KUPO 9 Feet Mighty Snap Stand Review

Choosing the right light stand can be surprisingly tricky. It’s not just about finding the most stable, safe, and durable option — it’s also about selecting a stand that’s compact and lightweight enough to make shooting on location easy and efficient.

Travel between cities — or even countries — should also be taken into consideration. We learned this the hard way when we had to leave our Avenger stand behind because it was simply too impractical to transport.

In this review, we’ll be putting the Kupo 090 Click Stand to the test to determine whether it’s a suitable match for a strobe like the Godox AD600 Pro II.

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The Brand Kupo

Kupo is a Taiwanese brand known for offering solid alternatives to premium options like Avenger and Matthews combo stands—often considered the industry gold standard but priced accordingly.

In my experience, Kupo strikes a balance between quality and affordability. While their stands may not be as indestructible as those from Avenger, they’re more than capable for most users and shooting scenarios.

The Kupo 090 Click Stand

The Kupo 090 Click Stand is essentially an alternative—or a direct competitor—to the Manfrotto 1005BAC series. With a load capacity of 10 kg and a weight of 2.7 kg, it closely matches the Manfrotto model, which is widely regarded as the gold standard for studio strobe light stands.

Aluminum light stands are typically much lighter than their stainless steel counterparts. Strobes usually weigh around 3 kg—and up to 5 kg when paired with a large modifier—making aluminum stands more than sufficient. In contrast, heavy-duty stainless steel combo stands are better suited for powerful video lights ranging from 600W to 5000W.

How does it compare to the Manfrotto 1005BAC?

During my first studio experience using Profoto gear, I really came to appreciate the Manfrotto stands—they felt both lightweight and solid, while offering good overall stability.

I had initially overlooked them due to some online reviews mentioning issues with the air-cushion system, specifically that the rubber components could cause the sections to lock in place, making it difficult to extend the stand fully.

Air cushioning—or even spring-loaded sections—can be great safety features, provided they’re reliable. Unfortunately, the KUPO 9ft Mighty Snap Stand lacks any such protective mechanism.

The Build Quality

As for build quality, the Kupo stand is solid but not exceptional. There’s a noticeable amount of flex at the leg joints, which makes it clear this isn’t a stand designed to support significant weight, let alone the weight of an adult standing on it.

I believe it can still get the job done, but from what I remember, the Manfrotto 1005BAC offered superior build quality and a more premium feel overall.

The Boom Arm Feature

One notable advantage Kupo added to this light stand is the removable central column, allowing it to convert into a boom arm for your light.

This feature is especially convenient, as it means you don’t have to carry both a monopod and a light stand — you get the functionality of both in one.

In which scenario the KUPO 9 Feet Mighty Snap Stand could be the perfect solution?

If, like us, you have a strobe weighing around 3 kg and intend to use a large modifier—such as a 165 cm umbrella—you’ll want a light stand that’s both sturdy and lightweight. This ensures it’s practical for on-location shoots and easy for your assistant to handle without struggling under the weight.

The Manfrotto 1005BAC and the KUPO 090 stand out as top choices. If you live in Asia, for instance, the KUPO is often more affordable thanks to lower import taxes. Ultimately, it’s your decision whether to opt for Manfrotto’s slightly superior build quality, keeping in mind the potential risk of air cushion system failure.

For us, the Boom Arm feature alone justifies the trade-offs, and we would definitely recommend this model over most other light stands for strobes used on location.

Is it small enough for travel inconspicuously?

When folded, this stand measures about 106 cm, which we believe is too large to fit comfortably inside a suitcase. It will likely need to be carried by hand or shipped separately, making it less discreet for travel.

For traveling, we recommend something like the Matthews Mini Reverse MERF Stand, although it is quite expensive and can be difficult to find in some areas.

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Verdict

8.0 out of 10.

The KUPO 9 Feet Mighty Snap Stand, also known as the Kupo 090 Click Stand, ranks among the best light stands for strobes, whether you’re shooting on location or in a studio.

It offers a lightweight yet sturdy design that makes working with it enjoyable while keeping your gear secure and preventing any accidental falls.

While we wouldn’t necessarily call it a superior alternative to the Manfrotto 1005BAC, if you want to avoid the potential failure of an air cushion system and value the ability to use the central column as a boom, the Kupo is definitely the better choice for you.

For traveling, we would definitely avoid this model, even though finding a foldable and sturdy stand is quite challenging. If the center column were removable and , it would be an obvious choice.