As the story goes the folks at Matthews Studio Equipment invented what we now call the century stand or C Stand. These days many companies make similar light stands. In this video I compare Matthews with Avenger stands made by Manfrotto.

They are both great stands but I give a slight edge to Matthews. Share your thoughts in the comments. By the way here's a link to some detail photos of both stands: https://www.flickr.com/photos/areagui...

Other C Stand makers are Norms Studio Equipment in Sun Valley CA. Kupo I think are made overseas and Modern Studio Equipment in North Hollywood, California

Also see my review of the D600 Mini Boom -    • Avenger C Stand and D600 Mini Boom Ch...