Matthews C Stand

Background:
Looking to purchase my first two light stands for outdoor portraits with einstein strobes and beauty dish or plm modifiers.
Considering a heavy duty light stand and boom for one unit and a c stand for the second.

Question regarding C Stands:

How does this C stand "Matthews Hollywood Century C Stand with Grip" sound for the above use? Are there other models of c stands that are preferrable and why?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …wood_Century_C_​Stand.html

amazing.... bullet proof.
industry standard in photo and film.

I have two of those and two of these when I need to pack lighter.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …7486_Reverse_St​and_7.html

Can anyone comment on the difference between the Matthews stand and the comparable Avenger stand? (Other than a hefty price difference.)

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Turtle_Base_Ce​ntury.html

That one has a turtle base.

From the photos, I don't see a functional difference. They're both c-stands, so what is a turtle base?

In any event, the Avenger looks beefier in the photos, but it's significantly more expensive. Either one would be a nice addition to a lighting kit.

Can anyone tell me if the finish on the matthews is chrome plated or just some metal type of finish? I have read in threads from several years ago that the matthews black finish is just paint and scratches off easily. Is that still the case today?

I have read that avengers finish is a anodized black and is more durable.

They are both built like tanks! I bought Matthews because of the free shipping and I absolutely love it! Get the one with the turtle base. It's much easier to load in a car

Snafoo wrote in post #17029440
Can anyone comment on the difference between the Matthews stand and the comparable Avenger stand? (Other than a hefty price difference.)

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Turtle_Base_Ce​ntury.html

The main difference between the Matthews and Avenger C stands is in the grip head. The Matthews head has internal serrations that provide a better hold on the grip arm than the smooth surface of the Avenger. The Matthews griphead locks down tight without too much force. The Avenger grip locks ok vertically, but due to the smooth non-serrated grip it can't withstand anywhere near the rotational torque that the Matthews can.

Both Avenger and Matthews grip arms are painted, and yes, the paint can scratch off, more so on the Matthews due to the serrated edges that hold the grip arm, but it's not really a big deal. It's just normal wear and tear and doesn't affect the function of the stand in any way.

Does the mattews come with a grip head? I see arm listed but not the grip head unless mathews grip arm come with additional head. Turtle base is nice to have but so is sliding leg.

bobbyz wrote in post #17031522
Does the mattews come with a grip head? I see arm listed but not the grip head unless mathews grip arm come with additional head. Turtle base is nice to have but so is sliding leg.

You can get the Matthews C Stands with or without a grip head/arm. The arm adds about $40 to the price of the stand.

anyone want to discuss the base types that they like and why? Elaborate on how the legs work?

I believe for photography work off the pavement outdoors, the one with the sliding leg might work best for me. My understanding is the legs are not removable with this model making it not as convenient to put in the vehicle. Other leg configurations may work better in other situations. I look forward to hearing your replies.

silvermesa1 wrote in post #17031878
I believe for photography work off the pavement outdoors, the one with the sliding leg might work best for me. My understanding is the legs are not removable with this model making it not as convenient to put in the vehicle. Other leg configurations may work better in other situations. .

that's the difference. Easier to pack vs able to be set up on uneven surfaces.

i've never used one with a turtle base, but something tells me that joint at the bottom might be a tiny bit less stable/strong.

The regular one is big. I happened to measure the box for another POTNer a couple of weeks ago here are the dimensions 21.75 x 55 x 3.875, the unit is not much smaller except of course it isn't anywhere close to square. You will almost certainly need a folding rear seat.

I have a couple of the avenger stands noted above and they are tough stuff. The turtle base is quick to set up/breakdown and makes it e z to transport. They will long outlast me. I have one of the Matthews arms too and it's a toss up as to which is better. You will be very happy with either.

Thanks for your replies, Strobo.