genesis 400 softbox kit issues

[natas]

I bought the kit and set it up today. The strobe is awesome.

However, I am having issues with the softbox and speed ring. First off it did not come with any directions, no biggie. Well I put each rod into the speed ring and man it was difficult. I put each rod in at opposite ends. It took me about 10 minutes because it was so tight. I was worried I was going to rip the softbox. So it is setup, but my main issue now is breaking it down. I can not get the rods out of the speed ring.

Do the rods need to be broken in a little to loosen up? Any ideas?

[Lotto]

It's tough for the first time because we are afraid that if pushed too hard, things will break, but after couple runs, it will get easier.

Here's how I brake down the tough softbox: First remove the diffuse screens. Place the box on the floor, place my left foot butting against the corner that is opposite of the rod that I am going to romove. Grab the speedring with my left hand, the SOB first rob with my right hand, push down the speedring and "shift" it toward my left foot. The other rods will be bending up pretty good, especially the opposite one. With enough brute force pushing, I would be able to feel the tension easing on the rod and pull the it straight out by my right hand.

Good luck.