Used Grip Equip? - (C-Stands, Clamps, etc)

kikndrummer

kikndrummer

Active member
Does anyone know a good place to buy these things used? I have searched for hours online and only find a few on Ebay every now and then....among a sea of Amvona stands. I have a couple Impact C Stands and their good for studio but a bit on the heavy side for locations...although, work well with heavier HMI's.

I'm looking more for used Avenger, Matthews or American C Stands, clamps , etc....... All of their grip equip I find to be similar in quality.....but I don't need them brand new....rather put that money into other things.

I would appreciate any link to stores. ..thanks!
 
I'll second this desire... a while back somebody posted that you could get used c-stands for about $75 from rental houses... but so far I haven't found any that do this... I wanted a full stock of American stands, and due to the cost I'm slowly getting them one at a time... the repeated quote I get is, "if we're ready to get rid of one of these then you don't want it... trust me".

That's reassuring considering the price I'm paying for new ($180 w/o knuckle or arm), but discouraging as far as finding the deals I was hoping for.

So far the best value I've seen is the Avenger c-stands with turtle base (means removeable base) from B&H that come complete with the arm and knuckle for $179. My next two stands will be a pair of those in black. I really like the knobs on the Avenger stuff... and the arm and knuckle alone is worth at least $60-70... so that's like getting a premium c-stand with turtle base for under $120! (and that's WAY less then an American stand with turtle base... like almost a hundred bucks less... plus you can get black.)
 
Used grip equipment isn't all that easy to come by. It doesn't wear out, so people don't really have a need to sell it, y'know? As far as Avengers go, I've got several and they're first-rate. I like the black ones because they're less reflective, but they do tend to show their wear when they get banged up a bit. Great stands though.
 
Yes, I was told as well that used C-stands continued to be used until they die and are hard to come by. I am hoping the avengers, the American or Matthews have good prices...
 
Talk to your local rental houses. I know some who wouldn't mind exchanging your money for some old c-stands. Don't expect them to be amazing.
 
Hey nice find Overland! ....I have a few nice stands for when I'm shooting stuff that I want my gear looking nice for....but some shoots I have helpers banging stuff up left and right and I'd much rather have a bunch of used stands.

Thanks guys....I appreciate the input.
 
I have bought from them before and I will never again buy C-stands from these guys. I bought that exact package, two c-stands for $150 plus shipping. First off, shipping was like $50. I can get brand spanking new c-stands for $150 locally so it was becomming less of a deal. But here's the kicker, the c-stands were not like they pictured. They did NOT have the little knob down near the legs to allow you to easily go from folded up to folded out. No way, they were spring loaded ones and really old shits at that. To unfold these damn stands you have to either get two grips to pull in opposition or step on one leg then pull the others like crazy. They are a phenomenal pain in the ass. I even contacted them to say "Yo, you didnt send me what you advertised!!" and they didn't care. That was 2 years ago and ever time I see these horrible c-stands in my gear I curse their name.
 
Shawneous,

I'm surprised that they didn't offer to take them back. FWIW, sprung legs are usually preferred by working grips over swing legs like the Norms. I've never for the life of me been able to figure out why. Norms swing-style are my favorite bases to work with by far.

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I think they would have swapped them had I paid for shipping, but to ship two c-stands back would have nullified it. That and I had a shoot that HAD to have them, crappy or not, so I just bent over and took it. I agree that swing-style legs are the best. But, I don't mind sprung legs. My complaint was that they were old, rusty, nearly frozen sprung legs that require great effort to undo. One guy helping me insisted they were broke until I showed them you could wrestle them open. Anyhow, I would probably buy lights from them but not c-stands.
 
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