Side by Side Comparison of: PBL vs Neewer vs StudioFX

Love them! I bought these to start getting some consistent light stands to stock my studio with and they're absolutely perfect. They're very sturdy without being too heavy, don't wobble too much (even when extended to full height), and the air cushion gives me peace of mind that the lights will be safe if someone forgets to tighten the stand properly.I'll definitely be purchasing more for my studio in the future. They stack up very well to a single light stand that cost more than this whole pack, and I even prefer these.

These stands are heavy duty. They easily handle large LED lights and are quite stable. To get three at this price is a good deal. (It seems like I never have enough stands.) The lock screws function smoothly and lock securely. The storage bags are flimsy--no padding so they really just prevent scratches during transport and dust accumulation when in long term storage.

Love these! I got these for photographing weddings, so I could set up some flashes around the room at the reception. They reach taller than I've ever need them to be; they're built solid; and they're easy to use (I swear that tripods usually hate me, but surprisingly, I get along with these). These guys have survived months of rolling around in my trunk, getting set up and taken down (and maybe even ran into a few walls and doorways...I might be a bit clumsy) like champs. The only issue I've had is that they're so long (even folded up), I've had problems finding a simple bag that would hold these light stands with the flash brackets attached. And, seriously, who wants to attach/detach the flash brackets every time you have to store these things? Ain't nobody got time for that--especially at a wedding! But that's a very minor thing. I'll take their solid build and great height any day. :)

I was very skeptical when I saw these listed as three for $77 but I needed something to replace the skimpy stands that I have been using and figured that I would give it a try. These are absolutely wonderful!!! They make my old stands look and feel like twigs! The wide foot print also makes them so much more stable then my former stands. You cannot go wrong with these in my opinion. I am ordering another set today to use to hold up my backdrop now!

For the money these can't be beat! Very strong and sturdy. Makes some of my old kit lightstands feel like toothpicks in comparison. I use them to hold a pair of softboxes, which it does with ease. I'll be picking up another set of these very soon. Solid 5 stars!

Yes, These are quality stands. I was quite surprised at the price for them. I paid almost that much for one Ravalli. These are of equal quality in my opinion. I took a chance on them and got lucky. They have completed my home studio. So, as a voice in the wilderness, I would highly recommend these. Air cushioning is a must if you don't want to damage your equipment by loosening a clamp by mistake and having that sudden drop.

I have used these stands professionally for 2 years and they have held up pretty well considering what I paid for them. I own pricier, heavier stands that are nearly indestructible (Manfroto) that cost more each than these 3 stands together. I have used at the beach in and around salt water and have not had any corrosion problems. They work as they are supposed to holding lights and backdrops. I also like that they are not extremely heavy making them very portable.Cons I have had problems with screws needing tightening on the heads (loctite fix) and the pistons no longer move smoothly when raising and lowering the stands for height. If you extend them too far there are no actual stops and they will pull completely out of the cylinder. Have also been worried about over tightening and stripping the clamps but so far they have held any weight I have put on them (flash heads/backdrops). Functionally they do what they are supposed to do consistently and reliably. One of the stands broke where it clamps and holds the bottom cylinder and it's not repairable so I have 2 of the original 3 still functional after 2 years of heavy use.. I can use the non-functional stand as parts if necessary so not a total loss. All these are minor problems and I feel I got my moneys worth considering I use them professionally (constant heavy use and abuse).

Not heavy duty in professional terms. Tighten screws upon arrival, all 3 Had loosened screws. If you do small scale work sure but not professional use.

Good stands, much sturdier than my old set.

It's OK. These came at different stages of assembly and were improperly assembled. I had to take them apart and reassemble each one. The "air" glide does not really work properly. They are however well built and sturdy and that is why I purchased them. At the price point it was a good buy.

Perfect! Heavy duty without being heavy. I got 3 total, one was pretty busted when I got it but works okay at minimal height.

I cant say I love it, but for the price these are definitely very nice and sturdy stands. Heavy, but that's a plus. Not sure if I actually like the suspension part, because it makes it harder to disassemble the stand, but im hoping that with time it gets better (or i might get used to it)

Not bad

they work

Ordered 3 stands. 2 of them broke in different ways within a couple months of careful use. Stands are low cost but also low quality.

Absolute Garbage! Did not make it through 1 wedding before I had one separate from the collar. I had the older 10 foot PBL stands that were great, lasted a whole season before a few started having issues. These ones, I have 0 out of 3 in the past 10 weddings survive. They all failed. Separated from the tubing etc... One is in the trash cause the top where the mounts screw on completely is gone. So disappointed. Definitely have to find a new company for stands.

Had high hopes for this product, and after using it 2xs one of the stands broke. A section just popped out and wont go back in. I'm a professional wedding photographer and this happened at a wedding! Even my colleagues were puzzled. NOT HAPPY!

I have been a photographer for 37 yrs and have had light stands that have lasted 15yrs. Two of these came apart after 2 months. Garbage!!!!!!

Update: After using these stands two or three times, they are difficult to setup and extend. The "air cusion" causes and "air vacuum"... very strange. Beyond that, two out of three broke (couplings came lose, or internal mechanisms failed - no external damage). They didn't last event a couple uses. I don't know how there are so many 5 star ratings, unless they never updated later, but these are made very poorly and come apart quickly. Returning right away.