Godox S-type Bracket

Many of us have these useful mounts for speedlights/AD360-type flashes, which combine an umbrella holder + Bowens modifier mount + tilting light-stand adapter, all in one.

feeda wrote in post #17945155
Many of us have these useful mounts for speedlights/AD360-type flashes, which combine an umbrella holder + Bowens modifier mount + tilting light-stand adapter, all in one.

I'm wondering if you all have these two conditions with your brackets, which I consider minor but noticeable problems:

1) The pull-out lever to loosen/tighten the tilt mechanism is spring-loaded, but the spring appears to break extremely easily (it broke on both of mine within seconds of taking them out of the package). As a result, I can pull out the lever to uncouple it from the locking mechanism, and if I let go it will not spring back at all. I need to manually push the lever inward to engage the locking mechanism.

2) The tilt mechanism is "clicky"/"ratcheting," which means that I can't get smooth or precise tilt adjustments.

Are there different versions of the bracket? Am I missing out on the "upper-class" version with a smooth tilt action and a working spring?
(I'm aware that Cheetahstand etc. make a horizontal variation of this bracket that they claim is "heavy-duty," but I prefer this one's shape for several reasons, so I wouldn't consider those to be the solution.)

I have the Cheetahstand version of this bracket for 3 years and use them extensively and never had one to break........

Robsphoto wrote in post #17945305
I have the Cheetahstand version of this bracket for 3 years and use them extensively and never had one to break........

LOL three years, They only been out since 2014.

I use them since they were released and never had a problem with them.

But there are two versions of the Godox S bracket - and I'm not referring to Bowens v Eli.

I have two early examples (Feb 2014), they both remain in perfect working order and they do not have the ratchet, radially cut, primary articulation surfaces. So they are infinitely variable in terms of their angle setting. However, they will not convincingly hold a large front heavy modifier design (say larger than c 40 in) unless you counterweight the bracket mechanism (a rear pointing rod & Wt from the umbrella hole, for example).

My impression is that all the current stock for sale will be the ratchet style version.

One one, if you can't return it get a new handel and those are universal.
One two, that the second generation of S-brackets and mine has smooth and precise tilt adjustments. Not all newer versions are an improvement.

1. I've not yet broken a spring. *knocks on wood

2. YES! VERY clicky! I thought I was breaking it the first time I used it.

feeda wrote in post #17945155
I'm aware that Cheetahstand etc. make a horizontal variation of this bracket that they claim is "heavy-duty," but I prefer this one's shape for several reasons, so I wouldn't consider those to be the solution.)

What are the "several reasons"? Curious because I was looking at the Cheetahstand version.

Ryan7 wrote in post #17945445
What are the "several reasons"? Curious because I was looking at the Cheetahstand version.

I think hes talking about the pro MkII bracket and not the cheetahstand pro s bracket with the metal handle

I have both.
The Cheetah Stand bracket is metal, and can easily hold and position larger modifiers than I'm comfortable putting on the Godox S/E bracket. Its a bit more complicated to get the light setup on the larger bracket but one installed its held securely in place.

I've not had the problem with the handle spring on any of the 6 S/E brackets I own.
I like the ratcheting action. It helps to ensure that the modifier will stay in the position I place it without having to over tighten the adjustment screw.

It also helps to control the setup with a heavier modifier if I want to change its angle while its overhead.

Ryan7 wrote in post #17945445
What are the "several reasons"? Curious because I was looking at the Cheetahstand version.

Shom is correct; I'm comparing this bracket with the Pro Mark II bracket. I prefer this one because it is more compact, the strobe mount does not hold the flash by the hotshoe but rather clamps down on the body of the strobe (although the Pro bracket has a screw mount to relieve some of the tension), and the wide circumference allows mounting one of those friction-mounted/folding softboxes (in addition to standard Bowens accessories).

It looks like the newer version of this bracket is not necessarily the better version, since the clicky mount was introduced in this iteration. Shame, but good to know.
I wasn't aggressive when pulling on the adjustment lever, so I'll chalk it up to a bad manufacturing batch. Oh well, I can live with that.

I have 3 of these and I broke the springs in all of them within few minutes of operation .