Godox AD200Pro Off-Camera Flashback Bumper | Comparison and Review

[@Selfpowered]

I didn't expect the test at the end, your commitment is appreciated

[@Miguel_Angel_Duarte]

What was the result of the falling test? Thank you

[@hypop]

No damage to the unit itself for both bumpers on initial impact. Some minor cosmetic damage (scratches) on the second bounce for the Godox AD200Pro-PC. If using a modifier like an umbrella the umbrella stem takes most of the impact.

[@photo2000]

The Flashback looks very interesting. Coupled with an S Bracket.... this could provide a great deal of protection to the AD200 from a fall. I dont think the Godox version would provide much protection... its too compact, and doesnt look like it provides much cushion. However, at $70 its overpriced for a piece of rubber... and better off spending money on AD200 extension head.... $69.99!!! and mounting body of AD200 at base of stand... so if stand gets knock over, AD200 body has a much higher chance of not suffering any damage.

[@KirstenSpencerPhotography]

It’s $39 with free shipping! Where are you seeing $70??

[@photo2000]

@@KirstenSpencerPhotography Price in Australia $70AUD

[@simonjacobsphotography]

Is it April 1st??’

[@KirstenSpencerPhotography]

Everyday is April first as I don't (RARELY) use an assistant. My Flashback Bumper saves me TIME AFTER TIME and then some!

[@hackerockmedia]

What happend with the test? Seems that the one with the Godox protection didn't land over the protection.... where any damaged?

[@patstevo]

exactly, they should've offered a closer slow motion replay of the impact on both of the bumpers, we could barely see what happened to the units during the test..

[@melbacaniiii4870]

I’d say the same thing. It’s like they teased us and then didn’t even tell us which works better. Which one works or failed?! Geeez!

[@KirstenSpencerPhotography]

Ooooooooh! I could make one in slow motion! (I invented this) and making a video in slow motion is a great idea. I'll get on that and add it to my socials!

[@rickymcc9072]

Hi this looks to be an interesting 'bumper'. I'd certainly like to see it used in practice, testing if it offers effective protection in real world use. But that requires potentially sacrificing working kit - the absolute best test. But maybe we could still learn a lot from a surrogate thin perspex box, sized to match an AD200 and weighted internally - eg a quasi 'crash test dummy? Any chance you could conduct a proper crash test or get manufactures to do the same? I once built a DIY prototype metal cage with fold out thin aluminium bar stock. Concept was on hitting ground the shock (energy) was absorbed as aluminium bar bent, thus protecting my flash. Resetting was achieved by hand-bending bar flat again. Looked a bit 'engineering rig' but effective. It once saved my kit when my OCF rig fell about 2m onto a marble floor at an event I was shooting. It totally saved my kit. I'm considering how I might re-engineer for my Godox AD200s but I'd rather just buy an off the shelf solution as I'm just an amateur engineer. The Godox AD200 is highly vulnerable which limits the modifiers I'm comfortable using outside. If I can find time and space (not easy to run & gun) then the Godox cord unit which separates the head from bulk of AD200 body, is useful since mass in AD200 can be clamped low down on a light stand, so it never touches ground, whilst considerably improving head stability (lower centre of gravity) on any given light stand. Sometimes, further weighted the light stand is needed in adverse conditions. I understand (anecdotal accounts from service engineers) that in most real world accidents the rear panel (LCD screen) is what usually hits ground, and is thus first component destroyed. But it doesn't take much for effectively total destruction ie smashed beyond economic repair. If it may help inspire anyone with more capital, engineering resources, test facilities and time, then I share some of my ideas (for free) below: I have experimented with quasi 'air bags' (an auto crash concept) using children's 'blow up inflatable water wings (arm bands). But that didn't work well (needs smaller air sacks, like oversized 'bubble wrap IMO. I'm thinking about testing a metal hoop exoskeleton concept, with heavy duty neoprene suspension strips/straps- like industrial strength rubber bands, supporting the AD200. Think about the rubber shock mounts for microphone isolation - which is a similar analogy. Also the deformation 'crash zone' concept from F1 racing tech might well yield a potential solution. You mentioned the heavy rubber part, implying that would fall to ground first. At risk of being pedantic, that not true. Gravity acts on all components, objects or masses equally. In the short space to fall (sub 3m) there is virtually zero time for a flash to rotate (heavy side down) due to any centre of gravity effect. Reason back end is almost always damaged is because modifier on front (eg brolly, softbox etc) isn't as easily damaged so can, to a limited extent, 'cushion' the fall, absorbing energy. If unlucky and stand falls in a more rearward direction then the rear of AD200 will hit ground first and quite often be damaged or destroyed. Galilio allegedly proved this to doubting fellow citizens of Pisa by dropping different mass objects, simultaneously from the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Later NASA demonstrated a similar experiment when astronaut David Scott dropping a hammer and a feather (in a vacuum) on The Moon (Apollo 15 mission Aug 1971). Sorry apart from being a photographer I'm a fully fledged pedant and nerd who loves science, engineering, physics and history.

[@KirstenSpencerPhotography]

I pushed it over HARD from over 9 feet. My s-bracket broke, but the flash was FINE! Six months later it's STILL flashing like new!

[@johnsonlopez6887]

did the first bumper connect with no issue with the trigger even if the sensor is block by the rubber?

[@hypop]

Yes, it connects via 2.4GHz so all good with the wireless connection.