Easiest way to break down a Fotodiox 48" Octabox?

So... I've googled and seen several references to this box being hard to break down, but not any tips for it. I can find many instructions for setting it up, but I already know how to do that. But, taking it down is another matter.

I would imagine that you do the opposite of setup. But, it seems that you have to really bend the rods if you want to get them out of the speed ring, or out of the pockets on the softbox. I have one already, that's bent from trying to get it out.

Any tips? Thanks, in advance.

I just received my 60" Fotodiox octabox today. I got the EZ Pro collapsible one, though. Easy to put up, easy to tear down.

Yeah, a little more research and I probably would have done that, too. Hindsight. Anyway, I got it broken down, but one of the rods is really bowed quite a bit. Hopefully it won't affect the shape too much, when I put it back together again. If I had the space to store it put together, I would just do that. Oh well.....

I find Its easier to take the first rod out of the edge of the box first, than it is out of the speedring first.

What about the Bowens quick ring. I just ordered it for my octa.

Bowens Quick Ring

It will work as long as the outside diameter is the same as what comes with the box. Not all of them are the same. But if it is it can help some.

Mark1 wrote in post #17269686
I find Its easier to take the first rod out of the edge of the box first, than it is out of the speedring first.

That's what I was doing. But, I had to bend the rod, in order to do that. That thing is tight when set up.

tacoman1423 wrote in post #17270332
What about the Bowens quick ring. I just ordered it for my octa.

Bowens Quick Ring

be ready to deal with the large holes the quick ring has for the rods to go into. I had to make inserts. Send me a PM if you have that problem when you get yours.

I like the look of that quick ring. I may give that a try.