable, and it also gets very compact to fit into my car's trunk...." Read more
"...Pros:Very stable with loads of up to 10#, don't have anything heavier than that to put on them.Light..." Read more
"...They still seem quite sturdy, however. - Air cushion uses a small hole instead of a valve. This, in itself, is not a problem...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the mount bracket. They mention that it is well-built, and a great investment. Some say that it's the cheapest air-cushioned light stand on the market. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...The three legs will spread out much wider giving it such a better base to hold the light...." Read more
"...Conclusion:I am impressed with the quality of the PBL stand. My budget is tight enough that the %50 cost savings is a big deal...." Read more
"...I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a good quality light stand." Read more
"...In short Get these, great product, and Impact also sells the casters to put on the bottom for easy maneuvering...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the mount bracket. They mention that it works well, the stand works perfectly, and the air cushion system seems to work well. The hardware is durable, and it works with their speedlight flash and softbox. Some say that the product is well worth the money with the quality you get. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...LightAir-cushioned - works very wellFast setupEasy adjustmentsLock securelyCons:..." Read more
"...diameter leg and upper section aluminum tubes. - Air cushion works every time, with or without weight, and is very smooth. - Threaded..." Read more
"...The stand was much heavier (duty) than expected. All the parts function very well and I have had no problems with it supporting various softboxs..." Read more
"...Update: 2015 still working great! I use these stands about 1-2 times a week, still work great!" Read more
Customers like the weight of the mount bracket. They say it's light, easy to carry around, and compact. Some mention that it'll fit in their trunk without any problem. Overall, most are satisfied with the weight and functionality of the product.
"...This stand just feels stable. It is heavy, the bars and larger in diameter, and it doesn't feel like it will break or bend...." Read more
"...Helps it be very stable, and it also gets very compact to fit into my car's trunk. So all in all a great stand! I will be buying another one!" Read more
"...with these light stands, they are heavy-duty, air-cushioned, and light-weight...." Read more
"...Once received, I was not disappointed. The stand was much heavier (duty) than expected...." Read more
Customers like the air-cushion in the mount bracket. They say it helps assist them in lowering it without gear. They also say it's a nice feature and very welcome.
"...LightAir-cushioned - works very wellFast setupEasy adjustmentsLock securelyCons:..." Read more
"...The air-cushioned action works great as well. The term "heavy-duty" definitely describes this stand...." Read more
"The tubular structure of the stands feel solid and the air cushioning is adequate...." Read more
"...Air cushioning works well when equipment is on it. For the price, it's a decent value. It gets a 4 out of 5 from me." Read more
Customers find the mount bracket easy to use. They mention the knobs are sturdy and easy to manipulate. They also say the light stand is easy to set up and use, with fast setup and easy adjustments. Customers say they haven't had any issues with the mechanics and are happy with the action of all joints.
"...I was pleasently surprised by this light stand. Very sturdy and easy to use...." Read more
"...LightAir-cushioned - works very wellFast setupEasy adjustmentsLock securelyCons:..." Read more
"...I put these stands through the motions and was happy with the action of all joints and extending sections...." Read more
"...Easy to set up and take down and after a couple years' worth of use the knobs and other functions are still good as new...." Read more
Customers like the height of the mount bracket. For example, they mention it's tall, sturdy, and has a range of heights. Some appreciate the length.
"...I love how high the stands go. I don't need to goto 9.5' but it's nice to be able to. And I love the wide stance for it as well...." Read more
"Amazing stand with great length! Longer than I expected in collapsed state...." Read more
"Strong, tall and very well made. My 55" Softbox had my other light stand bowing. Even a backdrop stand was bowing. My dad had one of these...." Read more
"...Easy to use, sturdy, range of heights... Despite the cheaper price, this stand has taken everything that I have dealt out to it and comes back for..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the size of the mount bracket. Some mention that it's big, sturdy, and has a large footprint. That said, others say that it could be improved in the footprint and that it won't fit in their current lightstand case.
"...This stand just feels stable. It is heavy, the bars and larger in diameter, and it doesn't feel like it will break or bend...." Read more
"...is that it is huuuuuge when folded, very long and will not fit in my current lightnatand case, so will need t look for another...." Read more
"...They're big, and the only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is that they are so long that you won't be able to fit them into an average light average." Read more
"This unit is perfect for VR Lighthouses. The bases are small for most homes. No holes in the walls...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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I'm very pleased with it. Attach a flash bracket to the top and I'm ready to roll. This is a great addition to your photography needs. Take the plunge and buy the upgrade. It's so worth it!
Pros:
Very stable with loads of up to 10#, don't have anything heavier than that to put on them.
Light
Air-cushioned - works very well
Fast setup
Easy adjustments
Lock securely
Cons:
Only one, I wish they closed down smaller than 42"
Soon the Pro PBL Heavy Duty 10' stands arrived. I took them out of the box. The first thing I noticed was the gloss black paint on the aluminum. The second thing was the metal locking collars. I put these stands through the motions and was happy with the action of all joints and extending sections. The fatal flaw was noticed when I extended the upper section and tried to lower it while supporting weight. The section stopped completely and would not lower. Only after removing the weight and wiggling the top section was I able to retract it. I took the stand apart to find the problem. The rubber gasket is too soft and the air pressure forces it out against the walls of the tube binding it and preventing movement. With the weight removed, this doesn't happen, but the point of an air cushioned light stand is that you can smoothly and safely lower the weight. This is a critical design flaw and effects the basic function of the light stand.
Side by side the products are very similar.
Impact pros:
- Slightly thicker aluminum with a more scratch / chip resistant brushed finish.
- Joints are attached with bar rivets that traverse the diameter of the tube. Similar to a bolt.
- Larger diameter leg and upper section aluminum tubes.
- Air cushion works every time, with or without weight, and is very smooth.
- Threaded stud is well finished and the inset is tapered at around 45 degrees. It is secured by a press bar.
Impact cons:
- Price - they are twice the price of the PBL stands.
- Plastic locking collars make me a bit nervous, but have held up well with no problem so far.
PBL pros: Price - They are very affordable and still good quality. Metal locking collars are a plus.
PBL cons:
- The paint chips easily which doesn't look as nice as the brushed aluminum on the Impact stands.
- Joints are attached with pop rivets instead of a bar or bolt that penetrates the diameter of the tube. These rivets are not well spread on the inside. Some are not spread around the circumference of the hole, but only spread to cover the hole partially. Eventually, these will pop out and need to be replaced with bolts.
- The aluminum tubes for the legs and upper extension are smaller in diameter than the Impact stands. They still seem quite sturdy, however.
- Air cushion uses a small hole instead of a valve. This, in itself, is not a problem. The air cushion lets air out too quickly causing weight to drop rapidly. There is just enough air cushion to keep the retracting extension from slamming into the base, but not by much.
- The top extension tube has a soft rubber gasket that binds to the middle extension tube when bearing weight. Weight must be removed before top extension tube can be retracted. For me, this is a deal breaker. There is no way to lower the upper extension tube while it is weight bearing. All four stands I purchased exhibited this behavior. It appears to be a design flaw. The impact stand uses a stiffer gasket which does not bind under weight.
- Threaded stud is machined but not finished. It has very sharp edges and is slightly taller than standard studs. The inset is a 90 degree corner. It is secured by a pop rivet.
Conclusion:
I am impressed with the quality of the PBL stand. My budget is tight enough that the %50 cost savings is a big deal. I would have chosen the PBL stand over the Impact stand if the retraction of the upper extension tube wasn't a problem. The air cushioning could be a bit stronger to lower weight more smoothly, but it works well enough. Eventually, some pop rivets would come out of the holes and need to be replaced by bolts. Just hope this doesn't happen on a shoot.
Budget aside, I would choose the Impact stand even if the extension tube problem on the PBL stand were fixed. However, I would like to see metal locking collars and bolts connecting the joints. This will keep the stands in service much longer.
In the end, I returned the PBL stands and kept the Impact stands. They cost more, but they function well. I am satisfied with my purchase.
I hope this review is helpful. I was not able to find any other reviews of the PBL stand before purchasing it. There are hundreds of reviews of the Impact stand on Amazon and B&H Photo.
Update: 2015 still working great! I use these stands about 1-2 times a week, still work great!
Top reviews from other countries
I like how sturdy it is, the coating is smooth, and the weigh isn't heavy but not light either. I love the air-cushion in the light stand; I can gently lower my lighting without fear of smashing my external flash to bits. I do wish the legs had the same treatment; I nearly clammed my finger while trying to fold the legs. There is no travel bag so you will have to purchase one. Overall, I would highly recommend this light stand over the Cowboy Studio brand; not only just in price but quality, and sturdiness.
Reviewed in Canada on September 8, 2016