Switchblade portable Flag kit

Yeah an old college buddy of mine makes these- great DP so he knows exactly what does the trick. They're cool. :)

Noah
 
KKeller said:
nice product, but the scrims aren't open ended and the 18x24" RoadRags kit is cheaper and it comes with an extra frame

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/227712-REG/Matthews_350595_RoadRags_Kit_18.html#features
Click to expand...

Here's the designer (John Ealer)'s response to that:

1. The two-frame version of the Switchblade Flag System has the same number of frames as the Road Rags kit for just $10 more than the B&H price. For that extra $10, you also get a black and white ultrabounce, which the Road Rags kit does not include. (Actually, Matthews doesn't even offer an Ultrabounce Fabric.) So by any reckoning, you get more for your money with the Switchblade Kit.

2. The compromises in the Road Rags design to accommodate soft-edges really hampers that system in a lot of ways. Not making the Switchblade System open-ended enabled us to offer incredible durability, flexibility, and speed far beyond what Road Rags can offer. Consider:

a) Our system has floppies, which doubles the effective area of the size of the flag in the same size package.
b) The mounting pin for Road Rags is in the center of the long side of the frame, which is very cumbersome and limits how useable the flags are (Note: You always end up casting the shadow of the stand holding the Road Rag onto the subject you're trying to light when using it as a soft-edged cutter, anyway.)
c) Switchblade flags assemble much faster than Road Rags.
d) Switchblade frames can be used as gel holders, to create cucoloris patterns, etc. - things that Road Rags cannot do.
e) For most applications, you can create a soft-cut on a light with the Switchblade system simply by placing the frame closer to the light. (Keep in mind the system was designed by an award-winning DP with features released by MGM, seen on HBO, etc.)

3. Switchblade Flags are completely produced in the US. All Road Rags are manufactured in China, and the difference in quality is apparent.
4. The Road Rags bag only holds the Road Rags. My bag is designed to hold gels, C-47's, etc. and be an all-in-one production toolkit.

All said, I think you get a lot more value for that extra $10.

-Noah
 
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