Matthews Studio Equipment: Middle MAX Menace Arm with 18-ft Extension

The Middle MAX Menace Arm is designed to provide users with exceptional booming capabilities in a versatile and easy-to-use support system. It travels fully assembled inside a standard cargo van. Based on the principles of the original Academy Technical Award-winning MAX Menace Arm, the Middle MAX caters to the increasing use of smaller production vehicles by image makers.

Specifications and Capabilities

The Middle MAX Menace Arm has a payload capacity of 150 lbs (68 kg) and can support 80 lbs (36 kg) when fully extended. It extends up to 5.49 meters (18 feet) high and can lower to 1.83 meters (6 feet) below grade. The arm can boom 36 kg (80 lbs) while extended 3.66 meters (12 feet) parallel to the ceiling. It can fit neatly into corners and counterbalances weight with two legs securely attached to the base for standard weight plates.

Ease of Use and Mobility

The Middle MAX features a hand truck-style steering handle and oversized 10″x3″ puncture-proof tires, allowing it to navigate both studio floors and rugged terrain. The self-leveling head accommodates three lock-off or fixed positions—Down, Up, and Out—as well as a self-leveling feature. The Middle MAX can be safely rocked back dolly-style by one user. Its stable base makes moving it over cables, carpet, cracks, dips, and bumps easy. At the end of the day, its loading height is 162.5 cm (64 inches), allowing for easy fitting into a 1-ton or similarly sized vehicle.

Price and Availability

The Middle MAX Menace Arm is available for $6,000 USD.