I received my package on January 4th, and was very excited to see what the quality of a $199 flag system would be.
John Ealer of Mad Genius, Inc. and the Switchblade system was kind enough to call me in mid-December, letting me know that his supplies for the Switchblade system was running low and that he would send me my kit the first of the year. Well, just like he promised, it was sent and recieved on my doorstep.
When I unboxed the package, there was no junk or peanut filler protecting the contents; but that was pefectly fine. His included bag is well padded and contained all the switchblade components neatly in its place and protected by the bag. There’s actually quite-a-bit of stuff in that bag:
18×24 Switchbladeâ„¢ Flag Kit (Two Frames) including:
Kit_2_Frames (2) Switchblade (TM) Frames (1) Switchblade (TM) Bag, holds up to (4) flags and rags, as well as gels and expendables… (1) Solid Floppy (1) B/W Ultrabounce Floppy (1) Floppy Net (Single / Double) (1) Poly Silk
You do have a couple of optional packages, but I decided on this one for $199 (consequently both packages are $199)
If you don’t know what a flag is used for, or yet don’t know why this kit is called a switchblade grip, you’ll want to watch the video. (the frame collapses/folds up like a switchblade) Flags are used to control light similar in manner as you might use a softbox for. This flag system is great because it’s so portable yet very useful. With the included kit, you’ll be able to control your lighting condition by bouncing or diffusing your light source whether it be a flash, or consistant light, like the sun if used outdoors.
I encourage anyone looking to better their photography of video skills to learn how to control and shape light, and this is an affordable way to do it in a small package. You’ll want to visit www.switchbladegrip.com to watch some other videos of the product as well as placing your orders with John.