Manfrotto Alu Master Air-Cushioned Stand (Black, 12')

I've used a couple of Manfrotto tripods and a set of 3 9ft 1000BAC for years without issues. I ordered two sets of 3 1004BAC (12ft). Out of the six stands that we received, four stands didn't work from the box. One of them didn't close after we extended it, and 3 fell apart when we tried to extend them (during a shoot). I found someone that had an Allan Wrench and I managed to get them locked into place. I had to use the wrench to unlock them after, and no matter how much I tried to experiment later with the amount of tightening, the stands either fell apart (like the segments would come out, without a stop when extending) or they would be locked into place. I finally had time to talk to Manfrotto customer service and after some back and forth they agreed to replace a set of 3. I haven't had a chance to check them out, will report back if I have any issues. However, I'm still stuck with the four stand, that is still half open in my garage. I have to mention that associates use stands that cost 1/4 or this, are taller, more stable, but not as fancy. I think I made a mistake with this purchase.

This stand is well constructed and should provide years of use. I use it primarily as an elevated microphone stand for orchestral recordings. The leg system is a bit unconventional when folded but works smoothly. This is a tall stand and should be used with sandbag weights on the base for safety.

As far as size is concerned, these rock - small when folded, tall and sturdy when you need it. The air cushioning is a huge plus for heavy loads and with how they work... people just love to use these things and they're a huge wow-factor whenever I unfold them. My only problem is the storing/transporting tech. They were built with a locking/press-to-release mechanism to allow them to be placed on eachother. In theory they work and are AMAZING. But when it comes down to it... they break if you look at them wrong. I stored and LIFTED them to see their capacity when 3 were together. Bad idea. That one button/lock that I broke - that's on me - now I know not to lift them and put the strain on the locks. But then THREE MORE have broken through simple storage and transport - it feels like a glaring design/mechanism/engineering/material flaw. Why does that matter in a light stand? For me, the locking/stacking mechanism was the main reason I went with these. They will still stack, but they will not lock any more and that makes me sad. Submitting them for repair is a huge pain, so ... I will just go without. But I will be looking elsewhere for future stands. Maybe Manfrotto has a 2.0 coming with better parts/mechanism designs!

I used these stands for a wedding last weekend and they were awesome. From the ability to stack them in my bag, to the air cushioning, they were awesome to use. 10/10 would recommend!

I rented these to make sure I like them. As a wedding videographer, they're an absolute must. They're sturdy and reliable.