Using 'overhead' stands instead of 'combo' stands for lights?

[Mark K.]

Hi Guys,

I recently went through a bit of a debacle with a set of Matthews Triple-Riser combo stands I bought - basically they're much bigger packed down, than is stated online, so they wouldn't fit in my ute. This forced me to get rid of them (at a rather frustrating loss), and now I need replacements.

The maximum closed length I can fit into the ute is 1.45m/4.75', which rules out every triple-riser combo in existence except for the Kupo 'Master High Cine Stands'. Which I've never seen with my own eyes (they're not a common brand down here in Australia) but I've seen some Kupo gear and it's been very nice.

Double-riser combos don't go high enough, so they're out of contention too. However I've stumbled across the Avenger "A3042CS Medium Overhead Stand"

And it seems a good match for the specs I want - goes up to 4.2m high, supports up to 40kg, Avenger's terrific build-quality, and it packs down to just 135cm in length.

I'm sure it'll be great for supporting my 12x12 overheads, but I'm wondering if there are any gotchas I should look out for when it comes to using the 'overhead' stands to support lights? Is the way the legs are more horizontal than a conventional combo stand likely to make them less stable or capable of supporting a heavier item above them? What's the catch?

My biggest lights at the moment are a 1.2k HMI PAR and Arrilite 2000s, so there's nothing too big they'd have to support. The biggest units these stands would likely be used for are an Arri M18 or a 5K Fresnel.

Any help would be much appreciated - as it's damn near impossible to find info on overhead stands online.

Cheers,

Mark

 

[ericyoung]

Maybe contact the manufacturers directly with your requirements and let them suggest the best product?

 

[Curt Pair]

Hi Guys,

I recently went through a bit of a debacle with a set of Matthews Triple-Riser combo stands I bought - basically they're much bigger packed down, than is stated online, so they wouldn't fit in my ute.

The maximum closed length I can fit into the ute is 1.45m/4.75', which rules out every triple-riser combo in existence

I have a custom made truck. I wanted to hang stands on the rear doors... I helped design a stand for MSE! When I got them, they were too tall for my doors! Mathews cut them down for me and they fit just perfectly... Perhaps it's possible to either cut them down a few inches yourself, or HAVE them done by the manufacturer or someone who can do that without destroying them.

I'm not a fan of the company who makes the stands you're looking at, as I've had issues with their stands in the past... they break way too easily for me...

Best of luck!

 

[Michael Lindsay]

Perhaps no super relevant to your question but... people are more prone to trip on the overhead stand legs. You could consider risers if it is not often you need the heght and then roll with a lower combo?

 

[Mark K.]

I have a custom made truck. I wanted to hang stands on the rear doors... I helped design a stand for MSE! When I got them, they were too tall for my doors! Mathews cut them down for me and they fit just perfectly... Perhaps it's possible to either cut them down a few inches yourself, or HAVE them done by the manufacturer or someone who can do that without destroying them.

I'm not a fan of the company who makes the stands you're looking at, as I've had issues with their stands in the past... they break way too easily for me...

Best of luck!

Which of their stands gave you issues Curt? And what kind of issues? I've seen a Kupo baby combo before (not their big ones) but it seemed to be superbly well built, much better than my Matthews, and not too far off my Avengers.

Perhaps no super relevant to your question but... people are more prone to trip on the overhead stand legs. You could consider risers if it is not often you need the heght and then roll with a lower combo?

Which 'risers' do you recommend Michael? I've been looking for some, but no one down here seems to even know that such things exist.

 

[Ulf Krentz]

Hi Guys,

I recently went through a bit of a debacle with a set of Matthews Triple-Riser combo stands I bought - basically they're much bigger packed down, than is stated online, so they wouldn't fit in my ute. This forced me to get rid of them (at a rather frustrating loss), and now I need replacements.

The maximum closed length I can fit into the ute is 1.45m/4.75', which rules out every triple-riser combo in existence except for the Kupo 'Master High Cine Stands'. Which I've never seen with my own eyes (they're not a common brand down here in Australia) but I've seen some Kupo gear and it's been very nice.

Double-riser combos don't go high enough, so they're out of contention too. However I've stumbled across the Avenger "A3042CS Medium Overhead Stand"

And it seems a good match for the specs I want - goes up to 4.2m high, supports up to 40kg, Avenger's terrific build-quality, and it packs down to just 135cm in length.

I'm sure it'll be great for supporting my 12x12 overheads, but I'm wondering if there are any gotchas I should look out for when it comes to using the 'overhead' stands to support lights? Is the way the legs are more horizontal than a conventional combo stand likely to make them less stable or capable of supporting a heavier item above them? What's the catch?

My biggest lights at the moment are a 1.2k HMI PAR and Arrilite 2000s, so there's nothing too big they'd have to support. The biggest units these stands would likely be used for are an Arri M18 or a 5K Fresnel.

Any help would be much appreciated - as it's damn near impossible to find info on overhead stands online.

Cheers,

Mark

Marc,

They are fine. The build quality is excellent and they have a big "footprint", so they are very stable. We use them equipped with wheels and they are perfect for holding frames. For lights I prefer wind-ups (like the Manfrotto 387XU) but of course they will also work as they are equipped with a 28mm female adaptor like an avenger jumbo grip head. In case you´re interested in the roller option I can check the folded length tomorrow.

Cheers,

Ulf

 

[Mark K.]

Thanks Ulf,

The jumbo grip head on top of the stands being fixed kinda writes the stands off for me since I can't pack them down small enough (I'd assumed they mounted to a junior receiver at the top of the stand and were therefore removeable).

Appreciate the offer though.

 

[Ulf Krentz]

Mark,

those receivers would build up higher. If you would take off the "fixed" head (one bolt) you´d only loose 6cm of height. But you might still easily take all apart and just cut off the three tubes to get a custom smaller size. Check the Averger site, they have drawings and spare parts for all their models.

Cheers,

Ulf

 

[Michael Notar]

I think its great to use a hi roller as a light stand. i find the wheels convient usually on location. If you modify a leg into a simple rocky mountain leg you are set. you could of cut down the big stands that you had but cutting off the bottom of the pole. you can also adjust the leg spread and length easily of a hi roller with a few simple modifications. i am undertaking some modifications currently. overall i am a fan of medium rollers. i use a toyota 4 runner and my cargo area is 54" and med rollers are the largest i can lay down without having to go diagonal.