I know there are a lot of opinions on backdrops on here. I just received this Backdrop Stand Kit today and believe it will do the job quite nicely.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TLS......F8&psc=1

I have had a few different backdrops and I think this kit is by far the best I have owned. I really like the fact that it can go 6', 9', 12' or 15' wide and as high as 13'. I think I will make my curtain 9' tall so when I do my school assemblies it will be 9'x15'. If I am doing a b-day show, I can make it 9' wide and whatever height they have available with their ceiling. I believe standard is 8' so this will only have 12" of fabric on the ground. This style frame also allows for me to enter through the curtain. Something I couldn't do with my old jet set.

I will admit this kit isn't lightweight, but it seems durable enough to hold my curtain and that is what is important. I also am highly impressed with the quality of the carry bag. It has a metal zipper and elastics inside to hold everything tight and from rolling around.

Can you tell I like this?

That is cool Michael, but I like the telescopic crossbars better. They are fully adjustable. The telescopic crossbar is what kind Sam and I have.

Who is Michael?

Oh, my bad. LOL

I meant Paul.

Does your state require flame-retardant fabrics for theatrical curtains used in schools, and would those rules apply to a backdrop of this size?

That would be a good question for Dynamike since he has more experience using a backdrop. We live in the same state just opposite sides.

In Michigan that does not aply to a portable back drop.

Paul,
I've actually looked at these on-line myself - I was thinking of using something like it to hold a Creative Magic B -Screens as a backdrop - Do you think it would work for that? Are you planning on any kind of outdoor use (calm days) for this? Would love to see a photo when it's set up...

They can be used outdoors, but 6 to 9 bags of sand are needed. When set up with a backdrop, they look like the following: http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Dynamike......rt=3&o=9

Extends to...
...9ft: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controll......=details
...10 ft: http://www.amazon.com/ePhoto-crossbar-Te......038CH8M0
...12 ft: http://www.photobrightlighting.com/index......temid=70

I still love my spider-evoflex
flame retardant, very fast set-up and break down
sobre design, nothing flash and distracting like my name
just a beautifull blue backdrop
only bad thing I can imagine is that they are very expensive

Paul,
the system I sell while similar to yours has many cool options.

first my set up allows you to have a cross bar ANY SIZE you need. you need 6'8" you can do it. you need 9'10" you got that too.

also my set up comes with my customized curtains I invented 15 years ago. it allows you to have 8' curtains or 6' curtains with the same curtains.
my material is also wrinkle free. I have never ironed them in over 1200 shows!

I have the system you bought as well and had used that for many many years and served me well. but I continued to search for better set up that would meet every single need I had.

you will enjoy the set up you bought and it will serve you well.

sam

I have always used this type of backdrop. My has black drapes. Great for pictures. I think that what is happening in front of the backdrop is the most important. I like the other systems but I have found them to bulky and too fancy. I want all the attention on me not my backdrop. The one you bought goes up in less than a minute ans is small when packed.

This is exactly what I use. The exact same
Setup with 4 linking bars, tripods and same carry bag. I have black velvet for a curtain.
It is great for height adjustment, but the tripod bases can be just a little bit annoying. I'd prefer they didn't stick out beneath the curtain.

The black in the background of my avatar is my curtain (you can't see anything though haha)

@ scott, the spider system doesn't have tripid base that tick out, but then again the height isn't adjustable
so far I haven't had any problems with height though

If anyone is looking for the photographers tripod system for a backdrop, check out WISH. I have seen them on there for at least $25.00 to $45.00. The same ones selling for over $200.00 you have to wait about 3 weeks, but it is worth it. Will be ordering one from wish soon.

Mfmz, purchase a Jeff Jones backdrop instead. It is well worth it. That is what most magicians are using now.