As you know from reading this website, Impact makes a number of excellent products that offer quite a bit of bang for your photography buck. The Impact Turtle Base C-Stand & 20 Grip Arm Kit is no exception.

1) Initial Thoughts

This Impact stand is an impressive piece of gear. It is attractive, very solid, and well made. If a C-Stand fits your studio needs, you should consider this model.

2) Product Specifications

Accepts Wheels: No
Material: Chromed steel and aluminum
Minimum Height: 3.3′ (1.0 m)
Maximum Height: 5.9′ (1.8 m)
Closed Length; 3.3′ (1.0 m)
Footprint Diameter: 39.3″ (1.0 m)
Riser: 20″ (51 cm), 2 section
Grip Arm; Bar length: 20″ (51 cm)
Grip head: 2.5″ (6.35 cm)
Maximum Load: 22 lbs (10 kg) used as a stand
Attachment Size: 5/8″ (16 mm) male stud
Weight Kit: 18 lb (8.2 kg)
Stand alone: 17 lb (7.7 kg)

2) Features

- Fold-away, twist and release locking legs
- Durable finish resists all weather conditions
- Innovative design on the C-Stand base allows individual legs to be set at any angle, and can be positioned in locations not possible with classic stands
- Ergonomic T-shaped handles are captive – they do not come off of the stand when unscrewed, preventing loss
- Each riser section has an external rubber gasket, which protects your equipment and fingers from sudden drops in stand elevation

Depending on the angle of the riser, this unit will position a beauty dish or softbox between 6-7 feet. It also acts as an excellent short boom/stand combination for a hair light.

3) Construction And Operations

This chromed steel stand and steel/aluminum grips are not only classy looking, they are well-suited for the task of handling professional lighting heads and light modifiers. This unit easily balanced my Bowens Gemini 500W head, reflector, and Photo Wizard control, which weighed about 8 lbs. Throughout the grip’s range of motion – even at 90 degrees – this Impact stand proved to be extremely sturdy. I put a significant amount of pressure on the grip arm with my hand and it didn’t budge an inch. As long as you align the riser with the upper leg, this unit is simply not going to move. With a larger softbox attached, I would likely add a 10 – 15 lb sand bag for extra stability.

The handles are very large and easy to grip. Locking them required very short turns and very little pressure. The base of the unit has a ring, which, once pulled, allows the legs to fold together for compact storage. Tightening the nearby handle ensures that the legs remain locked.

4) What Is In The Box?

- Turtle Base C-Stand – 5.9′ (Chrome)
- Grip Head for Lights and Accessories – 2.5″ Diameter (Chrome)
- Extension Grip Arm 20″ (Chrome)
- 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

5) Quality

This stand is extremely well made and stylish as well. It is a solid piece of gear that will probably last longer than the rest of your photo gear combined.

6) Value

At $154.95, this stand offers a good value for your photography dollar. Oddly enough, I found that Impact also makes another variation of this stand which extends to nearly 11 feet, includes a 40 inch arm, weighs 5 lbs more, but costs less – $128.95. The reason for this price difference is not apparent from the specifications. Perhaps Impact judged that a slightly smaller and lighter C-Stand should carry a premium price tag.

7) Suggested Improvements

It is tough to suggest any improvements apart from some optional wheels, which might be useful for hard core studio photographers, who need to move their gear quickly with minimal effort.

8) Conclusion

Impact has made a solid C-stand and grip combination which compares favorably to those made by the name brand manufacturers. The only caveat I would add is that the Impact Turtle Base C-Stand Kit – 10.75′ may be a better value if you need the extra height and weight isn’t a concern.

9) Compared To

This Impact stand can go toe-to-toe with any made by Kupo, Avenger, Matthews, and other studio equipment companies.

10) Where To Buy

You can find the Impact Turtle Base C-Stand & 20 Grip Arm Kit at B&H Photo for $154.95.