A grip head (also called a gobo head or 2.5" head) is the knuckle at the top of a C-stand: two serrated discs clamped by a T-handle, with a 5/8" hole and a 3/8" hole running through them. Loosen the handle, drop in an arm, a flag pin or a piece of round stock, set the angle, tighten. It locks in every direction at once, which is why one grip head does the job of a tripod head, a clamp and a swivel.
Anatomy
- Serrated discs. Two toothed plates face each other. When tightened, the teeth interlock so the head cannot rotate under load. Matthews heads use a deep serration that bites in 360 degrees and prevents side roll.
- 5/8" hole. Takes a grip arm, a baby pin, a flag or scrim pin, a boom, or any 5/8" round stock. This is the industry-standard dimension.
- 3/8" hole. Takes the thinner pins on smaller flags, fingers and dots, and 3/8" rod.
- T-handle. A stay-put handle that does not fall out of the casting. On a correctly set stand it sits on the right so the load tightens it.
- Magic gasket. An aluminum washer inside Matthews heads so that once the head is engaged the arm will not slip and the load will not sag.
Where grip heads go
One on top of the C-stand riser to hold the arm. One on the end of the arm to hold the flag or frame. Extra heads go on baby pins anywhere a modifier needs to pivot: on a wall plate, on a pipe clamp, on a combo stand's 5/8" pin. A grip head on a baby plate screwed to a set wall is how a flag gets held where no stand fits.
2.5" vs 4.5" heads
The 2.5" grip head is the C-stand standard. The 4.5" head is the same idea scaled up for overhead stands, holding the ears of a 12x12 or 20x20 frame. Matthews overhead roller stands ship with a 4.5" head.
Why serration and finish matter
A head that slips drops a flag into the shot or, worse, onto an actor. The two things that cause slipping are worn teeth and a handle that has stripped its threads. Matthews casts stainless steel helicoil inserts into the threads so a head can be tightened thousands of times, and machines the serration deep enough that it still bites after years on a rental shelf. Hollywood grip heads, the 2.5" version with a heavier build, are the choice for rental fleets.
Using a grip head correctly
- Loosen the T-handle only enough to slide the pin in.
- Set the angle with the load supported by your other hand.
- Tighten firmly. The serrations should be fully seated; you will feel the click.
- Apply the right-hand rule: handle on the right, load on the right, so weight tightens the knuckle.
Frequently asked questions
What is a gobo head?
Another name for a grip head. "Gobo" is old set slang for anything that goes between a light and the subject.
Will a Matthews grip head fit another brand's stand?
Yes. Grip heads mount on the 5/8" baby pin, which every stand brand uses.
What is the difference between a grip head and a Hollywood grip head?
Both are 2.5" heads. The Hollywood version is the heavier-duty build with serrated locking discs designed for daily rental use.
