Impact Folding Wheeled Base Stand Review

It is hard to get excited about a light stand, but this one puts a smile on my face every time I use it.

You see, I mentioned to my B&H rep that, for over a decade, I was tolerating miserable, heavy duty (high diameter tubes) but lightweight light stands that came in a kit with considerably higher-end lights. A pair of Impact Folding Wheeled Base Stands showed up the next day.

At 12.45 lb (5.6 kg) and 12.6 lb (5.6 kg) for the 8.5' and 11' models, respectively, these heavy-duty steel stands are not light. When carrying gear, heavy weight is not a positive trait. However, when the gear is primarily used in one location, including on set, there is little need to carry gear, making light weight considerably less important and even a liability.

Rolling is the optimal method of moving a light stand across a smooth, level surface. We typically do not bend down to push at the wheel level when rolling a stand, which means the pushing pressure is applied far above the base. Reach back to your physics training to see what is coming.

Cheap wheels do not roll smoothly, and lightweight tripods become top-heavy with lights mounted. Wheels that do not roll smoothly provide uneven and high resistance that, combined with the relatively high pressure on a lightweight light stand, significantly increases the likelihood of the stand tipping over. A wheel deciding to stick while a lightweight light stand is pushed across the floor is bad news, and a light stand tipping over poses multiple problems, including safety and expense.

While my old light stands had wheel brakes, I never considered using them. The stands would roll to the wheels' preference and then not move. The Impact Folding Wheeled Base Stand's built-in 3" wheels roll so easily that the brakes are sometimes required even on a flat floor, as hanging power cords can influence their unlocked position.

The heavy weight of the Impact stand base further increases its stability.

The Impact stand's base design veers from the typical light stand standard. The same 3-point support is provided, but the flat base permit this stand to be positioned under the more tripod-like supports. This benefits both in use and storage configurations.

Further reducing the storage and transport footprint is the folding feature of the legs.

The 8.5' (2.6 m) and 11' (3.4 m) Impact Folding Wheeled Base Stands (Black/Chrome-plated) are rated to support virtually all lights weighing up to 26 lb with a combination 5/8" retractable pin and 1-1/8" receiver. The 3-section 8.5' model has a minimum working height of 42" (107 cm), and the 4-section 11' model has a minimum working height of 43.5" (111 cm). Closed, the stands measure 38" (96.5 cm) and 39.2" (99.6 cm). Air cushioning is not featured.

This stand is intended for flat surface use but provides a leveling feature.

This stand is well-constructed with significantly-sized mostly metal parts, including the large section lock handles.

While these stands are not low priced among light stands in general, they are still a very good value, synonymous with the Impact brand.

Overall, I'm pleased with my upgrade to the Impact Folding Wheeled Base Stands. This is another product that makes my life better.