Matthews Claw - Premium Rigging Clamp for Astera & T12 Tube Lights – msegrip

Product Description

Revolutionary Tube Light Rigging Solution

The Matthews Claw represents a breakthrough in professional lighting rigging, specifically engineered to safely mount Astera tube lights (Hyperion, Titan, Helios) and T12 fixtures to industry-standard grip equipment. Designed by Sci-Tech Award-winning Key Grip Richard Mall in collaboration with gaffer Jeremy Launais, this innovative clamp solves real on-set challenges faced by cinematographers and lighting professionals daily.

Professional Design Meets Practical Innovation

Unlike traditional mounting hardware where pins mount at right angles, The Claw features a unique in-line design with the 5/8" baby pin mounting directly off the back of the tube. This low-profile configuration delivers the smallest footprint of any clamp on the market, allowing for more creative lighting placements and cleaner shots.

Key Features & Benefits

Secure 4-Finger Grip System

Four specialized fingers grip tubes over 180 degrees for maximum security
Textured rubber padding on each finger protects delicate tube surfaces
Prevents slippage, scratches, and surface damage during rigging

Intelligent Operation

Simple winged handle activation with threaded pin mechanism
Specially sized handle prevents over-cranking - just half a turn required
Internal magnets keep fingers open and ready to receive tubes
Intuitive operation similar to the popular Matthellini Clamp

Professional-Grade Construction

Lightweight aluminum with durable black anodized finish
Weight: Only 7.5 oz - won't add unnecessary bulk to your kit
Dimensions: 3" x 6.75", 1.5" depth
Built to withstand demanding production environments

Versatile Mounting Options

Industry-standard 5/8" (16mm) knurled baby pin ensures secure mounting
5" pin length provides optimal leverage and stability
¼"-20 threaded receiver allows pin extension with MicroRod or similar hardware
Safety hole on baby pin for securing mounted units
Compatible with any grip equipment featuring a female 5/8" baby receiver

Expands Your Creative Possibilities

Enable custom tube light arrays and configurations
Stack multiple tubes with ease
Mount lights in previously impossible positions
Integrate tube lights seamlessly into your existing grip kit

Perfect Integration with VeeBoxx

The Claw is designed to interface perfectly with VeeBoxx, the innovative softbox enclosure for 4-foot Astera Titan tubes, creating a complete professional lighting system.

Technical Specifications

Material: Lightweight aluminum
Finish: Black anodized coating
Weight: 7.5 oz (213g)
Overall Dimensions: 3" x 6.75" x 1.5" depth
Pin Type: 5/8" (16mm) baby pin
Pin Length: 5 inches
Additional Receiver: ¼"-20 threaded
Grip Range: Designed for Astera Hyperion, Titan, Helios, and T12 tube lights
Safety Features: Safety hole on baby pin, textured rubber finger pads
Magnetic Assist: Internal magnets for finger positioning

What's Included

1x Matthews Claw Mounting Clamp
Integrated 5/8" baby pin
Safety strap attachment insert

Compatibility

Astera Hyperion Tube Lights
Astera Titan Tube Lights
Astera Helios Tube Lights
T12 Tube Lights
Compatible with all standard 5/8" baby receivers
Works with grip heads, C-stands, and standard grip rigging

Why Choose Matthews Claw?

Trusted Craftsmanship

Manufactured by Matthews Studio Equipment (MSE) at their headquarters in Burbank, California, The Claw represents decades of grip equipment expertise. Matthews is the industry standard for professional motion picture and television production equipment.

Designed by Professionals, For Professionals

Created by Sci-Tech Award-winning Key Grip Richard Mall alongside experienced gaffer Jeremy Launais, this tool was engineered to solve actual production challenges, not theoretical problems.

Protect Your Investment

Tube lights are delicate and expensive. The Claw's rubber-padded fingers and precision-engineered grip mechanism ensure your fixtures remain pristine while mounted securely.

Enhance Your Kit

Adding Claws to your grip package immediately expands your lighting capabilities, enabling tube light configurations that would be difficult or impossible with other mounting solutions.

Applications

Perfect for:

Film and television production
Commercial photography
Music video production
Corporate video
Live event production
Architectural lighting
Product photography
Broadcast studios

Usage Tips

Quick Setup: Open the magnetic-assisted fingers, position your tube light, and rotate the winged handle clockwise for a secure grip
Stacking: Use multiple Claws to create vertical or horizontal tube arrays
Extension: Utilize the ¼"-20 receiver with MicroRod for extended reach applications
Safety First: Always use the safety hole when mounting in overhead positions
Low Profile: Take advantage of the inline pin design for cleaner, less visible mounting

Care & Maintenance

Clean rubber pads regularly to maintain optimal grip
Check magnets periodically to ensure proper finger positioning
Inspect baby pin threads for wear
Store in protective case when not in use
Black anodized finish requires minimal maintenance

Matthews Quality Guarantee

As with all Matthews Studio Equipment products, The Claw is built to professional standards and backed by the company's reputation for excellence in the motion picture and television industry. MSE has been the trusted name in grip equipment for generations of cinematographers and grips.

Customer Questions & Answers

Q: Will this work with other brands of tube lights?
A: The Claw is designed for Astera Hyperion, Titan, Helios, and standard T12 tube lights. Contact us with your specific tube light dimensions for compatibility confirmation.

Q: Can I use this for overhead mounting?
A: Yes! The Claw includes a safety hole on the baby pin specifically for securing overhead mounted units with safety cables.

Q: How many Claws do I need for a typical tube light setup?
A: Most users start with 2-4 Claws to enable basic stacking and mounting options. Larger productions may want 6-12 for complex arrays.

Q: Is this compatible with C-stands?
A: Absolutely! The 5/8" baby pin works with any standard grip head or baby receiver, including those on C-stands.

Q: Will the rubber pads damage my expensive tube lights?
A: No - the textured rubber is specifically designed to protect tube surfaces while preventing slippage. This is one of The Claw's key safety features.